Producer Max Fadeev, known for his work on Star Factory 2, looked back on the project with a touch of nostalgia shared on his Instagram. He reflected on the demanding period, noting that his health and weight were affected by a serious illness during the production calendar. He recalls the relentless pace and the toll it took, painting a vivid picture of a time when personal endurance and professional discipline went hand in hand.
“We had to prepare seven new songs every week; these tracks had to be composed, arranged, recorded with the artists, and mixed. In silent mode, a song would be completed in no less than ten days. And every day we had to push out a finished song,” Fadeev recalled. The cadence was brutal, but it was the standard they set for themselves as they aimed to keep a constant stream of material ready for release.
Fadeev explained that midway through the project, an arranger left the team, forcing him to take on dual responsibilities. He described his workload as extraordinary, saying that he worked “not like a man, but like a donkey.” The demanding schedule contributed to a dramatic weight loss of 28 kilograms during the period, a stark reminder of the physical cost of high-speed production in the music industry.
Despite the grueling process, Fadeev observed an almost paradoxical outcome: every reported concert seemed to yield two or three hit songs, and he noted that both the artists and the audience continued to sing along. He offered a simple possible explanation for this phenomenon, suggesting that the straightforward, undistracted conditions in which the team operated may have resonated with listeners and contributed to the songs’ appeal. The insight adds a layer of nuance to the understanding of how streamlined workflows can sometimes foster creative breakthroughs, even under pressure.
In a recent note, Fadeev acknowledged a collaboration with Shaman, thanking the artist for performing a new song titled “Anne.” He expressed genuine appreciation for how Shaman delivered the performance and was impressed by the singer’s vocal interpretation of the piece. This moment underscores the ongoing connections Fadeev maintains within the industry and his recognition of artists who bring his material to life in distinctive ways.
Earlier discussions around the music scene often touch on why certain performers face restrictions when performing live. Fadeev’s reflections offer a window into the broader conversation about live performance dynamics, artist health, and the pressures of maintaining a steady output in a competitive market. The experience shared by Fadeev adds to the broader discourse on how industry realities shape creative decisions and the careers of musicians who navigate high-intensity schedules over extended periods. (Fadeev interview, 2024)