Marina Archakova began playing cello at the age of seven. Although her childhood aspiration to be a pianist did not materialize, she came very close. Apparently she has no regrets, and as to her wishes for a "next life" she lists "to be myself, or come back as a man". Overall, her questionnaire proved to be one of the most eclectic in the group - her favorite composers are Bekmambetov (the principal second violinist of the orchestra and indeed a very fine composer and arranger) and a Russian pop star, Melikov; rap is listed as her favorite musical genre besides classical, and her wish is to fall in love with an alien from another planet.

However, there are conventional sides to Marina as well. Her favorite cellists are Rostropovich and Gutman; Richter, Gilels and Kogan are also among her favorite performers, as are her teacher at the Moscow Conservatory and some other musicians. She does not deny her fondness for pleasures like a good sleep, cooking, reading and listening to music.