2004-06 The Fly

profile: Regina Spektor

Words: Martin Kahl

REGINA SPEKTOR'S accent would have you think she's a true New Yorker, but to suppose that would be to suppose wrong. She's originally from Moscow, her family leaving what was then the USSR when she was nine, travelling via Austria and Italy to the USA, where they settled in the Bronx. "I went to a Hebrew school," she says, "where everything was taught in English and Hebrew. The only other kid I spoke Russian with was my cousin." Her command of languages often takes her already unique songwriting to another level. "I love the sound of languages, and sometimes slip some German, French or Russian words into my songs, but more for the mood than the meaning - I like how nice it feels."

It's about 15 years since Spektor's family left Moscow, but Regina has never been back. "I might go this summer, but I'm hesitant. I have very vivid memories, and it's such a different place now. It'll be very overwhelming, so I've been postponing it."

A classically-trained pianist, she soon found herself mixing with the Anti-Folk singers at places like the Sidewalk Café, and playing in small clubs on the Lower East Side, armed only with a piano and her poignant, beautifully crafted songs. 'Soviet Kitsch' is Spektor's first "properly" produced studio album. Prior to that, she had released two albums herself: '11:11' and 'Songs'. 'Soviet Kitsch' came about through a meeting with Strokes producer Gordon Raphael. "Gordon heard 'Poor Little Rich Boy', and said 'we have to record this'. We did, then started work on an EP; suddenly it went from single to EP to album."

Raphael played Spektor's music to Julian Casablancas, and she soon found herself opening the Strokes' recent US tour. "During the tour we recorded a song together called 'Modern Girls And Old Fashion Men', which became the B-side to their single, 'Reptilia'. Then I supported the Kings of Leon when they toured Europe."

An amazing experience, doubtless, but, being unsigned, she had no record label money behind her; all those flights and hotels have left her popular with credit card companies...

'Soviet Kitsch' is a collection of gorgeous, striking, entertaining and heartbreaking songs. Performed primarily on piano, they aren't simply chorus-and-verse, but often complex structures. 'Carbon Monoxide' might be one of the most beautiful songs in the world, ever, yet it couldn't be more different from the punky 'Your Honor', featuring another Gordon Raphael band, Kill Kenada.

Despite being a style mag favourite, and a regular on specialist radio shows, Spektor remains humble and grateful for anyone willing to listen to her music. When she talks, she doesn't come across as someone for whom everything seems finally to be falling into place. Incredibly, she's still unsigned. "Well, I'm in the process of being signed, but I haven't physically signed anything."

The release of 'Soviet Kitsch' will be accompanied by a short tour, including a handful of dates in Britain in June. "I'm not opening for anyone else this time - these will be my own shows."

It's safe to say that Regina Spektor is not a household name in May 2004. The release of 'Soviet Kitsch' is likely to change that. Just remember the name. You'll be hearing a lot more of it soon.