Siberia is hardly a place that one associates with glamour, but Larissa Morozova is about to change all that.
This 23 year old native of Tomsk, Siberia – currently resident in Cologne, Germany – has single-handedly developed a fanbase across the globe on the back of her debut album ‘Blue’, selling thousands of copies worldwide thanks to Larissa’s charisma, her fierce belief in herself and her unusally motivated online marketing.
It takes courage, attitude and not a little talent to leave the wintry wastelands of Siberia successfully behind, but Larissa was always determined. Deeply committed to music from a young age, Larissa first performed at the age of seven. As a child she studied music, touring as part of a Russian folk group and also becoming leader of a children’s choir. She soon realised that she too wanted to write and perform her own songs, however, and began to develop an interest in production.
It was her looks that first offered her an escape route when she was encouraged to enter a local beauty contest and went on to win Miss Tomsk. This was soon followed by victory in the prestigious Miss Model International, which led to a modelling contract and multiple photoshoots for the likes of FHM and Maxim. Larissa is no dumb blonde though, sporting a degree in Law & Diplomacy and having also trained as a tennis professional in her youth. And throughout her career as a model – one that she still pursues today – music has remained her primary passion.
In 2004 she hooked up with producer Frank Hannusek, and started working on her debut album. Since then she has toured Europe regularly and successfully, especially in Spain where she lived upon first leaving Siberia. The album ‘Blue’ was completed and released in 2006. Its 13 songs, which Larissa describes as “romantic power-pop”, showcase her sweet and soulful vocals infused with sexy hints of her Siberian roots. The album’s unforgettable melodies – Holy Land alone is so infectious it may require a health warning – and its powerful arrangements – unusually guitar-heavy for such commercially appealing, 80’s inspired pop – have won her fans around the world. Meanwhile songs like My Monster and Thank You, with its James Bond inspired central riff, alongside Larissa’s undeniably beauty, are no doubt about to ensure that the image of Siberia and its frozen tundra is about to be dramatically altered.
Hey Larissa, How are things going on your side of the pond? I love your songs. You ever gonna come take a tour of America or am I gonna have to come over there? Keep up the great work.
