Ksenia tells you the path to sampling the sweet taste of triumph is not tortuous, but straightforward which can be ascended when two simple qualities exist. Read the interview and enjoy the tips and an active daily regiment.

drummer

Ksenia Kuznetsova 🇷🇺

What makes a musician stand out from others?

If the question is about differences between musicians and other professions, there is a product that a musician is creating which cannot be touched or seen, only heard.

If we talk about differences from other musicians, it's passion and hard work.

What are your dreams in your musical career?

Playing on big stages and touring with cool musicians.

What would your top 3 tips be to succeed as a musician?

Hard work, patience and a trustworthy teacher.

Do you have a daily regimen in music learning?

First I start with an arm stretching workout, next, I do some warm-up exercises on the pad.

Right now in my routine I have a timetable, single and double rolls alternately from strong and weak hands.

Then I practice with my teacher on the drums kits. We're playing together, jamming and during the process I am learning new phrases and developing a sense of time.

After that, I practice with textbooks, play with metronomes on different beats and I take some time to create and practice the parts for my band.

Finally, I just enjoy playing music.

What's art and music and why should it matter?

Firstly, music is an energy and a source of emotion that gives people the necessary vibe that they need at the moment. Secondly, it helps to find answers to our inner questions.

“(Music) helps to find answers to our inner questions.„

How has your musical taste changed over the years?

Before drums came to my life, I was just a regular listener. However, when I started playing music, I began to hear each musical part individually. Now I’m just learning to enjoy the whole composition again.

How long have you been involved with music? 

I have been very fond of singing and dancing since my early childhood. I even had a variety of different toy instruments.

When I was 13, my grandpa bought my first drums and that was the time my friend and I decided to form our first band.

Finally, I made my decision to tie my life with the music just 3 years ago. At that time, I decided to work consciously and diligently.

Do you play for any bands? Who? Did you join/form them?

Yes, I play for Persona band (IDM, trip-hop, synth-punk). I joined them this year.

Have you composed any songs/albums?

Yes, I have. My band and I released an EP a couple years ago. And now we are working on a new one with Persona band.

Tell us about your favorite musicians/bands.

My favorite band of all time is Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“I often find it difficult to attribute a song to a specific genre. Now everything is so mixed up„

How do you get inspired to make music?

I am inspired by different cool drummers, how they play and feel the music, and their groove. If we're talking about making my parts for a group, I usually just play along with a demo till I create something that I like for this song or steal from someone (did I really just say it? No waaaay).

How do you see your audience? What do you want to tell them and what do you expect from them?

I love that I can share my energy with them and get their energy back, it's marvelous.

Where do you think rock n’ roll is today and where is it going?

I think it's in its place. Of course, it is no longer the same as it was in the days of Elvis Presley, but it has not lost its significance. It has its own niche.

Music is good for its variety because you can find both calmness and energy at a time.

What are some of the challenges as a musician, especially a female musician?

Of course, I have "bad days" when there are all sorts of unpleasant thoughts in my head or there is no strength to do anything. But I'm lucky. I  have no difficulties being a musician. I can spend all my time on music and also there is a place where I can practice all the time. These are opportunities that I really appreciate. I am really grateful to my family who are so supportive

What do you think of pop music? Would you consider some of today's music in the rock charts as pop?

I love different types of music including pop music for its lightness, energy and good mood. It's also kinda fun to play it. I often find it difficult to attribute a song to a specific genre. Now everything is so mixed up.

“Before I started playing, I was constantly beating rhythms on all possible surfaces and one day I realized that it was definitely mine.„

Do you ever receive sexist comments in your social media? If so, how do you treat them?

On social media, I have been lucky not to come across with this.

I am in favour of equality. I'm against being judged by gender, race or social group.

When and where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia.

What are some of your hobbies (obviously apart from music)?

The Sims 3 is my guilty pleasure (you better not give me a laptop!).

How did you discover your musical talent and passion?

Before the drums, my parents sent me to try different hobbies. I tried dancing, swimming, playing the guitar, but it was always for fun and at some points it just stopped being interesting.

However, with drums the situation was different. Before I started playing, I was constantly beating rhythms on all possible surfaces and one day I realized that it was definitely mine.

Does it sound scary to choose music as a career?

If you realize that this is a career (which you are also obsessed with), not just a hobby, then no. It’s just one of thousand jobs.

What song would get you back on your feet when you're down?

I would say ‘Dark Necessities’.