Regina Spektor: Soviet Kitsch PREV / 3 of 3 / NEXT usic and read in the poetry--is one of the most amazing things to behold. But I am very weary of the "new" government. I think Russia may be new on paper, but it still hasn't broken out of it's abusive relationship pattern with its leaders. I don't own a TV, don't watch the news, and don't read the papers... I'm not advertising ignorance, (and I'm not in complete isolation--I talk to friends and get pieces from media, here and there), but it's what I've had to do, personally, so as not to be depressed and overwhelmed by the world... TWEED: What was your reaction to the US election last fall? Do you have a public position on George W. Bush or John Kerry? Did you protest for or against the re-election of the Bush administration? REGINA: I stayed up all night, dreading what I knew would happen... then it happened. and I wasn't surprised. I'd rather create positive art, or do something good--rather than protest. I think more energy goes into being mean to cops, than towards the actual cause... and I think the same type of people who run governments, lead protests. I don't like masses, or mobs. Often, people who want protests are the type to become the oppressor as soon as they get their way. Now, before you think I'm a total pacifist, I'm not, I've protested quite a bit in my life--and I know there are exceptions, like great world leaders and great protest leaders--but right now there's not much for the pickin' and this election did not feel right. This election nothing felt right, unfortunately... TWEED: How does your experience growing up affect your current political views? REGINA: I think in some ways I am more idealistic politically than many of my American friends, who were born here. I have an immigrant's America--and so I'm lucky--it's a different kind of love. You can still be critical, but you have more perspective than someone who is born here. So you just smile and listen to your people talk about how they are not free at some party. While they blast whatever music they want, smoke pot, watch any documentary, read any book, write any article, wear any statement, take any class, travel to any country--and don't get shipped to Siberia, or a labor camp, or taken out back and shot the next day... Yeah, everything is relative. TWEED: Back to the music--When can we expect another record? Is there a lot of pressure to produce a quick follow up? Do you think what you're writing now differs from the sounds on Soviet Kitsch? REGINA: Not sure when it will come out, but plans to make one are there, and I will start soon. No pressure for a follow up except from my fans and from myself, and yes--new songs, new record. TWEED: What else do you want Tweed readers to know about you? Favorite ice cream? Most embarrassing tour moment? Anything! REGINA: Don't like ice cream--will pick olives or pickles over ice cream, any day! --Stewart Smith Thursday, 26 May 2005 (c) Copyright 2024 Tweed Media PREV / 3 of 3 / NEXT