How did the musician begin his journey in music? He started at seven, training at the Theater of Contemporary Art in Krasnoyarsk where a remarkable vocal teacher helped him discover his voice. Five years later, his mother sent him to the Generation Next festival in Sochi, and his performance left a lasting impression. A pivotal moment followed when Uncle Zhenya Orlov, a producer, encouraged the family to move to Moscow, suggesting a bright future for the boy. Trusting what felt like a sign of fate, the family relocated to the capital, and in the new environment he began to develop as an artist within the city’s creative scene.
When did popularity begin to rise? A year after the move, the mentor gifted him a guitar for his birthday. He began writing music and recording covers, and within a year or two, one of these videos amassed 2.5 million views on TikTok. That breakthrough propelled him into a relentless creative routine, with daily shoots and steady growth. His audience expanded rapidly, reaching millions of views monthly.
As he continued to grow, he connected with other artists who shared his covers, prompting collaborations and reshares. MACAN and Vogel were among the first to amplify his reach. By then, he had accumulated about 200k subscribers on his covers and 400k on TikTok. This period marked a golden, carefree phase in his career, but he sought more and aimed for a solo path, assembling a team to pursue independent artistic direction.
Regarding his covers, he announced a collaborative performance for Yandex Music Karaoke Night on July 29 at the Plus Dacha in Gorky Park, where famous songs would be interpreted. He would perform JONY’s “Comet” and Grechka’s “Love me, love,” and in the finale, the group would perform Mumiy Troll’s “Bear” with Tosya Chaikina, Eldar Dzharakhov, and others attending the event.
Was TikTok essential to his fame? He notes that while he does not credit TikTok as the sole driver of his career, the platform undeniably helped. A clip titled “Venus-Jupiter” reached millions of views, though he did not intend to post it there initially. He considers this a secret of his success in a way—that timing and audience connection matter more than the channel itself.
At VK Fest, there was public controversy over the lineup when organizers declined to invite singer and blogger Lyusya Chebotina to the main stage, offering her a slot on a bloggers’ runway instead. The blogger declined, and the incident sparked discussion about the expectations and norms in show business. The musician expressed admiration for Lucy, a former close friend, while acknowledging the complicated dynamics between bloggers and musicians. He emphasized the importance of treating musicians with proper recognition and courtesy, rather than conflating roles.
Does he write his own songs, and how was “Venus-Jupiter” created? He collaborated with Artem Shapovalov on that track, noting it was an older song that many had considered, including Yulianna Karaulova, but no one took it up until their team did. The result featured a revised chorus and new chords at times. He also created the piece Lego with Sonia Rein, praising the value of writers who provide new angles on a song.
There was anticipation around a collaboration with Grigory Leps on a track titled “Baby.” He explained that releases can be delayed due to generational differences in music and strategic choices, but the project remains active. He and Leps share a mutual desire not to clutter their careers with accidental surprises, preferring a carefully planned release when the time is right. He noted a recent authentic release, “I Believe (Satellite)” with ZAPOMNI, and hinted at two more summer releases that are bright and fun, expecting audiences to respond positively.
When asked if there is a song he loves but never shot, he cited many favorites, including Dima ZAPOMNI’s “Sputnik” and “Come on.” He dismissed the idea that unshot songs carry less significance, pointing out that some tracks can gain life and energy well after their initial release, fueling concert chants and fan enthusiasm.
Does he think a hit requires a musician to feel it deeply? He responded with a candid take on the mystery of hit songs, noting that while there is a public perception of a secret to hits, there is no single formula. A song can gain momentum through resonance and continued effort, but there is no guaranteed shortcut.
He recalled performing “Baby” with Leps and confessed some stage nerves, joking that he worried about outshining the master but found Leps to be kind and supportive, which helped ease the pressure.
Are Western artists a source of inspiration? Undoubtedly. He believes all music writers draw inspiration from international artists who push boundaries, naming Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes as examples among many others. He also noted that his audience skews younger and that he feels a responsibility to present his life in a way that is relatable and clear, allowing fans to learn from his experiences.
What about formal training? He attended two colleges, Gnessin College of Music and Moscow Federal Law Academy, but ultimately did not enroll. He chose to focus on his rising career and personal growth instead. He believes self-development is valuable, yet a formal shell is not always necessary for the current generation. Education is still important to him, though he admits uncertainty about how to pursue it at this moment.
How engaged is he with his audience? He emphasizes direct interaction, often staying after concerts to take photos with fans and listening to their needs, underscoring that music is written for the audience. He acknowledges that street performances offer a different energy from formal concerts, where fans are there for a specific purpose and the connection is immediate, even as he prefers maintaining respectful boundaries with personal belongings.
What about the public aspect of private life? He explains that he shares his life openly and believes in addressing conflicts directly rather than letting them fester. When it comes to future plans, he remains ambitious about releasing an album, though he concedes timing is uncertain and growth should come naturally. He has dabbled in cinema, describing his first TV role as Oleg on the Friday TV channel, and expresses a desire to expand in acting as well as music. He envisions continued projects and hopes to keep evolving.
Looking ahead ten years, his answer is unapologetically confident: he expects to remain himself and to keep producing music that resonates, with the hope that he will remain strong and undiminished by the tides of time. The sentiment reflects a belief in ongoing momentum and creative energy, with a commitment to his craft and the people who support it. (attribution)