Photos by: Anna Destello
Interview with Misha Mar: The Journey of a Rising Star
Q1: How did you come to music and what inspired you to create your first composition?
Misha Mar: I’ve been passionate about music since my youth. I taught myself guitar, wrote lyrics, and started with rap. My first song was about love. In 2012, despite being told “singing is not for you,” I worked harder. In 2014, I formed “My Warm Blanket,” which lasted until 2021. Then, I launched MISHA MAR, gaining TikTok fame.
Q2: What themes do you prefer to touch on in your lyrics, and how are they connected to your life and personal experiences?
Misha Mar: The themes vary: love, lust, life in rock ‘n’ roll, and scary tales. Some ideas stem from my internal experiences or moments that happened in my life, while others come from a thought, a rhyme, or a specific melody that just flows naturally, without relying on personal experiences.
Q3: What state of mind do you find yourself in when creating music? Do you have any special rituals?
Misha Mar: Most often, I’m in a positive mood, even if I’m writing a song about something sad. I don’t have any particular rituals—except maybe for whiskey (laughs).
Q4: What role do style and fashion play in your career as a singer?
Misha Mar: It’s very important to treat the stage like a theater or a fashion show. You can’t go out to the audience dressed in what you came in from home. The stage demands a show, and your image and costume help unveil the artist to the audience rather than just being an ordinary guitarist.
Q5: You often experiment with your image. How has your style changed from the beginning of your career to now?
Misha Mar: I’ve always loved suits and images. In my youth, I danced for 10 years in a folk ensemble, the Show Ballet “Russian Style.” We had various dances, which meant different looks. At university (MGUKI), I studied to be a producer and organizer of mass events. Naturally, we engaged in theatrical performances where everyone had their own role and image. In my first band, I experimented with clothes but always wore a top hat. After I started making TikToks, I began to experiment with eye makeup and colored lenses, consistently creating different looks. At this point, I don’t stick to a single image; I aim to surprise my fans both in videos and at concerts.
Q6: Do you have any favorite designers or brands you enjoy collaborating with or drawing inspiration from?
Misha Mar: Not particularly. I can only mention the musical group that can be considered a brand—”Korol i Shut.” I’m a huge fan of their music and images, which inspire me. Unfortunately, their vocalist, Mikhail Gorshenyov, passed away in 2013, but he left a significant mark in the history of Russian rock, inspiring many musicians to this day.
Q7: How does sports influence your life and career? Do you regularly engage in any sports?
Misha Mar: I only play football. I’m not particularly fond of sports; I prefer to spend my time on music.
Q8: How do you keep yourself in shape before important performances and events?
Misha Mar: I try not to drink too much alcohol (laughs) and focus on vocal exercises to be comfortable singing.
Q9: Many artists develop their own brands and businesses. Do you have any plans for the future in this area?
Misha Mar: I’ve always wanted to open an animal shelter. We’ll see; perhaps it will come to fruition.
Q10: What lessons have you learned from managing your music career that could be useful for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Misha Mar: Never give up, for persistence is key to success. Moreover, keep pushing forward, as progress often requires continuous effort. Additionally, believe in yourself and your colleagues, for their support can be invaluable. Furthermore, always look for opportunities to appear somewhere, whether at music festivals, concerts, interviews, or shows. In addition, strive to surprise your listeners, as innovation can set you apart. Most importantly, don’t stand still—keep evolving, for growth is essential in any career.
Q11: How do you balance your creative life with the business aspects of your career?
Misha Mar: I work as an event host (weddings, corporate parties, team buildings, birthdays) and it absolutely doesn’t interfere with my music.
Q12: How do you find inspiration in everyday life?
Misha Mar: I’m just a creative person, and inspiration comes naturally.
Q13: Do you have any hobbies or interests aside from music that you would like to share?
Misha Mar: Right now, I’ve completely immersed myself in music; I don’t have many hobbies aside from football. I also enjoy watching cartoons.
Q14: How do you see your future in music, and what would you like to achieve in the next five years?
Misha Mar: Big stadiums, international tours, crowds of fans, and huge fees!
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