elfarandi.com Interview [27.01.2016]
In 1999 a duet girls revolutionized the world of pop for their controversial image of lesbian teenagers who tried to defend their love through the music. This is Julia Volkova and Lena Katina, who gave life to t.A.T.u..
Thanks to "All The Things She Said" and "Not Gonna Get Us" this couple of beautiful women became musical icons in their country Russia. Throughout the world they achieving record breaking sales records.
After 10 years of sharing the stage Julia and Lena decided to separate and soon it was clear that they weren't realy lesbians and it was just an image which they had in the project.
Currently, Julia, the sensual brunette and mother of two children, is preparing her first solo album. She recently released the video of the highly anticipated single "Hold Me Close" (Держи рядом) in which she's a fragile girl in railings of a bridge - about to jump into the river until a handsome 15 years old man appears and pulsating a short love story.
Today we spoke to this small, sexy and tough woman about her life and music career. This in an exclusive interview with William Jaimes.
While you were in t.A.T.u. you were considered as the most sexy, daring and crazy one of the duo. Are you still a rebel woman?
- Hard to say. I would say I feel the way I look like. In any case, I'm different. I'm not 15 years old but I don't feel that old.
I'm a mother of two children. We must change or otherwise you don't progress or beat it. I definitely changed inside myself, I feel in harmony with myself, I feel that the principles of philosophy apply some things in my life, but my temperament has not changed at all (laughs).
Q: How is the life of Julia Volkova before and after t.A.T.u.?
- Somehow it's different, I'm more mature, that says it all!
How do you defined Julia Volkova?
- I can say I'm a happy woman. I enjoy the here and now and that gives me much pleasure!
Can you say Lena Katina is your best friend?
- Lena is part of my life. She has been with me most of the time. So I think it's correct to say that.
Does t.A.T.u. finally came to an end?
- Today I think t.A.T.u. . it served its purpose. Least, first on stage. But in the future we can set new points!
What message would you leave for the fans who still want a return or a meeting of t.A.T.u.?
- Dreams and desires always come true, the most important is to believe in them. And at the same time they should enjoy life today and now, because it is beautiful!
In Russia many bands automatically lost members and began looking for a replacement, for example: Serebro, Via-Gra ... why does t.A.T.u. can't be formed by new girls?
- t.A.T.u. means Lena and Julia. We are a team and, more or less, provide us. It is not a typical pop band, not a girl band where we are some mannequinst. t.A.T.u has its essence in own songs, in the work, in their philosophy and in their protests against society and challenges.
Julia Volkova, you're a great entrepreneur: You have your own brand of shoes, a restaurant, is it easy for you to handle yourself in the business world?
- Right now I'm just focused on my voice. I'm busy in the creative process: writing new songs, a new tour, record videos, new photo shoots. With regard to the restaurant, I'm not part of it anymore, because I realized that it's not made for me. And regarding the brand of shoes, unfortunately I had to face the lack of integrity of a person who stole money from the business. She took advantage of my confidence and left the country. The situation is working in court. So I am giving pause to this business.
Let's talk about your career. Recently you had serious problems with your voice. We heard that you improved. Can you tell us about that? Did the doctor give you any recommendation?
- Finally I can sing! I'm really happy because of that. Since the problem started I had to give a break to my solo career. I endured many operations on the ligaments. I was in Seoul last year and a half ago. It was the most effective. Sure, I'm still doing tests, but everything goes according to the plan. And I try to follow the doctor's recommendations: Be more quiet (laughs). But I'm a woman who is temperamental, so it's hard to do!
What happened to your voice? What caused the problem?
- A medical error. I had many cysts which can be normal in many professional singers. One day I decided to take them off. Nobody imagined that this operation would become a torment.
Right now your career is centered in your native Russia, are you planning to organize a tour abroad?
- I give regularly concerts outside Russia. And now there are ideas for a tour, but it is too early to talk about it. All in good time.
For many years were no visits Latin America. You have many fans here in Venezuela. What would you like to visit first?
