The editorial team talked to a talented jazz singer Kateryna Avdysh, who is currently representing Ukrainian music culture abroad, impressing audiences with her unique style of performance. Her art is intertwined with emotions, and her personal stories in music become an important reflection of what lives in each Ukrainian.
Kateryna, when did you first realize that music was your calling? Tell us about your musical endeavors and what inspired you to take this path.
It all began when, at the age of six, I started playing the piano with the aspiration of intertwining my life with music. The experience inspired me, leading to my early endeavors in songwriting. I was quite active in this pursuit. Consequently, I commenced piano lessons and, at the age of nine, joined a choir as it was mandatory under the school program.
Almost immediately, my choir teacher recognized my intriguing timbre and suggested I pursue vocal studies professionally. I was even offered a soloist position in an adult choir. Subsequently, I explored various musical directions, ranging from pop to folk songs, guided by different teachers. However, life took an unexpected turn when, at the age of 13, I found myself drawn to jazz music. Eager to delve into something new, I enrolled in a jazz school, initiating a transformative journey, even though, initially, I didn’t fully grasp the specifics of the genre.
As I immersed myself in jazz, I dedicated significant time to practice, guided by a demanding teacher. I always harbored the desire to prove my worthiness for the stage. This determination led me to pursue admission to the Glier Music Academy, considered one of the finest music universities in Ukraine. Despite initially intending to become a diplomat, after extensive discussions with my parents, we collectively decided that I would follow the path of a singer. The understanding was that if this choice proved to be a mistake, it would be my mistake. Ultimately, my parents were incredibly supportive and encouraging.
You have released two wonderful songs, “At Night” and “Lullaby”, and accompanied them with a live video. What inspired you to create these songs and why did you decide to share them with the world?
We created them with my first band, which unfortunately broke up. Why did we release these songs? Because I wanted to present my project — the Ukrainian contemporary jazz project AVDYSH.
In general, the idea of the project was to raise Ukrainian jazz music to a more serious level and to talk about Ukrainian culture abroad. It was my goal from the very beginning.
In 2020, I launched the AVDYSH project and presented these compositions. But unfortunately, just before the presentation of the project, my band broke up, and I had to put together a new one. After that, we performed, and then the worst came — the war broke out. I decided to move to Portugal, and here, with a new lineup, we recorded two songs.
One of them is “O MEU MAR”, written in Portuguese and English. The other one is “Hrytsia”, based on the folk song “Oh, don’t go, Hrytsia”. Thus, we continue the life and existence of the project here.
Your music project, AVDYSH, combines a variety of styles, including jazz and contemporary music. How did you achieve such a unique sound for your project and what musical influences inspire you?
When it comes to my unique sound, I strive to translate what’s in my head into my music. I draw immense inspiration from the Ukrainian language, which I love deeply. Delving into our folklore has revealed numerous intriguing details about our culture. Many compositions remain unknown to people, representing a distant and secretive world that our ancestors shared with us. Exploring stories about Ukrainian women possessing fascinating and mystical powers in ancient times has always captivated me, leading me to incorporate an element of ‘enchantment’ into my music.
It all began with arranging Ukrainian songs, and eventually, I ventured into writing my music, overseeing the entire process from lyrics and melody to arrangements. I couldn’t entrust this creative journey to anyone else. Through this exploration, I discovered that the Ukrainian language can embrace various genres, from hip-hop and fusion to the allure of improvisation and complex, captivating genres like jazz. I aim to blend these influences without creating a niche product—I want to broaden the stylistic scope and educate listeners, showcasing the diversity of music. I believe contemporary jazz has its place on the grand stage, and that’s the direction I’m heading.
Regarding musical influences that fuel my creativity, I hold a deep admiration for artists such as jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan, with his Armenian roots and captivating folkloric influences. Artists like Esperanza Spalding and Cecile McLorin Salvant also resonate with me. I appreciate unique and interesting musicians, absorbing their experiences and weaving them into something of my own—something distinctive.”
Your music career is developing at a time when Ukraine is going through a difficult time because of the war. How has this situation affected your music and creative process?
I initiated my project during the Covid-19 pandemic, and then the war unfolded. I consider it the most challenging event in my life, and in general, in the lives of almost every Ukrainian. How did this situation impact my music? Profoundly, as it has matured significantly. Currently, I’m working on a new album, and the compositions differ from what I was preparing in Kyiv before. My perspectives, arrangements, and songs have evolved because everything around me is new and different. I’ve even observed changes in my voice. Being a creative person, I perceive everything very acutely.
I deeply empathize with the situation in Ukraine, especially considering that my uncle is at war. This is very personal for me, as he is still very young but bravely standing up to defend Ukraine and our future. I’ve noticed a fluctuating state of mind—sometimes driven by a strong desire to be in Europe, spreading Ukrainian culture, and at other times, a fleeting urge to abandon everything and join the war, given its immense difficulty. Nevertheless, the war has provided me with the impetus to embark on something significant.
When I first arrived here, I faced tremendous difficulties, and my initial inclination was to give up on everything, including music. However, the war compelled me to think that, in a position where I seemingly had nothing to lose, I should give it a try. I wanted to contribute meaningfully to my country.
