Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Polyvoda
THE RELEASE
A force to be reckoned with on the European indie music scene, Polyvoda awes as a musical powerhouse. Although born in Ukraine, the trio—Denys Levchenko, Kyrylo Chykhradze, and Mykhailo Birchenko—embark on a sonic mission spanning countries and music styles effortlessly. They pull inspiration from British jazz, American hip-hop, and R&B, forging a sound that could only be labeled as intoxicating. Mysterious and hard to grasp, Polyvoda is shrouded in secrecy, additionally enriched by their anonymous singer and rap counterparts. You, the listener, are invited into this discrete world where every record is a surprise.
Polyvoda just released their fascinating Queens EP on the first day of March. Their previous singles, Bonfire and Homeless, cover a dynamic range from sizzling bangers to polished, poetic confessions that twist and turn like a Fibonacci sequence. With Queens, Polyvoda provides a finely harmonized EP, a dedication to their infinite possibilities. In the words of Denys, “Queens” is one of the best written records they have released: "This is our modest tribute to all women. We tried to convey our vision of the female soul. Fragile and sensual on the one hand, and strong and purposeful on the other." This EP is a must-listen, and Polyvoda is a band to keep an eye on.
THE INTERVIEW
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Our collective inspiration draws from a diverse palette, but if we had to narrow it down to four key figures, Paul McCartney and Sting stand out for their songwriting and musical innovation. From the other set of influences, Mark Guiliana and Christian Scott are monumental for their rhythmical innovation and ability to blend genres.
Throughout the production of your new EP, were there specific challenges or breakthrough moments that had a profound influence on the overall direction and cohesion of the project?
Our journey through the production of our latest album was both challenging and enlightening. Initially, we believed we had a clear direction, but as we progressed, we discovered the depth and clarity we could achieve by exploring new sounds, from synthesizer timbres to bass effects. This process led us to value our mood and psychological state at the moment of creation over preconceived plans. The quest to balance complex harmonies with catchy melodies was daunting, yet we feel we've excelled in this task, creating a profound and immersive experience.
Can you offer insights into the collaborative dynamics that shaped your latest EP, shedding light on the contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers, or featured artists and how their involvement impacted the final body of work?
The creation of our album was significantly influenced by the unique contributions of each team member. The synergy in the rhythm section, enhanced by mutual respect and trust in each other’s experience, was unparalleled. Particularly, Misha Birchenko didn’t just join us for recording; he became essential to our core, crafting a rhythm section united by trust. Alongside our magic singer and Sergii “Knob” Lubinsky, our sonic maestro, their contributions have shaped a work that mirrors our collective exploration and expression.
Considering the entirety of your EP, what lasting impact or impression do you hope the collection of songs will leave on listeners, both individually and as a cohesive musical journey?
We aim for our album to be a multilayered experience, offering listeners a sanctuary of discovery and comfort, akin to a beautifully designed garden that reveals new wonders with each visit.
As you look forward, how does the release of this EP set the stage for your future projects, and are there any subtle hints or clues you can share about the evolving musical direction you plan to explore in the coming months?
This album has set a new benchmark for us in terms of collaboration, trust, and respect. It marks a starting point from which we refuse to backtrack. Moving forward, we plan to delve deeper into melodies and harmonies, experimenting with styles and directions. The exact sound of our next project remains a thrilling mystery, even to us, but it's clear that we're on a path to discovering a solid foundation for our musical journey, eager to embark on a long and confident voyage.
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