– Congratulations on the release of the album “Oversleep”! Tell us a bit about the artist. Who is the person behind the project, and what does the message embedded in the phrase “to sleep” mean?
– Thank you. Oversleep is the fourth solo album. In four years of creative life, many moments have come and gone, some funny, some sad, and even tragic. The choice of the title oversleep fits these experiences. Everyone hits a point where a string of bad events makes life feel like it’s dissolving, where happiness seems out of reach and the present looks bleak. Then, unexpectedly, a shift occurs: you wake up and shed what held you back. The project embodies that creative rest and restart, a provocative, personal step forward to tell a story through song.
– The favorite track on the album is “Let Go,” a piece you call a conduit for deep spiritual wounds. Is it difficult to perform live, revisiting that pain, or does the process become therapeutic and the emotion dulls with time?
– Each performance of the piece becomes lighter with time. The extent of that change remains uncertain. When performing this “chant of broken hearts” at concerts, seeing the audience respond with tears and red-rimmed eyes, a realization settles in: for the audience’s sake, the artist must release the pain and demonstrate what it means to move forward, no matter the circumstance.
– What message does the video for “Let Go” convey?
– The core idea is to address abuse as something deeply cruel and unacceptable. The message is clear: leave the abuser, and the sooner, the better. The video portrays the difficulty of stepping away, enduring it, and then, after another blow, choosing to let go and to move on.
– Should fans expect more videos for songs from the album?
I’m on a major concert tour right now. It’s still uncertain how and where a clip will be shot, but a video will happen. It might even feature a track not on the album but that resonates with listeners.
– In the video for “Let It Go,” there is a message about not letting others’ opinions define you and learning to love your body. What advice would you offer to girls and others on achieving unconditional self-love?
– A VK Clips challenge has been launched to chronicle life milestones, including body image. Facing harsh judgments about appearance is common today, and some changes are outward while others reflect inner struggles. Unconditional self-love comes from within, not from external voices. It’s essential to listen to your inner world, stay true to yourself, and not be swayed by what others say about looks.
— Do you watch the videos people post as part of the challenge? Have any stories touched you deeply?
– Yes, watching the videos is both challenging and moving. They can be inspiring, especially when music helps someone share real life rather than curated moments for social networks. The hope is that such stories can lift someone out of depression or remind them they’re not alone.
Can other people’s stories inspire your music? How do your songs come together?
– Every song is a story. The creators behind the artist collaborate in a triad: the performer, the lyricist, and the composer. Personal experience fuels the music, the words, and the performance. Each track becomes a synthesis of these three voices telling the same story in different ways.
– Before a recent show, one collaborator announced there would be no performance from the stage, and then the artist left the scene. Why stir the crowd with such a joke, and what was the audience’s reaction?
– It was a mix of emotions, mirroring life’s ups and downs. The show was emotionally charged, and there was no formal feedback on the prank—everyone left with a sense of joy that the concert happened and feeling deeply moved. A new video for the track “Let Go” was released after the joke, showing that the moment still had impact.
– Live performances are known for raw emotion. Do you always speak the words exactly as written, or does spontaneity take over during a concert? How do you cope with the emotional cadence of a long set?
– Because the songs reflect personal life, the performance runs through the artist as much as through the lyrics. This authenticity fuels a strong stage presence, letting the audience feel the energy and share in laughter and tears. The connection with listeners feels intimate, like being among close friends who understand the pain and offer mutual support—a powerful energy loop that sustains the performance.
Which artists influence your work? Who feels closest to you in spirit, and why?
– Honestly, there isn’t much focus on other artists. Lana Del Rey stands out as someone who resonates. Her work aligns with a mood that often echoes in the singer’s own creative moments.
– On social networks, you’re described as one of the most enigmatic figures on the Russian stage. Why do you keep interviews limited and share so little about yourself?
– Every artist needs a bit of mystery. A lot of what matters is conveyed through the songs themselves. If anything, a track like “Batteries” shows there can be meaning beyond the surface.
– Your nickname is Lera. What does simplicity look like for you?
– Simplicity means answering honestly, often with a suggestion to listen to the music for clarity. Tracks like “Economy Taxi” and “Adik” hint at a straightforward life. An ordinary girl from a Minsk region, from an ordinary family, who used to play guitar by the entrance, love freely, and sing without demanding anything in return.
– You described your lifestyle as odd. What does that mean to you?
– Being bold, a bit reckless, and sometimes unpredictable—that’s part of the charm. The vibe includes playful quips, quirky feats, and moments of chaotic honesty. It’s a personal rhythm that others might see as strange, yet it feels natural to the artist.
– You’re affiliated with the Kaufman label and have collaborated with Tim Belorussky. How do you view Tim as a person and artist, and what are your thoughts on future projects?
– No comment.
— Do you speak Belarusian? Is there any plan to record music in Belarusian to popularize the language?
— Belarusian is known, though not perfectly. The idea of a future project in Belarusian is something worth considering, but no specifics are set yet.