We recently connected with Bagarisha and have shared our conversation below.
Bagarisha, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Thank you for having me! So grateful for the opportunity to share some thoughts on various topics. Optimism is definitely something I had to learn, and I’d love to share my experience.
After losing a dear friend in the summer of 2020 (which, weirdly enough, I’m experiencing loss again now as I’m writing this), the world around me suddenly split into two absolutes. I began noticing the inherent duality of existence and pondered extensively on our dual nature as humans. Life and death, light and darkness, dreams and reality, the Apollonian form and the Dionysian spontaneity — lots of vivid visions around those opposing tensions. While acknowledging the inevitability of encountering both sides, I focused on embracing the light within.
As I navigate the complexities of my Russian heritage here in New York City, music acts as a guiding light. My debut album “Svet” (Light) serves as a testament, I urge listeners to reconcile their own dual natures and strive for inner peace. Within its lyrics lies a mantra: “My light is brighter than anything else in my life.” Through this process of maturation and exploration, I seek not only philosophical and aesthetic truths but also the transformative power of optimism in shaping our collective experience. Though optimism is not easy (and Louis Armstrong was criticized for singing “What a Wonderful World”), we have to fight against that feeling and imagine a better world. If we don’t believe in it, it may never come!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Bagarisha, a human, a creative, and an alternative Russian-born artist based in Brooklyn, NY. In my music, I blend ethereal melodies with my Russian heritage, as well as influences from artists like Jeff Buckley, Tori Amos, Björk, Djavan, Sting, Elliot Smith, Billie Holiday, and many more. My music is quirky and whimsical, my lyrics often emphasize complex human emotions. I also relate to Alice in Wonderland in many ways, and I encourage everyone reading this to watch the Soviet version of the cartoon—it’s the most beautiful thing. You can find it on YouTube with English subtitles!
Through my debut album, “Svet,” set for release on May 10th, 2024, I’m sharing my journey over the past five years— growth, self-discovery, and creative exploration. So much has changed since I started writing this music, and this album serves as a documentation of that evolution. My hope is that it stays a beacon of light and a gentle reminder to embrace the beauty of the present moment.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are authenticity, resilience, and humility.
I’ve always tried to stay true to myself and embrace what makes me different. People don’t really think about you as much as you think they do; they are too busy thinking about their own problems. So, be bold and determined.
But at the same time, don’t take yourself too seriously. Always leave room to laugh about yourself, and it will be easier to create new things. Stop overthinking and feeling attachments to your work. That’s something I’ve been pondering myself, and I thought it was worth sharing.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Friends, family, good quality food, and no phones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bagarisha.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagarishamusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bagarisha
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/bagarisha
Image Credits
Alexandra Chizhova
