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t.A.T.u. Biography
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The legendary group exploded world of Russian and Worldwide show-business, becoming the first Russian team, which received dozens of international awards. In 2000 came their first single - "Ya Soshla S Uma", which quickly took off at the top of the hit parades of Russian radio stations English version of debut album t.A.T.u. became a bestseller. Album 200 Km/h In The Wrong Lane was recognized as gold almost the whole of Europe.
Fierce brunette Julia Volkova and sprightly redhead Lena Katina are Eastern Europe's most popular musical exports. In the age of 24/7 televised entertainment, you've likely caught a glimpse (or quite more) of these Russian pop-sensations and full-time mess-with-your-expectations media mavens. During t.A.T.u.'s short five years together, the two diminutive, talented beauties have caused one hell of a worldwide ruckus, routinely playing to audiences of 50,000 fans and selling more than 5 million copies of their debut album, 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane. Infamously, they refused to perform at the World Music Awards unless provided with real guns. Explains Lena, "We wanted real machine-guns, but they didn't give us, so we wouldn't perform, that simple."
Brazenly, after promising not to kiss on the Tonight Show, they engaged in a long, passionate wet one-- much to the alarm of anxious network censors, (and well before Britney and Madonna's little stunt, ahem). And yet, when expected to do the same on Jimmy Kimmel, they deliberately offered not so much as a sweet peck on the cheek. Why? Explains Julia, "Basically, because we like to do what we want. A lot of people are, like, 'you shouldn't do this, you shouldn't do that, you shouldn't behave in this way.' But you know what? Actually for us, we are the way that we are, and we don't really live in fear of anybody. So, if we behave in a certain way, then that's just actually the way we are."
Indeed, in a world of prefabricated and stridently scripted entertainers, these girls know who they are and do exactly what they want. Through their music and live performances, t.A.T.u. present themselves as they genuinely are- artistically, intellectually, and sexually progressive young women in control of their careers and open to all that life has to offer. When speaking with Julia and Lena, their personal and artistic truths are commendably clear (if not a bit intimidating)-- t.A.T.u. are afraid of no one, they share an enormous passion for singing and performance, and perhaps most admirable of all- the only people they feel responsible to are their t.A.T.u. fans. Beyond that, they don't care about expectations or inhibitions.
"Sometimes we have been asked to do things that have been uncomfortable," Lena recounts, "but for us, ultimately, t.A.T.u. is our project. I think that we have to do it in a way that is conducive to us, that we are comfortable with. If we're going to do things just because other people are telling us to, then we're just going to get lost. We have an instinct about what to do, and how to sing, and I think that usually when people are told what to do, it doesn't happen necessarily in a good way."
Adds Julia, "So we stay natural, just how we are."
Yes, these best friends and musical partners are in lock-step solidarity with one another, which is exactly what the album Dangerous and Moving is all about. Crafted with the help of various producers, Dangerous and Moving features collaborations and guest appearances from a handful of the pop world's most legendary performers. Indeed, so estimable is t.A.T.u.'s pop-cultural cache, than no less an artist than Sting plays bass on the Dave Stewart (The Eurythmics) co-penned track "Friend or Foe."
As well, the album's elegant string arrangements are provided by Richard Carpenter (one-half of legendary 70's orchestral-pop icons The Carpenters). Here you will find eleven powerful, passionate tracks dedicated to sharing personal truths and expressing a fearless love of life. Dangerous and Moving is an album filled with high-energy club tracks and sweeping ballads that will have old and new fans alike dancing, laughing, singing, and making love.
As for the whole 'Are they or aren't they lesbians' question? Well, there is no better answer than t.A.T.u's own words on the matter. "Our first video was about love between two girls. Love, just love. We do not pretend to be lesbians, we've never said we were" Lena states matter-of-factly, "Julia just had a baby, and we both have always had boyfriends. We share a special bond. We don't like labels for emotions. People should not be forced to define their feelings. These are natural and cannot be labeled."
Adds Julia with a smile, "It doesn't matter. It is not important to our fans. And if it is to the rest of the world, we do not care. We are all different and that's great. Everybody has their own story, their own way of dealing with people, and shaping their own lives. Basically, look, see, hear, listen, and learn."
2007 year
Summer
In the team t.A.T.u. Work boil again. Work has begun on the third album, to be called the «Весёлые улыбки», the international title - «Waste Management». Simultaneously recording the album, Julia and Lena are engaged in the shooting of the documentary film «You and I». The film was based on the novel by the deputy and longtime friend of Lena and Yulia - Alexei Mitrofanov «t.A.T.u. Come Back».
-October -
Finished shooting the video for the 1st single «Белый плащик» . Its premiere took place already on 29th November on MTV Russia.
2008 year
-25 April,
On "Russian Radio" took place a premiere of second t.A.T.u.'s single from the new album - «Весёлые улыбки» - «220»
20th May
Out Hyperion-plate «Beliy Plaschik» - a unique publication that includes a CD and DVD, on the basis of sales in May, single took a 15th place in Billboard magazine for music publications.
21th October
2008 in Moscow shops «Soyuz» Presentation of the new album «Весёлые улыбки» and began selling the album on iTunes. In the first week drive took 92 place in the overall landscape of American service iTunes charts in the United States - the best result among the artists from Russia in 2008.
28th November
One the fifth ceremony, MTV RMA 2008 t.A.T.u. gets an award «Legend of MTV».Obtaining such an honorable award, the girls screamed "t.A.T.u. Forever"
2009 year
January
On the basis of open voting, conducted by the channel MTV Russia, the clip «220» is recognized in the best Russian clip of 2008 year.
17th April
At the channel MTV Russia took place the premiere of the new t.A.T.u.'s video - "Snegopady". As the premiere service of Youtube.com. At the end of the first 24 hours of video took place among the 7 most popular music video on YouTube.com universal service simultaneously with the start at the MTV video is spinning in heavy rotation on the channels Viva, Bridge TV, and RU MUSIC.A little later, at the global services YouTube and ITunes has appeared an international English version of the single - "Snowfalls"
-May -
On the last day of spring, May 31st, the group t.A.T.u. celebrated its 10 anniversary. In parallel, work as a team, both girls started the solo careers.
Last updated:
18 Aug 2009 |
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