
Finding Her Voice: Kris Kolls on Becoming a Rising Global Pop Star
From her early love for Britney Spears to the heartfelt intimacy of her latest single “You Know,” Kris Kolls shares the journey of discovering her sound, embracing her roots, and imagining a future without borders. In an intimate conversation, she reflects on the influences, emotions, and collaborators that shape her music, offering a glimpse into the creative world of a young artist ready to leave her mark globally.
You’ve said Western pop gave you artistic freedom. Can you recall the moment when you first felt that spark — like “this is the kind of music I want to make”?
There were two turning points for me. The first was when I was eight years old, listening to Britney Spears’ debut albums. That was pure love for the sound and for pop itself. The second came later, when I discovered Ariana Grande’s early records. That’s when I knew I didn’t just want to listen anymore — I wanted to create something like that myself.
Do you feel like your audience hears you first as a global pop artist, or as someone with uniquely Russian and European roots?
Right now, probably more the latter. But my dream is to be seen as a global artist. I’m only just starting to build my audience, but I already feel the connection with listeners all around the world. And I know I have something meaningful to share.
When you sing “You Know”, do you imagine a specific person – or is it more like singing to yourself?
I picture myself speaking to someone directly, and I relive the emotions I put into the song. Every line carries that intensity. Each time I perform it, I return to those feelings with gratitude and warmth.
Do you usually start your songs with melody, lyrics, or mood? Where did “You Know” begin?
I never follow a strict formula, but there’s always a story I want to tell. With “You Know,” it started with gratitude — I wanted to capture the good that was alive in me at the time. So I began with the lyrics, putting those feelings into words. Then came the arrangement, which set the mood. The melody was born from that.
What’s one unexpected influence (outside of music) that crept into this song? A book, a film, a memory?
It was the support of someone close to me. Imagine starting something completely new, stepping into the unknown — and having someone who respects and loves your work no matter the outcome. That kind of belief and support is rare today, and it felt so powerful that I wanted to capture it in the song. That’s why writing “You Know” felt effortless and full of joy.
Your career has been built on crossing borders. Does that make you feel more “at home everywhere”?
Yes, absolutely. When I started writing my own songs, I felt truly free for the first time. I believe borders only exist in our minds. The more freedom you allow yourself, the clearer your artistic path becomes. Limitations are made by those afraid of mistakes. I was lucky to let go of that fear — sometimes it only takes one person who believes in you.
If you could collaborate with one artist from Russia, one from Turkey, and one from the U.S., who would they be and why?
From Russia — øneheart. I feel it would be a beautiful collaboration; my voice and øneheart’s music would blend perfectly.
From Turkey — Bariş Manco. His style, retro-synth sound, and charisma are endlessly inspiring to me. Sadly, he’s no longer with us, but he remains an icon in Turkish music.
From the U.S. — it’s almost impossible to choose, but if I had to, I’d say Pharrell Williams and Lady Gaga. Their creative energy and scale are incredibly inspiring, and I dream of working with artists like them.
You’ve called “You Know” a “statement of arrival.” What comes after arrival — what’s the next phase you’re already dreaming about?
“You Know” is my starting point — the moment where I defined my direction and showed what to expect from me. But this is just the beginning. Before the year is over, I’ll be releasing more songs — each one special, each one designed to surprise people and leave a lasting impression.