- Last year I was in Rio de Janeiro! It was incredible! The audience was very warm, sincere and cheerful! I love Latinos! Of course, I gladly would like to visit Venezuela! Hopefully very soon I can have that opportunity.
- Thank you! We still have the idea of doing an English version of the song. But in the meantime, I'm preparing new material, new songs in Russian. When we have enough material to make an album we'll think about English versions for the songs.
Could you tell us a story about the recording of your new music video?
- There was a while filming video parts of a drone. It was early morning and I was standing on the bridge railing. And when we began filming a man ran up to me, grabbed me and said "Don't do it, please!". He really thought I was going to jump. It was a funny story.
Your fans are eagerly awaiting your album, are you working on it? If so, what genres can be found on the debut album by Julia Volkova? Are you planning to promote it in Latin America?
- It is in process. I was silent for a long time, I couldn't sing. I'm now eager to do something, that includes experimenting with music. If you take out an album now would be a mixture of several styles from ballads to include Euro Dance! However, at this time and with advances in technology, it is better to buy and download singles. I'm working on my style, trying to find my own sound, a unique flavor. It is not an easy process ... But as they say, Moscow was not built in one day.
Would you like to sing a duet with an American or Latin American musician? Which one and why?
- It is possible! I'm open to suggestions. I know you have many talented artists! Why not?
Would you like your Latin American fans to record a song in Spanish?
- I'd like to do it! But certainly it should be a special song.
Could you tell us about your children?
- They are at a stage where you are defining and determining their tastes. I believe that Samir is very serious. He goes to swimming, volleyball and likes to play chess. Vika still looking, experience much: She's taking singing lessons, also dances and acts. She's definitely very creative. We'll see how far she get.
How is your relationship with your children? Do they wonder about your involvement in t.A.T.u.?
- Of course, they know about the group t.A.T.u. and her mother is a singer. But they take it like any other job.
*** Quick Questions ***
Did you always want to be a singer?
- Yes always!
Did you have childhood dreams which you want to make come true?
- My dreams become true!
Who is your favorite artist?
- If I had to choose ... I like Andy Warhol. I like artists who challenge their own creativity.
Any song you love?
- I respect the work of Michael Jackson. I like many of his songs!I can not even dare to choose one as a favorite!
Would you like to play the role of villain in a movie?
- Yes, why not?
Would you like to be a superhero and why?
- Yes, to help those in need. To those who I can not help now.
Would you like to have super powers?
- Maybe!
Do you like our interview?
- Yes, thank you!
Would you like to leave a message for our readers and fans of Latin America?
- Guys, I hope you are always surrounded by love, sincerity and happiness!
TVBOOM №8 [19.02.2016]
Photoshoot and Interview @ People Talk [01.04.2016]
Julia Volkova: I know that will overcome the disease
After a break of Julia Volkova's solo career she appeared on the scene again. And this time with a serious statement: the girl was able to overcome cancer. Her life has changed, but the music is not left. 29th April you can hear Volkova's new program at "Mumiy Troll Music Bar».In an exclusive interview she talked about her crazy youth, the struggle for life, family and music.
I'm a fighter in life: I'm always ready for any situation and any results and never get nervous before an interview or concert. Just when it begins to advance cheat, it only gets worse, so you are attracted to the negative.The scene in order is designed to let go and do, do what you want. There should be no limits. It's like being on stage. All my dreams and desires are on the stage. This is such a powerful exchange, except that real life can not be called.
Last autumn I released the single "Derzhi Ryadom" and now at the Victory Day the release of my second single "Save the people, the world." This is what is happening in our world, the brutality, the anger. I don't want to oppose something I advocate, it's just my declarationI stand for a strong family, love, the respect toward nature, the respect to each other and - in the end - to respect yourself!
The world is as we see it and what we create in it.
Life is fleeting and we destroy everything with our own hands.