After my concerts, I donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and I’ve also engaged in charity concerts because it holds great importance to me. The war has deeply affected all of us, causing considerable pain. Nonetheless, we will lift Ukraine and continue to grow as a resilient nation. I am ready to represent my country and be someone who consistently acts in its best interests.
After moving to Portugal, you resumed your musical activity and started performing on big stages. How did this event affect your musical career and creative development?
Undoubtedly, the relocation itself proved to be a challenging and emotionally charged experience. It posed significant physical and mental challenges. However, as time progressed, I found myself gracing larger stages and embracing a more profound engagement with my music. Despite the initial toll of immense stress on my vocal abilities, my voice gradually rebounded.
Last summer marked a significant milestone with a tour featuring my Ukrainian compositions across Portugal. Playing the piano, once a daunting task for me due to my background as a professional pianist, became an inevitable undertaking. Despite my prior apprehensions, I seated myself at any instrument available, delivering performances in my native Ukrainian language.
The response from the Portuguese audience exceeded expectations, providing an unexpected affirmation. Venturing further, I held a series of concerts in Spain, discovering a newfound appreciation for the locale. This experience profoundly influenced my musical trajectory and creative evolution. Fueled by a desire for more, I intensified my songwriting efforts. In a peculiar alchemy, I channeled my pain and anger into my art. The urge to articulate my journey persisted, and I continue to narrate this profound experience through the melodies I compose.
Your collaboration with Salvador Sobral and your joint performance at the Altice Arena impressed many people. Tell us how this collaboration came about and what results it brought.
After the war broke out, I relocated to Portugal, specifically to the Algarve region in Lagos. Despite my efforts to contribute to the Ukrainian cause, it proved challenging as Lagos was distant from the capital, and there were few Ukrainians like us. During this period, I desired to sing and share the story of Ukraine wherever possible. Unfortunately, my relative anonymity in the country posed a hurdle.
One day, my father informed me about a concert in Lisbon. Among the unfamiliar names, Salvador was the only artist I recognized, having met him in 2019 after his concert at the October Palace in Kyiv. Unsure if he remembered me, I decided to reach out via email, expressing my interest in performing. My request to be included in the concert program faced technical limitations, according to his response.
However, on the eve of the concert, he called me again, explaining that I couldn’t perform but inviting me as a guest. We met beforehand, and he shared that he would perform the song “Hugs.” Unexpectedly, during the concert, he called me up from the stage for a duet, tossing me a microphone from the balcony. The impromptu performance, though challenging with my trembling voice and hands, was incredibly joyful. It was a surprise for everyone, and I’m grateful to him for taking such a daring step.
Inspired by this experience, I decided to make the move to Lisbon. Despite the difficulties, I felt I had nothing to lose and could continue my journey there. A few weeks later, Salvador called again, extending an invitation to perform together at the Altis Arena, a significant challenge for me. We accomplished it, and I am elated. I hope our collaboration continues, and I’ve even written a song with the hope that he accepts my offer to perform it as a duet, perhaps on my new album. I’m genuinely hopeful that this will come to fruition.
During your performance with Salvador Sobral, you performed the song “Hugs” in support of Ukraine. How did you feel about that moment and how did your audience react?
During the performance, I felt that this moment was very important for me, because here, in Portugal, the Ukrainian language was heard. I remember, even on the video, that as soon as I started my verse, a flurry of emotions broke out from the audience. Everyone was shouting, applauding, singing along. It was extremely important for me, and I was very moved by this performance. I will say that it happened at the beginning after I moved, it was one of the first concerts. At that time, it was very difficult for me because I still couldn’t sing properly because of stress. I was nervous backstage, but that moment and that day will probably remain in my memory forever.
You are currently raising funds to support your first album. Tell us more about this album and how people can get involved in your creative project.
This album holds immense significance for me as it marks my debut. It is dedicated to the concept of ‘home,’ a place that exists within each of us. The main theme revolves around the idea that no one has the right to steal my dreams, my future, or my home because my home is in my soul, inside me.
The album is a kaleidoscope of emotions, allowing listeners to recognize situations and feelings from their own lives. It encompasses happiness and pain, sadness and pleasure, and homesickness. Everything is encapsulated within it. The album will be bilingual, with half the tracks in Ukrainian and half in English, ensuring that everyone can grasp the main ideas. Notably, one of the songs will be in Portuguese. I have a special invitation for an artist to join me in singing this song, and I extend the same invitation to Salvador for a song in Ukrainian and English.
Additionally, there will be a song titled ‘My Home,’ which I want to dedicate to my parents and my native Kyiv. I plan to create a music video for this song and would be grateful for any support, including from sponsors and investors. People can participate by using the QR code or the provided link.
The album promises to be interesting and diverse. While I haven’t settled on a title yet, I believe it will be related to the concept of ‘home.’ It will feature voices from Ukraine and Portugal, along with Portuguese musicians. To infuse authenticity into contemporary music, I plan to collaborate with an artist who plays the bandura. I’m confident it will be an exciting project!
Thank you for your attention and support!
