Tina Karol, Ukraine’s biggest pop star, chatted about her new music, and single “Honey.”
She is the most awarded artist in Ukraine and a former coach for “The Voice” in Ukraine.
How did “Honey” come about?
In “Honey,” I combined a modern sound with a traditional love ballad. And: It’s the first time in my career that I combined two languages, English and Ukrainian into one track. This is special to me.
I hope to bring the cultural expansion of Ukrainian music to a global audience, thus glorifying modern musical Ukraine. The song “Honey” is a love story that will resonate with many people. Using allegories, I compare my feelings to the earth’s elements.
A Ukrainian team of musicians worked on the arrangement, and created blissful magic for more than four months. My vocals were recorded from the first take! The track was mixed and mastered by Grammy Award winner Jaysen Joshua, known for his work with Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Chris Brown, Rihanna and others. I am the sound producer, author of the music and I co-wrote the lyrics on this release.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
The stories of people inspire me. Sometimes, when I get into a creative flow, I dress very inconspicuously and go for a walk in the city to quietly observe people’s relationships. I read tweets about experiences in relationships and it fills me with new inspiration.
What do your plans for the future include?
Besides performing as a part of the Eurovision Song Contest grand finale on May 13, I plan to open our culture to the world and show how talented and creative the people of Ukraine are. I hope to be a muse and inspire people.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age? (Now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
You can create your own micro world on social media and showcase your talent. Being heard is now possible for everyone thanks to social media
What is your advice for young and aspiring artists?
Be free in your thinking. Do noy worry about what others say about you. Feel the world the way that you want to. There are no rules , nor boundaries – you are the art and you are the power. All of the power is within you.
Which artists would you like to do a dream duet with someday?
I have a synergy of feelings about this. I am a music lover and respect every musician. It’s difficult for me to answer because sometimes you walk down the street, hear a musician, and at that moment think about how talented they are, and that I’d love to sing with them right now.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
To be, not to seem.
How are you surviving these difficult days in your country? (Especially after Russia’s armed forces attacked Ukraine)
We are fighting and not giving up! I am doing everything possible on my cultural front to support the soldiers and boost their morale.
Also, I am doing everything possible to make sure the world knows about Ukraine’s talented musicians. I am a part of the general resistance against the enemy.
Where are you now? How are you, your friends and family in Ukraine doing with all this?
I am in Ukraine at the moment. All of my relatives are doing well, but some members of my team are at war. It’s difficult and heart-wrenching to comprehend.
What impact do you hope that your new music and song will have on the people of your country (Ukraine) during this time?
The most important thing is inspiration and a sense of unity. New art and culture strengthen the ideology and meaning of life.
What encouraging message would you like to tell the people of Ukraine during this time?
United as the passionate, strong and soulful nation that we are, we will defeat the enemy and end this genocide. We will have the freedom and peace we so deserve and long for deep in our hearts. Glory to Ukraine!
Her new single “Honey” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about global pop music star Tina Karol, follow her on Instagram.