I'm working on the new program we are planning a tour, to record the album. On 29th April I'll have a solo concert in Moscow at "Mumiy Troll Music Bar». I will be performing with my band, join us and my friend Legalize. I would like to make a very comfortable and at the same time, fiery evening.I had a three-year break from work, I was treated, fought thyroid cancer. Once I had a dream that I am sick and I have put a heavy diagnosis. I went to be checked. When fears were confirmed, I thought: "And what if it's over?" After all, after the surgery could be chemotherapy. How to get together and call my mother? Yes, a lot of things I could change my mind. Of course, everyone who knew about the problem, waiting for recovery.
I didn't make any official statements, so frequently met with comments such as "the whole voice-cutting procuration." Yes, it was a shame. And now, when I tell the truth about myself I felt support. In addition, I would like to draw attention to the problem of cancer and the overall health of people: it is necessary to visit a doctor examined. These seemingly simple precautions can save someone's life. If a person has health, he has everything. And when you have a serious illness, you won't need no money, no friends, no job, no clothes, no trip, you have one desire - to live. I belonged to the disease with optimism from the beginning. Of course, it was not easy, anxious to overcome all this. But it was impossible to be in a hurry, it was important to weigh all is well, think about it. Relatives immediately raised the hype: it is necessary to go to Germany for treatment. I refused. It is necessary because even survive the recovery process - no children, no mom and dad. And I stayed in Russia. So to get the first pancake is always lumpy - an unsuccessful operation.
I had time to be alone with it. People who once seemed to me to be close friends, at some point disappeared. But it went for me. I changed my phone number and all of my notebook. I was the other: many things react calmly, without fuss. I know that if it's mine, it will wait for me. It adolescence when a person passes through the obstacles, it is growing, it calculates their strength, learning to look at the situation from different angles. So I'm in a nice creative excitement, I really like everything that happens in my life.
Now I 'm in the absolute balance, I understand that I need, but from what I can easily give up. Do you realize that some small things, because we usually get upset, don't mean anything. At this stage of life, I have no fear, I just want to have close everything was fine.I try not to build far-reaching plans. How can you think about what you will become in five years, if you do not know what will happen to you in half an hour?
To all of his career has turned out, it is necessary first of all the frenzied desire. And it's not just show business. It should not be that you take someone by the collar, led the university, and said: "You have to get a diploma." How can we achieve the goal that put someone else in front of you? That should be your only desire, and a great desire. In addition, it is necessary to believe in ourselves, we can not give in to their own complexes. If you go to something, it must be prepared to envy, betrayal, but to believe in yourself. I was always ready. Since childhood, I wanted to become a popular singer, and on that day, when me it finally collapsed, after so many years of the movement, I grabbed a career claws. I know that will not give his place. I have not had time to think about fears.
I have never refused the stories with «t.A.T.u.», I had the feeling that I grew. I'm always happy to talk about us and never offended if I call the ex-soloist of the group «t.A.T.u.». It is not the small group in our country. Shame and excuses do not matter what. Yes, it was an experiment in life: youth, travel, tours, provocative image. And it was not easy - many convictions, but it is incredibly cool, bright, besides someone looked at life from a different angle.I absolutely don't compare the success of my solo career with «t.A.T.u.» success scale. These are two different projects. I don't set myself some incredibly high standard. Now I have a completely different life, a different work, I turn to another level.
One should never think, "Oh, she dyed her hair that color, I also have." Question - what do you need? You first listen to yourself, look at yourselves and think about what it will give you. We must learn to find himself in himself: the character, the habits. And it is itself a use in life. When I started having voice problems, the first time I was terribly upset. Especially when the people you say something like: "What's the matter? You gorged on ice cream or something? "You, of course, it is inconvenient. But after a while I accepted the fact that the other will not, so I need to get on with it.
Yes, I've learn from my mistakes. Although relatives always say: "You look at others." But it is always easier to advise. And yet you did not come across a rake, do not get over something, even if it knocks you off track for a while, did not become better. There is still the thing is that you yourself can choose, you should be put somewhere or not, whether or not to try to go through something. What if it does not hurt me, on the contrary, through the pain will benefit? Why not try? Of course, there is that parents say, "Julia, so you do not need it," and you still will not listen and gnesh his line. This is silly. I often come and say "You were right." But I survived, and clearly understand what I'm ready or not ready to go.
