Regina Spektor on Motherhood, Grief, and Growing Up: Q&As w/ KTB

Noisey Editor Kim Taylor Bennett first interviewed the Moscow-born, NYC-based singer back in 2003, and now she's back with her new seventh album, 'Remember Us to Life.' They catch up on what the singer's been up to in the past four years, plus take a trip down memory lane, back when Spektor was living in Bronx and opening for the likes of The Strokes and the Kings of Leon in the early 2000s.
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[@IHMadeThis]

I'm not sure it's possible to be more pleasant than Regina Spektor.

[@brunoaraujo7016]

it is. just be joanna newsom.

[@joshistyping]

Finally someone put my love into words.

[@minukarodrigo]

@@brunoaraujo7016 omg finally somebody mentioned Joanna!!!! Marina and Katie Melua should join in too imho

[@xoFiroza]

she is so soft and lovely, I have so much love for her

[@riktahaneef1722]

Firoza eiichheledhelbh

[@noiselesspain]

she's so adorable, with her singing voice she seems like a more forward person, but her speaking voice seems like that kinda shy aunt who bakes cookies and basically adopts all her kids

[@zoilalulu3798]

That's probably who she is. Seems legit.

[@thisnorthernsoul7466]

I think I'm dyslexic. I was waiting for the whole video for Regina to talk about Motorhead before realising the video was on Motherhood.

[@popcornisfromcorn]

i like this comment

[@TlanImass]

That's not being dyxlexic. That's being illiterate. :P~~~

[@veselchaq]

This comment made my day

[@thisnorthernsoul7466]

@@veselchaq haha thanks!

[@aprilsmith9210]

😂😂😂

[@bowtiesncoolnes5715]

This is honestly such a lovely interview. Regina is lovely. The interviewer is lovely. The questions are lovely. Even the fucking camera work is lovely. Well done.

[@phellippesilva5598]

The camera worker is sooooo lovely surely!!!! hahahaha Regina Spektor songs helped to deal with my deepest feelings!!! I love her intensily!

[@BURNANNATOR]

You too are lovely.

[@perttuvornanen]

The lovely is lovely

[@sofiabravo1994]

Your language not so lovely.

[@vrod2144]

it is it is. it is lovely

[@FaeK]

fuck, she's so cool.

[@steph895]

I will never admire another musician as much as I do Regina. She's sublime.

[@Falalongkornz]

I never thought 'fvck' could be said in such a cute and adorable way. She says it like it's not a swear word, as if she's saying something normal like kittens or chocolate.

[@emalaw1329]

I feel like that's something foreigners tend to do...she was 9 years old when she came to America, so she probably didn't speak much English and had to learn it almost from scratch as a second language. Because she didn't grow up speaking English, though she understands the heaviness and crass nature of words like "sh*t" and "f*ck", she doesn't really feel it while pronouncing them, therefore she's able to throw them out like blown kisses. English is not my first language either, and during the period I spent studying abroad in the USA I noticed that no one in my dorm floor, that housed almost exclusively American students, cursed as often and as nonchalantly as I did, because I knew the taboos, but they weren't rooted into my brain.

[@Malaima]

@@emalaw1329 This also happens to me in French! I cursed with no feeling of heaviness , and so I cursed for "nothing", and there were a couple of times where my partner was shocked, because for him I was like, "understanding" the word and so bringing on all this heaviness, as if I was insulting him and had reasons for it!, whereas... for me it was just an exclamation, like: "close the damn door"! It is weird. :0

[@meghantuttle8362]

"You want yourself to be something that you're just not, and you won't accept it. So because you won't accept it, you can't actually discover what it is you are built for." Thank you, Regina!

[@brandilmmusic]

This quote sat with me so much. I am a great songwriter but I constantly try to force myself to be a better instrumentalist / better at music theory and I’m just not. I can write and sing and dance and design but I spend all my time forcing myself to do the things That cause me frustration. So glad I listened to this

[@SteventheThorn]

It's true: "You never truly get through it; you kind of just live in this new way where you're able to experience these great heights of happiness and joy and gratitude but you have this new sub basement to yourself that you can never really get rid of, that's there."

[@IAintOverYet]

She is just as pleasant up close, in person, and speaking with her fans. There is not a single pretentious bone in her body.

