[Konotop, UKRAINE. October 10th, 2009] -- What an intriguing figure. With only two releases pressed to wax (and one rumored to drop on famed UK future boogie label
Firecracker any day now), this Ukrainian born music enthusiast has established quite the unique sound aesthetic. Listening through the below podcast, which is composed of
entirely unreleased material, one easily identifies his taste for classic NYC hip hop, American jazz, house and spaced out funk rhythms, all stripped down and tripped out to
create what might be classified as Vakula’s rendition of “Ukrainian house music.” A very personable and accommodating chap, we caught Vakula (Mykhaylo Vityk) in the middle of
trips between Kiev and Konotop to inquire about his personal convictions and artistic sensibility. The following few questions were sent in Russian and then translated into English (both
texts of which are included below). A very special thanks go out to Ilya and Anna for assisting with the translations.
| Original Russian text [Интервью на русском] |
What does the name “Vakula” mean (or refer to), and why have you chosen it as your alias?
One could say that Vacula is the national hero of Ukraine. It’s a character from a Nikolay Vasilievich Gogol book [Night Before Christmas] (a Russian and Ukrainian classic). I chose this alias because of the feelings I have toward traditional Ukrainian literature.
You’ve mentioned before that the Ukraine can be an oppressive place in terms of its human rights. Have you ever thought about moving to
another part of the world? What do you think are the reasons (and possible benefits) of remaining where you are?
During my first visit to Europe I saw how people lived and I wanted to see what the quality of life was
like in my Father Land. I often think about packing up and heading to Europe or to the States, but then realize that I would need to study the
language of that country to live there. This isn’t the only reason why I remain in the Ukraine though. What would I do for work
if I were to leave here? I must say that I have a small fear of the unknown. I would say that the older we get, the more afraid we become. =)
When I was 18 and lived in Konotop, I had no fear to go to Moscow. I had a sort of naïve view of it at the time, (I only knew what I saw on TV and
from stories that I had heard from others).
Do you look inward to your own cultural roots (for example, Ukrainian traditional art/ideology) for inspiration when you produce
something artistic? Could you explain anything particular about your own music that represents where you come from, and the circumstances
in which you live?
Yes, I do look inward to my roots. I get inspired when I imagine the old Ukraine, read classic Ukrainian literature and watch Ukrainian movies based on classic literature. I care a lot about the word “MUSIC,” because I am not a musician. I get inspiration walking in my hometown, it fills me. I don't have very many friends where I live, and this isolation helps me to plunge into the atmosphere of nature. Trees, fields, rivers – are my \ best friends in Konotop.
Is music a profession for you, or is it more of a hobby?
I would love to make money from producing, but… =)
Could you tell us about the graphic designer “crab” who has done several of your event posters? Also, do you do anything else
creative besides music? I have seen a couple pictures on your website with your name attached to them.
Crabe Eugene – I met him on Myspace. He wrote me couple of comments, I liked his sincerity and we became friends after that.
Eugene makes perfect music and is a good designer. He is very talented.
Besides music I like designer’s work. I do almost all the flyers for the events I play at. I also plan on studying video programs – I want to know how to make movies
from pictures or home video that I make by myself.
It can be very easy to get distracted and make your style to meet other peoples’ expectations. Would you say that you have any
particular philosophy or set of guidelines that help to provide you with a good foundation?
I like people who aim for spiritual development. I love to bring happiness in this world and I am trying to fix
all my negative sides – this is my philosophy of living and art.
| MYSPACE |
1. Vakula - Lone Beat
2. Vakula - The Ride Home
3. Vakula - Down by Law
4. Vakula - Street Sweepers
5. Vakula - Escape Plan
6. Vakula - Tape Beat 01
7. Vakula - Tape Beat 02
8. Vakula - Tape Beat 03
9. Vakula - 9th September
10. Vakula - HH Beat
11. Vakula - Remix
12. Vakula - Beat El
13. Vakula - Podgen from Dubinin
14. Vakula - 78-02
15. Vakula - Kid Couger
| -->Download a copy of this podcast. |
| -->SUBSCRIBE IN iTUNES | ->RSS FEED |