In 2023, making art in Eastern Europe requires flexibility, ingenuity, and commitment. In certain countries, events on the ground have become so treacherous that merely existing is challenging. This is where the members of The Sextape have persevered and pushed the boundaries regarding their Russian roots. Doing what most wish to do unapologetically, they've got the guts to question the government's line on the brutal invasion of Ukraine — which has jeopardized their careers, freedoms, and skin.
Taking a stand and bringing their latest cinematic experience to life, the fearless displayed by The Sextape is equally bold in sound and vision. "Queen of The Fools" is the masterpiece in the spotlight and will bring up many emotions for viewers alike. Through the neon hues and dark undertones, the amplified grit that's locked into the onscreen anticipation depicts suspense like no other through the storytelling at hand. As director Roman Safin constructs a brilliant sequence of energies, he molds an effervescent medley of danger, charm, sexuality, and dark beauty together as he ropes you in. As viewers tag along for the journey of a confident yet mysterious woman as she tours the dimly lit floors and darkened hallways of a nightclub, we're immediately provoked with thought and curiosity, eager to know what happens next. Placing us right in her palm where she wants us, she's on the prowl and radiating themes of vigilant trickery as she switches between wardrobes and lures dangerous men into compromising positions. The twists and turns will leave your jaw on the floor, and throughout this piece, as we pan back and forth between the colorful scenes and the black and white scaled imagery of The Sextapes performing cohesively and in a compelling nature as the footage remains deliriously ambiguous. We're caught between our morals of what's right vs. doing the right thing.
The team that created the "Queen of the Fools" music video is a collective of professionals from several countries: famous Turkish actor Resit Berker Enhos played the second victim, and Russian actress Lera Shtuovskaya played the main character. The video also features a cameo from non-binary model @achcaan (he/they), who took part with his husband. Other crew members - cameramen, lighting artists, production artists, etc. - had worked with high-profile acts with budgets to match but were intrigued by this independent band's drive and desire to create.
One thing is for sure, The Sextape knows that the difference between good and great is laced within the details, and with "Queen of The Fools," we would commit to an entire series of the events that transpire. Be sure to check out all that unfolds as you take in the hype surrounding The Sextape.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, The Sextape! Congratulations on the release of this cinematic feature that's known as "Queen of The Fools." We see why the creative dynamic thrives together so well by hearing the song title, listening to the lyrics, and fully taking in the visuals. How did the concept of "Queen of The Fools" come together, and what is it like working with Roman Safin to execute the genius ideas?
Hello, guys! Thank you for watching our music video, and we appreciate the opportunity to do this interview. The song came to us as a flow of consciousness, more like images. I don't like to talk about the ideas behind our songs. But what's interesting is that Roman breathed new life into these lyrics. That's what I love about art – everyone can find their own meaning in a piece, which might even differ from the author's original intention. Working with Roman wasn't easy; our opinions often clashed, and sometimes I wanted to strangle him, but more often, I saw a professional in him.
How long did it take to film "Queen of The Fools," and what was the filming experience in Istanbul? Is this the first international feature you have under your belt?
It was our very first music video, and it turned out to be international immediately! The shooting took three days, with two weeks of preparation. Each shift lasted 14-16 hours, and it wasn't easy, but we had a fantastic team and pulled it off. Filming in Istanbul was complicated with police interference and run-ins with pimps, but that's a story for another time. Overall, we met some excellent people who even helped us at times.
Please take us into the meaning behind the single and what stories or experiences brought this concept to life. What message are you hoping your audience takes away from it?
Honestly, I'm not ready to discuss the emotions and ideas embedded in this album and this song. The message is: you're living like a mess; wake up.
You've been through many hardships as a band, which adds to your unique story and who you are as an individual and a group. What has been the most challenging thing you've had to overcome, and was music always a priority through the tough times?
The hardest part was when we hastily left our homeland. I thought the band wouldn't survive; it wasn't the best of times. After the relocation, there was a moment when music wasn't a priority at all; we needed to rebuild our lives. But music pulled me towards the light during those times, and I knew that once everything settled, we would continue with The Sextape.
What's next for you?
Next, we have a single, maybe one or two more, and then an album. We already have the material; we just need to shape it. It was great to increase the video production, but now I want to do everything myself – most likely, they'll be DIY videos with a more raw aesthetic. And, who knows, maybe the Grammys, Coachella, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are also somewhere in line.