Someone named Alexander Shaganov claims that a song was penned by a musician named Tuchi for another individual called Shatunov, but the demo recording of the song seems to have vanished.
Photo: Valeria Kalugina/TASS
At 60, poet-songwriter Alexander Shaganov is stillgroovy as ever. His tunes are unmistakably his, and he's just as well known for his music as the original "Russian Esenin."
Thirty years ago, in May 1995, he penned a song, "Kombat," for the group "Lyube." The piece marked the 50th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Falling into the category of "undesirable persons" just three years ago, in May 2022, hasn't slowed his pace.
The Modern Day Bard
- Alex, I heard you called "the Russian Esenin" once. That’s kind of weird, right, since he didn't write in Russian?
- Well, at 60 years old and looking back on the past three decades, I've got to say that I've carried the "Russian Esenin" thing for half my life. The whole "modern Esenin" shtick isn't exactly accurate, mind you.
- Right, Esenin's got nothing to do with your music...
- Not even close. Fans of that legendary Russian poet, Sergei Esenin, deserve respect. Alexander Shaganov and Esenin are two different artistic worlds. Some journalists started that story years ago, and it's not really my biggest thing. I write songs from the sheer conviction deep within me.
- Speaking of which, that DJ Yana Churikova deal... was that all just for show, then?
- I know who came up with that first, and she's mentioned it on numerous occasions since. It's not a big deal in the grand scheme of my life. I started creating tunes because I knew what I wanted to do, and I've been living the dream since I was 16.
"Get the Hell Out of Here!"
- You, however, chose a very... unconventional educational path.
- I owe my Alma Mater, Moscow State Technical University of Communications, a debt of gratitude for giving me a connection without defects. I might have to clarify that it was an 8-month mandatory service I spent there.
I worked normally for three years, and received an excellent job placement. I was doing well in school, and writing poetry at the same time. Back then, I managed to find a way to become a "free artist." My SMM boss, Boris Ivanovich, said, "You go to the stage or anywhere else. I'll send you off to the trust."
The trust's boss seemed a bit more progressive, maybe due to having kids my age and being familiar with popular youth music groups. "Get the HR manager," he told me. "We need to fire young specialist Shaganov."
So, the HR department clerk, around 35, asked, "Do you have any publications?" I said I write songs, but I didn't have any print works.
"Do you want to clarify? Was there ever a print interview with the song's author? Or were publications in magazines and newspapers required?", she asked.
"The country spent 1,500 rubles on your year of education. Now you're saying we should multiply that by 5. In those prices, 120 was a decent salary."
But I said, "My records were released in a million copies. Each record cost 2 rubles 50 kopeks. You do the math. I ended up with my modest 500 rubles and was happy. I even named the song 'Vladimirskaya Rus' after my hometown, where my dad is from."
- So, it wasn't written for Dmitry Varshavskij and his music by E.D.?
- Not at all, I thought those verses would never be printed. 'Vladimirskaya Rus', churches—it's a totally different ideology."
Navigating against the grain can be challenging, but I still enjoy reminiscing about my teenage years, forming lifelong friendships, and drawing inspiration from those memories.
"Not Alone on the Island"
- Do you keep in touch with your former classmates?
- I'm active on social media, and it's great to reconnect with people who remember me from my early days. You run into various obstacles in life, but it's rewarding to reestablish connections and reunite with those who share similar interests and values.
I remember watching movies like "Italians in Russia" or "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession" in the cinema with my friends, and it was amazing to see the whole audience roaring with laughter at the same time. It's these unforgettable moments that find their way into your heart.
"The Most Democratic Art"
- How do your colleagues feel about producers tinkering with the words in their poems? I don't like calling them "texts..."
- Well, if they change it, and it turns out to be that… In general, if your poems are put to melody, you lay the foundation for the song, right?
- But sometimes changing one word changes the entire meaning... Like "Girl-girl" instead of "You forgive me for these talks. I'd give everything for one night with you" or "I'd give everything for your love."
- Igor (Matvienko—E.D.) softened it, that's all.
- So, what should the girl forgive the boy for? For the night or his longing?
The songbiz is exceptionally democratic. Songs are a form of creativity that inspires and uplifts people in moments of joy and sadness alike. Our silver music lining often stays with us for our entire lives.
For example, I'm constantly tuning into retro radio frequencies, and my tunes are still popular, so I remain young at heart and join in the singing!
Everyone has the potential to create a great song in their lifetime. My humble wish is for more people to appreciate poetry at a level similar to school programs and to embrace the joy of song.
"We Remember"
- Speaking of memorable compositions, "Kombat" stands out as a deeply emotional piece that I wrote for the 50th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
And each time I perform this song at creative gatherings, I always dedicate it to my godfather, my father's older brother, who fought in the Great Patriotic War and was awarded for defending Leningrad. Our generation's memories are imprinted genetically by the sacrifices of past generations.
In modern times, we face our own challenges, but they can't compare to those our ancestors endured on battlefields so long ago. May their courage and spirit continue to inspire us.
I believe that I was born to create this very song, and every time I sing it, I remember the lessons of history and the sacrifices made by those before us.
"Poetry is Hard"
- As for regrets concerning my lyrics, I don't believe there are any that I'd second-guess. I'm not a highly professional poet, you see. If someone decides at 16 to be a poet, why waste time on another path?
Writing poetry is challenging, and I treasure all the verses I've penned, like precious children. Each one has its place in my heart. And despite the occasional forgetfulness, I treasure them all the more when I meet them again, especially on the air. Can you relate?
- Despite being labeled an "undesirable person," Alexander Shaganov, often referred to as the modern-day Russian Esenin, continues to write songs and perform, carrying the "Russian Esenin" title for half his life.
- In his interview, Shaganov clarified that while he has been compared to Sergei Esenin, the legendary Russian poet, he and Esenin are two different artistic worlds, and he writes songs from pure conviction deep within himself.
- One of Shaganov's notable compositions is "Kombat," a song he wrote for the group "Lyube" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
- Shaganov remains active and joyful, often tuning into retro radio frequencies to hear his music and entertain audiences with his performances. His wish is for more people to appreciate poetry and embrace the joy of song.
