Eugenia Kuzmina meets musician Ricky Rebel for an open-hearted conversation about creativity, transformation, and the magic of artistic expression.
Eugenia to Ricky
Eugenia:
Hi Ricky, I’m so excited! We just did this photoshoot with Kelly Goulet. Thank you for inviting me into your music universe. I always pretend I’m a rock star, but you’re the real one! I have a couple of questions, because I’m fascinated by music. You have such an amazing career, and I just want to know — what are you working on right now? What’s your current inspiration and mood?
Ricky:
Thank you, I feel the same way about you — mutual love and respect. Right now, I’m working on records with a few rappers like Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and Gucci Mane. I actually have a new song coming out with Gucci Mane — my second track with him — in collaboration with my friend, artist Jeremy Sires. It’s called Charisma.
I’ve been producing for others and for myself, but mostly getting inspiration from collaborating. Lending my voice and production to different projects really helps my creative flow.
Eugenia (laughing):
And you still found five minutes for me! Honestly, it’s incredible. You’re so down-to-earth, and I really feel you’re a true artist.
Ricky to Eugenia
Ricky:
Not many people expect a model to do stand-up. What drew you to comedy? What does it give you that modeling or acting doesn’t?
Eugenia:
Oh my God, well, I’m a weird and crazy person in general. In modeling it’s really hard to express personality — you often just project what people want, and you don’t really have a voice.
I was bullied as a child, and modeling from a very young age made me feel like just a perfect magazine picture, not a real person. That started affecting my mental health. When I became a parent, I felt the need to be authentic — both for myself and as an example for my kids.
In Hollywood, I didn’t even plan to act, but ended up auditioning like many models. Still, the roles were limited and repetitive. Then, after working with Woody Allen — who started as a stand-up — I realized I needed something fully in my control. Since I can’t sing, I tried comedy.
Stand-up became an amazing revelation. It’s not about being funny; it’s about being honest and expressing your point of view. It humbled me, made me grow as a person, and gave me a way to connect with people. Especially nowadays, when everything feels so serious, laughter really is the best medicine.
Ricky:
I know — people are overly serious right now.
Eugenia:
Exactly. We all need laughter.
Eugenia to Ricky
Eugenia:
This might sound cheesy, but I’m fascinated by creative processes. Everyone’s mind and heart work differently. What’s your personal process when creating music?
Ricky:
For example, just before this call I decided to work on a track. I often go live on an app called Bigo, so followers can watch me create. Having an audience makes the process more performative.
I usually start with the track — I dance to it, feel it, and if it moves me, lyrics naturally pop out. Sometimes they’re funny, and if I laugh, I know it’s special. The best moments are when I create with friends — effortless, communal, joyful.
Right now, I’m working on a disco-house project called Super Deluxe Vibe Machine. It has a Daft Punk vibe. Collaborating with my friends helps open new creative channels for myself.
Ricky to Eugenia
Ricky:
You’ve lived in the world of high fashion, film, and stand-up comedy. Which has challenged you the most, and why?
Eugenia:
Honestly, real life is the most challenging. On camera, vulnerability feels safe — there’s always a “cut.” But in real life, setting boundaries, parenting, and spiritual honesty are harder.
Having kids especially challenges me to be authentic, because they mirror everything back. For me, the creative process is liberating, but the real growth happens in everyday life.
Eugenia to Ricky
Eugenia:
How did you get into music? And how has your journey transformed over the years?
Ricky:
At the beginning, producers would just tell me what to do: “Sing like this, sound like Michael Jackson or David Bowie.” I learned a lot, but it took decades to find my own voice.
The biggest transformation came after I lost my voice in 2022 due to muscle tension dysphonia. It was devastating — like losing a body part. But through vocal therapy, I learned new techniques and, more importantly, learned to accept my unique voice.
Now, I sound more like myself than ever. I no longer let producers bully me into being someone else. That acceptance has been my greatest transformation.
Eugenia:
Wow, that’s so powerful. I had no idea. I definitely need the number of your psychic!
Ricky to Eugenia
Ricky:
What’s the most surreal or unforgettable moment you’ve had in your career — on the runway, on set, or on stage?
Eugenia:
Probably my first experience in Russia, when I was cast in Yeralash, a kids’ sketch show similar to SNL. They literally pulled me out of school to film, and it felt magical — so much more fun than sitting in class.
School in Russia was strict, uncreative, and punishing. But acting gave me freedom and joy. That moment made me realize creativity is transformative — almost like magic.
Throughout my career, I’ve had surreal experiences where I question: Is this real life, or am I in a film? But I think that’s the beauty of art — life itself is a stage. Having a voice and expressing it is truly magical.
Talent : Eugenia Kuzmina @eugeniakuzmina
Female talent: Ricky Rebel @rickyrebelrocks
Photographer: Kelly Gullett @kellygullett