[@chaosinorderrr]

She speaks in an old timey sort of way

[@jeremysmith9694]

chaosinorderrr yeah. have u seen what she wears

[@ewlivia]

I think it is because of her Russian heritage

[@PaavoLammikko]

chaosinorderrr You mean that every other word is not ”like”?

[@krisnstuff1536]

PaavoLammikko 5:55 lol

[@PaavoLammikko]

Krisnstuff I was like ”noooo”... 😂😂

[@asma-pc1og]

She's seems like an absolute sweetheart

[@spektorologist]

She is so fucking adorable I can't 😭

[@PCDisciple]

spektorologist haha I love your name

[@webseiter]

Incredible lovely person! When I accidently stumbled across her music it was like.. like I was drawn into her "bubble". Very unique style, very unique approach of expressing her feelings and telling storys by her music. So many lovely details.. I could listen to her all day long and drown in her voice and accent.

[@le4029]

Her mom was my music teacher in elementary. We used to listen to her songs all the time. Miss you Ms. Spektor 💗

[@hkehimen2197]

Estoy bastante seguro de que el que me ayudó a atraer a mi ex después de la ruptura también puede ayudarte. Envía un mensaje de texto a WhatsApp [phone]

[@hkehimen2197]

I'm pretty sure the one who helped me attract my ex after the breakup can help you too. Send a text message to WhatsApp [phone]

[@vaughngainey9716]

What Regina said at 11:10 I couldn't agree more. You have to find something your good at instead of trying to fit a mold of what you thought you would be.

[@ZeroFortyFive]

Regina Spektor is so cool! A true artist! Glad Noisey did a vid on her! * * * * *

[@_TheOleRazzleDazzle_]

What a sincere, genuine, and overall lovely human being.

[@JoseManuel-dh6iy]

I dont understand how she has never been on the lists of magazines where they rank the most beautiful women coz this is one of the most gorgeous people I have ever seen in my life, inside and out

[@questioneverything.1178]

I absolutely adore Regina Spektor!

[@calebclunie4001]

Kupo!

[@ElArlequin]

The attention she pays to the question. What a delight to be the interviewer and have this talented, gorgeous woman to interview. I love her.

[@lautorch]

What a beautiful person Regina Spektor is.

[@annabaldwin1563]

I understand her dilemma with becoming a classical pianist. That's exactly why I started songwriting more instead too. I'm really glad she mentioned that

[@JohnDoe-rw4hl]

I have never seen such uniformly positive comments on a KZbin video before! It's beautiful, Regina's like a spell that casts out even the pluckiest of trolls. There can be no darkness in the presence of her divine light! In reality, I realize that the only persons who saw this video were fans of Regina or artistic, music types anyway, but it's actually not far from the truth. What evil doesn't melt in her knowing presence?

[@smokeywonder5166]

What a rad person!

[@AliRenae09]

DO MORE OF THESE KINDS OF INTERVIEWS WITH WOMEN PLEASE AND THANK YOU

[@stalecornchips9968]

This is exactly how an interview should go with a woman

[@jlgilesrivera]

We need more people like this woman on this planet.

[@radhikamalhotra1281]

Regina really just is one of a kind, she is a type of perfection that is so rare.

[@maxmillanmaxmillan]

Love her description of grief being a sub part of your life even in the highest exhilaration. She's very intelligent and creative and beautiful all around. Great interviewer, too. You can see the genuine interest.

[@gabxo9478]

I just got tickets to see her live and I've never been more happy and excited to hear such beautiful music be played in person!

[@stresspresso]

the first time i saw Regina opening up for the Dresden Dolls in Philly i fell in love. her beating the drumsticks on a chair for poor lil' rich boy. insta love. the interview was a bit strange, you can not compare soviet kitsch to whom she is now as an artist. regina is a boombox playing your mixtape. i love regina.

[@michellechee7890]

I used to change favourite artists after every few months. But Regina still remains my favourite artist since 2010.

[@brendanino6948]

the queen of the INFPS

[@grapefruitpineapple7667]

I recently took a Myers Briggs test and it said I was INFP. I think it was mostly right but I'm more of an S than N; so I think that part was incorrect

[@BellaMichel]

Omg. It totally makes sense she is an INFP. Yay! Me too.

[@7barsofchocolate]

this is a personal attack

[@pedrova8058]

Have you ever seen an interview with young David Byrne?

