Vladimir Ptashnick

S.I.: Vladimir, could you please tell us about the music projects you are currently involved in?

V.P.: Right now, I’m part of about 10 projects. It sounds overwhelming, but it’s not as bad as it seems since each band has its own schedule for concerts, recordings, and rehearsals. In some groups, nothing happens for six months, and it’s possible that nothing will ever happen again. It’s like seeing the light from a star that no longer exists, haha. It all depends on the motivation of the project leader. The artists I work with most frequently include Dana Sokolova, the singer Mara, Belka, and from the darker underground scene, there’s Witchcraft, Crow, Roman Rain, Deform, Dark Hearts, and I think Multiverse as well.

S.I.: Your style: why did you choose this particular image and aesthetic? How did it develop, and what inspires you?

V.P.: By experimenting with different outfits and makeup, I quickly noticed which looks resonated most with people and garnered attention. From there, it was just a matter of selecting the pieces I felt most comfortable in. That’s how my current style came to be, without any grand strategies behind it. I believe many artists have a similar story.

S.I.: You are the owner of the largest vegan communities on VK. What motivates you in this endeavor, and what messages do you hope to convey to the wider public through these groups?

V.P.: I don’t understand all the processes involved, but I get the impression that some people ignore issues even when they contribute to them. I can’t help but notice the suffering of animals. It’s astonishing that those who consider themselves kind and honest can support the meat and dairy industries, which lead to cruelty and death. Everyone lives in their own fantasy world, forgetting about real pain and suffering. Cruelty and killing cannot be associated with justice and goodness, even if you’re not directly involved and are simply paying for it.

S.I.: You’ve shared the stage with Tarja Turunen, Papa Roach, Cradle Of Filth, and many others. Were there any memorable moments during those concerts that stand out to you?

V.P.: Absolutely, and I’d also include Aerosmith, Limp Bizkit, and Arch Enemy in that list—the experiences are quite similar. Unlike some of our local stars, these artists engage with their fans, take photos, and smile, which reflects a different mentality. In my experience, many artists here seem to be becoming less approachable over time. Additional privileges can either enhance a person or corrupt them.

S.I.: You shoot music videos with FPV drones: could you please tell us where you publish them and for what projects you plan to use the footage?

V.P.: Yes, FPV is my favorite hobby that I recently discovered. But! I have already participated in shooting clips and videos, and soon (I hope everything will come together) I will be participating as a pilot in a film shoot. At the moment, I’m posting on VK, as I don’t yet think I’ve shot anything incredible, but once I do, I’ll post everywhere!

S.I.: What are your creative plans?

V.P.: This week I'm heading to Ryazan, St. Petersburg, and Nizhny Novgorod, and next week I'll be in Irkutsk and Moscow. All of this is for concerts, so come by—I’d love to see you! Just writing this made me feel stressed about the tight schedule; I hope I can make it everywhere!

S.I.: What is your biggest dream?

V.P.: A private island in the Maldives, a couple of yachts, and a summer house on the Moon. (Laughs) But seriously, my dream is to have even more tours! I want to be on the road all the time. Maybe it’s not just about being creative; it’s also because I live in Elektrostal!

S.I.: How do you manage to stay in great shape and maintain a high level of energy?

V.P.: A vegan diet, along with some simple home workouts like push-ups and pull-ups, done regularly, can be a great substitute for the gym. Of course, this is if you’re not into bodybuilding but just looking to stay fit and healthy from a physiological perspective.

S.I.: You have a lot of fans and admirers. Do you manage to find time to connect with them despite your busy schedule?

V.P.: Well, my schedule is only packed this week, haha. After that, I’ll have plenty of free time, and I’ll make sure to reach out to all my fans with my attention and interaction. They'll be running around shouting, "We need more concerts from him!"

S.I.: From the perspective of your current achievements, what advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your journey? What are the most important lessons you've learned along the way?

V.P.: I'd say, "Forget music and dive into IT, invest in Bitcoin, and work remotely while traveling the world!" (Laughs). But seriously, I’m doing what I love and feel like I’m in the right place. I’m grateful for what I have, and that brings me happiness. The key takeaway is that when you’re pursuing your passion, the journey itself is already a success. It’s like winning at the start, because in this race, the real winners are those who realize it’s not just a race; it’s your life.