Sextape of Lovers Open Up about Fleeing Russia and Making Music in Argentina

Russian alt-rock outfit Sextape of Lovers unveiled the music video for “Queen of the Fools” not long ago. Cold, dirty, and raw, the track was taken from the band’s debut album, Prelude.

Because they questioned the Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine, Sextape of Lovers jeopardized their music and their freedom. Since the attack on Kyiv, they’ve been on the move: first to Turkey and then to Argentina. Now living in Argentina, guitarist/vocalist Alexander Shterle continues to make music while trying to find a new lineup.

The “Queen of the Fools” video, directed by Roman Safin, drenched in risk, sensuality, and dark beauty, follows a young femme fatale who survives by preying on the carnal desires of men. V13 spoke with Shterle about his current situation, his gear, tone, and the band’s onstage performances.

What inspired your latest single/music video, “Queen of The Fools?”

Alexander Shterle: “Life itself served as inspiration for this song. The single was born during one rehearsal, very effortlessly. Perhaps it is one of the fastest songs we have ever written.”

Essentially, Sextape of Lovers is a band on the run. How difficult has it been to keep making music since getting out of Russia?

“Well, in terms of ‘on the run,’ that’s an exaggeration, but overall, yes, it’s close to the truth. We can’t go home right now. During the first few months after leaving, we didn’t have much time for music; we had to deal with everyday issues. Leaving Russia was a low blow we weren’t prepared for, and it was emotionally challenging to accept. At times, it felt like pursuing music in the coming years was unlikely.”

Who is in Sextape of Lovers, and which instrument do they play?

“Currently, only our great band manager and myself (songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist) are left. The band is temporarily disbanded due to my move to Argentina; I could no longer stay in Turkey because of document issues. Perhaps Alla (guitar and bass) will be able to come from Turkey, but the drummer immediately declined. At the moment, I am looking for musicians here, in Buenos Aires.”

How did you get started in music?

“It all started when I first heard Hendrix and Black Sabbath, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is awesome!’ At that time, I already had a guitar, and I could play a couple of chords somehow. But after getting a taste of the music of the ’60s, something ignited inside me, and I started practicing intensively on the guitar. It was like I slept with the guitar and woke up with it, skipping school just to make music. It was a fantastic time.”

Are there any special recording techniques you use in the studio?

“I think, yes, we record live, without a metronome, which gives us interesting imperfections and roughness. Also, instead of a bass, we use a guitar with an octave pedal, which creates a strange, thick sound. Besides that, I love recording in studios with analog and vintage equipment. Some might say it’s not relevant nowadays, but I believe aesthetics are an important part of the recording process. Sometimes, I feel like these old hand-built amplifiers are alive and have their own character.”

What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?

“I believe that everyone, in one way or another, draws inspiration from other people’s creations, perhaps even unconsciously. Personally, I find inspiration in my dreams, occultism, and life experiences.”

Sextape of Lovers ‘Prelude’ album artwork

Let’s talk gear for a moment. Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using?

“My main guitar, on which the entire album was recorded, is a Meriken from Japan/Korea. It’s older than me and quite inexpensive. I earned money for it when I was a teenager, working as a loader during the summer. And I had guitars that were several times more expensive, but I sold them long ago, and this one has always stayed with me. I believe guitars should be chosen based on their visual appeal primarily.

Among my favourite amplifiers are the Fender Bassman, Super Reverb, Champ, and Magnatone (I can’t recall the models). In the studio where we recorded the first album, there was a radio-vocal amplifier from the 1930s which made the guitar sound really cool. Pedals are an essential part of our sound; the original POG and Big Muff were used for all the riffs, and I also really like fuzz pedals with vintage octave for lead parts.”

What is your definition of tone? And has your tone changed over time?

“Dark, thick, dirty, and fiery. So far, we haven’t changed our tone, but the next album will be transitional, moving from narrow-focused garage rock to various genres and shades of moods.”

How do you keep your sound consistent on stage?

“Consistency (laughs). Well, we have none, neither in life nor in music. Each venue sounds different, and something always goes unplanned. To add to that, we decided to play without setlists, leaving the order of songs to the whims of fate. All these seeming drawbacks have one advantage: every concert is a unique experience for us. We are not just performers; we are also observers. I think consistency will come when we can travel with our full set up of amplifiers, drums, microphones, and our sound engineer.”

What is your definition of success?

“Doing what you love and loving what you do is crucial, and if it can also provide for you, then success becomes even more rewarding. It’s probably also about achieving recognition in your profession. Personally, I aspire to reach the top.”

Which artists, in your opinion, are killing it right now?

“Perhaps a list of trending TikTok sounds could provide a better answer to this question. I don’t follow the peaks of musicians’ popularity, but I can only say which contemporary musicians I like: IDLES, Tamino, The Weeknd, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, TigerCab, Billie Eilish, and All Them Witches.”

What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? Music videos? Live gigs?

“Despite everything, I continue to work on the next album, and several songs are already nearing completion. There will be music videos, but I want to try making them on my own. Currently, I’m interested in a DIY approach. I really miss performing concerts, and I hope that very soon we will go on tour in Latin America.”