Source: Americanchronicle.com, allmylove.org
Everyone remembers t.A.T.u. for their then risque video for “All the Things She Said,” which is one of Lena’s most memorable moments too. “It was the first time me and Yulia saw us on TV, our very first video. We were sitting in the kitchen. We were having lunch, discussing something and then we just saw our video and were so happy. I couldn’t even explain it. You have to experience that kind of moment. We stood up, started jumping, hugging each other and screaming ‘wow we’re on TV’ and it was not about ‘I’m famous.’ It was about two little girls, like 15 years old, seeing themselves on TV for the first time.”
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If you would’ve told me a decade ago I’d be in the house of a man who’s traveled the world, interviewing him and half of t.A.T.u I would’ve said “okay” and walked away. But alas I found myself amidst Sven Martin and Lena Katina of t.A.T.u. Sven’s house is tucked away off a main street in North Hollywood. I never imagined such a quaint neighborhood; outsiders only know the main streets and fail to ever stray off path. As we waited for Lena to arrive, Sven offered something to drink like a good host and explained the reason behind the dormant sound, they’d been up early that morning for a World Cup game. Lena walked in soon after wearing a track suit, it was nice to see her so bubbly and ready for questions. We spoke abut everything from her outlook on life as a solo act to origami.
Everyone remembers t.A.T.u. for their then risque video for “All the Things She Said,” which is one of Lena’s most memorable moments too. “It was the first time me and Yulia saw us on TV, our very first video. We were sitting in the kitchen. We were having lunch, discussing something and then we just saw our video and were so happy. I couldn’t even explain it. You have to experience that kind of moment. We stood up, started jumping, hugging each other and screaming ‘wow we’re on TV’ and it was not about ‘I’m famous.’ It was about two little girls, like 15 years old, seeing themselves on TV for the first time.”
With Yulia by her side the two toured the world, but now that Lena’s hitting the road, front and center and alone, she has some concerns. Going from a renowned duo to solo act to Lena is “totally different.” “I feel more responsible because before if I couldn’t sing something or I forgot something I always knew that there was Yulia who can help me or support me. Now, or course I have back up singers, but it’s not the same kind of support because before there were two main singers and now I’m pretty much alone. I’m the lead singer so I have to be a leader. I have to be onstage by myself; it’s scary.”
Lena misses being part of a duo, but it was time for her to branch out and fly solo. She acknowledged that she wasn’t really alone; she has Sven and the rest of her band there to help her out. With band in by her side, Lena is ready to take on the world with a solo album her and the guys are working hard on. “We’re making music from scratch; from creation to the final destination.”
Both Lena and Sven agreed the direction the sound’s going is pop with rock and electronic influences. “People should expect a good product, good music from our point of view, honest, personal lyrics as well. Actually our drummer Steve discovered something about himself. He’s turned into quite the lyricist.” Sven pointed out while a pop record when played live it comes across as a little more rock.
American audiences haven’t gotten to see Lena live much, but they assure fans they’re in talks and planning a tour. Lena’s “ready to go anywhere.” Lena and the guys have found the time to play two major shows here in the states. Her first was at the legendary Troubadour. However, Lena failed to get that epic feeling playing there because her nerves were set on high. “I was so nervous. It was my first show as a solo performer. I couldn’t think about if it was something legendary. It wasn’t the best show though but I’m sure it will be better and better.” Like many performers Lena criticized herself but Sven quickly added they all were having technical problems. Technical issues aside, they picked up and a few weeks later played the Pride Festival in Milwaukee, MN. Lena again said it was a good show, but could’ve been better.
No matter how she thinks they went, one thing’s for sure, the fans always have a good time. Speaking of her fan base is hardcore. I was skeptical how someone who I hadn’t heard make a peep in the music world for years, could still draw a crowd. Her fans proved me wrong and hearing stories of their dedication from Lena and Sven made me think some of them were a little too much, but nevertheless I had to tip my hat to their love. From fans giving the band dolls that looked exactly like them to flying to Pride from Mexico and Seattle to the bowl full of handmade mini origami, it was all impressive.
Lena and the band don’t take any of it for granted either. Each member keeps their doll someplace special and the origami sits nicely in Sven’s dining room. They even take time to have fan meetings which allows fans to sit with the band and connect on a greater level. Their fans have Diana from Utah to thank for those. She was, is, a huge t.A.T.u. fan and wanted to be involved in this new chapter in Lena’s life. So Diana keeps in contact with Sven and their manager to make arrangements for the meeting to get them up and running.
From Russia to the stars, Lena never thought it would become a reality to live her dream. “I never thought I, we, would successful outside of Russia, but I have so much more to achieve. I have a lot of plans in my head.”
Over a decade as part of the biggest act out of Russia, Lena Katina is ready to take on the so much more as a solo act. While it may scare her, she’s ready to dive head first in it all with a pop rock record that’s destined to cross over genres with as much ease as the two little girls from Russia who started a journey years ago. Stay tuned to their Facebook and site to be in the know because you’ll be mad at yourself if you missed out on all things Lena Katina.