Ksenia – Fire with Fire

By starrymag | May 20, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) It’s always hard to talk about myself like this! I’d say it’s very pop! I put all my emotions into it, there’s no filter.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I am very much influenced by current pop music. I sort of mimic a lot of artists and create my own sound. I love Ariana Grande. She is so pitch perfect and her runs are amazing. I love Rihanna. I love how emotional Sam Smith is. When it comes to songwriting, I’m a big fan of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Fire with Fire.”

 

A) This song is about being in a relationship with a narcissist. It’s also about taking charge of the situation and firing back. It’s crazy out there in the dating world. Narcissists are dangerous. They come at you so strong, lead you on, then drop you out of nowhere and you don’t know what you did wrong. They’re cruel, they play with your emotions and your head and somehow, they blame it all on you and they are the victim. I’ve dealt with a number of these people. It takes a while to realize what’s actually happening, but once you figure it out, you better walk away or fire back. And I did fire back and I wrote a song about it.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think many of us have been in toxic relationships at some point. Many people are stuck in these situations right now. No one should accept this kind of abuse. Also, to be clear, I’m not really recommending revenge even if it sounds like that in the song. Standing up for yourself and walking away is definitely the way to go!

 

Q) L.E. Staiman directed this amazing video for the track! How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) Thank you! The video portrays the beginning stage of a relationship with a narcissist – they call that the love bombing stage – and, after that, everything goes to hell. Toxic relationships are hard to get out of because the other person is like a drug to you. You get addicted to the highs and lows. You know it’s bad for you, but you can’t leave. The video is pretty dramatic – we both go down in flames, literally! It’s a metaphor for what can happen if you don’t get out.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

 

A) Songwriting is so fun. I usually have an idea or a situation, maybe the beginning of some ideas for lyrics. I write my thoughts down as a narrative and then I go to my music producer and together, we figure out the tempo and lay down chords. Next, we work on a hook and melodies for the verses and the lyrics come last. [wink] So, yeah, I usually start with the music and then write the lyrics after.

 

Q) The song was co-written and produced by Mario Marchetti, but how much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

 

A) I trust Mario completely with the production. He is so talented and creative. He knows how to bring out the best in my voice and help tell the story through his production.

 

Q) What are some themes you can tease will be explored on your upcoming EP?

 

A) All of my themes are empowering. I’m at a point in my life where I know I’m responsible for my own happiness; I am not a victim of my circumstances. I know what’s good for me and what’s bad for me and all of that is reflected in my music.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to this EP as a whole?

 

A) I hope my EP will make listeners feeling empowered and inspired.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Ksenia performance?

 

A) I love performing live. It’s so much fun to feel that energy of everyone together, having a great time. I love telling jokes on stage especially before sad songs…so get ready for a roller coaster ride!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

 

A) Honestly, it doesn’t matter where, I just love performing!I will say I do love a great sound system – who doesn’t like sounding good?

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Lil Dicky! I would love to collab with him on a rap song. Ed Sheeran, if you’re seeing this, let’s do a sweet love song that everyone can cry to!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I am listening to Sasha Sloan at the moment. She’s Russian, like me. Her songs are so deep, so emotional and her lyrics are really clever. I want to write songs like her.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is a powerful thing. Fans aren’t just there because of your music. They want to get to know you as a person. It’s important to stay connected, to listen to them and nurture those relationships. After all, the fans are the entire reason artists are able to do what we do!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I appreciate you so much. Thank you for sticking with this crazy Russian girl from the forest. Thank you for every like, comment, stream, subscription, feedback – everything! Many kisses my kitties, I love you!