Kristina Menissov is a rising music artist known for her sultry vocals, bold visuals, and international appeal being half black half Asian.
Her latest single, Geisha, released under Universal Music Group and Virgin Music Group in July 2025, has already surpassed 307K views. Her smooth, jazz-infused cover of Sade’s Smooth Operator continues to gain traction with over 297K views on YouTube. In collaboration with Cover Nation, she released a cover to Donna Summer’s Love Is in Control, showcasing her versatility as both a vocalist and performer.
Kristina’s breakout single Crown reached #152 on the iTunes Top 200 chart, while her earlier release Taking Over LA in partnership with VEVO garnered over 304K views. Her song Hands was featured in the Hollywood dance film Dance Rivals, and in February 2025, she performed her first solo concert to a sold-out audience at The Mint in Los Angeles.
Her musical achievements have been recognized with the Rising Star in Music honor by Torius Mag and the Best Music Influencer award from the Influencers Insiders Awards.
Although widely known as a VOGUE cover model and muse for brands like Balmain, Cartier, and Givenchy, Kristina Menissov is proving she’s more than a face—she’s a voice redefining what it means to be a global artist.

Where are you based?
Los Angeles

How long have you been making music?
5 years

What genre would you consider your music to be?
At its core, my music is pop — but I love infusing it with global and cinematic elements. You’ll hear Middle Eastern motives in Crown, Japanese influence in Geisha, and even touches of opera vocals layered as pads or bridges like in Potion to add emotional depth. My sound leans dark, bold, and sometimes electronic…always dramatic and textured.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music has always been part of who I am, but it became a calling during a time when I needed to reclaim my voice… literally and emotionally. I started with classical vocal training and opera, but it wasn’t until I gave myself permission to blend that with storytelling and pop that I really found my lane. That shift felt like coming home to myself ♥️

What are your biggest musical influences?
Madonna, Sade, Beyoncé, and Whitney Houston. I’m deeply inspired by powerful female artists who own their sound, image, and story. I’m also influenced by cinematic visuals and cultural elements. You can feel that in Geisha.

Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
I’m signed with Universal Music Group/Virgin Music Group for distribution but remain independent creatively. That gives me the best of both worlds… reach and freedom.

What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
Overcoming my constant mind chewing gum of self-doubt and perfectionism. I used to fear making mistakes and obsessed with the idea of having a “big voice”, especially after coming from classical training. But learning to embrace my imperfections helped me connect more honestly with listeners and with myself.

How many songs or albums have you released to date?
So far, I’ve released 7 official singles in English • Taking Ovet LA • Move Your Body (ft. Ninelle) • Her Story (ft. Tamara Kumbula • Crown • Potion • Hands • Geisha (my latest release)

Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
Geisha is a tribute to strength in softness, sensuality, and cultural homage. The inspiration came from my childhood — the first time I saw Memoirs of a Geisha, I was mesmerized. Later on I have taken a course about the history of Geisha’s and their secret techniques. And that’s when I wrote this song. Geisha fuses pop with cinematic intensity, and wait until you see the visuals! They are bold, striking, and unapologetically feminine. It’s about transformation and power in grace.

Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
Right now, I’m focused on the upcoming music video for Geisha, directed by celebrity filmmaker Bakhodir Yuldashev. His cinematic vision is legendary, and bringing Geisha to life with him has been a dream. In the video, I’ll be wearing a one-of-a-kind kimono by Kimono SK. The same designer worn by Madonna and Mick Jagger at this year’s Grammy after-party. It’s more than a music video — it’s a visual story about strength, beauty, and cultural homage.

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