SHADU
The Ukrainian artist exclusively spoke about her new musical direction and whether she will return to shooting fashion videos, which until recently have been garnering millions of views on TikTok.
«Аrtists should convey the message that despite differences, people all over the civilized world have many beautiful things in common!»
The Ukrainian artist exclusively spoke about her new musical direction and whether she will return to shooting fashion videos, which until recently have been garnering millions of views on TikTok.
1. In addition to the vocal path, you decided to add dj-ing. Why did you and what was your motivation?
Synth pop and electro pop are two genres of electronic music I have always loved. I love the fact that there are so many different genres in electronic music. It has always been my wish to cross borders and be an international artist - to reach the audience in Ukraine and all over the world. A Ukrainian example of this is Artbat, one of the most popular DJs and sound producers in the world. About DJing - as a musician I've always been interested in playing new instruments - first violin, then guitar, then piano! I've always been into DJing, so I decided to add it to my list. As soon as I started to pay more attention to it, I felt that this direction is so exciting and inspiring for me - I don't know how I lived without DJing before. I will definitely do a combination of djing and singing. I think people will love this mix.
2. Since your songs have been on the world charts, do you get letters from your international fans?
I get letters from people from different countries who like my production! I think that the charts are an indication of the listeners' interest in my work. I'll keep doing my best to release good, quality and modern music! I don't want to stand still and I will continue to expand my audience even more.
3. Among all Ukrainian artists, you are probably the only one who always wears designer clothes. Is it easy to find ideas for new looks? How does it work?
I have always been a fan of fashion and stylish, flamboyant looks! I really appreciate that I can afford to look how I want to and not how society expects us to. This is the first reason why I have designer costumes made just for me! The second reason is that I am not tall and very often things in showrooms simply do not fit me, because unfortunately brands sew on the average human height - 170 cm. In my opinion, this is a big mistake! Because nobody is perfect! Not all people are thin, not all people are tall! All my looks are created by my director Aisha Milevskaya! I am lucky to have such a talented person beside me! The way she sees me, the costumes she creates for me, I consider the highest level of talent and art!
4. The global market is evolving rapidly. What do you think an artist/blogger should look like in 2024? What should they carry and what are the main messages of their work in your opinion?
The whole world is in a state of uncertainty now, and people often do not feel as comfortable and safe as they used to! I think artists should convey the message that despite differences, people all over the civilized world have many beautiful things in common! And this can unite people and lead them to the brighter things within! Music can start to change the world for better!
5. In one of your interviews, you said that you were going to go back to making fashion videos when the time came. Because your previous videos had million views in TikTok.
Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, neither I nor my subscribers had time for fashion videos, so I spent a long time shooting political videos and leading the information front. But after a while my followers started asking me to put fashion back on my blog because they realized that war is a long-term thing, that we need to live here and now and look for some positive things in this life. I am very happy about this, because for me fashion is not just a thing! It's about feeling, it's about being inspired, it's about creativity! I plan to make even bigger fashion videos in the future! Take them to a whole new level by combining music and fashion in one video!
ANGELA
Ukrainian singer ANGELA talked about her first performance on stage, where she received her education and how she started her career as a singer.
«Music for me is freedom»
Ukrainian singer ANGELA talked about her first performance on stage, where she received her education and how she started her career as a singer.
When did you realize that you wanted to be a singer?
As long as I can remember, I always sang. My first public performance was at the age of four, when I went to kindergarten in Zhytomyr. My compatriots still remember, during meetings they talk about my first appearance on stage. My first performance in front of a large audience as a singer was on the podium. In the program of the event, it was not written that I should go to the podium and sing. It was my initiative, most likely — my improvisation! After all, I forgot the words that I had to say after the presentation of the swimsuit series. My colleagues from the podium were immediately surprised that I also sing well. After all, I never told them about it. A week after the show, a glossy magazine with my photos was published. In the article, you could read about the collection of swimwear, dresses, about the music break of the event and about the "singing model in the image of an angel». Currently, I have more than 30 works in various formats: from Ukrainian songs to modern original and experimental music. I still supplement my concert repertoire with Ukrainian songs. I have a desire and great potential to do what I love, giving the public my talent and the warmth of my soul. I am ready to share the secrets of professional skills with talented youth and do not forget about the popularization of Ukrainian national art
Where did you get your education?
