Oleg Frish, is a talented singer and television/radio personality. He got his start presenting wildly successful television and music programs in his home country of Russia. Later in the United States he hosted his own celebrity news program on TV and Radio called “Time Out” featuring legendary American and European celebrities such as James Brown, Connie Francis, and B.B. King to name a few. Later on he would write and record for his recent works in terms of a new album "Duets With My American Idols". The standards album features duets with some of Oleg’s favorite American icons including Ben E. King, B. J. Thomas, Lainie Kazan, Bobby Rydell. Oleg Frish himself discusses his time as a musician, and the work he has done in TV and radio, with further plans of new music and new material all a work in progress!
1. Can you give those of us who aren’t familiar with Oleg Frish a brief history and can you please describe your sound for those who have yet to hear your music?
Oleg: I am a singing TV and Radio personality and performer. I grew up in the USSR where I fell in love with the Great American Songbook. I love to sing happy, positive tunes, as well as some romantic ballads like my idols – Bobby Rydell, Tony Bennett, Buddy Greco, Steve Lawrence, Chris Montez- did.
2. Why did you think using your own name Oleg Frish as your title for you as an artists, to be the right thing to do? Why do you think artists go this direction when it comes to picking names as a musician?
Oleg: As I am on TV and on radio all my life, people know myself as Oleg Frish. And I believe that my name sounds very short and simple, and easy to remember! There is nothing better than to use your real name!
3. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Oleg: In music- the ones I just mentioned, plus Blossom Dearie, Connie Francis, Eydie Gorme and Ella Fitzgerald, of course.
In television – Merv Griffin, Regis Philbin, Dick Clark.
In radio – Cousin Brucie and Dick Robinson
4. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
Oleg: Some of the songs are about love. Some of them are just funny (Rhode Island is Famous for You, Bagel and Lox, Dancing on the Ceiling). It comes to funny love…lol
5. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
Oleg: No, I do not. My mission is to keep the old and good music alive. That is why I do standards, but my way, let’s call it, with a European flavor.
6. What are your dreams and goals?
Oleg: I’d like to be recognized as a singing TV personality and to bring positive emotions to my audience. And also, I dream about regular live appearances where I will introduce old time favorites and sing duets with America’s favorite singers.
7. How do you promote yourself and shows?
Oleg: Online, social media, my website, and, of course, my TV programs and my radio programs.
8. Can you describe your show, visually and musically for us?
Oleg: Sure! This is a mix of hits in 11 languages, humor, interaction with my audience. I love doing songs by requests. I know a lot of songs and people often call me a Human Juke Box.
9. What's your claim to fame?
Oleg: I am the only Russian speaking TV and radio personality who promotes the Great American songbook and legendary singers.
10. Tell us a story about a day in your life.
Oleg: I wake up early. Respond emails, watch and read news, learn one song daily (this is A Must), prepare for my TV interviews (I never let it do my assistants or producers, because I must know everything about my guest)…after hours I can either meet with my friends or visit jazz clubs. Love it much! One of my happiest days was in 1998 when I made up my mind to begin doing radio programs featuring American singers. The first one scheduled to appear live on the air was Connie Francis. She was late because of the NYC traffic and I started my program being alone in the studio. As soon as we promoted the interview my listeners began to call in and to ask if Connie is coming or it was a joke. The studio door opened 15 minutes before the end of the program and the legendary singer appeared in the studio..I can’t believe it’s been 17 years…Connie Francis became a good friend and agreed to record an introduction for my new CD – Duets With My American Idols.
11. What inspires you to do what you do?
Oleg: Understanding that my job is necessary for a lot of people.
12. What advice would you give to fellow bands/artists who want to do what you do?
Oleg: Keep up your spirits and always do what you love to do. You will be successful!
13. How does music affect you and the world around you?
Oleg: One day I got an email from someone who was extremely depressed and on the brink of suicide. After listening to my album she wrote me, she understood that her life was beautiful and refused the idea of suicide.
14. What are the biggest and smallest obstacles for bands/artists?
Oleg: To get your name and music recognized.
15. Earlier this year "Duets With My American Idols" was released. What was the recording process like compared to your past releases?
Oleg: I recorded with a live band and sang with America’s iconic people. I was very nervous, of course! It was necessary to create a feeling of a duet. Singing solo is something different.
16. How does the album art relate to the music on the album?
Oleg: It reflects the album idea- sunny retro music and duets..
17. Where did the title "Duets With My American Idols" come from and who are those American Idols in question?
Oleg: The concept and the title was conceived by the record producer- a jazz and rock drummer Allan Schwartzberg. He is the one who created it all. My duet partners are Melissa Manchester, Gary U.S.Bonds, Chris Montez, Lou Christie, Peggy March, Tony Orlando, Lainie Kazan, Bobby Rydell, B.J.Thomas and Ben E. King (it was his last recording).
18. What does "Duets With My American Idols" mean to you?
Oleg: It is a very important step in my career, the fact that I was recognized by all those famous people. I dream about the Duets Number Two!
Oleg: Honestly, I love all of the songs, otherwise I wouldn’t record any of them. But, let me think…”You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You, and What a Difference a Day Makes, and Volare!
20. Is it important for you to paint visual pictures with the songs?
Oleg: Yes, it is. I have to imagine something I sing about to create a special mood in each song.
21. What would be the cinematic equivalent of "Duets With My American Idols"?
Oleg: We are done with some music video clips and The Making Of video. I’d like to tape my live show.
22. Do you have any new music in the works in terms of a follow-up release?
Oleg: As for now, I am working on the album of international hits in many languages. This is my old time dream.
23. Why did you see yourself doing TV and music programs and what were those programs all about?
Oleg: All my programs are about good old music. I like musical history and want to bring forgotten or half-forgotten names and voices to younger generations. As I told before, this is my mission.
24. Why take that concept and bring it over to the U.S.?
Oleg: No, this is the new concept I developed in the US specifically for ethnic audiences to educate them in American music.
25. One of your programs was one called "Time Out" what made this program such a one hit wonder?
Oleg: It was the first program on Russian TV devoted to the American culture and entertainment. We traveled a lot visiting famous people at their homes, studios and in different places…
26. Do you have anymore ideas and or plans for more TV and or music programs in the works?
Oleg: I host now The Friday Night Talk Show on RTVI- major Russian language global network and plan to appear on American TV to get bigger audiences which loves and remembers old time favorites.
27. What would be one idea that you just want to do but have yet to do so or think would never get the chance of happening?
Oleg: I always wanted to interview Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald but, due to understandable reasons, I won’t be able to realize these dreams. I dream about performing in Las Vegas and in Branson. Hope this one will become real!
28. What else can we expect to see from you for the rest of this year, leading right into next year?
Oleg: Live appearances all across the USA and new TV and radio programs.
29. Anything else you want to say or add on?
Oleg: Love what you do! Always! This is the key to your success!
30. Is that your final answer?
Oleg: Yes!
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