– Mark Ovski was once nicknamed by a friend as “a guy who flew here from another planet,” a playful alter ego that echoes a certain Ziggy Stardust vibe. What is your take on his work, and who generally fuels your musical inspirations?
– The space motif appears in one of my videos because it resonates with me deeply. I kept that cosmic aura for a long time, but I’ve now landed on Earth and plan to discuss topics that feel relatable and accessible to a broad audience.
As for David Bowie, his influence is undeniable. His willingness to experiment reshaped modern music for many artists, including me. Today, however, I draw more inspiration from Harry Styles, who is often compared to Bowie and Elton John. The overlap in their styles is noticeable and compelling.
– When listening to your songs, some melodies remind me of Dima Bilan or Dmitry Koldun. The lyrics and overall vibe feel reminiscent of Sergey Lazarev or Misha Mavrin. Among Russian-speaking artists, who do you feel comes closest to you, if any? Are there idols you admire?
– I don’t have idols, to be honest. Each artist has their own appeal and audience. Making it into the charts and taking part in Eurovision confirms that. We also collaborate with co-writers and producers who have worked with some of them.
You mentioned you’re a shopaholic. How will you respond to the reality of foreign brands exiting the Russian market?
– Yes, shopping is a real passion. I wear pieces from both international and Russian designers regularly. Some items are still waiting to be shown, which is always a source of amusement. Some pieces are so beautiful that it feels almost wrong to wear them too casually.
I’ve shown strong support for Russian designers, particularly now when international recognition faces certain obstacles. Even with a stylist assisting on scenes, I often adjust looks myself to keep a personal touch.
Have you ever considered pursuing clothing or another line of work?
– Not really. The idea is to stay in one’s lane. I’ve spent years learning, refining, and producing high-quality, engaging songs. I don’t envision another field. The creative role is clear: producers handle investments and promotion, while I focus on artistry. The entrepreneurial path isn’t for me.
Not much is known about your past. Is there a reason you avoid detailing your childhood?
– There isn’t a hidden story; life simply isn’t packed with dramatic moments worth sharing. He trained intensely, as every aspiring artist does, attending music school, an art college, and a cultural institute. Otherwise, he lived a fairly ordinary Russian teenager’s life. People in the industry have wide, varied personal lives, but sharing every moment with fans doesn’t feel necessary.
For now, the emphasis is on the art itself. Personal experiences reveal themselves through songs, and fans tend to crave that kind of connection more than day-to-day specifics.
One of the few known facts is that the artist endured bullying at school, including from both teachers and peers. What guidance would you offer to young people facing similar pressures? How did you move past it?
– Over time, I developed a resilience to hostility. Even as a kid, being passionate about music branded me as an oddball. Now I no longer react to the haters and can move forward with confidence, even when others don’t understand me.
For advice to those worried about others’ opinions: value constructive criticism, as it can clarify what, where, and how to improve. You don’t need to please everyone. There are reasons I’ve toyed with the idea of starting a program to support children who face emotional abuse from teachers or peers. Perhaps one day it will happen.
– Your videos consistently embody a future-inspired science fiction aesthetic where love is the beacon of hope. Were you influenced by dystopian authors who popularized this theme?
– The music and visuals tell a bit of history. I want audiences to be immersed, as if watching a compelling film. Dreams of love feel futuristic and a little unreal, and that’s exactly what I aim for.
– Love is a central thread in your work. Do you recognize what love means to you? Have you found love?
– Love yes, it’s a recurring theme in my storytelling. My latest single “Sneg” centers on love and life’s twists. The forthcoming track “Udali,” set to release in April, explores emotions and relationships. Personally, my heart is engaged—first and foremost with the craft I love (to laugh).
What do you do in your downtime away from music? Any hobbies?
– Cooking appeals to me. Music and cooking are my main passions, and travel often exposes me to new recipes I collect along the way.
– In a previous interview you admitted to pursuing equestrian sports professionally. How did that experience go?
I’ve been riding for about a year. Each training session starts from scratch and serves as a powerful stress reliever. It’s a personal pursuit, not a competitive one.
– Are animals part of your life? Any plans for a pet?
I love animals, especially horses and dogs. Busy touring makes pet ownership impossible right now, but a dog is definitely in my future.