Longtime Russian-American pianist, vocalist, songwriter Marina V (Marina Verenikina) recently collaborated with guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS) and bassist David Ellefson (Megadeth) alongside award-winning string composer Steve Horner (Bridgestone) for powerful, sensational song “Symphony & Metal.” Through the years, Marina V has worked with her husband, Nick Baker, and for this song Baker is the drummer and co-writer.
From writing songs at the age of 4 to releasing her first album in 1999, the award-winning musician has also written many songs for TV and film (including Spider-Man series and Pepsi) as well as hundreds of tunes for popular YouTube channel KoteKitty.
In this interview, the songstress discusses and reflects on: new song collaboration “Symphony & Metal,” her move to Los Angeles, writing music with her husband, and her upcoming 13th self-released album Labyrinthine Rose.
Listen To “Symphony & Metal”
With personal life experiences influencing the lyrics, how do you hope “Symphony & Metal” resonates with listeners—both musically and lyrically?
Like most of my songs, "Symphony & Metal" comes from a very personal place; but, the lyrics in the song are not specific, so the song is rather universal.
It can be felt and interpreted in many different ways. That's just the way I write—I am more of a "paint the feeling" type of a lyricist, without going into details.
But whatever people feel while listening to "Symphony & Metal,” I hope it can uplift and inspire them, and perhaps make them feel less alone in their own struggles.
What’s been the biggest challenge or struggle you’ve encountered in the music industry and how have you overcome that or how are you overcoming that?
I think the biggest challenge I found when moving to Los Angeles is taking people at their word, not realizing how much bulls**t and duplicity exists. The competition is fierce, and often it brings out the worst in people.
It took me a while to figure it all out, I was rather naive when I moved here. I honestly thought that if someone said: "Hey, let's meet for lunch soon" or "I want to help to get your music out there,” they meant it. But often, the opposite.
With time, I have learned to find and stick to the genuine people and avoid the negative, backstabbing, insane types. (laughs)
Overall, when and what was it that influenced or inspired you and your husband to collaborate with music—how has music brought you two together?
Nick & I met in a jacuzzi in a fitness club (true story!) and from the first few minutes we realized we were both songwriters/musicians.
Our first few dates involved us playing our songs for each other. Since then, we've written hundreds of songs and have toured a lot together, and music has been a huge part of our life.
What can fans expect to hear in the new album Labyrinthine Rose and how does it compare to your past releases?
Most of the songs from the upcoming album have been written while experiencing life’s extremes—becoming a mom, losing my dad during the pandemic,
and enduring the horrendous effects of the war on my family in Russia and Ukraine.
Because of that, perhaps this record is even deeper than my previous ones, as I've felt the best and the worst of this world, and have been fighting the battle between life's beauty and pain more than ever.
Is there a release date, more collaborations, more singles or any videos planned for Labyrinthine Rose?
There have been a few singles already: “It Gets Better, Ready to Live Again” and “Minute in Time” with more coming soon.
My biggest fans have all of the upcoming songs already through my patreon.com/marinav channel.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Please find me on socials and on your favorite streaming platforms:
I also do online concerts and stream every week on Twitch. They're so fun, and are free. https://m.twitch.tv/marinavmusic/home
We have a lovely community of lovely people. Please join us! All details and the schedule is at www.MarinaV.com/tour
Hear and Purchase singles and albums at https://marinav.com/music-store
Follow Marina V
https://www.instagram.com/MarinaVmusic/
https://m.facebook.com/marinavmusic/
https://m.youtube.com/MarinaVmusic
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