I'm very proud of my children are with them. But I always leave one step for any exploits - you can always go higher, it can be even steeper.When you know how to truly love and to give - it's worth it. Someone used his lifelong love, but I'm on the other. To love and to give - it is for me comparable to God, this feeling again.
NTV «Зеркало для героя» [06.04.2016]
Julia Volkova beat cancer but 'mistake' during surgery damaged her singing voice
Julia Volkova revealed she had beaten cancer, but a "mistake" during surgery left her with damage to her singing voice.The 31-year-old Russian – who performed during the Opening Ceremony of 2014's Sochi Winter Olympics – said the mishap during her Moscow surgery had left her initially unable to speak.
A mum of two, she added she'd now recovered from thyroid cancer but needed further surgery in South Korea to restore her voice, which is now soft and husky. Volkova had hidden her cancer from the world for four years, even during the Olympic reunion with her t.A.T.u co-singer Lena Katia – with who she famously kissed during performances.
"It was a critical moment for me. When the surgery was over, I had to open my eyes and start talking," she said.
"But it didn't happen. - I was whispering. Forget about singing. I could not say hello on the phone, people were not hearing me. Many friends and those who were close to me have gone, saying something like 'Ah, Yulia Volkova, she's a thing of the past, forget about her. When I was expecting surgery, all kept calling - 'Come on, we're with you, you are strong, you will make it'. But when it was all over, and they heard my voice after the surgery, they realised they did not need me anymore. Nobody called, even Lena."
She added: "I lost lost my voice because of the doctors' mistake. I mean they hurt my vocal nerve. I had a thyroid cancer. They damaged my vocal nerve."
But despite the pain, Volkova is bravely putting it behind her and moving on: "All the worst is behind me. I never think why or what for," she added.
"It happens, and it means it happened in my life in order to take me through it. It is a certain stage of my life and I believe that such diseases are sent only to strong people. It is only for strong people, even if they do not survive, they fight to the end."
• Interview • 50.12 min
«Мир Комфорта» N°2 (20) May-June 2016
Random Clips
Interview 'HELLO' Magazine [24.04.2016]
In a recent broadcast of Oksana Pushkina's TV program "Mirror for a Hero" on channel NTV Julia Volkova made a statement:
"In 2012, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. During surgery where they had to remove the tumor they have damaged my vocal nerve. It was the most critical moment of my life. "
We have offered Julia to reconstruct what happened in details.
In a candid interview with HELLO!
Yulia Volkova told about how to beat the cancer, how to restore the voice after a medical error and how to it changed her life.
That year for actress Julia Volkova was very busy. At the beginning of 2012, she recorded a duet with Dima Bilan 'Back To Her Future', they were about to participate in "Eurovision", but in the qualifying round "Buranovskie grandmother" defeated them. In summer Julia shot a video for the song "Davai Zakrutim Zemlyu" and was preparing to release an album, with success at the contest "Novaya Volna", which took place in Jurmala. And then, in September, the media reported that Julia underwent surgery on ligaments. For some time, she "disappeared from the radar" and returned with a new, almost unrecognizable voice - a low, husky.
Julia, how do you know that you have a serious illness? Is something bothering you?
I was diagnosed in August 2012. Our family decided to be surveyed on a regular basis: I, my mother, my father, my children - every six months we are renting the general analyzes - doing an ultrasound.
So nothing I didn't worry, nothing hurt. Serious cases usually does not hurt ... And then I had a dream, I saw a doctor in a white coat who looks at me and says: "Julia, you have cancer." I woke up and thought that I recently been at the doctor. But I know myself, I have a very developed intuition, I just do not dream things like that without a reason. I went to re-examination, including the thyroid gland. The doctor said that there is a seal that is very similar to a tumor, it is necessary to do a biopsy. The fears were confirmed - a malignant tumor.
Not everyone is able to listen quietly to this terrible diagnosis ...
