This interview was originally shared in 2013 by Sammy Hager and has since been revised for publication in Blank Generation Magazine.
Ilya Lagutenko is the lead singer of Russia’s largest and often dubbed ‘greatest’ rock band, Mumiy Troll. The prolific singer is not only a wonderful artist but a very interesting and philanthropic person likewise.
Having the chance to speak with him about his life, the trials and tribulations of being a Russian rock musician, and the unique qualities that evolved around his art, we dived deep into his passion, compassion, and overall charisma as a musician and human being. From the band to the heart, here is our engaging interview with this foreign rock icon guaranteed to make you want to pursue your passions as deeply and sincerely as he has.
1. Mumiy Troll began in 1983, how did you and the rest of your band meet?
I started my first rock band with my neighbor, Pavel, when I was 11. It is a well-documented fact in my diary. We did not have blogs or Facebook. It was a little green book.
My grandfather advised me to write about what I was busy doing. Now, I understand why it was so important! At least I’m comfortable with knowing the exact date of my first rock band formation even if it was a simple game like toy soldiers, etc. The current line-up has been together for the last 15 years.
2. What did you do musically before Mumiy Troll, if anything?
I sang in a boys’ choir since the age of 7, and we toured pretty extensively. We sang patriotic songs about the values of communism to workers at Siberian factories during lunchtime. I guess to keep their mood in high spirits! Performing kids are always very sensitive, aren’t they?
3. You are often described as ‘one of the hottest singers in Russia.’ Would you consider yourself a ‘chick magnet,’ as they say?
I’m very humble about my “magnet abilities.” However, there was this fantastic comedy starring John Cleese entitled, “A Fish Called Wanda” where he practiced Russian accents because his girlfriend thought it sounded sexy. I always thought I might use this idea somehow.
4. You are currently on tour with Mumiy Troll and have been for quite some time. How is the tour going at the moment?
It hasn’t stopped since 1997. Piracy was always a big issue for any Russian artist, so the only way to survive doing music was to play it live. We still do almost 100 gigs a year in Russia and beyond. It became an integral part of our lives. We are like those posh bohemians or medieval minstrels.
5. Do you have any plans for a US tour in the future?
Of course! Follow us on our socials. We’re trying to secure a couple of shows in SoCal as early as May this year to present a new single, and maybe a full tour following a new album release next winter.
6. Lin Rajan Thomas once said, “Little sparks can ignite fireworks of accomplishments.” Who are your main inspirations that ‘ignite’ you?
I guess just my daily life—Its ups and downs, dreams and failures, anything really. I’m not trying hard to find how and what to write about. It comes naturally to me. I just need certain combinations of different factors to complete the ideas. That is always the main challenge.
7. What do you think about the music of today? Do you think that the music nowadays will be as influential to the future generations as the music from the past is to our generation?
I have no clue. It definitely became not such a major segment of young people’s lives as it used to be. I’m not the one to complain about it. In fact, making music became a much, much simpler process than 20 years ago. We could only dream about the possibilities back then.
8. If you could meet one person in history, who would it be and why?
Elvis, when he hit his 40s. I’d talk him into eating raw and doing yoga classes.
9. What are your dreams for the future of Mumiy Troll?
I’d like to explore Asian and Latin territories using Russian rock’n’roll tools. That’s kind of a dream to prove this tech could work not only for those who understand Russian.
10. What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened at a show of yours?
Mmmm…gimme a second…Oh, we’ve been literally kidnapped once on our first tour back in ’97. Our agent back then owed some money to a local promoter in a remote area in southern Russia. They decided to hold our band hostage until they paid. We witnessed some ‘action’ like pulling knives for real and so on. It was actually quite entertaining for us cause it looked oh-so unreal.
11. You are a patron of the British- Russia Amur Fund for the protection of Amur tigers and leopards and have been seen in WWF commercials many times. Why do you think that protecting these beautiful animals is so important?
Primorye (the Maritime area of Pacific Russia) is a truly unique ecosystem. That’s where I am from. It’s just a weird combination of Siberia meets Asian subtropicals. Imagine a jungle in the snow. It’s really harsh to be a tiger there, blimey! They survived the Ice Age and Russian Revolution! We can’t lose them now—just like our band!
12. Tell us a bit about your social network, ikra.tv!
When we started it some years ago, I visualized it as a platform where our fans could not only follow the band but also interact with each other and maybe collaborate.
Anyway, social networking is not my specialty. I’m going to redesign ikra.tv into a special channel covering special projects where our team is involved, like say, VLADIVOSTOK rocks. It’s a Coachella vs SXSW hybrid taking place in Vladivostok and bringing together musicians from Pacific-rim countries.
13. Do you feel that you have complete artistic freedom in Russia or was it ever difficult as an artist where you live?
It was different in Soviet times, but it is all history now. Now, it’s like any other country. Some issues are sensitive, but artistically, there are hardly any limits.
14. Over the years, the band has won multiple awards for excellence as a band. Do you think there are more awards ceremonies for Mumiy Troll in the future?
I don’t believe in all those awards. It’s simply a marketing tool, which has nothing to do with the real values of the band. It all comes down to how many people want to see you live and how many would want to sing together.
15. Do you have an opinion on the arrest of the band, Pussy Riot?
Female prison is a very sad thing. To get busted for a performance is very sad. The truth is it’s got nothing to do with music, punk rock, or whatever. It’s pure social activism multiplied with sensitive moral, religious, and political issues. No fun, huh?
16. If you could say one thing to up-and-coming artists, what would it be?
Don’t think twice if you’d like to devote yourself to making music. However, you should be a strong believer in yourself. Be ready to DIY everything: Write, produce, perform, manage, account, solicit, etc.
17. What is one thing you’d like to tell all your adoring fans?
Just enjoy your favorite music. Don’t judge too hard. it’s our life, me and yours together!
Well, there you have it! A deep, humorous, gifted, and unique person that expertly fronts the ‘greatest band in Russia.’ Who could ask for more?