Indie and folk singer-songwriter, Lourdes Hernandez, who goes by the name Russian Red, not only has an incredible voice, but also a super cool sense of style. As a businesswoman, singer, filmmaker and actress, she does it all, and is pretty much one of the coolest women ever, so we’re really excited to feature her in this post series today. She reveals how she is able to balance different creative mediums, why she considers fashion to be therapeutic and so much more. Check it out below.
Tell us about your music career, and how you got started. Have you always wanted to be a part of the music industry?
It was actually very organic and I didn’t seek to be in the industry at all. I was very shy and it was very hard for me to be on a stage and sing my songs, but the sense of self-growth always had me on top of a stage again. After a few shows, I met the right kind of people and started recording an album with my boyfriend at the time who was also a musician. It all happened nicely and organically, and 8 years after that, when I saw myself too deep in the “industry” mentally, I took a break so I could reflect on what my real artistic goals were.
How does Ruby Street fit into your career? What do you hope to accomplish with it?
It fits perfectly because it’s an easy business to run with the right kind of team and it also allows artistic collaborations, as the space is very versatile and good for workshops, panels and live performances.
How do you balance different creative interests?
I set out different goals for the year, like how many movie projects I want to be involved in or what other projects I’d like to develop when it comes to music or fashion. I set out goals each year that help me expand my artistic vision so I don’t get stuck in the same areas. I like creating synergy and meaningful connections through the things I do.
Do you have any advice for other creatives that want to balance different mediums?
Set up goals that might seem a little out of your own “character,” but have always interested you. Sometimes being naive about something and getting yourself into a project you don’t have a background in can also help you be free from prejudice about that form of creativity.
Talk to us about fashion. You have an incredible sense of style. What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion brings me to the present—each day is different and the expression of it comes out in the shape of fashion for me. I have fun with it, it helps my mood, sometimes a color or a type of fabric on my skin just makes me happy. Fashion is so relevant, it is therapeutic and each individual has a completely different approach to it that’s interesting.
Tell us about your heritage. How do your Spanish roots influence who you are as a businesswoman, musician, filmmaker and actress?
I think Europeans have a different relationship with the idea of art. I think we respect our vast heritage of artists and are very careful with the use of that word when applying it to ourselves. I like that in America it’s the opposite and most people consider themselves artists if they painted for like 3 years in their lives and then never again. Maybe a balance between those positions is what defines my approach and freedom about the things I do both artistically and from a business point of view. Everything must really resonate intimately.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations in music and fashion?
David Bowie, Chloë Sevigny, Boogie Nights.
If you could go jump ahead 5 years, where do you hope to see yourself? What are you doing?
I’m involved in different business in fashion and events while enjoying an active performative career. I’ll probably have a newborn too, and be spending more time between Europe, New York and LA.
Any current favorite brands we should have on our radar?
Diarte and Stine Goya Studio.
Favorite quote?
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon
Connect with Lourdes on Instagram
Meet more inspirational women doing cool things here: 5 Female-Led TEDtalks That Will Inspire You and How This Couple Launched Their Business With A Mission To Inspire Women.
