In the industry where passion meets dedication, Kristina Gutseva, a Belarusian singer and music educator, has carved a unique niche for herself. Based in the UAE, Kristina has woven a musical narrative that resonates across continents. In this exclusive interview, we dive into Kristina’s journey, her influences, and the harmonious balance she strikes between being a performer and a mentor.
Early Musical Journey and Education
Kristina’s musical journey began at the Belarusian Grodno State College of Arts. “My time at the Belarusian Grodno State College of Arts was transformative. It was there that I honed my skills as a pop artist, laying the foundation for my future endeavours. Participating in competitions and TV projects in Belarus exposed me to the stage and ignited my passion for singing. The thrill of performing and the connection with the audience inspired me to pursue a music career.” She shared her early experiences and what inspired her to pursue a career in singing.
Moving from Belarus to the international stage, Kristina found herself in Dubai in 2016. When asked about how this transition influenced her musical style and the audiences she connects with, she answered, “Dubai opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me. Signing with the ‘Music Maker’ agency marked the beginning of my international journey. The diverse audience in Dubai, comprising people from various cultures, allowed me to experiment with different genres and styles. I learned to adapt my performances to resonate with the multicultural audience, enriching my musical style and broadening my reach.”
Besides being a singer, Kristina has made strides as a music educator and an influencer too. “Balancing my roles as a performer and a mentor is a joyful challenge. My passion for music extends beyond the stage, driving me to share my knowledge with aspiring talents. Guiding the next generation of artists in vocal and piano training is immensely rewarding. The motivation stems from witnessing the growth and success of my students, knowing that I play a part in nurturing their artistic journey.” She proudly replied when asked about how she could balance her roles as a performer and a mentor.
Musical Style and Influences
Kristina draws inspiration from artists like Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, and Bruno Mars, admiring their vocal prowess and expressiveness. Music, for Kristina, is a medium for soulful expression, allowing her to communicate her deepest emotions and connect with her audience on a profound level.
“I admire these artists for their vocal prowess and expressiveness. Amy Winehouse’s soulful and emotive style, Whitney Houston’s powerful voice, and Bruno Mars’s versatility, all these elements resonate with me.” She emphasizes how these influences shaped her approach to music.
International Stages and Recognition
Infused with a deep passion for music and an insatiable desire to touch hearts with her melodious renditions, Kristina has graced renowned events and venues, enchanting audiences with her musical magic. Kristina’s early achievements include securing prizes in competitions like “Victoria 2007” and being a finalist in Belarusian TV projects. Her international recognition includes nominations and awards such as “Celebrity Singer Dubai 2023” by She Awards, “The Best Singer in Dubai 2022” by Soul Artists agency, “The Best Singer in Dubai 2023” by Dubai International People’s Awards 2023, and being nominated as “Best Female Influencer” by Iconic Cosmopolitan Business Awards 2024.
“The early achievements in Belarus were crucial in shaping my confidence. Securing prizes and being a finalist in TV projects boosted my self-assurance as a performer. These experiences provided a solid foundation and instilled in me the belief that I could connect with audiences not just in Belarus but on international stages. They were stepping stones that paved the way for my future endeavours.”
Recognition at events like the SHE AWARDS and being awarded “Female Singer of the Year 2022 in Dubai” are immensely motivating. They serve as affirmations that my music resonates with people. These accolades inspire me to continually refine my craft, explore new musical horizons, and contribute meaningfully to the music industry. It’s a reminder that the journey is ongoing, and there’s always more to learn and achieve.” She proudly added when asked about how such accolades influenced her approach to music career.
Own Songs and Collaborations
Collaboration seems to be a significant part of the musical journey. Kristina shared her thoughts on approaching collaborations with fellow musicians and entertainment agencies in Dubai, and the values these partnerships bring to her artistic expression. “Collaboration is a beautiful aspect of the musical landscape. I value the synergy of duets and trios, as they allow me to showcase my versatility. Collaborating with fellow Dubai musicians and entertainment agencies enriches my artistic expression by blending different musical styles and perspectives. It’s an opportunity to create something unique and memorable, and I look forward to more collaborative projects in the future.”
Kristina has not only mesmerized audiences with her renditions but has also released her songs, “Day by day” (music & lyrics Oleg Sashko), “Mig Blues” (music & lyrics Ina Schakhno), “Privid” (music by Iryna Tratsiak, lyrics by Maria Tsitarchuk). Collaboration remains a significant part of Kristina’s musical journey, valuing the synergy of duets and trios, and showcasing her versatility in the musical landscape.
Outlook and Future Projects
“The future holds exciting possibilities. I’m currently working on new projects and exploring diverse musical directions. My love for music and dedication to my craft remains unwavering. I want to continue creating music that resonates with people, whether through original compositions or soulful renditions. The journey is ongoing, and I’m eager to share more melodies and stories with my audience.” She talked about upcoming projects or musical directions she is excited about.
According to Kristina the emotion, her music conveys to her listeners is, “Music, for me, is a medium for soulful expression. I hope my music communicates the depth of emotion, passion, and connection. Whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or introspection, I want listeners to feel a genuine connection with the melodies. My dedication to personal growth and continuous learning is a testament to my passion for the art form. I hope my music brings joy, inspiration, and a sense of shared experience to those who listen.”
As Kristina continues her musical journey, the future holds exciting possibilities. Currently working on new projects and exploring diverse musical directions, she aims to create music that resonates with people, whether through original compositions or soulful renditions. Eager to share more melodies and stories, Kristina remains a prominent figure in the ever-evolving music industry.
