Rewritten Interview Fragments About Musical Vision, Influences, and Personal Life

– Explaining your nickname, you called Mark Ovski “a boy flying to Earth from another planet,” your alter ego. It reminds me a little of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. What do you think of his work, and who inspires you musically in general? Space imagery shows up in a video you made. It’s clearly a big influence, and that cosmic vibe stuck with you. Yet you’ve landed on Earth and want to discuss topics that feel relatable and easy to grasp for a broad audience. As for David Bowie, his impact on music is undeniable. He was a fearless experimenter and a true musical pioneer. Today, you draw inspiration from Harry Styles as his career evolves, noting that Styles often drew comparisons to Bowie and Elton John. The connections between these artists hint at shared threads across genres and eras. When listening to your songs, some listeners hear similarities to Dima Bilan or Dmitry Koldun in your voice, while the lyrics and delivery echo the styles of Sergey Lazarev or Misha Mavrin. Among Russian-speaking artists, which figures are closest to you? Are there idols you look up to in that scene? You’ve said you have no idols and that the referenced artists are fascinating in their own right, each appealing to their own audiences. Your rise through the charts and Eurovision participation serve as proof of that. You also collaborate with co-authors and sound producers who work with some of them. You’ve admitted a love for shopping. How might you handle this habit if foreign brands begin to exit the Russian market? Yes, shopping is a passion. You wear pieces from both foreign and Russian designers, and there are designs waiting to be shown. Some items are so striking that it’s hard to wear them every day. You have consistently supported Russian designers, especially now when international recognition opportunities are narrower. Even with a stylist on set, you frequently refine your image on your own. Have you ever thought about pursuing clothing or another business venture? No, not really. People should focus on their own strengths and do it with care and professionalism. You’ve dedicated yourself to writing high‑quality, compelling songs, leaving little room for another field. The line between artist and producer is clear: producers handle investment and promotion, while you drive creativity. An entrepreneurial spirit isn’t part of your profile. Not much is known about your past. Is it a deliberate choice not to spotlight your childhood? Nothing is hidden, but the life of a young person who aspires to be a professional artist can still feel ordinary. He studied a lot—music school, art college, a cultural institute—and otherwise lived like any other Russian teenager. In our line of work, personal life can feel overexposed, yet sharing intimate moments with a partner or family seems odd here. Right now, the focus remains on the artist’s craft. Personal stories appear in songs, and listeners seem to prefer those intimate disclosures. One of the few known facts is that you faced bullying at school, from teachers and peers. What advice would you offer to young people in similar situations, and how did you overcome it? Over time, you developed resilience against hate. Even then, you found that being a music lover made you seem unconventional. You no longer react to haters and can live confidently even when others don’t appreciate your work. For those worried about others’ opinions, you stress the value of constructive criticism. It often clarifies what, where, and how. You also imagine starting a movement to support children who face emotional abuse by teachers and peers, perhaps someday turning that idea into reality. Your videos share a future‑oriented science fiction vibe, where hope and salvation rest on love. Were you influenced by dystopian writers who popularized this theme? Your music and visuals feel like a cinematic experience. They invite audiences to escape into a world that feels both futuristic and emotionally intimate. Love, yes, is a central theme, and you’re sure you’ve found it. Your latest single “Sneg” explores love and life history, and the upcoming song “Udali,” slated for release in April, promises to dive into emotions and relationships. In your personal life, your heart remains filled with dedication to your art and to the JOY it brings to your audience. What occupies your free time away from music? Do you have a hobby that helps balance the demands of a touring artist? Cooking is a favorite pastime. Music and cooking feed your creativity, and you often experiment with recipes discovered during travels. In another interview you mentioned practicing equestrian sports. How has that experience been? Riding is a therapeutic escape. After a year of training, every session starts anew and helps relieve stress. It’s a personal pursuit rather than a competitive one. Are you fond of animals or planning to get a pet? Animals, especially horses and dogs, hold a soft spot for you. The constant travel of a performer makes pet ownership challenging at the moment, but a dog is on the horizon for the future.