TSWS Interview: Kristina Menissov
If you are not yet too familiar with the sounds of Kristina Menissov, then let us be among the first to introduce you to the artist, who recently dropped a new single that absolutely gives her a lot of weight in the game, especially in terms of releasing pop singles that branch out and feed into emotion and storytelling.
This new single represents a part of Kristina that attaches herself to not just herself as a storyteller, but rather other storytellers and the stories of others in general.
The single is robust and full-bodied, with layers of texture that come through, giving everything a rich soundscape.
The single has a driving beat and a brilliant pop overtone that lets the song feel infectious.
She also has a very unique approach to her lyrical phrasing, letting the words bounce between the beats and adding a different kind of liveliness to everything.
Throughout the track, you have part pop, part reggae, and it all hits with and definitely resonates because of her vivacious performance and deeper meaning behind the song itself.
This is, indeed, a song about others.
The single holds true to never letting go of memories you have of loved ones or others. But it is also about speaking out. It feels a lot like part of the song is about not being afraid to speak up about certain things.
Because of this, it has a strength that feels deep-rooted. The song feels like it is rooted in her own past and how she remembers stories of others, reminding us to remember as well.
The rhythm does have a reggae feel, but it doesn't really open up into that until the guitars start coming in.
Before that element, you get into the groove and rhythm of the song itself but it still feels very pop-oriented. It's got a certain flavor to it that really Stands Tall, and once those guitars come in, that reggae aesthetic is way more evident.
This whole song shows a lot of soul as well and hints or touches on R&B, but this is a worldly single that doesn't just sit under the umbrella of one genre alone.
It's got an eclectic approach, and because of this, everything has a certain flow to it.
Her vocals have an amazing tone and blend with the spacious synths, giving the song a wonderful, vast feel.
This was quite a beautiful song, and just the simple fact that it had so much deeper meaning and sentiment behind it made it all the more purposeful.
Our interview with the artist covers the song's true meaning, why she wrote it, her creative input on the music video, and her focus on single releases, among other things.
It was undeniably fun talking to Kristina about all of it, and you can read this as well.
Don't miss this single. Have a listen to it so you can see exactly where we're coming from and, more importantly, where she's coming from.
1. Let’s kick things off with the “Her Story” single which came across brilliantly! Where did this song come from and what inspired you to create it?
Thank you, I really appreciate that.
“Her Story” came from a place of not being able to stay silent anymore. We live in a world where names become headlines, and then slowly disappear. I didn’t want that to happen.
This song is my way of saying we still remember 
It was inspired by real women, real lives, real stories that deserved more time, more care, more humanity than they were given. I wanted to create something that doesn’t just inform, but makes you feel. Because once you feel something, you can’t unsee it.
2. I think a lot of people will get the message of the track. How long did it take you to write the song?
The writing process itself was very organic. The core of the song came together in one session, but emotionally, it took much longer to get there.
I had to really sit with the subject and allow myself to feel everything fully before I could express it honestly. So while the writing was quick, the intention behind it was something that built over time.
3. This is distributed with Virgin and Universal! Very exciting! How did that happen?
It’s definitely exciting, and I’m very intentional about who I partner with.
That relationship came from consistently building my sound, my brand, and showing a clear artistic direction over time.
For me and my A&R Luciano Layne it was important that any partnership felt aligned, not just commercially, but creatively with who I am as an artist and my vision. When that alignment is there, the right opportunities present themselves.
This release felt like the right moment to scale the message of “Her Story” on a global level, and having that kind of infrastructure behind it allows the record to reach the audience it truly deserves.
4. I think the music lyric video did an excellent job of expressing the energy of the song itself. Did you create that yourself?
Thank you. I’m very involved in the creative direction of everything I do, so the vision always starts with me.
For this project, it was important that the visuals felt intentional and respectful to the message. I collaborated with an amazing animation director, July Fill, and I made sure every detail aligned emotionally with the song. It wasn’t just about aesthetics, it had to feel honest.
5. You have released over a dozen singles! What kind of advice would you give to other artists trying to get heard out there?
I would say - release, release, release.
Stop sitting on your music, your visuals, your ideas… because nothing happens if it stays on your phone. Tbh stop overthinking. No one is waiting for your “perfect” moment the way you think they are.
A lot of artists say they’re “finding their sound,” but you don’t find it by waiting, you find it by doing. By releasing, by seeing what connects, by evolving in public.
Yes, trends exist… but if you chase them, you’ll always be behind. Longevity comes from being real, even when it’s not polished.
Consistency is what separates people. Even when it feels quiet, even when it feels like no one is paying attention or playing your releases, just keep going.
Because every release is data, every release is growth… and every release is a step closer to who you really are as an artist.
6. How do you feel about the final outcome of the song? Did it come out how you expected?
In some ways yes, but in other ways it became even more than I expected. The emotion translated in a very honest way, and that was the most important thing for me.
When I listen to it now, I feel the intention behind it, and that’s something I’m really proud of.
7. Do you play this song at any live shows?
Yes, and it’s a very special moment when I do. The energy shifts completely. It becomes very intimate and reflective, and you can feel the audience really connecting to the message.
Those are the moments that remind me why I make music in the first place.
Don’t forget to check out my life performance at The Mint on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/0raIiRwlLm4?
8. Andrew Lane wrote this with you as far as I can tell. Is he a normal writing partner?
Yes, Andrew is someone I’ve collaborated with, and there’s a really natural creative flow when we work together.
He understands how to support the vision while still bringing his own perspective, which is very important. It feels like a true collaboration rather than just a session.
9. Is there anything you want to say to listeners about the song in terms of its message?
You guys, please, don’t just listen to this song, sit with it.
Let it make you uncomfortable, let it make you reflect.
“Her Story” is about more than one story, it represents so many voices that were never fully heard. And I think we have a responsibility, as people, not just artists, to carry those stories forward.
If the song stays with you after it ends… if it makes you think differently, even for a moment… then it’s doing exactly what it was meant to do…
• Instagram: @kristinamenissov
• TikTok: @kristinamenissov
• YouTube: Kristina Menissov
• Spotify: Kristina Menissov