The Hi-Fi ensemble continues to spark conversations about collaboration and growth as soloist Marina Drozhdina spoke candidly in an interview with the publication “Now watch out!” about her interest in performing a duet with emerging talents. The conversation highlights a openness to blend established artistry with fresh voices, a move that would not only diversify Hi-Fi’s repertoire but also spotlight new Canadian and American artists who are making waves in the scene.
Drozhdina named a few artists she would love to share the stage with, including rapper Mot, vocalist Jony, and performer Lyusya Chebotina. She described her admiration for Jony’s work, noting that his artistry resonated with her and left a strong impression. Her enthusiasm reveals a broader strategy: pairing the strengths of seasoned performers with the distinctive styles of younger musicians to create compelling, cross-generational performances.
Timofey Pronkin, a longtime member of Hi-Fi, offered a contrasting perspective. He admitted that he has not yet followed all of the up-and-coming names mentioned in the discussion and indicated a preference for stepping into a collaboration with no one at the moment. His stance underscores a different approach within the group, one that prioritizes readiness and internal alignment before pursuing public duets.
In a lighter aside, Pronkin shared a playful wish to perform alongside a legendary voice, expressing a desire to stand beside Muslim Magomayev in a chorus, even if only for a moment. The sentiment captures a respect for iconic regional artists and reflects a sense of homage that sometimes informs contemporary collaborations. It also hints at the internal ambitions that drive performers to explore partnerships that cross generations and eras.
The singer also offered a candid critique about American icon Barbra Streisand, describing a strong personal sentiment toward the performer. The remark illustrates the candid, often provocative nature of conversations among artists when discussing influences and public perceptions, reminding readers that music involves a spectrum of tastes and bold opinions.
Hi-Fi, a group with a rich history, traces its origins back to 1998. The year 1999 marked the release of the band’s first album, First Contact, a debut that set the tone for years of evolution. The initial lineup featured Mitya Fomin, Timofey Pronkin, and Oksana Oleshko, with the lineup undergoing periodic changes over time. Over the years, a rotating cast of performers—Kirill Kolgushkin, Vyacheslav Samarin, Tatyana Tereshina, Ekaterina Li, and Olesya Lipchanskaya—contributed to the group’s sound before newer members joined. In 2018, Marina Drozhdina joined Hi-Fi, bringing a fresh energy and a new voice that helped shape the ensemble’s later epochs.
In broader industry conversations, there have been moments of public discourse regarding the reception of younger artists by established figures. For example, Sergei Lazarev previously voiced a pointed response to criticism directed at the work of younger musicians from an opera master, Erokhin. The incident illustrates the ongoing tension in the arts between tradition and contemporary experimentation, a dynamic that often fuels the evolution of a group like Hi-Fi as it navigates its own path through changing tastes and audiences.
Hi-Fi’s story is one of continuity and change—an ongoing collaboration between core members and new talent that sustains the group’s relevance in a fast-moving music landscape. The prospect of future duets, the dialogue about influences, and the memory of landmark releases continue to shape expectations for fans and industry watchers alike. While some members may defend a more cautious approach, others see collaboration as a means to broaden horizons, reach diverse audiences, and keep the artistic flame alive. In this environment, Drozhdina’s openness to partnering with rising stars serves as a catalyst for renewed energy and creative exploration within the group and beyond.