(Chechen) Rock Star Keeps an Eye Out for Cops

[HuckleB]

Rock Star Keeps an Eye Out for Cops

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2004/06/15/003.html

"As the singer for Russia's chart-topping Dead Dolphins, Artur Atsalamov gets plenty of welcome attention. When he ventures into central Moscow, however, it isn't mobs of fans that Atsalamov keeps a wary eye out for -- it's the police. As an ethnic Chechen, Atsalamov is often singled out for discrimination, suspicion and harassment.

....

Only one of the songs from their debut album is overtly about Chechnya -- "Dead City," in which Atsalamov declares passionately: "We are children from hell. We don't need the sun. We quench our thirst on tears, and laugh. Don't mess with us."

But a haunted outlook pervades the band's work. "For me it is difficult to live slowly, but easy to die. I've forgotten how to walk, but I'm learning to fly. As I'm dreaming of a cold day, risks are awakening me," Atsalamov sings in "Music in the Fire."

While the lyrics might be full of pessimism, Atsalamov is optimistic that he can have a big impact. "I don't want the group to be political, but political moments will always be present," he said. "I am proud of who I am and very much love my people -- I know them from a different side."