Where was the last time you performed before this performance?

"I just had a performance last night in New York. It was a big production with singers and dancers that we have rehearsed for weeks. As a musician living in New York - you always catch gigs here and there, which are always fun for me! I personally love performing for different crowds and explore what’s out there, I learn from every single performance." 

Have you ever been backstage with an artist before?

"Yes. I don’t see it as my personal accomplishment or something to be proud of particularly, but being in the industry you definitely meet people and other artists. I’ve worked and performed with dozens of Eastern European and Russian artists here in America during their USA tours (some of them I truly admire) and met a lot of local artists as well. Working with another artist is always a chance to learn something new and become a better performer."

What is the feeling that comes over you before you walk onto the stage?

"That’s a good question and people ask me that a lot. I’m always honest when answering it. I’ve been on stage since the age of 7 (dancing, singing, part of a band or solo) and yet still up to this day I always get a little bit nervous, and excited, of course. I believe that if I ever stop feeling that way before my performances, that means I’m doing something wrong."

Favorite spot to be creative?

"You never know when inspiration can hit you, and once it does - you better be ready! But on a serious note, it’s either home alone or at a jam session with other musicians."

Favorite quote/song/album?

"Well, as for quotes - I’m really bad at remembering them. Definitely not my strongest side. For song or album: it might sound cheesy, but I don’t discriminate when it comes to music. I love music in general. It’s part of my work to know different styles and be able to perform them, appreciate them and learn from them. There are things that I love about almost every music style. I definitely have songs that I love and admire the most, the ones that I can listen to forever and never get tired of, but I wouldn’t." 

Causes you advocate for? 

"Life, I guess. And living life being your own self. I always advocate for being true to yourself. Though I have to admit, it is not easy. I always try to say to myself: it’s your life and no one else’s, you choose how to live it. As an artist - you will always face judgement, people will judge you for who you are, for what you do, what you wear, how you do your hair, how you live your life, what choices you make, even what time you wake up . And it gets hard to deal with, trust me . But I advocate for sticking to who you really are no matter what."

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Lina is wearing the 40LOVE Dress.

Make sure to follow Sürf 610 on Instagram, @surf610. Check out Lina's Instagram, @lina_lunanyc. Check out their song latest song "Love Can Save You" here.

Interview by Stacy Igel, Photography by Sophie Elgort.