Redeeming a Long Road: From Eurovision to a Solo Journey
In the late years of the first decade of the new millennium, the Prime Minister team carried Russia into the Eurovision spotlight and finished in tenth place. With the benefit of hindsight, how is that experience viewed today?
In 2002 the group gave their all, aiming to perform with flawless vocal strength and impeccable choreography. They hoped for a higher placement, but the result was tenth. On the one hand, it was respectable; on the other, it felt like an underachievement given the effort invested.
There have been discussions about Russia creating its own Eurovision-like competition. What is the prevailing view on this possibility?
The respondent maintains a positive outlook. Television music shows are plentiful on major networks now, and if a domestic Eurovision-style program remains entertaining, why not? The more music contests and variety programs there are, the better the television landscape becomes.
People wonder how the individual joined the Prime Minister ensemble. It is widely said that producer Yevgeny Fridlyand invited the member after hearing Day and Night’s recordings, including the future hit Two Diamonds. Is that narrative accurate?
The storyteller joined the Prime Minister in 2001. The CD by Day and Night did reach Friedland, and he even expressed interest in acquiring a track, but ultimately Kim Breitburg and Yevgeny Fridlyand offered a place in the Prime Minister lineup.
Rumors have circulated that the group broke up due to a rift with the producer, with Fridlyand’s site claiming a lack of discipline within the group as a trigger. How true is this?
During the period of disagreement with Fridlyand, the team did not abandon the project. Members stepped away to manage careers abroad and within the music business, yet four years of touring persisted with notable success. Competition for the title of Prime Minister continued, and the outcome favored the newer version, sometimes referred to as the PM Group. A separate version of the band remains on tour with a subset of the original members, including the speaker and Pete Jason.
Do ties with former teammates still exist?
Yes, constant communication continues. The bond built over a quarter of a century remains strong, with friends meeting periodically and staying in touch.
There is a common myth that genuine female friendship cannot endure in the demanding showbiz world. Do personal relationships survive under these conditions?
Friendships endure in and out of show business. The same drives that keep people close—shared history, mutual care, and long-term loyalty—persist. The speaker notes friendships that began in kindergarten and last over forty years, continuing to thrive now as well.
Many wonder whether the PM Group was overshadowed by a return to the original Prime Minister level. Is that an accurate assessment?
The answer is nuanced. The PM Group did not reach the same apex as the earliest days of Prime Minister, and several objective factors contributed. In the past, the internet was not as expansive, and artists depended heavily on radio and TV rotations. Central-channel orders influenced what was broadcast, while some radio stations faced regulatory obstacles. They released a 20-track album titled No Need to Say Goodbye, which many believe was among the best in the group, yet it did not resonate as widely as its predecessors due to the changing media landscape.
There is talk of a reconciliation with Fridlyand. What is the current professional and personal dynamic with the producer?
There is misinformation online. The parties did not fully rejoin as one unit. Instead, revenue from shared concerts was distributed while Fridlyand held rights to some songs and hits. It was not a return to the old arrangement, but a practical collaboration focused on live performances.
The solo phase has begun, with four singles released. Which track holds the strongest appeal so far?
Every solo release resonates deeply with the artist. It is too early to crown a favorite, given that the solo career is only beginning. Among the new pieces, Let’s Forget the Personal stands out for its positive, danceable energy. The artist hopes audiences connect with all the songs just as the team does.
What lies ahead?
The emphasis now is on solo projects and new recordings. There is a possibility of writing more material, health permitting, and an aim to complete an album with 12 to 15 songs that has already taken shape. The prospect of new video content is also on the horizon, with plans to enchant listeners and viewers with fresh visuals. A recent video for the track I’m Over the Sky signals this ongoing commitment.
On a more personal note, fear is acknowledged. Aerophobia challenged the shoot of a recent clip set in dramatic Ural landscapes, forcing the artist to perform bold aerial sequences. The risk paid off, and the finished work is expected to captivate audiences for its daring and authenticity.
What fills spare time?
Free moments are scarce, but friends, films, and a bit of rest provide balance. There is a passion for football and boxing, though regular practice is hard to maintain. Support for Spartak Moscow endures across football and hockey, marking a lasting loyalty to a favorite team.