“I can’t listen to music. Since day one, since February 24. I tried, but I just cannot…For some people, they find our music helpful. But this is not for me right now.”
This is the second in a series of interviews focusing on music and musicians in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The last episode focused on Margot Kulichova, a Ukrainian musician currently based in Lisbon; and while Margot has felt the excruciating weight of war from abroad, Roman Garkavenko, a OneBeat 2014 alumnus, has been in Ukraine since the war began on February 24. In a moving conversation with FSN co-founder Jeremy Thal, Roman shares his story from within Ukraine, from harrowing encounters with Russian soldiers during an attempt to find safety outside of Kyiv, to where he is now — back in Kyiv, living in his apartment, where he volunteers helping Ukrainians who have been displaced.
As much as this interview touches on the power of music in times of war and revolution, it also highlights what music is not capable of. Roman, who is the bass player of beloved Kyiv-based indie-rock band 5 Vymir, speaks of his mode of survival as a Ukrainian living through terrifying times, and the ways he has learned to cope and support his people.
Similarly to Margot, Roman has recommended links and resources for ways listeners and the OneBeat community can support people in Ukraine, and refugees around the world:
Check out our Youtube playlist to discover music by Ukrainian bass player Roman Garkavenko and his band, 5 Vymir, found in the podcast episode.
Produced and Edited by Jeremy Thal
Production Assistant: Nyokabi Kariuki
Mixed by Jeremy Thal
Executive Producers: Jeremy Thal, Elena Moon Park, and Kyla-Rose Smith
Featuring: Roman Garkavenko
OneBeat is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, & produced by Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation.
OneBeat is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, & produced by Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation.
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