[@FrogFishLeezerd]

I am so thankful that I found Regina's music. Love how genuine she is about everything she talks about. Her personality is so interesting to me. Someone I'd love to have a drink (coffee or beer) with because she thinks so differently, and that is why her talking points are very refreshing.

[@eltonlevin]

Everyone in the comments, you are my people. lol I’ve been obsessed with Regina’s music since 2006 ish. I think I discovered her when I downloaded a soundtrack from Grey’s Anatomy. Her songs are full of stories and feels. I love “Braille” the most.

[@johnroyston3680]

Regina is such a joyously delicious person to hear. She drew me in from the moment I heard her sing those unconventional wonderfully beautiful lyrics.

[@alexandramacqueen1066]

I love hearing her perspective. Regina is so great.

[@ivanterrible7362]

As an old punk rocker hurtling twords 50 I can honestly say that Regina is the best singer/songwriter since Elvis Costello. Easily the most talented artist I've encountered this century. She is a treasure.

[@gregbutcher_musicplacecheck12]

Isn't she so down to earth. Such a beautiful soul.

[@loverrlee]

Wow I didn't know she was a mom?!? Dang I love her so much she is amazing. I didn't know she lived in Santa Monica (that's like a half an hour from where I live lol). I learned so much more about her - this was a great video thanks!!! :)

[@valu7698]

So beautiful and soft and wise, she's so amazing.

[@shanereas5619]

i love her. she is an all around beautiful person, and a great artist.

[@smokesparkles777]

I love how clearly she articulates her ideas. It's so inspiring to me.

[@gilabsolute1353]

She is so honest and bubbly.

[@megdel8]

I love that the interviewer was a fan and very familiar with her music and journey. Sometimes you get interviewers who aren’t as on the ball. Perfect! Thank you!

[@schnacker41]

Wow this was an incredibly insightful and interesting interview. Great questions leading to even greater answers. Wish it was longer though

[@annakent74]

what a lovely interview. Gentle, genuine. The interviewer is so kind and seems to really listen. And Regina is so wonderful. thank you :)

[@071949]

Regina radiates such warmth and niceness. I know I will never meet her, but it would be so cool to have her as a friend. 11/04/2016

[@shelbythompsoon]

I have the small hand problem and someone forced me to play a full scale bass. Luckily they left my life and I went to short scale and I’m happy.

[@anthonynotarnicola1272]

This women is just everything. I’m trying really hard to find something to dislike about her....can’t find it

[@hkehimen2197]

I'm pretty sure the one who helped me attract my ex after the breakup can help you too. Send a text message to WhatsApp [phone]

[@hkehimen2197]

Estoy bastante seguro de que el que me ayudó a atraer a mi ex después de la ruptura también puede ayudarte. Envía un mensaje de texto a WhatsApp [phone]

[@sesshomaru322]

What a great interview! Both the interviewer and Regina have such good chemistry together.

[@Homeinmygardenwithmydog]

It’s always the Aquarians that come along and show us so many different things to think about in life.

[@debidewt]

I'm crying, Regina makes me so happy!

[@JohnDoe-rw4hl]

She channels positivity, and then she also happens to be devastatingly beautiful. Anyway, I know what you mean.

[@guiafb99]

She says "like" so much but it's ok because it's Regina.

[@alicedavid1857]

hahaha exactly, it's regina, then it's allowed. :3

[@rosielow527]

Guilherme Franco Ngl Regina could stab me and I’d thank her

[@josephinegray5136]

I've heard much worse than her

[@7barsofchocolate]

this is literally every person whose first language isn’t english

[@ebunajayi4845]

How heavenly is Regina! I need to return to my roots with her. Thank you Noisey

[@blake.henderson]

She’s so sweet

[@catherineeyre9012]

I love this woman so much. ♥_♥ Can't believe she's 36. She looks soo young and alive. Not that 36 is old, but she's just so youthful?

[@yarnweasel]

she's divine! great interview kim xxx

[@RodCornholio]

Creative genius, no doubt. Prince-level genius.

[@xabjera]

She is so sweet every time I hear her I instantly get diabetes

[@lightrain128]

This is the sweetest interview i ve ever seen

[@troublingchild2962]

I got to see Regina in Seattle a few months ago, she’s so inspirational lol

[@phellippesilva5598]

We love you Regina Spektor!!!

