INTERVIEW: YEV

Hi YEV, welcome to Tune Flickers! How has life been treating you so far?

Hi, thanks for having me on Tune Flickers! Life’s been a dynamic journey lately—full of creative challenges, meaningful new connections, and an even greater sense of purpose through my music and activism. The struggles of the Ukrainian people are close to my heart and continue to inspire my work. I’m also very excited about releasing my first album and music videos. This project has been a powerful labor of love, and I’m thrilled to share it with the world very soon. – YEV

You’re releasing your self-titled album next month. What inspired you to title it after yourself?

I chose to self-title this debut album because it serves as my introduction to the world—a declaration of who I am as an emerging artist. It’s a mission-based endeavor, reflecting both my personal journey and my commitment to addressing meaningful themes through my music. Additionally, self-titled albums have a long tradition in vintage pop, where many artists released their first works under their own names to establish their identity. Given some of the vintage pop influences in my sound, I felt it was a fitting homage to that tradition while setting the stage for what listeners can expect from my future work. – YEV

Your album is deeply personal and filled with fascinating stories. Can you share more about its inspiration?

Creating this album has been a long, methodical journey encompassing a wide range of experiences, emotions, and real-life stories. I drew inspiration from firsthand accounts of Ukrainian refugees, a war veteran, and my own immigrant journey as a Ukrainian American striving to bridge two cultures. This album has evolved over many years because these lived experiences resonate with universal themes at their core. Along the way, I discovered the transformative power of energy transmutation – and aimed to turn hardship and sorrow into beauty and hope. – YEV

What motivated you to address these stories in your work?

I felt a strong need to share these narratives because they carry immense emotional weight and highlight the courage of those facing adversity. I believe these songs speak for themselves, giving voice to the struggles and triumphs of individuals affected by conflict while building bridges of empathy and understanding. Even though our language, culture, and backgrounds may differ, I trust that we all share core humanitarian values and appreciate the power of empathy. My hope is that people feel this fundamental human connection, regardless of whether they understand the language in which the songs are sung. – YEV

Did you intend to draw any parallels between these stories and the present day? Was that a challenge?

Yes, I did. I intended for the album to resonate with today’s climate, highlighting how the personal struggles of those affected by conflict mirror broader global challenges. Integrating historical narratives with contemporary relevance wasn’t always easy, but it enriched both the storytelling and emotional depth of the record. For example, the song “Hunger” pays homage to the Holodomor genocide by drawing parallels between the events of 1932 and the ongoing Ukrainian fight for survival. Similarly, “Refugee” acknowledges the escalating struggle of displaced people amid today’s political and environmental crises. – YEV

Your album spans several genres. How did you decide which ones to experiment with? Were these choices influenced by the themes of each song?

Absolutely. Each song naturally called for its own sonic palette, and that experimentation helped me develop my own take on what I call cinematic folk rock. The process was organic—each song’s theme guided its musical style, creating a rich and diverse soundscape. With every new recording, my vision for the album became clearer, making the process smoother. My musical influences span various genres and decades, and my love of vintage pop provided a wealth of inspiration that made the journey both fulfilling and genuine. It also helped that my vision was in good hands at Helvig Productions, where we recorded the album

Interestingly, a year ago I never imagined I’d be creating my debut album so soon. Once I realized it was time to put out all the stops, most of the work had to be completed within a two-month period. It was one of the most intense creative experiences I’ve ever had, but I’m incredibly grateful for how well everything has turned out. – YEV

What journey or message do you hope this record takes your listeners on?

I hope this record takes listeners on an emotional journey that reflects resilience, hope, and the transformative power of music. It embraces a duality—acknowledging the deep pain and suffering of our shared human experiences while also transforming that pain into beauty and hope for the future. Ultimately, I want this album to inspire strength, encourage us to hold our heads high, and foster empathy and support for those in need of connection and understanding. – YEV

What can your fans look forward to next?

Fans can look forward to the album’s release and a couple of cinematic music videos this spring. Last fall, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Norway and work with VJUS, a fantastic video production company, in Oslo. We created striking visuals for “Motherless Child” and “Witness.” Beyond that, I’m committed to blending my artistic journey with social advocacy by sharing stories of those facing incredible challenges. I look forward to writing more music that captures universal themes and resonates with all of my amazing listeners and supporters! – YEV

WEBSITE & SOCIALS:
Website: yevmusic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yevmusic/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yevmusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ugwCpB5OHTdqymIDsGjKN?si=l1_7jNIOSj2HyaBFy74gaw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yevmusic
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/yev/1599545777