Stereolizza - Fame is temporary if you don’t work very hard at a constant speed...
At the beginning of conversation, let me ask you about your new song called "Go Back To Your Mama". Tell me, how would you describe this track? Whether and in what way is it different from your previous recordings?
"Go Back To Your Mama" is the first single from our upcoming album. It's a very funky upbeat track that truly represents our new style and the vibe of the forthcoming album. I kept the attitude and aggressive rapping that you might remember from the times of "X.Y.Z." and "Corporate Logic", but now I do it to a heavy club beat and electro-house synths produced by my band mate and co-writer AlecZero. "Go Back To Your Mama" may sound rude, but in fact the message that I'm delivering with this song is that you have to "show me what you've got to give me real nirvana"! I want to see a self-confident and strong man by my side.
This song is promoted by your new music video, which can be seen on your official YouTube account. Who is responsible for its production? How long have you been working on this video?
To tell the truth, this music video is very different from the other ones we had before, because "Go Back To Your Mama" is the first music video that AlecZero and I did ourselves from scratch. Since we didn't have any experience, it took us about two months to make! AlecZero had to learn how to hold the camera, and I was learning Final Cut and how to work with video effects on the go! It was very stressful, but a lot of fun as well! Scouting for shooting locations for the music video, we came across a lonely church in Mojave desert and met with its Minister, Oscar Castaneda. He told the story of the Calvary Baptist Church - it was that Hi Vista church where Quentin Tarantino shot the wedding scene for "Kill Bill". We were looking for a trailer for one of the scenes of the music video, and Oscar showed us an old bus parked his back yard for many years - that's where the opening scene for the music video was shot. It turned out that Oscar had another exact same bus, but Tarantino bought it from him back in times and blew it up during his famous "Kill Bill" shoot.
Due to the promotion of this song you came to our country and you're in Warsaw right now. It's not a very original question, but how do you like the city? You are very popular in our country. When we will be able to see you at the concert in Poland?
I came to Poland numerous times and I've been to a lot of cities! I love coming to Poland! You know, I was born in Russia, lived over 15 years in Ukraine, now I moved to Los Angeles, but Poland has stayed a big part of my life! That's amazing! This time I visited Sopot and Warsaw. I think Sopot is a great touristic place with very calm and relaxing atmosphere; all the people are very nice and happy there! What I love about Warsaw is that it has a lot of beautiful Catholic architecture, great restaurants, and interesting cultural life! I hope we'll play a few shows across various Polish cities when we finish working on the new album.
Well, we all remember one of your biggest hits - the track called "X.Y.Z." which comes from the album "X-amine Your Zippa", released in 2006. How would you rate this CD from the perspective of the past years? I get the impression that this was a turning point in your musical career so far, am I right?
I totally agree! I think X.Y.Z. song basically shaped our music style for many years, as well as gained us some recognition and exposure. On the wave of hip-hop's rising popularity, "X-amine Your Zippa" album impressed a lot of people in different countries, since back in 2005 there was no other white girl rapping! I still love this album a lot, and all of the songs that were on it. Although, we now realize that the production part could have been much better and my Slavic accent was quite strong yet back then. Other than that, I think it's an awesome piece of music and we will keep that great vibe for our new tracks.
I recall the words of the legendary actress Marilyn Monroe, who asked about the concept of fame, said: "Fame doesn't fulfill you. It warms you a bit, but that warmth is temporary." I wonder how do you deal with fame? You are a well-known and respected artists by many listeners around the world. Is it difficult to remain yourself while the eyes of the others are turned into your direction?
Fame is temporary if you don't work very hard at a constant speed. And it is a very difficult task. Moving to the United States took us some time and effort, and we lost a little bit of momentum, but we are now back in full force and will keep records coming. I think I always remained myself no matter what. Fame has nothing to do with it, at least in my case; but it may be different for other people.
How do you remember the beginnings of your artistic career? Supposedly it's always difficult to start. And how was it in your case?
For me, everything started on its own. I just enjoyed singing! I sang at home to my favorite tapes, I sang in school bands at school parties, in my university music groups, and then in a jazz cover band at various clubs and venues - I was just enjoying it and I didn't know were it was going to bring me. This time was very useful for me as I experimented with various styles and had great vocal training. Then I finally met AlecZero, and that's when Stereolizza's music started to take shape. I think the most difficult part of the process for every beginning music artist is to find his or her own unique style and to write a good song. Then, if you are passionate about what you do and if you have what it takes, you'll eventually find the like-minded musicians and producers, as well as the right people to work with. You just need to keep working!