[@samwallaceart288]

I like her music and all, but I have no qualms in recognizing when an artist is a shitty person in spite of making good music. Regina, by comparison, by all indications has a grace and empathy that far exceeds any of her works' greatness (which is itself a high bar). She just seems like a genuinely good person.

[@stavrosOWLCITY]

she's so real... can't wait to see her in 1 week

[@michelleosorio426]

It’s great seeing her! I learned a lot through her mother who was my music teacher up until 6th grade!

[@_b_e_a_n_s_]

She’s so adorable

[@hkehimen2197]

I'm pretty sure the one who helped me attract my ex after the breakup can help you too. Send a text message to WhatsApp [phone]

[@hkehimen2197]

Estoy bastante seguro de que el que me ayudó a atraer a mi ex después de la ruptura también puede ayudarte. Envía un mensaje de texto a WhatsApp [phone]

[@RyanWilliams222]

This interview deserves one hundred thumbs up that shoot up like rockets, explode at their apogee and shower the people below with fresh, beautiful rose pedals.

[@hollysorensen6361]

What an absolute gem Regina is...this interview was done extremely well.

[@divinodayacap3313]

Now that's a great interviewer.

[@raimywinter2309]

the new album is so gooood

[@Giulia-mw9yl]

What a nice interview! Regina is so nice and of course an amazing artist!

[@M.Studios.]

I once had a dream I was about the play the guitar with Regina, we were going to play the song Jessica and she told me, are you ready? While smiling And I said let me tune it real quick and then I woke up. I tried so hard to go back to sleep haha but it was one of the best dreams.

[@blister9366]

I have loved her since middle school 2004 was not so long ago..

[@hkehimen2197]

I'm pretty sure the one who helped me attract my ex after the breakup can help you too. Send a text message to WhatsApp [phone]

[@hkehimen2197]

Estoy bastante seguro de que el que me ayudó a atraer a mi ex después de la ruptura también puede ayudarte. Envía un mensaje de texto a WhatsApp [phone]

[@RealBobley]

what a great smile she has

[@stalecornchips9968]

What an honor getting to interview her in 2003 and seeing how much she has just flourished and grown!!

[@jovaniolivares9460]

I miss her old style of music, not a big fan of her more pop-sounding stuff, but I understand she has to grow. Good for her.

[@elizabethgorringe6854]

Thank you so much Noisey!!! Jillian Banks, Natasha Khan, Regina Spektor... All lady bosses of music. I'm so excited...

[@jameshaynes5786]

Wow she is absolutely Glorious.no wonder her musical Sound is so uniquely beautiful.what sweet person,I could listen to her talk for hours.

[@TheAktveOne]

Love Regina

[@your-regina]

TheAktveOne Thanks

[@kristinc6370]

I forget which composer it was but there was one that could reach a full octave and six notes. He wrote his music like everyone could do that. I have... regular to maybe slightly large hands for a female and I can reach and octave and two if I REALLY stretch. Small hands really are something you have to work around at times! Also, Regina Spektor is awesome! I am happy that I was introduced to her music a few years back!

[@KarlaI]

She's remained one of my favorite artists. Knowing me, that's a surprise lol.

[@jezelle7420]

She makes me happy. Much love for Regina.

[@GreenEyedDazzler]

She has a beautiful mind.

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

Thank you for your art, Regi! And thank you to Kim and Noisey for doing this interview. It was lovely.

[@emavalverde5159]

!!!! she's amazing

[@pablozermeno4558]

I ♥ Regina Spektor!!!

[@ctpreda]

32 thumbs downs by 32 silly people with silly opinions. This is a great interview with a fantastic artist.

[@PCDisciple]

:3 great interview. Love that the first bit was about The Strokes and lactation...

[@smithmcsmith9218]

no sweeter person exists than regina

[@ca916]

mostly we do not have time to see which are our abilities for because we have to be something really quickly and this "have" is what makes people running to suffering

[@sayakhalder8601]

I want to hug her

[@blueskies000]

she is just so lovely.

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

What an absolute delight!

[@BrianOates]

Thank you for this interview!

[@charliebauti]

Finally the ask her about music, cool interview, I love her!

[@cultclassicdeadinside9862]

she's so adorable 💖

[@jane9561]

So beautiful 😍

[@llovely7443]

I love Regina's mind so much!