Alexandra Stepanova, a musician (Blind Mutation), talks on creative and moral-ethical manifestos.
Alexandra Stepanova (Blind Mutation) recently released a successful single “Shadows” and a music video for it. Her track received such prestigious awards as Indie online film award, EUROPE MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS and Music Video Awards. In this interview, she tells us about her creative manifesto.
Alexandra, as a creative person and a young performer, what, in your opinion, are the most effective ways to convey your message to the listener?
Firstly, you need to be able to be in touch with your feelings and recognize them in order to carry your message all the way through to the listener.
Secondly, you need to be aware of the technical side of creating music or a video. It’s important to know the basics of the field you work in. For example, in case of creating a music video, it’s useful to understand the basics of filmmaking, storytelling and producing. And in case of producing music, certainly, it is beneficial to be fluent in using DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) or to be able to play an instrument.
How do you feel about the listeners who like your song but do not understand its meaning and pay attention only to what’s on the surface?
Firstly, I would like to thank you if you listen to my songs. And, even though someone doesn’t understand the meaning of the music I make, I do not see anything wrong with that because everybody has different perception of our world. Actually, I always strive to implement unusual and thought-provoking ideas even in those elements of my tracks that appear to be on the surface.
How would you describe your manifesto that runs through your art?
I want people, when listening to my music or watching my videos, to explore their hidden emotions that lie very deep inside them and which they hesitate to express in everyday life. A lot of people, and I am no exception, have a need to feel and experience those emotions. Actually, it is very important for me to know that I can help someone in this.
My goal, as an artist, is also to explore what lies beyond the horizon and to create something unconventional, different from the nowadays trends. By doing so, I would like to encourage others to be more creative and to think outside the box.
Can participation in secular music events and festivals in any way help to promote the creative manifesto?
Absolutely. Such events play a significant role in self-promotion as a music artist. They also serve as platforms which musicians can use to further spread their creative ideas and manifestos. By the way, I am currently preparing a program for one of those music events – the SOUND UP festival, which program includes contemporary classical and experimental electronic music.
Alexandra, how would you describe your message to the audience?
I think people should be more tolerant of others. I also believe that it is beneficial for people to improve their emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion skills. I am convinced that effective and healthy communication is something we all need. I try to follow those ideas myself as well as convey them to my listeners through instrumental music.
