backstage conversations around a remix and on-stage dress norms
In a recent interview on HiFi Streaming Sound’s podcast Nothing Sacred, the musician known as DJ Smash, whose legal name is Andrey Shirman, discussed his collaboration with Yuri Antonov on a remix that drew significant attention within the club scene. The host, Mark Anderson, asked whether DJ Smash had obtained the rights to the original composition referenced by Antonov as With a Flying Walk. Shirman answered in the negative, clarifying that his approach did not rely on a formal acquisition of the song’s copyright.
Shirman went on to share his perspective on Antonov’s artistic position. He noted that while recasting Antonov’s work would be appealing to him personally, the complexity of Yuri Mikhailovich’s nature complicates such efforts. The discussion highlighted that the remix was created for the Shambhala club project and later extended to the Diaghilev initiative, serving multiple club contexts. Shirman emphasized that the remix maintains an informal status rather than a formal release.
According to Shirman, there was no direct contact with Antonov about copyright. Instead, he learned that Antonov was aware of the remix and had shown interest in the collaboration. The musician recalled that there was no need for a face-to-face meeting because Antonov had already expressed her thoughts publicly, including a strong reaction through an interview. Shirman also recalled a lighthearted moment where Antonov signaled an intention to engage more directly, and he laughed at the memory.
A day before the discussion, Yuri Antonov suggested a dress code for pop performers. He argued that artists should avoid naked or nearly naked appearances on stage, contending that such displays go beyond acceptable moral boundaries. The remark underscored a broader conversation about stage presentation and moral expectations for public performers.
There was also mention of a music critic who previously pointed to the most successful participants of the Star Factory program, underscoring the ongoing dialogue about talent, recognition, and the evolving standards of performance that resonate across the industry.