No, I'm not crying, not suffered from insomnia, do not raise their hands to heaven, and God has not asked a question: "What did I do ?!" I hadn't thought that 'tomorrow I'm going to die.' We all have health problems, we live in a world at a time: breathe dust, eat chemistry. Don't be afraid of diagnoses. It is better to learn everything before, and fight to be treated. If you can do something, why bury yourself in advance? I have one fan from Ryazan, she doesn't miss any of my performances in Moscow - I hope, this time, on April 29, "Mumiy Troll Music Bar", she will be at the concert. So, she can't walk. Get on the train and buses - in a wheelchair! Sitting, singing songs, enjoying life. I look at her and think, why should I lose heart? When I found out about the tumor, the doctor said: "Start the operation urgently, delete it and forget about it forever." He assured me: "All will be ok again, get married and give birth to more children."
You did the operation in Russia?
Yes. Although I doubted. Parents say, 'Go to Germany or Israel, it is not necessary in Moscow - there's enough time to decide. " But I totally didn't know what awaits me, after removal of the tumor patient is often required chemotherapy. So I imagined that I needed to leave my hometown, perhaps for a long time. And in such a situation, I really want to be closer to home, parents, children. I decided to do the operation here. In a "good hospital," the doctors "with excellent references."
When you had an operation?
A month after being diagnosed. The operation is not very complicated, it lasted two and a half hours under general anesthesia. It does not hurt and I wasn't afraid. They make a small, five centimeters, cut. Here, look, there's a barely noticeable scar. The most horrifying thing started then.
After such an operation, the patient immediately start talking. I woke up, the doctor began to ask me questions, and I could not say anything. Nothing at all. I'm trying to say something, but does't work, instead of sounds - some hiss, the voice is not at all. It turned out the doctor touched the vocal cords. This was the biggest challenge for me. On the one hand, I'm alive, I got rid of the problem, and on the other - I lost my voice for several years, I lost the main working tool. The first time I couldn't sing - could not speak. I sat and thought, everything is meaningless - injections in phoniatrics, warm up the teachers ... nothing will! Error doctor turned to me hell.
For such a court is served ...
Yes, but I didn't do that. The doctor told me to wait. On the one hand, it must be observed three years when there is a risk that cancer cells appear again in the body. On the other - the doctor assured me that within six months the voice will be back. I waited patiently, but this didn't happen. Then I couldn't stand it. I came to him and said (when I was just beginning to wheeze whispering): "But if you now fingers accidentally cut, how will you work as you have promised, that will work with my ligaments very carefully?". The doctor said that I have a special structure of the larynx and he just couldn't avoid it to touch the vocal cords, as I have it all too close ... But what else he could say? Not all are able to recognize their guilt. When they doing such an operation in Germany, they install additional equipment to the high-precision electronics precisely in order not to hurt the ligaments. In Russia, as it turned out, such equipment is not used.
Now you're talking, singing. So, your voice back?
I suffered, then I did two operations in Germany to restore the voice - but this didn't help. I went for consultation in Israel, where I was offered to put the implant in the neck ligaments. Imagine to have such as breast implants and other body parts. (Laughs.) But since the operation takes place within the framework of experimental practice there was no guarantee that he is accustomed. I was frightened and decided against this treatment. After some time I found a clinic in Seoul, where they make the voice of transsexuals - the Korean doctor and gave my my voice back. Of course, I "sound wrong", compared to my voice before, though I've always been a voice husky. But today, I confess, I can sing even easier than talking.
Who has beend close to you during the last three and a half years and supported you in a difficult situation?
My children, of course. After the surgery I immediately told them that I had cancer. Why to hide? We have a very good relationship, they need to know. Next were my parents, they always support me. And a few more friends. For example, my director Katya, with which we are familiar from childhood. You know, when I went for surgery, different people were there. But after a few months, and many of those whom I considered close friends stopped calling me, interested in how I feel. Through friends, I heard such remarks like: "What? Volkova? She will never sing again." That is me as an artist was buried. They decided that now I'm sick and there is no need to communicate with me - to hang out with.
