MASS #2 | Page 13

Alina 1. What sparked your interest in documenting the underground music scene? 3 years ago, Minsk (Belarus), “MECHTA001”. This was the first (in my memory) large-scale techno party in Minsk. And a new format for me, as for the listener. Until that moment, I was interested in hip- hop. But that night changed a lot. I asked for a photographer for free admission. I remember I was afraid to approach the organizer with such a request because there was very little experience in shooting events (especially night ones) – well, of course, I was 18, and I did not go to clubs. This was my starting point. Recently, this project turned 3 years old – and I still am one of the official photographers of this event and I am always happy to take pictures if I happen to be in Minsk at the time. The underground (and not only) techno scene in Minsk is growing now. This makes me happy. The organizers know me, I know the organizers – this is how the photo reports come out. It is not always possible to earn on this, but, as they say, support your local artists. Yes, and I myself am pleased to see the real and living people in my photos. Then there are parties and festivals in St. Petersburg, now in Vilnius. The geographical coordinates are different, but people everywhere are beautiful and interesting in their own way. And the reason is music. MASS0013