Singer Maxim Sapatkov used to live in Gomel, and was fond of hip-hop and rap, performing at various clubs. He sometimes appeared on TV but his life truly changed following success at the Slavianski Bazaar.
After victory in the contest, Maxim decided on an image change, becoming romantic lyricist Max Lorens. From 2003, rapper Serega employed Max to write songs for his albums and the Gomel artiste found fame in Moscow. Lorens and Serega parted ways several years ago but their legacy remains, with Max retaining his reputation in Moscow, where he is better known than in Minsk.Max has toured all across Russia and neighbouring countries but has rarely performed in Minsk — or his native Gomel. He has not forgotten us however, retaining his Belarusian passport and Gomel residence permit. He explains, “My parents and friends live there and I rehearse in Gomel, so remain a ‘native’ of Belarus.”
Having been touring, he’s slightly tired, and is in Minsk with his team for just one day. His agent, Valery Shoman, tells us that Max is headed for the French Côte d’Azur of Cannes, to record a duet with a world-famous star, although he can’t yet name them.
Maxim, you seem to be moving further away from your native land...
I go where there are good studios and offers of work. I was recently invited to Cannes, being contacted by the manager of a European superstar, who said that he liked my voice and wanted us to work together. It was an official creative invitation, which I could hardly refuse!
Do such managers often call you?
Sometimes; the ‘Slavianski Bazaar’ truly helped me to become famous, rather than Moscow or rapper Serega — as many people think. Eleven years ago, the festival was broadcast widely, which inspired many invitations to perform at parties and concerts. That year, Nadezhda Babkina asked me to perform alongside other stars at her solo concert in the Russia Concert Hall: the largest in Russia. It was a real chance for me to prove myself, being young and at the start of my path.
Max, you’ve only released one official album although you have enough songs for at least two discs. Why don’t you record another album?
I see no sense in it since songs can be downloaded online at no charge. I won’t earn anything if people can download them for free. In America and Europe, copyright issues are tackled legally in a way that makes artistes feel comfortable about earning dozens of thousands of Dollars for each new song. Our performers can only earn money via tours and concerts. Therefore, I’m concentrating exclusively on touring. Since September, I’ve been touring the cities of Belarus and am completely confident that all will be well; I feel strong. Maxim Sapatkov has been replaced by Max Lorens and his team. Watch this space!
