Hiya Larissa, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I was born a musician (laughs). I sang on a chair for my parents guests at any gathering since gentle age of 3. And I wrote my first song about my new shiny upright piano, when I was 6.
Introduce us to you all and your musical history.
I always wanted to be a singer and a songwriter. I went to a music school , then to a music college ( qualified as a choir conductor) and then went to a University and had a degree in classical singing and piano. After that I become a touring musician, and had a vocal music school for gifted children. I lived in Soviet Union at that time.
In 2001 I moved to Ireland and started my music career from the scratch. I released my first contemporary album in 2014 and then another 4 albums followed in country, folk and adult contemporary genres.
What’s the live music scene like in Ireland right now? Anyone we should be looking out for
It is difficult enough to manage it, with too many musicians, and too few venues, but Ireland is absolutely packed with an amazing artists, and nearly every Irish can sing and play some music instrument.
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
My view? Never gave up your day job. (laughs)
Seriously? Music is in my genes, I can’t give it up, if I will, it won’t be me anymore. I choose to enjoy the process and do my best and rely on other places for my income.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I am a niche singer and have my own dedicated following in country and folk genres, also I work as a songwriter/topliner and writing music for Eurovision, K-Pop, EDM and various artist’s projects. I’m absolutely loving it!
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
Truth: My personality is better than my looks
Lie: She is too confident
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
I naturally do, as I am a public person, I sing and a have a large social media following, but this trend reminds me hugely Soviet Union where I was growing up, and it feels like suppression of a free speech. And when I say “It feels”, we can refer to the old saying : If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it probably is a duck”
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not why not?
No, I don’t. I try not to get involved in any mass ideas/believes, I just live the live that I enjoy and make an art that people will enjoy.
What was your best experience on stage?
Launch of my latest album “Larissa-Ultimate Me”, in Dublin iconic Bewley’s Café Theatre where atmosphere was so emotional, that some people cried during my performance.
What was your worst experience on stage?
Performing at the country music festival, with a backing band, that I never practice with before! Musicians were so armature, they hardly could play their instruments.
Tell us something about you, that you think people would be surprised about.
My mum was from Belarus and my father from Tatarstan, they both didn’t speak Russian language until their college age! I grew up in a very multinational family
What are the next steps you plan to take as a singer to reach the next level?
I will continue to release music and write music for other singers. I also started to learn music production.
I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
The journey of “Fire And Water” began when I signed up for a songwriting course with DWB Publishing in the UK. During this course, I connected with Katharine Brown, a topliner and lyricist, and Jono Fosh, a singer-songwriter and producer. Together, we created this classy country duet, a genre that aligns perfectly with my reputation as a country/folk singer-songwriter.
The collaboration didn’t stop there. Recently, I attended the RENA Eurovision Songwriting Event, the largest of its kind in Europe. This event provided me with the opportunities to forge new friendships and connections, including with the talented Norwegian singer-songwriter RemyO.
Upon returning to Ireland, I was in search of a male singer to collaborate with me on “Fire And Water.” RemyO, who had become a friend and creative partner during the Eurovision event, immediately agreed to join me on this new release, bringing his distinctive voice to the duet.
This collaboration was also enhanced by the legendary steel guitar player Sarah Jory from the UK. We hope that this track is poised to become a favorite for wedding first dances around the world.
What was the recording process like?
It all happened via the internet, I never met Kath and Jono in real life! How cool is that?!
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
I was trained as a classical musician and was writing songs a very traditional way throughout my life. I first would write lyrics and then sit in front of the piano and create a melody and chords. Since the start of my co-writing journey, I learned how to topline, and write melody and lyrics on already produced tracks.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
No, there is no end to perfection, You have to let it go and let it be…
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I would love to meet more professional producers, songwriters and vocalists for possible collaborations, do not hesitate to get in touch,
🇮🇪RGM IRELAND 🇮🇪