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Introduction:
17 year-old Julia Volkova (on the right) and 18 year-old Lena Katina come from Moscow. They met each other in a children's band. Not only are they a duo in their musical careers, but in their lives as well. Tatu conquered the hearts of the Russian youth; their record " 200 Po Vstriechnoy" sold million of copies in Russia alone. After several successes in Europe, Tatu signed a contract with Interscope Records, resounding off the praises of some 2 million dollars. They are now aiming to breakthrough in the States. The singles "Nas Ne Dogonyat" and " Ya Soshla S Uma", translated in English ("They're Not Gonna Get Us" and
"I'm Losing My Mind"), are now readying for the conquest of America.
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Two under-age lesbians started the next revolution in Russia, though this time in the music world. After selling millions of albums, they're moving on to conquer the world.
All signs say that they will be successful in this endeavor.
MY LESBIANKI (Maxim)
A task for me like any other--doing interviews. This time the ones in the spotlight are two young Russian girls. One named Julia and the other, Lena, are the members of Tatu. Their first single "Nas Ne Dogonyat" is a well made dance track, the rest is professionally made, but very primitive club music. That's about all I know about them. Oh... I forgot. Well, I should obviously begin with the fact that they claim to be lesbians and proudly underline this at every opportunity. Quite an excellent marketing gimmick. I wonder what people have to do to make a living these days. These past few days, Lena and Julia have been giving numerous interviews. Although, they don't look all that tired. Sure, small brunette Julia is a little bored, but Lena is like volcano, with a storm of devilish red locks and mischievous eyes. The girls are seated in a sofa, while I am invited to sit on the arm chair. Close by are several listeners, seated at a few tables. They are the girls' press team on their tour. Among them is their manager who greets me like we were the oldest of friends. I wonder if all of them plan on staying in the room for the entire interview. Most interviews are done in private. After a moment or two, my doubts are confirmed. They're staying.
-Are you two really lesbians?
Lena: Is there something wrong with that?
-If you really are, then nothing.
Julia: So why are you asking?
-Because you both emphasize this image in the eye of the media.
Lena: Is it that strange for a girl to love another girl? Everyone is a bit lesbian or gay. Yourself as well. Aren't you?
-No. I'm not.
Lena: Bisexual?
-Wrong again!
Lena: Then I don't believe you.
-I don't believe you either. You're too nice to be lesbians.
Julia (who has until now been very bored, suddenly comes to life): Another stereotype. Have you been to Moscow?
-Never.
Julia: You see... I'm sure that first girl you would find interesting would be a lesbian.
-That sounds like a stereotype as well. But I'm sure you're exaggerating. What about reproduction?
Lena: Of course there aren't only lesbians in Moscow, but those who live there are very beautiful. When I told my grandma that I was a lesbian, she said, "Dear, I'm so happy that you live nowadays in the modern world, because I'm a lesbian too but I couldn't say it before."
-It sounds like Russia is the most liberated country in the whole world.
Julia: You would be surprised. More liberated then America, I'm sure.
-I heard that your Duma tried to ban homosexuality. Am I right?
Julia: Such things happen sometimes, but we invited many of our politicians to our special concert in Moscow. There were even those who created that law present. I think that after the concert, they won't be having anymore stupid ideas.
-You're planning a career as a politician?
Julia: No, we just want to say that it's nothing special when a girl loves another girl. It's a normal situation.
-Maybe you appealed them. Lesbians are a very exciting concept for a man.
Lena: They excite us too. (Lesbians, of course.)
-How did you start your career?
Julia: Simply.
-So how? You were standing on the street and it struck you by chance?
Julia: No, we are just lesbians.
-It's more than enough?
Julia: As you can see.
-I know many lesbians who aren't popular...
Lena: Maybe they don't want to be. If you want to make a career just become gay and get an appointment with our manager.
Their manager approaches me. 'I'm inviting you for a drink this afternoon,' he says with a funny smile.
-Thanks, but I have no time.
Lena: Why you don't want to meet with him?
-Because I don't want to.
Lena (speaking sarcastically): Because you're not gay?
-No, of course I am. You told me that about five minutes ago. Everybody is gay. But I don't like your manager.
Julia: You are right, he is too old for you. This reminds me of an article from the American "Blender" magazine.
The Tatu producer, Ivan Shapovalov, was talking about the evolution of his ideas concerning the group. Because people always want to see something new, something fresh and original, and sometimes something scandalous--a new image in music--first, he thought about under-age sex and then came up with the idea of lesbians.
I ask Tatu whether or not they know that they are a marketing product.
Lena: Yes, we are aware of this, and it's nice to be such a well-known product. We sold more than a million albums in Russia alone, and I think that this number will still be growing.
-Why are you so sure?
Lena: Because people love us.
-There are people who hate you too. Parents in all Russia are trying to protect their children from you.
Lena: And their children still listen to us. You have to listen to your own feelings. If you want to listen to TATU, do it. If you are gay, don't hide it.
-Britney Spears is also a product.
Julia: But we are better.
-She has sold more albums.
Lena: Check this number again when we come out with our third album.
-You are very confident.
Lena: We have our reasons.
-We'll talk about it after your third album, if you ever make it there.
Lena: You will see. You can do it too. The offer still stands.
The girls laugh.
-You don't even know if I can sing. Doesn't that matter in the music business?
Julia: It's still important, but the personality of the artist is more important now. That is what you're giving people in your music.
-I want to know all about your personality. But the only thing I know about it is that it's a lesbian personality.
Lena: Then, a short interview isn't a good idea, you have to see our concert. You will see that our fans are people from 5 to 75.
-And 75 years old ladies aren't offended by vulgar words, like the one used in "Malchik Gay"?
Lena: That doesn't concern us. What does concern us is if people enjoy our music. You like "Malchik Gay"?
-It's alright.
Yulia (chuckling): We got you. All gays and lesbians love that song!
-So all the girls that go to your concert are convinced they are lesbians when they leave?
Lena: No, but if they are, after our concert, they won't hide it.
-I will think about my sexuality after your concert. What does this career's beginning mean to you?
Julia: Progress.
Lena: Realization of hopes and proof that lesbians are worthy people too.
-It sounds like a condition... Why are you trying to prove it, if it is so normal and general? You said that there aren't any problems with tolerance in Russia.
Lena: There aren't, but it's still not the ideal concept.
-You aren't talking much about your music. Why?
Lena: Because we want to sing, not talk about singing. Come to our concert--this is our answer for questions about music.
Plans for concerts in Poland have not yet been organized. Although, if "200 Po Vstriechnoy" becomes a success here, who knows? Of course, if so, I hope that our 5 year-old girls and their 75 year-old grandmothers won't begin to follow in the steps of their new idols.
Text originates from Maxima (Marcin Margielewski), September 2002 END.
Translation by Grigori.
Edited by Echoed.
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