Interview with Yulia Sovist, a Lviv musician

This is Matthew Parish from the Lviv Herald, and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to interview Yulia Sovist, a musician who is performing live in Lviv to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and raise money for their urgent needs, including drones, medicine, and uniforms: essential items that Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines need every day. Congratulations, Yulia.

Thank you very much.

What is your name, what music do you play, and how do you promote yourself?

My name is Yulia Sovist. I mostly play covers in public with my band. However, I also really like to jam and sometimes invent something of my own.

In general, I don't actively advertise myself. I like it when people listen to me attentively at my performances and become interested themselves. Plus, word of mouth.

Lviv residents know you well as someone who gives live music concerts in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Can you tell us something about your motivation for doing so?

My motivation is obviously to end the war and give the military what they need right now. I volunteer in the way that I do best.

Where are you from in Ukraine, and what would you like to tell us about your past?

I was born and lived my whole life in Lviv, for which I thank the Universe every day. So, my past passed here :)

Do you have friends or family who are fighting in the war in Ukraine, or who have been killed or injured during the war or in Ukraine? Can you describe your emotions regarding these events?

I haven't directly experienced the loss of loved ones, but I have friends who are fighting. Of course, I worry about them. In general, it's a very strange feeling, because these guys are my age (or a little older), and recently we spent time together, talked, listened to/made music, smoked... In short, we did what young people do everywhere. These are creative people. Most of all, I wish them not to lose themselves...

Why do you think Russia's second invasion of Ukraine has begun? Why do you support the efforts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to resist the Russian invaders?

The main reason for the full-scale invasion, in my opinion, is Russia’s imperial ambitions, which it has carried for most of its existence. Russia sought to “destabilise” Ukraine in 2014 to achieve its aggressive goals, but as we know, it failed to destroy Ukrainian statehood at that time.

I support the Armed Forces of Ukraine because they defend my home. Ukrainians did not choose this war, so it's either us or them.

What do you think about the Russian government at this time?

I don't think anything good, to put it mildly. I don't understand them as people. And I don't even try to understand them, because it's hard to call them people.

What do you think about the Russian soldiers who were drafted or volunteered to fight against the Ukrainian defenders? What are your sincere feelings towards these people?

Obviously, my attitude towards them is negative. I do not tolerate the participation of any person in aggression against a sovereign state. Every person who commits violence or causes violence to be committed must bear responsibility. Of course, there is a difference between volunteers, contractors and mobilized persons, but arguments like: “We were forced” / “We did not want it” etc. are not convincing to me. At least because there are Russian soldiers who have switched to the side of Ukraine or simply laid down their arms, refusing to kill civilians. There are few of them, but they still have a choice.

How optimistic are you about the war? Do you have an opinion or wish for the final outcome? How long do you think it will last?

Of course, we want to believe that the war will end today or tomorrow. Perhaps a miracle will happen and we will be able to quickly recover from the losses, heal the injuries and make plans again, being more confident about the future. It is difficult to predict how it will be, but hopes, of course, are the best …

What kind of music do you specialize in, and in which cities in Ukraine do you enjoy playing music?

As I mentioned, I mostly play covers. I like to listen to and perform different genres, adapting them to my own taste. Right now, I like listening to classic/psychedelic rock the most.

In Ukraine, I have only performed music publicly in Lviv, and overall I like it here. There are many creative people here, and it is not so difficult for me to find my audience. Although popular Ukrainian songs are in much higher demand here.

As a young person in Ukraine, what are your hopes and ambitions for the future of Ukraine and for yourself?

I would like to live and develop in Ukraine. I really don't want to think that I might have to leave my home someday in search of a better life or even to save it. So I want Ukraine to become a space where everyone will be able to realize themselves in safety and comfort.

If our readers want to contact you, how should they contact you?

Here are my contacts:

Instagram / Telegram: s0vistb

+380665343549

myznkat11@gmail.com

Glory to Ukraine!

Glory to the heroes!