Interview with YarYna, Ukrainian artist

Could you tell us a little about yourself: where you are from, your musical background, and what first inspired you to perform?

My name is Yaryna, and I’m from Zakarpattia. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I also graduated from music school in piano and ballet. I come from a musical family that introduced me to high-quality Ukrainian music from early childhood. My mother encouraged me to perform from a young age, and there were so many performances that I can’t even recall the very first one—it was certainly one of the music school’s academic concerts or competitions. I think I was five years old.

What kind of music do you perform, and which artists or traditions have influenced your style?

I perform original songs, which you can find on all platforms under the name “Yaryna”. I also sing covers. This includes both contemporary and retro Ukrainian music—the same music my grandmother and mother listened to, and which I grew up with myself. I also sing English-language songs, like Lana Del Rey, The Cranberries, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. My musical taste was shaped primarily by Ukrainian music. I remember as a child we had just three CDs at home, which I played endlessly on our DVD player: Kvitka Cisyk, Nazariy and Dmytro Yaremchuk, and Mykola Mozhovyi. It’s incredibly high-quality Ukrainian music. We always sang carols at Christmas, and we would sing at family celebrations and gatherings. As a child, I used to stage little concerts at home for my parents and dreamt of being on stage one day.

Did you always imagine yourself as a musician, or did that come later?

I didn’t have to imagine it—I’ve lived in music my whole life. I always had a natural gift for singing and was lucky to have the support of my mother in developing it.

When did you first start performing to raise money for the Ukrainian Armed Forces?

My last pre-war performance was on 22 February 2022. When Russia launched the full-scale invasion, I went home to Zakarpattia. From 24 February onwards, I fell completely silent. It felt as though I had lost the ability to sing. It was incredibly difficult to even consider performing in public. In the end, I was silent for a year. Music felt inappropriate. How could I find the strength to raise my voice when there was death all around? But when I returned to Lviv, I slowly came back to life. I listened to my musician friends performing on the street, felt nostalgic, and eventually found the courage to perform again—and I began raising funds for the Armed Forces through my concerts.

Do you remember your first performance during wartime? What was the atmosphere like?

The atmosphere was completely different from before the war. What I noticed most was that people seemed to cherish music and live performance far more deeply—because those rare happy moments, surrounded by like-minded people, had become so precious.

How do you choose your repertoire when you perform for military or patriotic reasons? Do you write your own songs?

I recently wrote a song about the war called Take Me Away. It reflects my emotional state after yet another tragedy caused by Russia.

There are lines in the song that go:

“yellow light shining from a torch

and the pavement soaked in blood,

though the current may one day wash it away

I will always be living in war…”

I think this excerpt expresses what many of us feel. We will never forget this.

I choose my repertoire based on the general mood of the people around me. Mostly, I want to mourn, to remember, and to reflect through songs. But I’ve also noticed that audiences are starting to crave something lighter and more joyful—something to distract them, even briefly.

Has the war changed your music—its tone, message, or emotional intensity?

Absolutely. I can honestly say that I’ve at times drowned in despair. Upbeat songs come to me with difficulty. But I also have to admit that some of the best songs I’ve ever written were born during this war. My music has finally found its depth, its meaning, and a mission that I’ve come to understand and express clearly.

What does it mean to you personally to be able to support the Armed Forces through your art?

It’s my duty. As it is for all performers.

How do you manage to stay emotionally strong when performing in times of national trauma and grief?

Honestly, I don’t always manage. There are some very hard days. Sometimes I have to cancel concerts just to grieve and mourn. Especially after heavy missile attacks, deaths, and acts of terror by Russia.

What role do you think musicians and artists play during wartime, beyond financial support?

First of all, musicians uphold the cultural front. We show ourselves and the world that Ukrainian culture is rich, interesting, and diverse.

Secondly, of course, we support the emotional well-being of those living in Ukraine. Music helps us live—or survive—difficult moments. I’ve experienced that personally, many times.

What kind of responses do you receive from your audiences—both civilians and soldiers?

Civilians and soldiers alike are always very warm and grateful for any artistic expression during wartime. But I must admit—I’ve mentioned this already—that I often hear requests for something more uplifting and life-affirming. People are tired of pain and grief. I understand them. Maybe once most of my sorrow has poured into my original songs, I’ll find space for something more positive. But for now, I sing what I feel.

That said, I perform covers in a range of moods and always listen to my audience.

Are there any particular moments from your concerts or tours that stand out in your memory, especially ones involving soldiers or their families?

I often meet service members who are briefly returning to civilian life, visiting their families, and attending my concerts. They are models of courage and resilience for me. They always ask me to sing songs that inspire and offer hope. They always tell me not to give up. And I hold on—we all do—for their sake.

Do you feel your music helps people process their emotions about the war or find strength during hard times?

Yes, I believe my music helps people reflect and live through their pain.

How do you personally see the war—what do you believe is at stake for Ukraine?

This war is yet another chance for us to show our strength, reclaim our identity, and defend our independence.

Do you believe music can influence public morale or international perceptions of the war?

Of course. The cultural front is an inseparable part of our struggle. That’s why I also want to convey strength—not just sorrow.

What message would you like to send to people abroad who are watching Ukraine and may not know how to help?

Speak about Ukraine, write about Ukraine, attend rallies, spread information about Russia’s terrorist acts on Ukrainian soil. Do not forget. With your support, we are able to keep fighting.

Have you collaborated with other Ukrainian artists, musicians, or cultural figures during the war?

Yes. The war has brought many new Ukrainian names into the light. That gives me hope for the future. I often organise musical events where I invite a variety of performers, and together we work towards the shared goal of helping the military and raising funds for the army. The next event is planned for 10 August at the Franko Museum in Lviv.

Do you only perform in Lviv, or do you travel across Ukraine or abroad to raise funds and awareness?

I chose to stay in Ukraine. So far, I haven’t had the opportunity to go abroad—it takes a great deal of effort and a team to do that. For now, I’m doing everything I can to support our soldiers and civilians here at home.

How have local communities, especially in Lviv, supported your mission?

Lviv residents are deeply involved in the war effort. Events to support the army take place every day. Everyone is eager to help—to offer space, equipment, and people to organise performances. Because we all share the same goal: to support our soldiers.

What sustains you in the most difficult times?

Music, of course. My greatest source of strength and an example of conscious artistry is the band Vivienne Mort. I listened to their music even before Russia’s full-scale invasion and have always been proud that Ukraine has such talented performers. I’m also sustained by the people around me—and by psychotherapy.

What kind of Ukraine would you like to see after the war? How do you think music will shape that future?

I want all the soldiers, prisoners, children, and refugees to come home. I want them to have a home to return to. I want us to rebuild this country together, to develop our culture, and to shape a conscious and progressive nation. Music is, has been, and always will be an inseparable part of our cultural legacy. That’s why I’m committed to creating quality original music in Ukrainian, here in Ukraine.

If you could perform one last song at a victory concert in a free and peaceful Ukraine, what would it be—and why?

I often think about this. Of course I’d like that song to be joyful and positive—but I believe that after victory, all of us will feel a vast emptiness. Because even after we win, we will never forget the thousands who died, the cities that were destroyed, all the pain and devastation that Russia brought. So I think the song would be hopeful, but with a trace of sadness. Something like Everything Will Be Fine by Okean Elzy.