Interview with versatile entertainer KSENIA – OutLoud! Culture

The Los Angeles-based comedian and singer-songwriter, Ksenia, developed her love for singing at a young age. Originally from a small town in Russia, Ksenia has always dreamed of achieving success in America, inspired by her idol Britney Spears. Today, she is a well-known music artist, actress, and influencer with a significant social media following of over 500k. Through her artistry, Ksenia aims to inspire and uplift others, driven by the belief that with dedication and a bit of luck, any goal is achievable. She is committed to empowering women to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

Ksenia has collaborated with notable industry figures such as producer Mario Marchetti and songwriters Gino Barletta (known for working with Katy Perry, Daya, Selena Gomez) and Melanie Fontana.

As a comedian, she has performed at top comedy clubs in Los Angeles, recognizing the intersection of humor and music in her career. In her free time, she enjoys ballroom dancing, watching new films, exploring psychology, advocating for animals (she has 2 dogs at home and is passionate about rescuing animals from shelters and labs to find them good homes), and watching ice hockey, baseball, and basketball. She also practices yoga, Pilates, and enjoys hiking.

Ksenia’s latest single, “FAKE,” delivers a bold critique of insincerity. With sharp lyrics like “F.A.K.E. please I am not trying to be your bestie,” Ksenia exposes the superficiality she has encountered in the entertainment industry. The song is co-written and produced by her long-time collaborator Mario Marchetti, a Billboard-charting producer known for his work with artists like JoJo, Demi Lovato, Jessica Mauboy, and Guy Sebastian.

1. Ksenia, welcome to OLC! Love your name, by the way. Now, your upcoming single “FAKE” tackles the theme of insincerity in the entertainment industry. What inspired you to write this song, and how do you hope listeners will relate to it?

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Thank you! Fun fact: I was almost named Kate for a week, but my dad said, “What Kate? This is Ksenia!”

“FAKE” was inspired by all the interesting characters I’ve met in the industry—people who smile to your face but have their own agendas. I wanted to call them out in a fun, bold way. I think everyone has encountered fake people at some point, so I hope listeners can relate and feel empowered to say, “I see through you, and I’m done.”

2. You’ve successfully combined music and comedy in your career. How do you balance the two when creating something like “FAKE”? Does humor influence your songwriting?

Absolutely! Humor is a big part of how I approach life, so it naturally shows up in my music. Even with a serious message like in “FAKE,” I want listeners to have fun with it. Humor helps me connect with people, and finding that balance between not taking myself too seriously while delivering a message is key.

3. Can you tell us more about your collaboration with Mario Marchetti on “FAKE”? How did his production style shape the track?

Mario is amazing. He took my idea and added this punchy, energetic sound that brought “FAKE” to life. We’ve worked together on all kinds of tracks—serious, funny, jazzy—and he just gets me. There’s great creative chemistry, and he knows how to keep my vision intact while making the track pop.

4. “FAKE” has some sharp and bold lyrics. Is there a particular line that resonates with you the most, and why?

“Bitch please, I am not trying to be your bestie.” That line hits home because, really, I’m not! If we vibe, great, but I’m not going to fake it, even if you’re the biggest deal in the industry.

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5. You’re from a small town in Russia and have made a name for yourself in Los Angeles. How has your background influenced your music and comedy?

Coming from a small Russian town to the craziness of LA gives you perspective! I think growing up there made me resilient, and my humor is a mix of Russian honesty and LA absurdity. In Russia, we don’t sugarcoat things, and that’s helped me be real with my audience. My background keeps me grounded but also makes me fearless in going after what I want.

6. You’ve performed at legendary comedy venues like The Comedy Store and Laugh Factory. How does the live energy of stand-up differ from performing music on stage?

Stand-up is all about instant feedback—you know right away if a joke lands. Music is a bit more forgiving, and you can feel the energy build throughout the performance. Stand-up is more vulnerable, but both give me a rush. There’s nothing like connecting with an audience, whether through a laugh or a song.

7. Your music centers around empowerment and self-expression. How do you hope “FAKE” continues that message, especially for female listeners?

I want “FAKE” to remind women it’s okay to call out BS and walk away from people who aren’t real with you. So much of life is about playing along, but you don’t have to. It’s empowering to say, “I see through this, and I deserve better.” I hope it helps women trust their instincts and know their worth.

8. You have over 350k followers and are also an influencer. How do you stay authentic online while navigating social media challenges, especially when your single critiques superficiality?

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It’s tricky. Social media is all about appearances, but I try to keep it real with my followers, sharing both the good and the bad. I’ll show up authentically, even when things aren’t perfect. “FAKE” critiques superficiality, but it also encourages looking beyond the surface. I try to keep that same honesty in my content.

9. Beyond music and comedy, you’re passionate about animal rescue and psychology. How do these interests influence your creativity, and how do you use your platform for causes you care about?

Helping animals has taught me compassion. I also love psychology because it helps me understand people better, influencing how I write comedy or approach my music. I want to use my platform to support animal rescue and mental health because those causes are really close to my heart.

10. What advice would you give to women pursuing their dreams in music, comedy, or another field, especially when facing challenges or insincerity?

Don’t let anyone tell you who you should be. The industry loves to put people in boxes, but you don’t have to fit. Stay true to yourself, even when nobody else gets it. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and let go of the fakes. There’s room for your voice and dreams—just keep pushing until you find it.

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