I'm curious when can we expect your new album? Well, we're waiting for it quite a while.
Yes, I know! There were a lot of changes in our artistic and personal life since the last album and we couldn't fully focus on music, but now we ready to rock again! Hopefully the album will be out in spring 2014, but you'll definitely hear a couple more singles from us before then! Most of the tracks on the album will be upbeat, high-energy urban pop/electro house/club songs, but there will be also a few down/mid tempo ones as well. We've done a few collaborations with local LA artists, including rapper Noni Spitz and dancehall artist from Jamaica Matik. I can't wait for you to hear them!
What are your plans for the coming months? What have you prepared for the fans of your music? I understand that there is no way you'll be able to rest a little bit…
This will be a very busy time for us. Right now we are finalizing our next single "Set My Heart On Fire". You will see a lyrics video pretty soon and a music video in a few months. The track is very energetic with melodic breakdowns and a mind-blowing synth hook! The song is about feeling uncertain at the moment when you start falling in love with someone - you want to give yourself fully to the other person, but you don't know yet if he or she will hurt your feelings or make you happy. In my case, the passion takes over and I give it a try. Hope my fans will like it! At the same time we also work on another track called "La La Land" - AlecZero is co-producing it with a Swedish up and coming DJ and producer Inossi. I think it will be our next big hit!
They say that life is a conglomeration of various events and feelings that make up a single whole. Have you ever wondered how it would be if you hadn't decided to devote your life to music? Is the music that you're creating is an expression of your own personal experiences, your own private thoughts?
It could only have happened if I had a horrible voice and bad ear. I think I would still choose a creative profession - an architect, painter, fashion designer or cartoonist. As for the second question, some of my songs are influenced by certain events of my life, and some are just pure imagination. It all depends. When writing lyrics I try to create a catchy pop song, but at the same time I don't want it to sound cheesy and I always search for interesting themes or cool unconventional phrases, should it be coming from my real personal life or someone else's, or even deriving from stories that I made up.
At the end, please tell me, what is your biggest dream? Do you feel fulfilled as a person, not just a public figure?
I think I'm living my biggest dream. I feel very happy and balanced writing music, creating, loving and enjoying my life.
Thank you very much for your time. It was a real honor for us. I wish you many further successes and happiness in life. Take care.
Thank you for your very interesting questions, Kamil! Hope to meet you in person some day soon!
Journalist: Kamil Mroziński
"Go Back To Your Mama" is the first single from our upcoming album. It's a very funky upbeat track that truly represents our new style and the vibe of the forthcoming album. I kept the attitude and aggressive rapping that you might remember from the times of "X.Y.Z." and "Corporate Logic", but now I do it to a heavy club beat and electro-house synths produced by my band mate and co-writer AlecZero. "Go Back To Your Mama" may sound rude, but in fact the message that I'm delivering with this song is that you have to "show me what you've got to give me real nirvana"! I want to see a self-confident and strong man by my side.
This song is promoted by your new music video, which can be seen on your official YouTube account. Who is responsible for its production? How long have you been working on this video?
To tell the truth, this music video is very different from the other ones we had before, because "Go Back To Your Mama" is the first music video that AlecZero and I did ourselves from scratch. Since we didn't have any experience, it took us about two months to make! AlecZero had to learn how to hold the camera, and I was learning Final Cut and how to work with video effects on the go! It was very stressful, but a lot of fun as well! Scouting for shooting locations for the music video, we came across a lonely church in Mojave desert and met with its Minister, Oscar Castaneda. He told the story of the Calvary Baptist Church - it was that Hi Vista church where Quentin Tarantino shot the wedding scene for "Kill Bill". We were looking for a trailer for one of the scenes of the music video, and Oscar showed us an old bus parked his back yard for many years - that's where the opening scene for the music video was shot. It turned out that Oscar had another exact same bus, but Tarantino bought it from him back in times and blew it up during his famous "Kill Bill" shoot.
Due to the promotion of this song you came to our country and you're in Warsaw right now. It's not a very original question, but how do you like the city? You are very popular in our country. When we will be able to see you at the concert in Poland?
I came to Poland numerous times and I've been to a lot of cities! I love coming to Poland! You know, I was born in Russia, lived over 15 years in Ukraine, now I moved to Los Angeles, but Poland has stayed a big part of my life! That's amazing! This time I visited Sopot and Warsaw. I think Sopot is a great touristic place with very calm and relaxing atmosphere; all the people are very nice and happy there! What I love about Warsaw is that it has a lot of beautiful Catholic architecture, great restaurants, and interesting cultural life! I hope we'll play a few shows across various Polish cities when we finish working on the new album.
