Ex - t.A.T.u. Singer Yulia Volkova: Back to Her Future

“Back to Her future” sounds like a very promising name for the new track from Yulia Volkova of the once world famous Russian pop-band t.A.T.u. She has returned to the Eurovision contest, which has given her a good start for her international solo career. After being off stage for a long time, Yulia is now back in the charts and hopes once again to be at the top. 

RM: How does it feel to have a solo-project after being part of a duo for such a long time? Do you miss your time with t.A.T.u.?

YV: No, right now I don’t miss anything and I am really enjoying everything happening to me. I am experimenting with my music, searching for a perfect style and taking part in many projects I am interested in. I am never alone on stage, I have a new band, who are great guys and a backing-vocalist.

RM: And now you have Dima Bilan joining you on stage. When and how did this idea happen? (Author: on the 7th March Yulia Volkova presented her new song “Back to Her Future” with famous Russian singer Dima Bilan as part of Russia’s representative contest for Eurovision 2012)

YV: We have thought of making a song together since 2009, but that period of my life was totally devoted to my family. Then we were both worried how our voices would sound together, but it turned out well. “Back to Her Future” is a very beautiful song, at the moment we are making a Russian version and also thinking of ideas for a video. We will shot the video in Los Angeles.

RM: So you are not upset that your song wasn’t chosen for Eurovision 2012?

YV: Absolutely not. We will have another time for this (smiles). We just wanted to present our track to the audience, share it with people and as the voting showed, we were the best amongst the young generation (smiles).

RM: What else does Yulia Volkova do these days as a solo-singer?

YV: I prepare for my gigs, we are making a new programme, the biggest part of which still has t.A.T.u. songs. Our fans all over the world were waiting for me to return for such a long time, that I can’t wait to meet them all! I have several new tracks, now we are in the process of completing the programme.

RM: Returning to t.A.T.u. band, tell us why you are not in touch with your ex colleague Lena Katina?

YV: I actually can’t explain it. I guess we were just too close to each other, like nearest and dearest people, so at some point we needed a break in communications to start our own way of life. I used to call Lena, but she was too busy to catch up, so I gave up.

RM: So you are not interested in her solo career? Her debut video didn’t touch you? (Author: In her first solo music video Lena Katina shot funeral scenes of the ex-t.A.T.u. members).

YV: My friends and fans gave me different links and I checked them out. But I definitely don’t share Lena’s funereal moods. I personally would never be able to bury (sic) t.A.T.u. As for her solo-music, I do respect Lena for writing lyrics, but I didn’t hear anything outstanding from them, nothing exciting.

RM: If you were asked to take part in a one-off t.A.T.u. tour, would you do it?

YV: I would wait to hear Lena’s reply on this matter after she ‘buried’ t.A.T.u.

RM: OK, enough of sad topics. How does your music differ from the band’s style?

YV: My first single “Sdvinu mir” (ENG: “Move the World”) is something akin to t.A.T.u. style, but it was made on purpose, just to remind the audience of who I am. In future I would like to do something completely different, something more serious and dramatic, telling my life experiences through songs.

RM: Tell us about the other side of your life. What kind of mum are you? Strict?

YV: I can’t say I am strict, I’m very modern. I discuss everything with my kids; I try to treat them like adults. Although I do have to be strict with them sometimes because they are kids, who at times need firmness.

RM: Are they fighting and biting?

YV: Yes, it happens (Smiles). They are so different. My daughter Vika has very boyish behaviour and my son Samir is more calm, quiet and intelligent.

RM: Do you think your kids will follow your example in their choice of career?

YV: Actually Vika is more interested in sports right now. She takes piano classes, but not with the same passion as her tennis training. But I will encourage whatever they choose.

RM: Will you respect their choice concerning everything?

YV: I see where you are leading (Smiles). Yes, I will. I am bisexual, I used to have men and women, I still can go both ways (Smiles). We should never judge people for their sexual orientation, religion, nationality or discriminate anything which makes them happy.

RM: Do you believe in destiny?

YV: Yes, I do believe that destiny exists, but I do believe we are able to change it as well, as nothing falls from the sky, unless you work hard for it.

RM: What would you like to wish your fans?

YV: Live today and now, believe in love, everybody will find it one day. I love you all, can’t wait to see my European and worldwide fans. Thank you for waiting for me and supporting me, we will be together soon and I hope you will enjoy my music!

Text by Olga Sokolova

Photographer: Ksenia Malina