Kristina Menissov is back with a deeply personal new single, ‘Geisha’, released in partnership with Universal Music Group and Virgin Music. The track, co-written with Andrew Lane, is a stunning exploration of feminine power, self-acceptance, and inner balance. Drawing inspiration from her childhood fascination with Memoirs of a Geisha and her own healing journey, Kristina uses the figure of the Geisha as a powerful metaphor for quiet strength and emotional intelligence. The song is a testament to embracing your authentic self, celebrating themes of softness, sensuality, and disciplined control.
‘Geisha’ is Kristina’s twelfth single, following successful tracks like ‘Hands’ and ‘Potion’, and it showcases a captivating evolution in her sound. We sat down with the singer-songwriter to discuss her creative process, what inspires her, and the powerful message behind her latest release.
It’s so great to be able to catch up with you; thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions. When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?
“Thank you for having me! I started making music professionally in 2020, but music was always there, in my upbringing, in my classical vocal training… but then I stepped away for a while. What inspired me to come back was realizing I didn’t have to fit into anyone else’s idea of what an artist ‘should’ sound like. I wanted to tell my own stories, my own way.”
Can you tell us a bit about your latest project and what it means to you?
“My latest release, ‘Geisha’, is deeply personal. It’s about feminine power, elegance, and discipline. I grew up mesmerized by the film Memoirs of a Geisha, and that visual memory made me dive into researching and learning more about such a fascinating culture of Geishas. They are artists!”
“I think it did shaped the way I express beauty and strength through performance. This project is a love letter to their culture and my inner self.”
Are there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing the project?
“Definitely. Artists like Madonna and Sade inspire me with how they blend music and visual storytelling. But the real spark came from my childhood memory of seeing Memoirs of a Geisha for the first time…”
“I didn’t even understand it fully as a kid, but the aesthetic, the discipline, and the emotion stayed with me. That feeling came rushing back during the writing ‘Geisha’.”
What is your songwriting process? How does it all come together?
“It usually starts with an image or a feeling. Sometimes a melody comes first, or I simply listen to a beat and know it’s the one. I let the emotion guide the lyrics, that one is hard when it comes during driving a car, but voice memos come in handy. Need to drive responsibly and can’t jeopardise anyone even for the art.”
What’s the most important thing when you’re writing a song?
“Authenticity. I learned to love my songs even when the song is not perfect. I just want to tell the story. If it gives me chills or stirs something uncomfortable, I know I’m on the right track. I think showing your art to the audience is such a vulnerable moment, so I am just learning to be comfortable being vulnerable.”
How would you describe your sound on your latest release? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?
“The sound of ‘Geisha’ is dark, feminine, cinematic pop, with Japanese cultural elements woven through. I’ve definitely evolved since I started. Early on, I played it safe. Now, I’m braver with soundscapes, visuals, and storytelling. I’m not afraid to mix pop with opera, electronic edges, or global motifs. That’s where my voice lives now.”
Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in your latest release? Is there a moment in the release that really captures that idea?
“The theme is feminine power; silent, precise, unshakable. There’s a moment in ‘Geisha’ where the instrumentation pulls back, and you hear the vocals almost like a whisper; that is one of my favourite moments (even though usually like to show off my big voice). It’s not loud or aggressive. It’s controlled. That’s what the Geisha symbolises to me: beauty with discipline and fire beneath the calm.”
What advice would you give to bands and artists who are just starting out and trying to find their sound?
“Don’t rush to sound like everyone else even if it’s viral. The truth is that your real sound will probably come from the part of you you’re most afraid to share. Embrace mistakes. Make ugly sounds. Sing off-key until you find the key that’s yours and release, release, release stop holding on your content.”
What has been your best moment as a musician or band so far?
“Shooting the ‘Geisha’ music video with Bakhodir Yuldashev, a legendary director! While wearing a custom Kimono SK piece that Madonna and Mick Jagger both wore this year at the Grammy night… that was surreal. It felt like my past, present, and dream future all met in one moment.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience before you go?
“Thank you for listening. For streaming, for reposting, for showing love. Every message, every play matters the world to me. I hope ‘Geisha’ speaks to something in you, whether it’s strength, softness, or just the mood you needed today. More is coming, so follow me and stay tuned.”
It’s clear that authenticity and vulnerability are at the heart of Kristina’s work. From her early days as a professional musician to her latest release, she has embraced her unique voice and learned to tell her own stories on her own terms.
The release of ‘Geisha’ is a testament to her artistic growth and a powerful message for listeners everywhere to reclaim their power and embrace their true selves. As she looks to the future, it’s clear that Kristina’s music will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration for many.
For more, join Kristina today on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