She studied music from an early age, in particular, she learned to play the piano at a music school. I played beautifully, my teachers were sure that I would become an outstanding pianist in the future. But I myself decided to be a singer.She received her professional education at the Taras Shevchenko KNU with a diploma of financier, but she never worked in her profession for a day.
Office work is not for me
How did you start your career? Who helped in this?
I started playing music at the age of 8. My dad is a musician, so I had someone to emulate. Music for me is freedom. Music will always support you and it doesn't matter if you are a child or an adult, it knows the way to every heart
I am impressed by artists not only as characters, but also as strong-willed people with principles and values. This list definitely includes Rihanna, The Weekend, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lana Del Rey. The main qualities that help to achieve the goal are hard work, talent and creativity
You must be an interesting person, because there are already so many different artists. Only when I had the opportunity to work in my profession and help my country at the same time, I came to life
It keeps me going today. Because I have the opportunity to work on the music front. We can be useful to our country. We will definitely return and rebuild our country, live in a free and independent Ukraine! This is our dream and goal!
Describe who ANGELA is?
It all started in early childhood with a simple desire to be happy.
It was the songs that I associated with a feeling of joy: the music played — everyone was dancing, singing, having fun. As a child, I liked to play actresses, singers and models. My father often called me an artist in my childhood! Fortunately, with an attractive appearance and a model walk, you can realize yourself in many ways
I chose a modeling career, after which I began to focus more on my development.
When I was offered to become the advertising face of a beauty salon, I was very happy. After all, I started making money in the modeling business
After successfully participating in beauty contests, I thought I would only be a model, but then I started writing songs
People, listening to them, asked me: "And when to sing? You have such an angelic voice! And songs! I want to live under them."
It was after that that I began to sing them and realize myself as a singer
We created a special stage persona under the pseudonym AngelA. The songs I write are related to me in one way or another. And now I know for sure: everything is possible, the impossible just takes a little more time
How do you choose your songs?
I don't choose rhymes specifically, I don't sit up at night, I don't think about which word to insert… It's just that this process happens by itself. I can't explain why. Well, for example, you are lying in bed, falling asleep and suddenly inspiration comes. A rhythm, a poem begins to emerge in your thoughts, you write it down, and then you make a song in your free time. I perform and invent songs in the style of pop, Euro-pop. It's something I'll always be high on, something I'll sing anywhere.These are usually tracks with a good melody, an unusual beat and meaning But, of course, I always have jazz. This is the best music, which is the basis, on which you should learn to sing and develop your taste and skills
I don't write music for clubs or a good addition. It must be heard and felt
If you weren't singing, what would you be doing? What are your hobbies?
I really like to paint outdoors when I'm not working. I try to do this once a month. I paint outside, because I instantly develop an allergy to the smell of paint indoors.
I also like to travel and do sports in my free time. I enjoy spending time with my family. Sometimes we get together as families with friends, we spend time having tea — these are my hobbies.
To cheer myself and my friends up, I shoot interesting videos on my phone, which I later post on the Internet. The videos suddenly started getting a huge amount of views, turning my fun hobby into a profitable business, making me one of the most popular vloggers in the world. At least there will be something to remember in old age!
https://www.instagram.com/angelasinger_/
INSIDE OF ME
Alfonso Domingo a remarkable talent in the world of photography. Hailing from the enchanting city of Tortosa in Spain, Alfonso embodies the essence of creativity and dedication in his craft. As a versatile photographer, portraitist, advertiser, and fashion photographer, he has captivated audiences with his stunning visual narratives that transcend boundaries and evoke profound emotions.
