Articles
Katrin’s interview for “RUMANGA” magazine!
(Translation by Igor Kovalenko) Katrin. A startup star in manga-pop style. Never heard of such music trend? Neither do I. That’s why I’ve decided to find everything out from Katrin herself.
– What is there unique about your manga project? And what is this “manga-pop”?
– There is no J-pop analog in Russian music, and I desired to make a project, which would combine a contemporary electronic sound with instrumentals and children's silvery voice timbre, which I have. Also, I like to put the heroes of my songs in the context of anime clips and to draw comics after the songs, as it is in the case of “My Master”. I like to break the stereotype that an actor must always be in the frame. My heroines are drawn with some piece of me, my own life history, and that’s much more important than to become a recognizable face of television. Yet there are songs for which I would like to make a real video. First video script is almost ready and I would like the scene to take the place in Tokyo. This city literally gets to fall in love with itself, despite of its frenzied rhythm. I like to combine a regular video series with animation, since computer graphics nowadays is at a level that allows making it interesting and in high quality.
– I’ve listened to several of your songs, including "My Master”. They are not about Japan, and executed not in Japanese.
– I do not plan to sing in Japanese, but Japanese words and phrases are likely to be inserted in the songs (laughs). Also, the project can be called an international one, since all the songs are translated into English. In December, we’re planning to record an English equivalent of “My Master” and move it to the west.
– I’ve read on the website that you do not have a producer, and who funds a release of the album? If it’s not a secret, of course!
– Yes, indeed, a have no producer, I do everything on my own money. I have some time lived and studied in Spain and London, so now I make some money on the side as an interpreter. Including simultaneous translation, that is paid well^^
– As a creative person, what else are you fond of, except the picture?
– I did not draw by myself; manga is created in collaboration with Alfina, author of the Internet comics “Full Good-Buy”. I love her unique style of drawing. And myself I am writing books, my fantasy trilogy "Lydia. Mysterious World" won the second place in the “Interproza” competition. You can read it on the Internet. Also, I write poems and short stories. All this is available on the site. But the goal of becoming a writer has never occurred.
– Are you reading manga yourself?
– As for manga. I always prefer to watch anime. Black and white comics, that still must be read in a reverse order, are rather unaccustomed :) Sometimes I read internet comics of our authors, because it is closer to me, and there I see the youth and myself. Many people manage to convey such a subtle humor. It's quite funny. For the rest, I prefer the anime. It is more dynamic, lively ... and color (laughs).
– That is why your manga is color? As for the manga is not very typical.
– Yes, exactly. And if it will be issued as a book, half of it will be colored and half — black and white. For those who enjoy a black and white style, it can be read. And even be colored))
– Pencils will be supplemented?))
– We’ll think about that (laughs)
– What is your attitude to kawaii?
– (Exclamation) Kawaii! Love it!
– Do you study?
– I always learn something new! As regards the education, I would like to study at the Music Academy in London, that is still, unfortunately, too expensive for me. Besides music, I am fond of psychology, literature, self-development and psychic powers of man.
– How many songs do you have now?
– 11 songs are already composed for the first album, it may be more.