tATu

Where you’ve seen them:
Spit-swappin' Russian dolls Julia Volkova and Lena Katina caused a big storm in 2002 with their debut album, 200 KM/H in the Wrong Lane, featuring the smash hit, "All the Things She Said." They've continued to make international headlines for their faux-lesbian antics and oft-banned videos. Their follow-up album, however, looks like a flop.

The L word:
“We don't want to classify ourselves as lesbians or bisexuals. We are just we.”—Julia

Blood lust:
“We've gotten a lot of phone calls from angry people. One guy said, 'I'll kill you because my girl starts to be lesbian after your video. I want your blood.' They get mad at us because they were bad boyfriends.”—Lena

From Russia with love:
“Sometimes we do a show, and there's no kissing. There have even been times when Lena's had a cold, and I'm like, 'I'm not kissing her!' We only kiss each other when we feel like it.”—Julia

Check out these kissing comrades:
t.A.T.u.'s artist page on Blender.com

May 2003 (#65)