"The London air is very tasty!": We chat to Russian pop sensation Alina Artts

Alina Artts is a name that not many of you will have heard of, but that’s about to change. A household name in her native Russia, Alina is now gearing to unleash her music on the rest of the world. With her latest single ‘High Enough’ already hitting the top 20 on the US Club Chart, we speak to the star ahead of the UK release.

Hello Alina, as you’re very new to the UK and not many of our readers will know who you are could you describe your music in five words?

My music is to make people shine with energy, to give them confidence and bring happiness. I hope that my music can bring people together. So my five words would be: optimism, love, faith, energy and patience or maybe confidence.

Your new UK single ‘High Enough’ is set to be released here in a couple of weeks’ time, how do you think it will fit in with the music we’re hearing in the UK right now?

I have to be honest with you, I am a very critical person about myself and with each new release, it is almost like an experiment but I think my music will last and I hope to have a positive reaction in the UK. I am working hard for the UK. I think the European market is always thirsty for new music so I think my song will fit nicely.

The single samples Marvin Gaye’s ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, is he an inspiration for you?

Marvin Gaye’s ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ is of course a big song with big vocals and big instrumentation but I find that my inspiration is in my soul and I tried to communicate this motto to those who hear my music that you have to believe in your dreams and we will find what we try to find, sometimes that means finding a little magic but you just have to believe in your dreams and your dreams will come true. That is my motto.

Are there any UK based artists that you look up to?

Yeah, Sam Smith. Of course, Sam Smith.

If you could collaborate with any UK artist, who would you choose and why?

Again, Sam Smith. He has such a beautiful voice and he is a very talented singer. Great, great singer.

In recent interviews, you’ve stated that you’re single. Do you have your eye on any of our English boys?

That’s an interesting question! I will tell you the truth. I believe in destiny but I have many important aims in my soul. My man has to be clever, he has to have a good sense of humour, he has to be a healthy person and of course I will agree if he will be a very sexy person but I will wait. I hope that in the future I will meet the person who will be exactly the person of my dreams.

Apart from your music, is there anything from Russia that the UK hasn’t seen before which you’d like to introduce over here?

I have to say my mother. My mother is a very talented costume designer and she has created a lot of looks for my show. I think I have a unique fashion on the stage and that is all thanks to my mother so I would love to introduce her work through my performances.

And is there anything about England that you’d like to take to Russia with you?

I was born in Saint Petersburg and when I was younger my father had his own private travel agency and so I had many chances to see the world. When I was in England and when I saw London, I felt this energy all over the town and it made amazing memories. I always think about the air in London. Maybe it’s strange but I thought it was very tasty, it was so delicious the air in your country and also I fell in love with the UK when I came for the 2012 Olympics. It’s such a beautiful country, the air, the flowers, everything is very clean. I just love your country and I don’t know exactly what I’d like to bring but I am in love with Great Britain.

You’ve already performed in front of millions at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi but would you ever consider taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest?

I would love to and I think I am absolutely ready. I hope I will try next year.

As well as the new UK release of ‘High Enough’, you’ve also recently released the track in the US where it hit number 13 on the club chart – is full world domination the next step for you?

Absolutely. As an artist I would love to share my music and perform for as many people as possible.

Will there be a chance for your UK fans to catch you live anytime soon?

I hope so. I’m looking for the chance to do it, I’m waiting for the chance to come over.

Thank you very much and we wish you the best of luck with the single.

Thank you so much and I’m looking forward to seeing you in London!

Alina Artts releases ‘High Enough’ in the UK on March 16.