A Deep Dive into “Wayne’s Gun” with Creator Olga S Popova

Sitting down with composer Olga S Popova, you’re immediately struck by her thoughtful approach to music and storytelling. Despite her considerable achievements, she speaks with genuine humility about her latest project. The composer has just released “Wayne’s Gun Part 1: 1924,” the first installment of her groundbreaking time-travel musical project. The album, which brings together more than 150 artists from across 10 countries, offers a fresh take on musical storytelling that defies easy categorization.

On a sunny afternoon in March, just days after the album’s release, we sat down with Popova to explore the journey that led to this unique fusion of steampunk, classical, and contemporary styles.

Let’s start at the beginning. How did your musical journey unfold?

Popova’s eyes light up as she recalls her early years: “I’ve been surrounded by music for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Moscow, I was naturally drawn to the piano, and by the time I could reach the keys, I was already trying to improvise melodies. My parents recognized my passion early on and enrolled me in the Central Music School of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory where I studied classical piano and composition. By the time I was nine I was already performing as a soloist at the Stanislavsky Music Theatre and at ten I won the Mozart Wunderkind Competition in Austria – an experience that made me realize just how much I loved being on stage and sharing music with others.”

“Wayne’s Gun” seems to embody that collision. What’s the story behind it?

“It’s really a story that doesn’t fit into just one box,” Popova explains, leaning forward with visible excitement. “We’ve got these two scientists, Mona Delancour and Simon Silicia III, who build this incredible time-traveling zeppelin. But when they actually use it…” she pauses, choosing her words carefully, “everything goes wrong. Reality itself starts breaking down. And as they try to put history back together, they start to lose touch with their own humanity.” She smiles and sits back, “I probably shouldn’t say too much more about where it goes from there – I want to leave some surprises for people to discover themselves. But let’s just say it’s steampunk meets sci-fi meets historical drama, and at its heart, it’s about what happens when we push technology too far.”

Tell us about the new album release.

The seven-track album clocks in at about 21 minutes, but every second counts. “We were incredibly fortunate to work with some amazing talents,” Popova notes, “including five-time Billboard nominee Luis Canción, who’s worked with Snoop Dogg and Lecrae, and Romano Eraffici from Universal Music Poland. Their expertise really helped us strike that perfect balance between theatrical complexity and accessible storytelling.”

The project has evolved quite a bit, hasn’t it?

“It’s been quite a journey,” Popova reflects. “We premiered in Moscow to a packed house on December 18, 2021, and then made our U.S. debut at Boston’s Jackson Browne Stage in April 2022. The response has been incredibly encouraging – especially from industry veterans like Elvira Takha, who choreographed ‘Cats’ and ‘Mamma Mia!’ and Broadway director Eric Stern. Watching it grow from a stage production into this multimedia initiative has been surreal.”

Your portfolio extends beyond “Wayne’s Gun” – what other projects have shaped your career?

Popova nods thoughtfully. “I’ve been fortunate to work on diverse projects, from Disney’s ‘Dr. Jane Goodall’ documentary to the animated series ‘Ginji.’ Founded and managed the Excelsior Orchestra in Russia, which was an incredible learning experience. And performing at Carnegie Hall NYC, where I received a Golden Classical Music Award – that was a dream come true for the classical pianist in me.”

What’s on the horizon for “Wayne’s Gun”?

“Parts 2 and 3 of my musical are on the way, and it’s going to get even crazier!” Popova shares enthusiastically. “I’m also working on new film and theatre projects, as I return to the industry worldwide. I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be performing live with an orchestra under the direction of Jordan Conover—a truly exciting experience that will bring my music to life in a way that only an orchestra can.”

What have you learned through this creative journey?

“One thing I’ve learned over the years is the importance of patience in the creative process,” Popova reflects thoughtfully. “Music, like life, doesn’t always unfold on our timeline. Sometimes, the ideas take longer to materialize, and the pieces don’t always come together as quickly as you’d like. But every step, every delay, and every challenge is part of the journey.”

“Wayne’s Gun Part 1: 1924” is now streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. Fans can follow Popova’s journey on Instagram, Facebook, or visit her official website for updates. As our conversation concludes, Popova’s parting wisdom resonates: “Trust your vision, be patient with yourself, and allow your work to develop at its own pace. In the end, the results will always be worth the wait.”