It’s extremely rare that we get to hear new music from Ukraine, so I was delighted to discover Polyvoda. They’ve just released their debut EP, Queens, and it’s a genre-bending record full of heart. If you’ve not checked it out yet, you can find a full stream at the end of this interview.
By Jane Howkins
You’ve just released your debut EP, Queens. What can you tell us about the record?
The material for the album has been years in the making, blending a mix of our feelings and the most diverse emotions each of us has had to go through. We put it all in a blender in the studio, and what you hear is the result. Overall, the creation of Queens was a deep dive into a creative flow rarely experienced.
How has the reception to the EP been so far, and where can it be purchased?
We’ve been warmed by the glow of positive feedback, not just from critics but from listeners who’ve shared how Queens resonates with them daily. Such personal connections to our music are truly rewarding. While, as artists, we may not dwell on evaluating our work’s impact, it’s undeniable that Queens has found a special place in the hearts of many. This honesty and joy in the creative process, mirrored by the reception, underscore our journey. The EP is currently available on all digital platforms, but here’s a little secret: soon, you’ll also be able to purchase Polyvoda’s first physical copy.
What was the writing and recording process like? Does it feel good to have finally released your debut record?
Denis, our bassist, laid the groundwork for Queens with riffs and harmonies conceived on global tours with Boombox. Creativity sparked in soundchecks, hotel rooms, and mid-show jams. He honed these ideas until their essence crystallized. Alongside Kyrylo (keys), they deepened these sketches into rich melodies and intricate harmonies. Some tracks came to life in the heat of rehearsal with Kyrylo, while Misha (drums) later injected rhythm and pulse. Together, we sculpted each track’s narrative, later garnished by our vocalist’s lyrical touch. Recording this album was an extraordinary journey with incredible musicians. We’re proud of the result- exactly as envisioned, crafted with meticulous care for every note and narrative.
Born amidst Kyiv’s air raids, within bomb shelter walls that shielded our first audience of children and elders, Queens is a declaration that even in the darkest times, creativity knows no bounds.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album anytime soon?
It’s still a secret, but expect more music in the coming weeks. It will be a one-way journey; after listening to the new material, it’ll be hard to return to who you were before.
Your music has a unique sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
Our approach to music isn’t about replicating what’s been done; it’s about innovation and intuition. The challenge of creating Queens wasn’t mimicking influences but creating something, new alongside skilled musicians passionate about exploring the depths of complex hip-hop and beyond.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
First of all, expect significant new work. We’re currently organizing live performances; we really want to see how people perceive our music live because we like how it sounds from the instruments (laughs). You can listen to us live here.
Where are you based? What is the local music scene like with you?
We met in Kyiv, Ukraine, which is pulsing with innovation. The full-scale war launched against our country on 24.02.2022 aimed to silence our culture. Instead, it ignited a fiery cauldron of protest, creativity, and a renewed sense of identity. The city thrives daily with cultural events spanning a multitude of genres. From jazz to drum-n-bass, folklore to pop, indie to punk, and the myriad of genres birthed from TikTok, Kyiv is experiencing a renaissance of musical curiosity. This vibrant cultural explosion is a testament to resilience; living and creating alongside such spirited individuals in Kyiv fills us with pride as we forge our narrative together.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
We haven’t announced any live performances yet; we’re negotiating with several booking agencies. We hope to make arrangements and bring the genre-fluid Polyvoda to the UK.
Are there any last words for the fans?
Stay true, tread kindly, love deeply. Let music that stirs your soul be your guide. Dig deeper than the mainstream; the magic happens in Ukraine’s underground scene. Artists like Andrii Barmalii, The Unsleeping, Hyphen Dash, Anton Kramer, and many others are crafting the soundtrack of a nation in flux.