How do you experienced?
I can not say that I was wildly painful. I'm not crying, not beat the head against the wall, I did not want to jump out the window. At some point, even I felt gratitude to God for this test. Each person has his own way, and each sent to the difficulties through which we must pass in order to become aware of something, to rethink life. So I realized, for example, that there are people that do not need to waste themselves, they are not worthy even to greet them. I changed the phone number, removed 50% of the contacts of my old notebook. Looking back, I can say that what happened made me stronger. When everything comes easily, stop to appreciate of what you have, you do not notice the good people and their relationships; it seems that all you need.
You had the same thoughts?
Maybe there was a time when I "included a star." Now I understand: life is so short, why frills? In general, the fuss that has been in my life is gone. Previously, I was torn to pieces, like time everywhere. And then I weighed all - and it became clear that I can't and don't want to be everywhere, to be friends with everyone, to tear the soul. It is important to find your way.
You found your way?
I think so. Three years after surgery my solo career started. I'm a unique artist - working with a band. In the second, the injured, pumped a special preparation, it is larger in size than healthy, but atrophied. And yet I'm singing, I practiced only live concerts. When they say that Volkova doesn't sing, for it is doing a backup singer, I am surprised. Look, here at Beyonce, Lady Gaga, but who want to have a back-up singer. So what?! Yes, I don't dispute that those notes that I took during the operation in t.A.T.u, I'll probably have to take can not ever. But I have my own voice, my lively voice. That's my style, people love me so and I have learned to accept and love myself. First, of course, from complexes. When the "good" people said "What happened to your voice, did you smoke too much in youth?" - I didn't like it. I became more silent, which also went for me. Previously, I chattered incessantly, so that even forgot what I said. (Laughs.)
So, the dramatic experience has changed you?
Yes. I became even-tempered and at the same time - I'm very free inside. I own mistress, gathered my team together we are looking for songs, the studio where we'll write songs. I build a convenient schedule for myself. During the week it's Important for me to be with my children - cook with them, having breakfast, take them to school, swim with them in the pool ... You know, the operation is divided my life into "before" and "after." Sometimes I think of myself as before, and I think that there, in that life, I wasn't Julia (Smiles.) Now I feel to be more myself - I can understand, accept things, I am in harmony with each other. Risk is not ready - just do not see the point. I have children, I want to grow them, to give them a good education, to see how they build privacy, see the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
It's all ahead. And in the near future, what are your plans?
Work. I have such a rise! I want to return to the podium to my new song "Спасите люди мир" It was in the first lines of the charts, so that it spun on the radio. It's about what is happening now - in the world that need to be kinder, how important it is to appreciate life. Of course, to reach the level of the popularity of t.A.T.u, to ensure success, it will be difficult. But at least I come closer ...
New single «Спасите люди мир» (It's time to save the world)
Julia Volkova about her new single «Спасите люди мир» (It's time to save the world):
"Lately we often hear the sentence: "The world has gone mad!" And it's really true. It's all so crazy that we allow this madness - so I decided for this song. I don't want to oppose something I advocate, it's just my declaration
I stand for a strong family, love, the respect toward nature, the respect to each other and - in the end - to respect yourself! The world is as we see it and what we create in it.
Life is fleeting and we destroy everything with our own hands. «Спасите люди мир» is a nonprofit single - it's the cry of my soul. "
The production for this song took two years, in order to achieve and pass through the right emotion and nerves in this track.
"Lately we often hear the sentence: "The world has gone mad!" And it's really true. It's all so crazy that we allow this madness - so I decided for this song. I don't want to oppose something I advocate, it's just my declaration
I stand for a strong family, love, the respect toward nature, the respect to each other and - in the end - to respect yourself! The world is as we see it and what we create in it.
Life is fleeting and we destroy everything with our own hands. «Спасите люди мир» is a nonprofit single - it's the cry of my soul. "
The production for this song took two years, in order to achieve and pass through the right emotion and nerves in this track.
Домашний, №18, сентябрь 2016
