A chat with a truly multi-talented artist: Mikhail Tank is a musician, Guinness World Record holder, performer, director, creator of the Darksoul Theatre … and Count of Sealand!

Mikhail Tank (photo credit: Patti Garcia)

- What was the spark that made you come up with the concept of Darksoul Theatre?

Darksoul Theatre (which now has a registered Trademark & Service Mark) came to me at a time of spiritual dwelling. I was 13 years old, in new surroundings, kind of adrift in my own world. This was my tool of self-analysis, of emotional study and a sort of self-psychoanalysis — which allowed a distance to form and later, creations. Everything comes from the depth and relates to what others feel under the layers. It’s not simple stuff and it’s not necessarily marketable. After helping my-self heal through art I was able to do to the same for others. 

- What is that makes Darksoul Theatre unique?

That’s a cooking secret lol But I will say that when people take the time to enjoy the art and to really EXPERIENCE it, it will move them and take them to places they may not have seen within themselves.

- Why did you decide to capture this story with the documentary format?

Since I’ve been creating within this art-form for the past 20 years, and I’m big on cataloging – I decided to capture the ART-TIME in the capsule of film, in order to preserve it just the way that it is in the moment. Now it’s time for Chapter II …

- You are also a musician. Do you see a strong connection between music and visual arts?

Music is the greatest healing element, as it relates to the rhythm, heart-beat and blood-flow inside, at least it’s the greatest form of healing that I’ve experienced. That along with Magic-Prayer. Music and visual art sometimes compliments one another and at other times, the visual can detract. But I still prefer collecting limited CD’s, ones with holograms, linear notes, lyrics, photos and quality mastering. For me, digital is secondary! I love real tangible art-goods, including music.

- Is there any artist out there (music, theatre, or visual) that managed to impress you lately?

I’m rather displeased with the fact that GENIUS WORLD ARTISTS are shunned by the powers that be. Here it’s all about money, ass and other vulgar bs. There aren’t many true artists here in the US. I adore and study such greats as Irina Allegrova, Valeri Leontiev, Alla Pugacheva, Masha Rasputina, the highly under-rated Chante Moore, Vahtang Kikabidze, David Tukhmanov, my fellow name-sake Mikhail Tanich (same full last name), Olga Kormuhina, Iyak Yola, (original performance artist) Laurie Anderson and Greek Goddess Anna Vissi.

- You left Russia for the United States. Do you think you could have had the chance to express yourself through your art if you had remained in your home country?

Honestly, I don’t know. But I suppose strongly that I would not have had the same freedom. Although here my freedom is silent and at times blocked and under-appreciated, I am EXTREMELY grateful to be able to create with 100% Creative Freedom, something I know most ‘major’ artists dream of.

- Each artist, deep inside, wishes to reach an audience that shares his / hers mindset. Who´s your “ideal fan”?

I have a few, those with whom I can speak with on a truly unique level. Without the hype. M.O., Pj.B. & my dearest G.M. are true, deep & intellectual! I am accepting multiple fan applications (haha), so visit my site and check out my art across multi-media platforms, including the Guinness Record.

Lastly, I want to wish everyone Creative Intelligence! Don’t settle for the booty-shaking, ask for more meaning from your artists, so that you can emulate them on a deeper level and learn about who you are instead of only what’s on the outside!!