TATIKA
Q What led you to mix different languages like English, French, and Ukrainian in “Exotic Slavic”?
Because one language could never carry all this energy! Ukrainian is my soul, French is my sophistication — I studied in a French school, lived in France for a while — and English? English is just the tool I had to master when I moved to London to conquer bigger stages. I’m not here to fit into one culture — I’m here to create my own universe.
Q “Brand new face, brand new body” — is the line more about physical change or personal transformation for you?
Definitely personal transformation first. It’s about a whole glow-up — mind, spirit, and yeah, body too. But the biggest change is the one people can’t see right away.
Q How important was it for you to turn stereotypes around about Slavic women with this song?
It was personal. I’m tired of the same tired clichés — I wanted to smash that. I wanted to show something real — powerful, emotional, fierce, funny.
Q You talk about putting yourself on a throne in your lyrics. What is self-worth to you these days?
Self-worth is knowing you are a queen, even when no one’s handing you a crown. I don’t wait for applause — I bring my own.
Q How do you stay true to yourself in an industry that often wants to box artists up into what they need to look like?
I remind myself that being different is the advantage, not the weakness. If you fit into a box, you’re replaceable. I’d rather be unforgettable, even if it means being misunderstood sometimes.
Q What do you want listeners to feel first when hearing “Exotic Slavic”?
Confidence. Like they’re about to walk into a room and set it on fire — in their own way.
Q You speak of divinity and rebellion in your lyrics. How do you keep those two personas in your real life?
I honor both. Some days I’m pure softness and light; other days I have to be my own warrior. Some days I’m the blessing; some days I’m the lesson. I don’t force either side — they coexist. Both are real, both are powerful.
Q How did being raised in an ethnic community influence the themes covered in this song?
It taught me strength without arrogance and pride without apology. My culture gave me deep roots — but it also taught me how to fly.
Q There’s a playful but rough energy throughout the track. Was that the mood you had in mind from the beginning?
Absolutely. I wanted it to feel like you’re getting kissed and slapped at the same time — with love, of course.
Q You talk about old relationships in a funny and sassy manner. Is that how you get over them and move on?
Exactly. Humor is my healing. If I can laugh about it, it means I’ve already won. Laughing is my revenge too. If you made me cry once, I’m definitely making you part of a punchline now.
Q How do you celebrate your duality, the cute and tough things you talk about?
By letting both live. I can be fierce and wear pink. I can be sweet and still set boundaries. It’s all real.
Q To those who try to put women in “sweet” or “badass” boxes, what would you like to say to them?
Keep boxing if you want — just don’t cry when the “sweet” ones wreck you and the “badass” ones show you mercy. You’re not ready for real duality. Stay confused.
Q Your lyrics are very visual. Do you find yourself seeing things or characters when you’re writing?
Always. I’m a creative director so a visual. It’s like directing a movie in my mind — dramatic entrances, killer outfits, whole storylines — then I just soundtrack it.
Q How do you keep your creativity revitalized when writing about empowerment, something that all artists seem to tackle?
I don’t force it. I live my life, survive my chaos, then turn it into art. Empowerment starts when you’ve been pushed to be bigger.
Q What was the experience like crafting those so intimate yet bold lines of not needing anyone’s permission?
It felt like breaking out of jail — except the prison was all the limits I used to put on myself, like realizing the cage was open the whole time — and stepping out.
Q Where do you see your music headed in the future after this bold direction with “Exotic Slavic”?
Even louder, even prouder. If you think this is bold, buckle up — I’m just getting started.
Q Did you learn anything surprising about yourself while writing this song?
Yes — that I was stronger than even I thought I was. I was out here dimming my own light way too long and still playing small in ways I didn’t even notice. This track was my permission slip to take up all the space I need.
Q You seem very comfortable with standing alone if need be. What would you say to someone who struggles with that?
Standing alone feels lonely. But I realized that I’m actually standing taller by myself. Stay up.
Q How does your identification with your heritage inspire you when you’re creating music today?
It reminds me that I carry generations of resilience and beauty in me. My roots make me brave enough to bloom anywhere.
Q Is there a particular lyric from “Exotic Slavic” that rings as your personal motto these days?
Definitely: “Don’t ask me where I’m going — I’m going insane, so see you there.” That’s how I move: no GPS, running on ambition and adrenaline. And honestly, “she/her but fat man Nagasaki” feels like my core — feminine on paper, masculine-level destruction in reality. Sweet face, bomb energy.
