Earthlings Leader and Gazmanov Clash Over Songwriting, Integrity in Russian Music Scene

The public dispute surrounding Earthlings’ leader Vladimir Kiselev continued as he spoke with StarHit about his colleague Oleg Gazmanov. In a candid conversation, Kiselev challenged Gazmanov’s artistic choices, labeling him a “disabled composer” in a moment of sharp critique that highlighted tension between two prominent figures in the Russian music scene. According to Kiselev, Gazmanov had proposed a collaboration with a payment for the creation of a new song, an offer that Kiselev reportedly declined, asserting he could not produce an enduring work under such transactional terms. He added a pointed example, mentioning the song titled Whores, which Gazmanov has praised as one of his significant achievements and a celebration of everyday people, including those who may be marginalized in society. Kiselev framed the discussion as a contrast between artistic integrity and the commodification of art, arguing that a famed musician cannot simply forge an immortal composition in a vacuum or through a purely financial arrangement. This exchange underscored a broader pattern of friction between Gazmanov and Kiselev, who had previously clashed over other professional stances. Earlier, the leader of Zemlyane criticized Igor Matvienko for composing patriotic songs on a paid basis, and Gazmanov later disputed Kiselev’s standing as a musician, reminding audiences of his tenure as a radio executive at Russian Radio. Gazmanov also addressed comparisons with Joseph Kobzon, clarifying that Kobzon was not a songwriter and noting that Gazmanov had performed works authored by Gazmanov himself, a distinction he used to defend the collaborative nature of musical production. In a letter dated July, Kiselev allegedly asserted that Gazmanov performs the song Officers and a number of other pieces, a claim that fed into the ongoing dialogue about authorship, performance, and the ethics of collaboration in the music industry. The pair’s ongoing discourse forms part of a larger conversation about how fame, influence, and ownership intersect within Russia’s contemporary music landscape. In other news, reports surfaced about a high-profile personal development in the entertainment world, indicating changes in a long-standing marriage between a well-known actor and his spouse. This update, while unrelated to the quarrel between Gazmanov and Kiselev, illustrates how public attention often shifts between professional clashes and private life moments that captivate audiences across media channels. For readers following these topics, the evolving relationship between Gazmanov and Kiselev offers a case study in how public figures frame disagreement, defend artistic positions, and navigate the pressures of a highly scrutinized profession. The ongoing dialogue invites fans and critics alike to consider questions about artistic intent, the line between commerce and creativity, and the duties of established artists to maintain credibility while engaging with new collaborators. In the end, the episode reveals a dynamic cultural conversation about respect for craft, the responsibility of musical leaders to model integrity, and how reputations are shaped when public statements collide with personal history. It is a reminder that in the world of popular music, disagreements can illuminate larger debates about value, meaning, and the responsibilities that come with influence. The story continues to unfold as audiences await further comments from both Gazmanov and Kiselev, along with reactions from industry observers who weigh in on the implications for future collaborations and the perception of authorship among top-tier performers. — Источник StarHit