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

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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” by Olga S Popova

“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.”

This article contains branded content provided by a third party. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the content creator or sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial stance of Popular Hustle.

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iurisEkero Proves Pop Music Doesn’t Have to Be Loud to Be Good

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iurisEkero

There’s something refreshing about an artist who doesn’t chase volume. “I don’t make music to sound loud. I make music to sound deep,” says iurisEkero, and after diving into his catalog, you get exactly what he means.

Born in Mendoza, Argentina, iurisEkero (stylized in lowercase, like his approach to fame) grew up in a house where music wasn’t just background noise—it was the main conversation. His grandfather recorded albums as a vocalist, his father played trumpet, and young Iuris absorbed it all. But here’s what’s interesting: instead of just carrying the torch, he’s completely reimagined it.

Now splitting time between the USA and Argentina, iurisEkero creates what he calls “sonic exploration”—pop mixed with electronic textures, ethereal vocals, and these atmospheric moments that genuinely make you want to hit pause on everything else. He pulls inspiration from unexpected places: cities at night, red wine, those comfortable silences between people who know each other well, and what he describes as “the glitch of memories.”

His latest single, “This Summer Night,” dropped on August 19th and perfectly captures that specific magic. At 3:17, it’s packed with synths that stick in your head and a melody that somehow feels both nostalgic and brand new. Other tracks like “The Sun, The Wine and You” and “Midnight Drive” show his range—each one catching different emotional frequencies while keeping that distinctive warmth that comes from his bicultural perspective.

The numbers tell their own story. Nearly 3 million Spotify streams. Over a million YouTube views. But when you mention this to iurisEkero, he seems genuinely surprised. “I don’t even understand those numbers,” he admits. “I just enjoy and am grateful.”

What he hopes listeners take away is simple: that urge to play a song again, whether you’re remembering someone, dancing alone in your kitchen, or waiting for something you can’t quite name yet. Even his breakup songs somehow feel optimistic—there’s always this undercurrent of possibility in his work.

Currently working on a new album featuring various guest artists, iurisEkero seems ready for whatever comes next. The sound explorer from Mendoza has found his frequency, and people are definitely tuning in.

Find iurisEkero’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other streaming platforms, or visit his official website and follow him on Instagram.

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Alain Mékani Confronts Success and Solitude in New Single ‘Quiet’

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Alain Mékani

What happens when you achieve everything you dreamed of before turning 23, but there’s no one around to celebrate with? That’s the question Alain Mékani wrestles with in “Quiet,” his introspective new single that dropped August 1st, 2025.

The Dubai-based artist, who grew up in Beirut speaking Arabic with his mom and French with his dad while MTV played in the background, has been carving out his own corner of the Middle Eastern pop scene since his 2023 debut “Fool.” But this latest track hits different. It’s raw, honest, and uncomfortably relatable for anyone who’s ever felt alone in a room full of people.

Written during a period of professional success while living abroad, “Quiet” runs just over three minutes but packs an emotional punch. The track opens with Mékani reflecting on his younger self’s dreams—the car, the new place, all achieved before his 23rd birthday. But here’s where it gets real: “I left it all behind just to find myself / But am I really free?”

The chorus doesn’t pull punches either. When he admits “I’ve been going through some changes and my mind is fucking racing,” you feel that restless energy. It’s not polished pop perfection; it’s someone working through their stuff in real-time. The official music video, which premiered July 31st, visually captures this internal conflict.

“Quiet” by Alain Mékani

Family threads through every verse — and you can feel it. There’s the promise to make his mother proud, the desire to share his victories, and that gut-punch line about missing the people who matter most. The bridge transforms into something between a mantra and a desperate reminder: “Be somebody if you’re nobody.” It’s less motivational poster, more survival mechanism.

Since emerging with tracks like “Awlad El Haram” and his licensed reimagining of the Lebanese classic “Tallou Hbabna” earlier this year, Mékani has built a reputation for blending French, Arabic, and English lyrics with what critics call a “melancholic awakening” sound. Regional outlets including Musivv and Buro 24/7 Middle East have taken notice of his ability to pair cross-cultural production with genuine vulnerability.

The artist, who taught himself guitar after starting on accordion at eight, turned to songwriting as therapy following his father’s death in 2015. While working a marketing day job in Dubai, he spent nights and weekends learning production, eventually creating the demos that would launch his career.

Currently working on collaborations with Rayan Bailouni and Jay Janith, Mékani is pushing further into French territory with his upcoming releases. It’s a natural evolution for someone who grew up switching between languages at home. As he puts it: “I write in three languages because some emotions need more than one passport.”

“Quiet” is now streaming across all major platforms. Connect with Alain Mékani on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Anghami, Instagram, TikTok, and at alainmekani.com.

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Siren Built Her Entire Sound in Secret and Now She’s Ready to Surface

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Siren

The first thing that hits you about Siren isn’t just her voice—it’s the sheer audacity of someone who taught themselves everything. No formal training, no music theory classes, just pure instinct driving her to create something that sounds like Rammstein got into a late-night conversation with Lana Del Rey while Massive Attack played in the background.

At 24, this LA-based artist has already written around 70 songs, most still unreleased, sitting in her vault like secrets waiting to surface. Born June 13, 2001, Siren started making music in 2019, and what’s emerged since then defies easy categorization. Her sound pulls from trip-hop pioneers like Portishead, the industrial weight of German metal, and the cinematic drama of Tchaikovsky—yes, the Swan Lake composer.

“Every ache must be turned into art,” she says about her approach to music. It’s this philosophy that drives her self-described “raw confessions where melancholy meets beauty.” Her mezzo-soprano voice shifts between whispered vulnerability and soaring intensity, creating what she calls “cold waves of sound that mesmerize like a siren’s voice in the night sea.”

Siren

The artist’s journey started unexpectedly early. One of her most vivid childhood memories involves her grandmother singing Russian folk songs on a winter swing—an experience she describes as “blue, cold, wintry, dark, nostalgic, deep, soulful, and melancholic.” By twelve, she’d discovered Rammstein, which she credits with awakening “strength, courage, resistance, and the spirit of a fighter.” The band shaped about 60% of her musical taste, while Lana Del Rey, who she calls her “musical mother,” opened up the other side of her artistic personality.

What’s striking about Siren’s work is how she balances opposing forces. She describes her music as reflecting both her anima and animus—the feminine emotional vulnerability paired with masculine instrumental drive. This duality shows up everywhere in her sound: acoustic piano meets electric guitars, string arrangements collide with rock drums, trip-hop grooves support orchestral swells.

Her latest release, “Devil 2019,” dropped on August 3, 2025, running 3:28 and showcasing her hypnotic vocal control. But it’s just a taste of what’s coming. Her debut single “Siren Heroine,” released on June 13, previews her upcoming album “Blue Blood,” which promises an oceanic, siren-themed concept drawn from songs written three to four years ago.

Siren

Beyond music, Siren works as a visual artist, filmmaker, and photographer, creating her own visual concepts exactly as she imagines them. She admits to both loving and fearing the ocean—thalassophobia mixed with an obsession for deep blue imagery. “I reflect what I fear. I am what I fear,” she explains.

When asked about dream collaborations, she mentions Hans Zimmer, Rammstein, and Lana Del Rey—though she notes that most of her musical heroes are dead. Her approach to creation remains uncompromising: “I don’t write for people—I write for myself. Music is how I let you know me.”

For those curious to dive deeper, Siren’s music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, and her website. Follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok.

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