Kristina Menissov’s journey in music began with classical piano and vocal training, but her evolution into a singer-songwriter reflects a deeper calling: to tell stories that resonate and connect on an emotional level. Her work blends cinematic melodies with meaningful messages, inviting listeners into worlds shaped by feeling, reflection, and personal experience. In this interview, Kristina shares insights into her creative process, the inspirations that drive her, and how she navigates collaboration, emotion, and authenticity in her music, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist dedicated to making every song a genuine, heartfelt experience.
Q1. How did you first get into music, and what drew you to become a singer-songwriter?
Music has been part of my life since childhood through piano and classical vocal training. I was always fascinated by how the voice can carry both strength and vulnerability at the same time.
Becoming a singer-songwriter came later, when I realized I didn’t just want to perform music, I wanted to tell my own stories. After taking a break and becoming a mother, I understood that music wasn’t just a passion, it was something I needed in order to express myself honestly.
Q2. Your music often blends meaningful messages with strong melodies. How do you find that balance?
For me, music is storytelling first…
I’m very intentional about creating songs that feel cinematic. The melody is what invites people in, and the message is what makes them stay.
I never want it to feel heavy for the sake of being heavy. The goal is to create something that people can feel and connect to, while still carrying a message that stays with them after the song ends.
Q3. What inspires you creatively outside of music, such as art, books, or life experiences?
A lot of my inspiration comes from fashion and real life experiences.
I’m very drawn to visuals and storytelling as well, anything that creates a full atmosphere or world. Even simple, everyday moments can inspire me if they carry emotions.
Q4. Collaboration seems important in your work. How do you choose the people you collaborate with?
For me, it’s always about people themselves and the energy we share.
I choose collaborators who are not very talented, but who understand the emotional direction of the project, respect the message behind it and collaborative process itself. Talent and numbers matter, but connection and trust matter just as much.
Q5. What’s the most important message you hope listeners take from your music in general?
That music can make you feel seen.
Whether it’s something personal, emotional, or even uncomfortable, I want listeners to feel like they’re not alone in what they’re experiencing
Q6. “Her Story” is very socially conscious. How did you approach writing it while staying true to your own voice?
I approached Her Story from a human perspective rather than a political one.
It was important for me to stay honest and not overcomplicate the message. I focused on emotion, memory, identity and those heart breaking stories of women…
I think music has the power to translate difficult subjects into something people can actually feel and understand. That’s where my voice naturally sits to be honest, in storytelling that connects emotion with meaning.
That’s how I stayed true to my voice.
Q7. How do you prepare yourself emotionally and creatively before stepping into the studio?
I try to clear my mind and reconnect with the emotion behind what I’m about to create.
Sometimes that means sitting in silence, sometimes listening to references, or even just reflecting on a specific feeling or moment. I also practice regularly to be able sing through strong emotions, because in order to being able to connect to my listener the full emotion first I need to be able to hold those emotions myself.
On the recording day I don’t like to force creativity, instead I prefer to enter the studio with intention and openness.
Q8. As someone with an international audience, how do you ensure your music resonates across cultures?
I focus on emotions that are universal.
No matter where someone is from, feelings like love, loss, strength, or reflection are something everyone understands. When the emotion is honest, the music can travel beyond language or background and of course singing in English helps
Q9. What has been one defining moment in your career that shaped the way you approach music today?
Performing my first sold-out show at The Mint was a defining moment for me.
It made everything feel real in a different way. Seeing people connect to my music live, somehow knowing the words and singing along… reminded me that this is bigger than just releasing songs, it’s about creating an experience and a connection.
Q10. Looking ahead to 2026, what goals or themes are you excited to explore in your upcoming projects?
I’m excited to explore contrast.
I’m continuing to build a more cinematic world around my music, where each release feels like a scene within a larger story. I love connecting songs not just through sound, but through emotion, visuals, and narrative.
I’m also stepping into a more playful and high-energy space with upcoming releases like It’s Summer, Workdat, and Lights Camera Action. Those projects will bring a different side of me — more vibrant, confident, and visually driven.
2026 is about expansion for me… musically, visually, and creatively.
As Kristina looks toward 2026, her vision is expansive—musically, visually, and creatively. She aims to craft a more cinematic universe through her releases, where each song feels like a scene in a larger story, while also exploring playful, high-energy projects that reveal new facets of her artistry. Grounded in authenticity and emotion, she continues to bridge connections across cultures, proving that her music is not only heard, but deeply felt. With a commitment to growth, storytelling, and genuine connection, Kristina Menissov is shaping a career that inspires, resonates, and leaves a lasting impact on anyone who listens.
Connect With Kristina Menissov:
- Instagram: @kristinamenissov
- Spotify: Kristina Menissov
- Apple Music: Kristina Menissov