SVETLANA
We caught up with the Feltham singer-songwriter, Svetlana to share with us her musical firsts and favourites- From the first time she wanted to be an artist to the first song she ever made. Described as an artist who has "successfully tapped into a rich vein of female blues and soul singers that came before her", the self taught guitarist gives us an insight into her creative journey.
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Inspired by the likes of Bob Marley and Billie Holiday, Svetlana encompasses the passion and lyrical ability to create her own soul legacy. With the release of her latest single 'Tally Man' back in June, the songstress sings her truth in a heartfelt track that illustrates her rich soulful tone. Written at a time when the stresses of life felt overwhelming 'TALLY MAN' reflects on these while expressing a wish for freedom.
Listen to Svetlana's latest release 'TALLY MAN' below
When did you first become interested in music, what is the story behind this?
When I was around nine or ten, I was introduced to the rock band Evanescence. I kept listening to their songs and watching the ‘Bring Me To Life’ music video and just felt so inspired by Amy Lee, the lead singer. I knew I wanted to be her, to do what she was doing and make people feel as emotional as I felt whenever I watched that video.
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What inspires you creatively as an artist?
Life inspires me. I think being alive in itself is creativity in action, just being a human being with intense emotions in a chaotic world filled with so many people who are experiencing life too and trying to make sense of it all. It’s incredibly inspiring. You can write about the high’s and the lows, the intimacies and the distance, there so much to say about this life and I like to take such moments and make magic out of them through what I write, how I sing and visually, how I portray it.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Burna Boy, I want us to make a Nigerian anthem.
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What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Recording, recording and recording. I’m going to write and record a lot of songs and work very hard on my craft.
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Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Bob Marley, Prince, Billie Holiday, Queen and Rage Against the Machine are a few of them.
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What was the first song you made?
The first songs I wrote were really political, one that stands out to me was about this woman and how her life was an example of living in a system which fails the poor.
When was the first time you realised you wanted to be a musician?
After I watched the ‘Bring Me To Life’ music video by Evanescence, I knew that I wanted to be doing exactly what Amy Lee was doing as a job.
What was the first CD you owned?
Kaya by Bob Marley
What was the first song you release officially?
A song I wrote called ‘Myself’
What is the first instrument you owned and learnt to play?
A guitar
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What is your favourite part about being an artist?
Playing live
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What is your favourite lyric you’ve heard or written?
It’s from a song I wrote called ‘Hope’: Is there no solid ground or love from the Profound to heal these pieces of me? Because I’ve tread on every road and made temples my home, still nothing is clear to me.
What is your favourite thing to do in your free time?
Writing short stories and poetry
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What is your favourite song/ cover to perform?
Either my song called ‘London’ or ‘Like a Star’ by Corinne Bailey Rae
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Who is you favourite band or singer?
Bob Marley
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