We spoke to NASTEA about their fearless approach to storytelling through music, blending pop, rock, jazz, and neo-soul into what they call Killer Pop Rock. Frontwoman Anastasia Nerutsa and her bandmates draw from wildly different musical backgrounds to create a sound that’s both raw and kaleidoscopic, always rooted in real experiences. With singles like Pretty Face and Never Come Back, they channel personal struggles into powerful anthems that resonate with listeners worldwide.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it?
Our music is very honest — that’s the first thing I’d say. My songs are always built on real stories from my life, and there isn’t a single ounce of pretense in them. What makes our sound special is a bright kaleidoscope of styles, and each new song is completely different from the previous one. That’s why we had to come up with a name for this unique sound — you could say we’re pioneers of what we call Killer Pop Rock. It’s a blend of pop, rock, jazz, and neo-soul — and somehow, it all just works together.
How has your sound evolved since you first started making music?
I’m Anastasia Nerutsa — frontwoman and vocalist — and technically, I’ve been a musician since I was six years old… but honestly, I think I was born one. At 15, I completely fell in love with jazz, but when I met my bandmates, they turned me into as much of a rock star as possible! The rest of the band — Holger Lisy (guitar and co-songwriter), Jeha (bass), and Michel Dreier (drums) — are also professional musicians. Each of us comes from a different musical background, and that’s exactly what led us to create Killer Pop Rock.
What’s a bizarre or unexpected inspiration behind one of your songs?
In our first release, Pretty Face, there’s a line that says: “But I am not a doll on the marketplace.” And there’s a completely crazy story behind it. When I was looking for an apartment — which in Germany is already a challenge with a capital C — I ended up in contact with people who, without me knowing, were trying to sell me off as a bride. So yeah… that’s where the “doll” comes from.
What’s the most memorable moment of your music career so far?
Every moment of our music feels incredible and unique. We’re truly so happy to have each other and to share what we create. When we released Pretty Face and started getting amazing feedback from the U.S., the U.K., Brazil… seeing how music industry professionals connected with our message, how the world embraced us — I cried happy tears every single day. And honestly, that made every step of this journey absolutely worth it.
Tell us all you can about your latest release and where and when to find it?
In August, we released our very first single — Pretty Face. It’s a true anthem about how the world is still obsessed with physical beauty. It’s my story too, and I genuinely believe everyone should step into this world and feel every single word. Tell your kids that the world loves them just the way they are. Our second single, Never Come Back, is a raw and heartfelt rock ballad that captures the struggle of breaking free from a toxic relationship. It tells the story of inner battles, painful attachments, and the courage it takes to sever a bond that slowly destroys — transforming despair into strength and liberation. This is something I went through myself, and through the voice of Never Come Back I want to reach people: leave if you are no longer happy, leave if you feel oppressed. It’s hard — but you will make it through. I did. You can listen to our music on all major streaming platforms — and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @nastea_music.