Lyusya Chebotina Discusses the Four Stages of Drunkenness on the Notion podcast
On the Nothing Sacred podcast, singer Lyusya Chebotina opened up about her personal experiences with alcohol, detailing a four-stage pattern she observes when she drinks. The conversation offered listeners a candid glimpse into how the artist navigates the evening as wine or spirits come into play, revealing a rhythm that feels both intimate and peculiar.
The first stage described by Chebotina involves chasing lighthearted visuals. When a drink settles in, the focus tends to drift toward cute images found online. The artist explains a habit of scrolling through pictures of snowy owls, fawns, and other endearing creatures, drawn by the charm of adorable visuals. This phase seems to serve as a bridge between social ease and the more relaxed mood that follows, a moment of simple, almost meditative amusement that sets the tone for what comes next.
Second comes a fatigue that quietly overtakes the night. Much like many people who unwind after a long day, the artist notes a tendency to drift toward sleepiness as the alcohol continues to do its work. It is a pause, a retreat into a softer state, where the mind loosens its grip on the surrounding chatter and the room narrows to a handful of people and the hum of conversations in the background.
The third stage Chebotina describes is the moment of disengagement in communication, often coinciding with the loss of focus in a chat thread. An interesting speaker or topic might briefly capture attention, but soon the thread becomes distant, and the party dynamic shifts as the artist becomes harder to reach on the phone or with others checking in. This stage marks a turning point where the social anchor starts to feel tenuous, and the feeling of being present shifts toward a more personal, inward space.
The fourth stage—also referred to by the artist as a kind of “tusser”—has its own distinctive texture. It is portrayed as a peak in the alcohol-driven cycle, a period of heightened energy that still carries a sense of surrender to the moment. In the interview, Chebotina notes that recent years have brought quieter evenings after parties, a result of a demanding schedule and growing fatigue from work commitments. Yet the artist remains reflective about this phase, recognizing both its pull and its limits, especially as the pace of life slows down a touch with time.
Beyond the personal four-stage framework, Chebotina highlights ongoing projects that keep her creatively fulfilled. Among them is a program titled You are Super, a project she describes as a platform that brings attention to talented individuals. The artist notes that the initiative has yielded meaningful experiences and opportunities, including collaboration with people who have faced hardships and challenges along the way. The project, she explains, is about giving visibility and a sense of possibility to those who might be overlooked, and it underscores a broader commitment to exploring human stories through art and community involvement.
Chebotina emphasizes that this work extends beyond the stage or the spotlight. The project centers on orphans who carry unique talents and difficult life histories. Some have already found nurturing homes, while others continue to seek a sense of belonging through the program. In summarizing this effort, the artist expresses gratitude for the chance to be part of something that offers both creative growth and a way to connect with individuals who deserve support and recognition. The experience, she says, has been profoundly rewarding, underscoring the empowering potential of art as a catalyst for personal and communal transformation.
The broader conversation around these topics also touches on attempts by others to enter private spaces, a reminder of the complicated boundaries that can arise in the lives of public figures. While these moments often provoke strong reactions from fans and observers, the discussion here remains focused on the importance of consent, privacy, and respectful boundaries in all relationships, whether personal or professional. Through the lens of these events and projects, the narrative moves toward a larger question about how art and charity intersect in meaningful ways that uplift communities and create opportunities for growth.