Learn about Lady Fly…..
Interview conducted on April 23, 2020
by Dan Locke
Tanya “Lady Fly” Volkova- “metal music with my vocals”
Dan Locke: What is your upbringing?
Tanya “Lady Fly” Volkova: I had a good upbringing and nice childhood. Up until the time I started school I always had my mother around. My father mostly worked. I’ve always been quiet and obedient child. Also, I always loved helping my mom with household chores. I have been well taught certain responsibilities since childhood too. Also, my grandparents spent time with me and I learned some wisdom of life from them.
On Facebook it has your birthday as January 8, 1950. You look very young for 70 years old.
Haha thank you. I always felt older than my age is, so I decided to indicate this date when I registered on Facebook.
How did you discover music?
I always loved to listen to music as a child. But that was usually what my parents loved. Over time, learning more about the music world, it gradually grew into a passion.
How did you start to write music?
– I started writing music as soon as I started playing in my first band. When I started singing in a band, I started coming up with vocal lines then. It was easy for me, since I was doing what was needed for that time. And I was inspired by the music process in a band so much.
Do you remember how you got your first guitar?
Yes, I remember it very well. I chose my first guitar with my guitar teacher. That day was especially festive for me.
And do you still have it?
No, unfortunately I do not have this guitar. I gave it to my younger brother. Since he started playing music and he needed it.
How did you get the name “Lady Fly”?
I had a friend and she wrote poetry and short stories. her nickname was Sky. And since I started to write poetry under her influence too, she said that I should have some kind of nickname too. Thus, the word Fly came to my mind almost immediately. since the words Sky and Fly are very consonant. It happened back in school times. Then when I had my first band we tried to come up with our band’s name. For a long time, we could not come up with something good. But then one of the band members read the inscription on my T-shirt on my back. It was written “Fly” there. We decided that this would be the band’s name. It all started with that and gradually it became my nickname more serious. And I didn’t want to change anything even after I started working with other bands. Because my nickname appeared before the name of my first band.
You have been in a few different bands in the past. How do these band different than your current project?
I do not have a band at the moment and I am looking for a collaboration with the musicians before I find something suitable again. Indeed, all my bands were quite different with their own preferences. And the biggest difference is always the people I worked with. Each band it is always a special little world.
What is your connection with the band Termination Central?
It was interesting to work with the guys for a while. I am always open for cooperation and try to give chances to all opportunities, as this is always a good experience before I find what works best for me.
You were looking for someone to translate your lyrics into English. Have you found anyone yet?
Yes, I received many offers and I am grateful to my friends on Facebook and Instagram for their willingness to help. I have received so many offers that I have not used all of them. haha. But I thanked everyone for their positive attitude towards my request.
What was Hyperionfest?
It was great festival in Kiev. It was also an honor to perform on the same stage with Any Given Day. It was a very special and cool show.
Since you were a guitar player first. Would you like to do something like Joan Jett or Halestorm (female guitar player front a band)?
I always loved to sing more than play the guitar. Therefore, I decided to leave it for those for whom this is a real passion.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
Of course, it’s not easy. I’m sure hot tea works best for me. And also, every trip is always a certain adventure. Attitude is always one of the most important. When you understand why you are doing this, it always gives strength, even during fatigue.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Of course, this is not a live concert, when I can see the reaction of people and have contact with them. But this is a cool feeling too.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I like these two options. The main for me – it is the content, not form.
Any plans to tour?
I am ready for the tour always and any time. I am sure that when the collaboration with an experienced band begins, it will be pretty soon for us then.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you?
It is very interesting that really at this moment a song from the past plays in my head. It is Stained – Outside. This is a sad song as conceived by the author. But for me it means a little different. Whatever the circumstances, the people around us or the experience that we receive from all this, only we can guide our way in the right direction.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
It is unfortunate that all concerts and festivals have been canceled. And of course, this is a big decline in many ways. But it seems to me that it looks like a reboot. And people will also accumulate strength before we can resume activity again. I think it will be a definite explosion of activity then. Since each of us will value more that surrounds us and will have a different look at familiar things.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I always have something to do as usual. I am engaged in self-development and watch educational videos, as well as keep a diary of notes. Most of my time is spent talking with my friends on social networks. I try to support all the people who write to me at this difficult time. Each person is always important to me. Also, I have quite many different interviews at this time. Therefore, it is pretty interesting time for me.
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Are you planning to do something like that?
I am sure that if I had a band now this is what I would definitely want to do too.
What did you do during the International Women day?
It was a nice day for me and I spent it in the company of good friends.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I have a lot to say to this world. And I would like to realize a lot of my ideas for songs and lyrics. I am sure it will be something special. I would like to have a strong band of like-minded musicians and a lot of concert activity. Also, I would like to have more opportunities for charity. This is what I always love to do too. All what I can regularly.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
I thank you for your attention to me and these questions. I hope that my sincere answers will resonate in the hearts of those who will read this interview. And each of my written lines will be perceived, as I intended it. I wish everyone happiness and stay positive. Thank you.
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