Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter SANGINA has captured hearts with her latest single, “My Motherland.” With a rich background that blends her Kazakh heritage with Western influences, SANGINA offers a unique sound that fuses traditional motifs with modern pop, blues, and world music. In this candid interview, she opens up about the inspiration behind the song, her creative process, and what it means to create music that speaks to the experience of living far from home.
RM: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single, “My Motherland”? What emotions and experiences does the song encapsulate?
SANGINA: The inspiration for this song came from the fact that about a year and a half ago, I found myself far from home. It was the first time I had been so far away and for such a long period in America. I moved from Kazakhstan, and I started to miss my hometown deeply. So, I decided to dedicate this song to that feeling, which reflects my love. I was able to mention all my wonderful memories of my home and homeland, and to introduce the English-speaking audience to the beauty of my land.
RM: How did your Kazakh heritage influence the creation of “My Motherland,” and how do you balance traditional motifs with contemporary sounds in your music?
SANGINA: In Kazakhstan, our love for patriotic songs is deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. We are drawn to songs with expansive ranges that mirror the vastness of our land. Our country is known for its diverse landscapes—spanning steppes, deserts, rivers, lakes, and mountains that connect with China through the Tien Shan. This diversity in nature influences the way we create music. The Kazakh soul is large, welcoming, and warm, and I wanted to capture this in ‘My Motherland.’ The song features long, flowing notes that allow the voice to soar, reflecting the broad, open spaces of our land. Additionally, the song is crafted in R&B, with a segment in my native Kazakh language, blending traditional motifs with contemporary sounds.
RM: What do you hope listeners will take away from “My Motherland,” especially those who may also have experienced living away from their homeland?
SANGINA: I hope that listeners find solace in ‘My Motherland,’ understanding that they are not alone, even when far from home. It’s entirely natural to feel homesick and out of place in a new environment. With time, everything will settle, and the sense of home will remain, offering a comforting return. Moving to a new place doesn’t mean forgetting one’s homeland; rather, it’s about building a future and pursuing dreams from anywhere in the world. It’s important to remember our roots and cherish the warmth of home. Through this song, I aim to connect with those who share similar experiences, acknowledging the challenges of starting anew while offering my support and sharing my own emotions.
RM: You blend various genres in your music, from pop and blues to world music. How do you approach incorporating these diverse elements into your work?
SANGINA: I blend various genres in my music—pop, blues, and world music—because they have deeply influenced my development as an artist. I am a music lover and listen to a wide range of genres, so these elements are not seen as incompatible to me. Instead, they are integral parts of each other and of who I am. They have shaped me as a musician, and I now use these elements to create my unique sound. I approach this blending with great love and care, ensuring that each genre complements the others. This fusion helps me maintain a distinct voice while honoring my diverse influences.
RM: Who are some of your major musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and artistic vision?
SANGINA: I grew up with both Western music and local Kazakh artists, which naturally blended into my sound. Influences like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Beyoncé, along with the famous Kazakh band A’studio, helped shape my style, mixing pop, R&B, and my cultural roots.
RM: What was the most memorable performance or moment in your career so far, and why does it stand out to you?
SANGINA: One of the most memorable performances in my career was when I had the opportunity to perform with a national orchestra featuring traditional Kazakh instruments. The orchestra consisted of around a hundred musicians dressed in traditional costumes, creating a stunning visual and auditory experience. This performance took place at a Republican festival where I was honored to win first place and a monetary prize. What made this performance particularly unforgettable was that it was my first time performing with a full orchestra under the direction of a conductor. The orchestration included scoring for the patriotic song I performed, which added to the uniqueness of the experience. I had previously performed many times with live bands, but this was a completely new and extraordinary experience for me. The combination of a symphonic orchestra with folk elements provided a fresh and captivating perspective, making it a truly special moment in my career.
RM: What future projects or collaborations are you excited about? Are there any new directions or genres you’re interested in exploring next?
SANGINA: Later in the year, I’ll be releasing a track called ‘Replay,’ which features reggaeton with pop and dance elements and Latin motifs. Following that, I have an exciting collaboration with Danna Max titled ‘Breath Away,’ set to release on November 8th. This song will explore deep house and EDM genres.
RM: What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are trying to blend different cultural influences in their music?
SANGINA: Given that the music market is currently saturated with popular music, I would advise aspiring artists to explore and embrace their cultural roots. Now is a perfect time to delve into the sounds of folk and traditional music from various cultures. Incorporating these elements into contemporary music can create a unique and fresh sound. Throughout history, blending traditional and modern influences has led to innovative and successful new genres. For instance, Ravi Shankar’s collaboration with Western musicians brought Indian classical music to a global audience, while modern artists like Billie Eilish mix diverse influences into their pop music. By integrating folk instruments and cultural sounds into your work, you can offer something new and distinctive in today’s music scene.
RM: Looking back at your journey from Kazakhstan to Los Angeles, how has your perspective on music and identity evolved?
SANGINA: Thanks to gaining a lot of new knowledge about the music business, the music industry in Los Angeles, I’ve learned a lot about myself as an artist. I’ve asked myself various questions about my musical identity, started to explore different types of music, and conducted research into what I like and don’t like. I believe I’ve grown significantly as an artist during this time.
I also learned to write music, produce it myself, and became a songwriter. Now, I write songs for other artists, compose music for clients, including international projects, and collaborate with artists around the world. This deeper understanding of the music business has opened up a vast field of opportunities for me. Not only have I explored my role as an artist, but I’ve also started mentoring emerging artists, helping them in their musical development.
Currently, I’m working as the lead songwriter for a major project, recording an album at top studios like Paramount Recordings and EastWest. I’m also the lead vocalist and main songwriter for the album, which represents a significant development in my music career. Additionally, I’m focusing on growing my social media presence and exploring global promotion for my music. I’m also preparing to share my knowledge with others in the future. My music will soon be rotating on American radio stations, and I’m currently negotiating and collaborating with American music brands, which is the next step in my musical development.
