EMQ’s With APOLINARA
EMQ’s With APOLINARA
Hello Everyone. Welcome to another EMQs, this time with Ukrainian Symphonic Gothic Metal project, Apolinara. Huge thanks to her for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
I’m Apolinara – an independent Symphonic Gothic metal artist. I’m singer / songwriter and piano player. I started this solo journey in 2019. Since then, I found brilliant and experienced session musicians, arranged 11 tracks, and recorded the album ‘Shadows and Signs’. It will be out on February 22, 2022. You can listen to promo single ‘Shadows and Signs’ already on any streaming platforms along with other 2 songs ‘Slowly’ (demo version) and ‘Wonderful’. I’d like to name musicians who worked with me on the album:
Apolinara – lyrics, music, arrangements, lead and back vocals
Alexander Kasiarum – drums
Vyacheslav Khabarov – lead, rhythm and bass guitars
Tatyana Krasavina – cello
Julia Polishchuk – violin
Brien Engel – glass harp (Slowly (acoustic))
Fabian Morales – growls
Max Morton – mixing, mastering, sound production
How did you come up with your band name?
Apolinara is a creation of my imagination, kind of a variation of my own name – Polina. It’s a Slavic name as I was born and raised in Ukraine. It’s rooted to St. Apolonia and Apollo from Greek and Rome mythology.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
I was born and raised in Ukraine but for the last 9 years I reside in the US. Due to my family situation, I’m moving quite often. My family is always “on the road” that’s why I can’t speak of some precise country or region. I think it’s fantastic that nowadays any band from any country can find the correct audience around the world. Social media is not always “evil” 😉
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
‘Shadows and Signs’ promo single was released in December 2021, and the full length album under the same name is coming on 22.02.2022!
Who have been your greatest influences?
I grew up listening a lot of classical music. My dad hooked me on Classic Rock and Heavy Metal – The Doors, Deep Purple, Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath. Later on I become a fan of Nightwish, Within Temptation, Evanescence and Lacrimosa.
What first got you into music?
It was my personal desire to start music lessons when I was 6. There are no musicians in my family. So I still don’t know how and why I was so motivated. I just always knew – I want to be a musician.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I have a dream to collaborate with Swedish singer / songwriter Mattias Lindblom.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Wacken Open Air! I don’t think any explanations needed…
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Nothing weird so far, only nice ones. For example, last year I got wood burn artwork of my picture.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Follow your Path to the Light through a Darkness.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Jim Morrison
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love composing and recording. Also I truly enjoy teaching music. What do I hate? Honestly, I hate unreliable people…
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I won’t, because as every other industry, the music industry is changing rapidly itself. We are living in a very “speedy time”. Sometimes it’s hard simply to keep up. So, I don’t want to change the industry, I would like to change the mind of most musicians to become more versatile and seize the opportunities of digital world and social media.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Once” by Nightwish
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I don’t want to compare digital and physical music formats. They are serving different purposes. Digital downloads are bringing wide opportunities for artist to get discovered which is great! Physical vinyl, cassettes and CD’s are for collectors. Personally, I would choose CD.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
After starting Apolinara, I’ve done several online live streams on Facebook and Instagram. I played my songs and favourite covers. They went great and surprisingly warm.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Only a musician. If I couldn’t compose and perform – I would focus on teaching.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
You know I live far from my parents and sister’s family. Last year my grandmother was 90 years old but because of coronavirus protective regulations we couldn’t have a proper party. I’m not dreaming to have a dinner party with celebrities, I want to gather my own whole relatives for dinner! Of course, as a big Nightwish fan, I’d love to have an opportunity to chat with Thomas and Floor about music someday.
What’s next for the band?
Album release on 22.02.2022 – “Shadows and Signs” – is the biggest step for Apolinara at this moment.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
For free songs and other information I’m inviting you to visit my webpage. For physical CD’s, full album mp3 download and other merch we are opening the shop. Also Apolinara’s music is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music and any other streaming platform of your choice.
Website – https://www.apolinara.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/apolinaraofficial
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/apolinaraofficial/
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0xnuO1CWHnawkUWxeenT0O
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/c/Apolinara
Bandcamp – https://apolinara.bandcamp.com/
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/apolinara
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Ha ha ha! I just googled it. Wiki says they are biscuit-sized cakes. Who am I to question this? But you can send me some for degustation.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you for having me. Stay Metal, check out “Shadows and Signs” by Apolinara on February 22, 2022, and let’s Fire Up!
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