THIRSTY THURSDAY FEATURING ELVIRA KALNIK

Thank you for chatting with us! For newer fans, how did your passion for music and career come about? I grew up surrounded by music. My dad taught me to play guitar, mom introduced to me piano. I created my first little instrumental piece at age six when I just touched the piano, and sure enough, my parents brought me to music school. I started writing songs seriously when I turned 14 and recorded my first album prior to my 15th birthday.

What was the best piece of advice you've ever been given about pursuing a career in music? "Don't listen to opinions. Listen only to your heart and inner voice." This advice came from my father.

What song that you have recorded means the most to you and why? "Dreams Come True". This is a special song to me. It was inspired by a butterfly encounter. The butterfly landed on my head and started following me and playing with me during hiking. It was a magical moment that I'll cherish forever. There was so much unconditional love coming from this small colorful being that the song came to my mind right away. Last year, right after "Dreams Come True" was released, I was honored to perform at the United Nations Humanitarian Gala and received the presidential award.

You recently released your new single, "Water Knows," that you also wrote and produced. Tell us about the writing process and where the idea came from. The song "Water Knows" was written at a period of distress. I came to a river and cried out all my pains and emotions and let the carried away by a current. I got inspired by the idea that when we can't control a situation, we can control our state of being by releasing emotions in water. Water is amazing. It can heal or destroy. We consist of water, and it's an essence of life just like air, sun, earth and love. Tears are also water. I wish that everyone will have only tears of

happiness.

How was it filming the video for "Water Knows?" I directed and produced "Water Knows" like most of my music videos including creating costumes, writing scenario and postproduction. Filming itself was not easy, but very rewarding. My team and I spent two days in the sea filming under the water scenes. The water was pretty cold. While diving, I had to fight against water pressure that pushed me back to the surface. We had multiple takes. I had to dive without any equipment while looking beautiful, making gracious movements and pretend like it's easy and enjoyable. At the end, we all were exhausted and shaking after spending a long time in water. The funny thing was that someone asked me if I would like to swim a little bit. "A little bit?!", I think I was about to through something. Everybody was laughing so hard except me. I guess my sense of humor for that day went down with waves. Now, this really makes me laugh. Good times.

Was there ever music playing in the kitchen growing up? Definitely. I grew up in a family of creative and talented people. We always had music playing in our home. I was surrounded by music and art.

What is an example of a menu you would prepare if I came over? I'm a vegetarian that occasionally eats fish and eggs, but when I expect guests, I can prepare meat as well depending on their preferences. Usually, it would be a fruits/berries plate, garden salad, baked salmon, chicken breast, shrimps, roasted veggies and some drinks of guests'

choice. So, would ask you what you would like.

Favorite music to listen to while you cook? I believe that food gets charged by emotions during cooking and while eating. So, it's important to surround yourself with positive vibes. Any pleasant uplifting music will work. Often, I prefer to cook and eat in silence or in nature.

What is one food that most people seem to like, but you cannot stand to eat? There's nothing that I can't stand, but what I don't prefer that most people like is meat.

Home cooking or going out for dinner? Both is fine. However, I prefer homemade food. This way, I know exactly what I eat.

If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? I would choose any company as long as they put humanity and environment first including animals, trees, ecology... and also treat employees with respect.

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YouTube:

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