Well, we all remember one of your biggest hits - the track called "X.Y.Z." which comes from the album "X-amine Your Zippa", released in 2006. How would you rate this CD from the perspective of the past years? I get the impression that this was a turning point in your musical career so far, am I right?
I totally agree! I think X.Y.Z. song basically shaped our music style for many years, as well as gained us some recognition and exposure. On the wave of hip-hop's rising popularity, "X-amine Your Zippa" album impressed a lot of people in different countries, since back in 2005 there was no other white girl rapping! I still love this album a lot, and all of the songs that were on it. Although, we now realize that the production part could have been much better and my Slavic accent was quite strong yet back then. Other than that, I think it's an awesome piece of music and we will keep that great vibe for our new tracks.
I recall the words of the legendary actress Marilyn Monroe, who asked about the concept of fame, said: "Fame doesn't fulfill you. It warms you a bit, but that warmth is temporary." I wonder how do you deal with fame? You are a well-known and respected artists by many listeners around the world. Is it difficult to remain yourself while the eyes of the others are turned into your direction?
Fame is temporary if you don't work very hard at a constant speed. And it is a very difficult task. Moving to the United States took us some time and effort, and we lost a little bit of momentum, but we are now back in full force and will keep records coming. I think I always remained myself no matter what. Fame has nothing to do with it, at least in my case; but it may be different for other people.
How do you remember the beginnings of your artistic career? Supposedly it's always difficult to start. And how was it in your case?
For me, everything started on its own. I just enjoyed singing! I sang at home to my favorite tapes, I sang in school bands at school parties, in my university music groups, and then in a jazz cover band at various clubs and venues - I was just enjoying it and I didn't know were it was going to bring me. This time was very useful for me as I experimented with various styles and had great vocal training. Then I finally met AlecZero, and that's when Stereolizza's music started to take shape. I think the most difficult part of the process for every beginning music artist is to find his or her own unique style and to write a good song. Then, if you are passionate about what you do and if you have what it takes, you'll eventually find the like-minded musicians and producers, as well as the right people to work with. You just need to keep working!
I'm curious when can we expect your new album? Well, we're waiting for it quite a while.
Yes, I know! There were a lot of changes in our artistic and personal life since the last album and we couldn't fully focus on music, but now we ready to rock again! Hopefully the album will be out in spring 2014, but you'll definitely hear a couple more singles from us before then! Most of the tracks on the album will be upbeat, high-energy urban pop/electro house/club songs, but there will be also a few down/mid tempo ones as well. We've done a few collaborations with local LA artists, including rapper Noni Spitz and dancehall artist from Jamaica Matik. I can't wait for you to hear them!
What are your plans for the coming months? What have you prepared for the fans of your music? I understand that there is no way you'll be able to rest a little bit…
This will be a very busy time for us. Right now we are finalizing our next single "Set My Heart On Fire". You will see a lyrics video pretty soon and a music video in a few months. The track is very energetic with melodic breakdowns and a mind-blowing synth hook! The song is about feeling uncertain at the moment when you start falling in love with someone - you want to give yourself fully to the other person, but you don't know yet if he or she will hurt your feelings or make you happy. In my case, the passion takes over and I give it a try. Hope my fans will like it! At the same time we also work on another track called "La La Land" - AlecZero is co-producing it with a Swedish up and coming DJ and producer Inossi. I think it will be our next big hit!
They say that life is a conglomeration of various events and feelings that make up a single whole. Have you ever wondered how it would be if you hadn't decided to devote your life to music? Is the music that you're creating is an expression of your own personal experiences, your own private thoughts?
It could only have happened if I had a horrible voice and bad ear. I think I would still choose a creative profession - an architect, painter, fashion designer or cartoonist. As for the second question, some of my songs are influenced by certain events of my life, and some are just pure imagination. It all depends. When writing lyrics I try to create a catchy pop song, but at the same time I don't want it to sound cheesy and I always search for interesting themes or cool unconventional phrases, should it be coming from my real personal life or someone else's, or even deriving from stories that I made up.
At the end, please tell me, what is your biggest dream? Do you feel fulfilled as a person, not just a public figure?
I think I'm living my biggest dream. I feel very happy and balanced writing music, creating, loving and enjoying my life.
Thank you very much for your time. It was a real honor for us. I wish you many further successes and happiness in life. Take care.
Thank you for your very interesting questions, Kamil! Hope to meet you in person some day soon!
Journalist: Kamil Mroziński
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