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Yura Knyazev

Yura Knyazev

My interest in writing lyrics to well-known melodies began in childhood. Later, texts started to emerge to my own melodies. My first school love — unrequited — had a strong influence on many of my later works.

As a child, I spent some time in a choir, where I performed as a soloist. During my army service, fellow soldiers would pick guitar chords to my songs and sing them together. Later, while studying at a technical college, I tried myself on the drum kit in a local band. Music was always close to me: my father played the accordion and balalaika, and I tried to learn the basics from him.

In 2003, I published my own collection of poems and songs titled “Lethargic Sleep”, which included around one hundred works. Most of the copies were given to relatives, while the remaining ones were sold.

I tried performing my songs on guitar using simple chord progressions, and later on a synthesizer. Over time, however, I realized that composing music should be done by professionals. Later, I met two remarkable musicians — Nikolai Denisov and Maksim Svetly — who intuitively understood what kind of music suited me best.

Our first collaboration was the song “Escort Girl”, and it was then that I truly realized music and songwriting were my calling. All twelve tracks of “The First Album” were later created together with them.

Stylistically, my songs are close to the disco sound of the 1980s — a direction that resonates with me on a spiritual and emotional level. Music for me is both a way of life and a hobby, as well as a form of self-expression, where creativity and style merge.

If I were to describe my music in three words, they would be: heartfelt, meaningful, and lived through. My sound has been strongly influenced by pop artists of the 1980s, especially the legendary Laskoviy May, though the result has become something uniquely my own.

Tracks are born in different ways: sometimes from lyrics, sometimes from a melody, sometimes from an idea. Some are created quickly, others take time. The themes of my songs are close to me — each one contains a part of my personal experiences. When the lyrics and motif are ready, I send them to my musician friends, who create music and arrangements that match my vision. After receiving the instrumental version, I record the song in the studio.

Almost all 12 of my released tracks were recorded at Vsound Studio with sound engineer Valery Kulikov. On average, it takes about a month to complete a track, sometimes longer — both in production and in the path to release. All difficulties are manageable, though releases of songs and videos are sometimes delayed for financial reasons.

By 2025, I had recorded and released 12 singles through distributors on various music platforms, later объединяя them into “The First Album.” I cannot single out one specific track — they are all equally important to me. The best song is always the one I am currently working on; once it is finished, the next new one becomes the best.

When I hear my songs on the radio, I feel they sound достойно — I am not ashamed of them. They represent honest and solid work by everyone involved. Positive feedback from listeners is especially valuable — it is for such listeners that I want to keep creating.

My future plans include working on a new song in a completely new direction for me, aimed at a younger audience. It is unfamiliar and exciting. If the song resonates, I will try to continue in this style. Of course, new releases and music videos are ahead.

Quick answers:

Studio. Night. I listen to a wide range of music — different styles and genres.

Modern music, for the most part, does not resonate with me, as many songs lack meaning, storyline, rhyme, and expressive performance, even though this does not prevent them from being popular. Time will show which melodies will remain relevant even five years from now.

I am grateful to everyone who listens to my songs and finds something that touches their soul. I have never performed for a large audience, but if there is demand, I would be interested in trying myself on stage.

Thank you to everyone who listens to me.

I live in the Penza region, Pachelma.

Listen to me in the “I’m on Air” program on the radio station “Earth Plus”:

https://eaplfm.com/slushat-radio/313-mix-potok.html

And join me on social networks:

VK https://vk.com/awtor1973 

VK musician card  https://vk.com/artist/yuriyknyazev_mty3mtqwodi3oa