Model: Model Maria Cervera @mariiacerveera_01
@mariiacerveera_01
Creative Director/Photographer: Alfonso domingo
@alfonsfoto
https://www.facebook.com/alfonso domingo fotografia
Makeup Artist: Makeup Artistic: Joana Cervera @joanaacerveera
@joanaacerveera
Accessory Designer/Fashion Designer: Creativvo
@creativvo
Hair Stylist: Stylist: Montse Calatayud @montsecalatayud75
@montsecalatayud75
ALFONSO DOMINGO INTERVIEW
Alfonso Domingo a remarkable talent in the world of photography. Hailing from the enchanting city of Tortosa in Spain, Alfonso embodies the essence of creativity and dedication in his craft. As a versatile photographer, portraitist, advertiser, and fashion photographer, he has captivated audiences with his stunning visual narratives that transcend boundaries and evoke profound emotions.
How did you develop your passion for photography, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
My passion for photography began when I was very young. My father was a portrait photographer, and it was in the year 2000 when I started my four-year studies and internships at the IDEP image school in Barcelona. Back then, everything was analog: cameras, developing, printing.
Can you describe your preferred style of photography and how it influences your work?
I specialize in advertising and fashion photography. Also, recently, I've started working as a videographer and filmmaker. I work for some agencies in Barcelona, and it truly is a job that, apart from liking it, requires a lot of preparation, time, and equipment for each session.
Share a challenging situation you encountered during a photo shoot and how you successfully navigated it.
During an outdoor session at sunset, one of our flashes broke, and the session required artificial light. We had to improvise, using the headlights of one of our vehicles to create a lighting effect and using pieces of cardboard to direct the light and synchronize it with the other flash.
How do you stay updated on the latest photography trends, techniques, and equipment?
There isn't a day when I don't read articles about photography; photographic equipment, fashion magazines, social media, etc. I always try to stay up to date. I like to share experiences with other photographers and learn more every day.
Can you discuss a project where you had to collaborate with a team or clients, and how you managed the creative process?
Last year, I presented a fashion film "BEAUTIFUL", it took me almost two years to make it. For the project, I needed twelve models, various locations, stylists, makeup artists, contributions of dresses from several sector stores, as well as horses and filming permits. A lot of patience. And above all, organization, because it was very difficult to shoot some scenes, and many had to be repeated on subsequent days.
What role does post-processing play in your workflow, and which software tools do you prefer?
Nowadays, for the production of advertising work, it is necessary to work with editing programs such as Photoshop for photography or Davinci Resolve for video. In my case, I use them quite a bit, and the client also appreciates it.
How do you approach capturing and conveying emotions through your photographs?
For me, photography has been an artistic escape and a daily exercise in perseverance, creating and maintaining a photographic style that defines me, observing and growing with each of my sessions, educating my eye every day to achieve the best results for my portraits, seeking this natural aspect that makes us all different, insisting on searching so that I believe that this expression, look, or smile of each of my clients is theirs, analyzing each composition, location, light, and above all, having good artistic direction. Every photo has to convey what you're looking for.
Share an example of a project where you had to adapt to unexpected circumstances or challenging environmental conditions.
Starting a session and having it start snowing, enduring the cold and quickly improvising each scene.
How do you handle feedback or criticism of your work, and how has it contributed to your growth as a photographer?
Well, I love it when people criticize my work. I'm the first to criticize every job I finish; I always see room for improvement.
In what ways do you use social media and online platforms to showcase your portfolio and connect with your audience?
I believe that social media has helped a lot for those of us who work in images; they make you known, and nowadays, it's impossible to be without them. Competition pushes you to excel, and you can prevent plagiarism.
As we draw the curtains on this insightful interview, it's evident that Alfonso Domingo's journey in photography is not just about capturing images but weaving stories that resonate deeply with the human experience. His unwavering passion, adaptability, and commitment to excellence serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring photographers worldwide. We eagerly anticipate the continued evolution of his artistry and the mesmerizing tales he will continue to unveil through his lens. Thank you, Alfonso, for sharing your insights and enriching our understanding of the art of photography.
