1. How come you changed the band’s name from “Smirnov” to “Privet Earth”? (if you want to tell about a nice anecdote, you’re welcome).

• As a name, Privet Earth is not exactly new to my project. It’s the name of my debut album!

I wasn’t very happy about too many similarities with the famous vodka brand, so I decided to make this change in the early 2013. ‘Privet’ means ‘Hello’ in Russian. It’s like I’m saying, ‘Hello Earth, I’m here!’

2.Can you better explain the concept of Blitz -Rock?

I’ve noticed a while ago that a lot of music critics had a hard time identifying the exact genre of Privet Earth’s music. So, I decided to give it a name. Blitz-rock is a crazy fusion of three musical opposites – Punk rock, Classical Music and EDM. And yet, I believe, it’s suited for Mainstream audiences. When two or three different storm clouds collide in the sky, they create a lightning. ‘Blitz’ is German for ‘Lightning’. I relate those three music genres to three clouds, crashing into each other in the musical atmosphere and creating a powerful spark.

3.You just came back from a tour in Russia.How have you been?

This tour came very unexpectedly, but turned out to be a total blast. We performed in four cities – Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Orenburg and my hometown Vologda. Every show was special. In Orenburg the audience was very excited. In Vologda they rocked so hard, some of them walked away with injuries. In Moscow a young couple jumped onstage during our last song and started making out. And the stadium show in Saint-Petersburg was epic. In spite of heavy rain, thousands of people showed up and were waiving gigantic flags and blasting fire crackers!

4. Now that Privet Earth is back in Los Angeles, what’s next? Do you have any upcoming date and/or any other interview, or a contest or just anything that you want to let people know?

We’re currently working on the long-awaited release of our video “Dive” (one of the singles from the new album “Breaking The Ice”). This video was all shot under water! So, please stay tuned and check back on our web site for the Release party details. It’s coming up soon.

5.What songs of yours European fans like more. Please list 3 titles.

I think, in Europe and Russia people are really digging tunes like “Ice orkestra”, “Forest Queen” and “The Sunshine never Cries”. They really appreciate that melodic, classical side of Privet Earth.

6.How would you describe the evolution of your artistic path since now?

I would definitely like to think, I’ve improved as a songwriter. Writing a great song is always the key. I also think, Privet Earth has grown a lot as a live act and in the studio. But to me, it always feels like it’s just a beginning, and there is always room to grow and so much new creative territory to conquer.

http://www.privetearth.com

https://www.facebook.com/privetearth

Soon video interview to Ivan Smirnov (Privet Earth)