First of all, I must say that, like in London, I didn't have the opportunity to transmit to Svyatoslav Vakarchurk the special gift I created for him. Honestly, I didn't expect to meet Svyatoslav or any other member of the band: I know that being on tour is exhausting and that they were to busy for this. But I was in touch with the Organizer of the concert who proposed me, a few days ago, to help me: he was supposed to give my booklet to Vakarchuk...
Unfortunately, I quickly understood that he was too busy and that he would never have a single minute to give me his attention - in fact, he gave the appearance to be busy, running round like headless chickens and doing nothing concrete! :) He was there to show that he was the boss... not to help anyone!
If this was a bit frustrating, I must admit that I found it very funny. But after a few minutes, I focused my attention on the spectators - it was much more interesting!
I then talked with very friendly Ukrainians - but aren't all Ukrainians friendly? :) We exchanged for several minutes about:
The interest of learning foreign languages;
How I've discovered Okean Elzy, my blog in English & my translations of Vakarchuk's texts into French: it seems that, if it sounds strange to Westerners, Ukrainians are also very surprised (and are very proud!) to know that French people could be interested in Ukrainian music & culture! :) But what makes me want to move on these projects is the positive feedbacks I receive since several months from Ukrainian, Russian & Belarussian fans! Thanks to you, my friends!
Why Ukrainians are now frequently wearing the colors of their country: the Ukrainian flag, vyshyvankas, etc. and why the Okean Elzy's official communication is now mainly in Ukrainian (and no more in Russian). This is something I understand: In critical time, people need to come together on common values.
This was a really good discussion and I had a very good time!
Like in London, the band performed about 25 songs, mixing high energy songs and romantic ballads. Within the audience, I travelled through 20 years of music and poetry... It has been an incredible experience! I would have liked this concert to never ends...
People are frequently asking me about how I have discovered Okean Elzy and why I decided to create this personal blog... It seems that the time has come for me to give you some explanation!
In fact, all of this is another step in this old love story I have with Ukraine - but, honestly, I realized this only a few years ago... :)
Everything started when I was about 8: There was a record at home of traditional Ukrainian & Russian folk songs and I was used to listening to it for hours! It was clear for me: I didn't understand what was said, but I had the feeling that there was so much emotion, so much life in these songs that they touched my heart. Everything was so beautiful! Music, melodies, voices... But, on top of this, I fell madly in love with Slavic languages! The sounds in Ukrainian or Russian are so different from French ones! (and from all of those of the other European languages I was used to listening to on TV or on the radio...)
As I love to sing since I can speak - that's what my mother says ;-) - I suppose that I tried to sing in Ukrainian & Russian when I was listening to this record... But it was difficult. I realized that I had to take Ukrainian and Russian courses... And that's what I told my parents! :)
Photogr. Ukn.
The thing is that it was the Cold War... And that learning these languages would have been of no use for a French girl! My parents are open-minded people but they explained to me that I'd better learn English first - a very good option at that time! Regarding Russian and Ukrainian languages, I would have time to learn them later...
As I grew up, I was looking for any kind of information I could get about Ukraine and Russia. I was reading books, watching films, etc. I've discovered the cultures of these countries and... I fell deeper and deeper in love with them!
Once I've finished University, I was looking for a job... And it was quite depressing. :) So, to keep my mind active, I bought a book to learn Russian by myself - I had to start somewhere! What would be the use of doing this? I didn't know. I only wanted to understand a bit that language: it helps understanding the soul of a country!
This was about 20 years ago!
I today too rarely use my knowledge of Russian language... I've almost forgotten everything! So the question for me was "What would be the use to learn Ukrainian?"... I didn't know... And didn't try to... until January! :)
Photogr. Unkn.
In 2011, Ukraine started to occupy a greater place in my heart.
The thing is that I've given a Ukrainian name to my daughter, Oxana. Her teacher asked her where this beautiful name was coming from and, as she was only 6 years old, she couldn't answer. I exchanged later with her on my interest about Slavic cultures and she told me: "Mum! I want to learn Ukrainian!" :)) My God! What's going on with us?! :))
It was also the time when everybody was speaking about the European Football Cup to take place in Poland and in Ukraine... It was as if Europeans were discovering that Ukraine was existing! There was information about that country everyday.
This is also the moment I started to write poetry in French, my mother tongue... This is what brings me to Vakarchuk's world!
One of the first poems I wrote was about the Ocean. I was looking for a nice music to illustrate my post on my blog and I've discovered by chance that video:
It was love at first listen! I didn't understand a word but... I found it amazing! This music, the melody, the voice... and the sounds of that Slavic language - that was for sure not Russian! The question was "Who was singing such a hypnotic song? Who's got such a warm voice? Who composed this?... and what language was this?" I quickly get some information (in Russian!) on the Web and started to buy Okean Elzy's albums.
Last year, in December, I created this video for my daughter, Oxana:
Sorry for my strange accent... but at that moment I didn't know a word of Ukrainian! :)) But, luckily, because I had found a good English translation of this song, I knew what I was singing! :)
Well... I received so many messages from Central, Eastern and Western Europe about it - saying that it was beautiful! :) - that I've decided to learn a bit of Ukrainian language to improve my accent...
I bought books to learn it by myself in January and, as expected, I fell deeper and deeper in love with this language! I also started to translate Vakarchuk's lyrics into French... What I've discovered was (again!) so amazing! I couldn't keep such a poetry for myself and started to share these translations here or there on the web... The feedback I get is so enthusiastic! Yes, these words are beautiful and must be shared worldwide!
Since February, I'm in touch with the members of the Official Fan-Club. I found there a real family! Virtual friends can warm up your soul... I'm receiving so much love from Ukraine, Russia & Belarus that I wanted to show a fraction of the love that these friends showed me. That's why I decided to create this blog.
Like Vakarchuk himself, his fans have beautiful souls... They all deserve a relay to change the point of view that Westerners usually have about Central & Eastern Europe! :) I hope this blog can be helpful to break down the walls between us! Vakarchuk's music is the best ambassador to promote Slavic cultures worldwide...
“I’m here not to lecture, but to talk about things I think are
important” said OE bandleader… and thus began his lecture. Over 300
people in the audience, most of whom probably had been to his concert
the day before at the Hammersmith Eventim Apollo. Vakarchuk didn’t show
any sign of being exhausted or sleepy; he spoke in English although it
seemed that at least 80% of the listeners could understand Ukrainian.
Photo: LSE
It might have been surprising for the audience, but he didn’t speak
immediately of Maidan, the war, recent parliamentary elections or any
other ‘burning’ issues. He tried to explain the grounds of Ukrainian
crisis and his view of the challenges of the country’s future. “We’ve become used to hearing that Ukraine is the country that needs
change. But do we really know what needs to be done? We might know the
goals: to make Ukraine a prosperous country, if not the top in the
charts, but at least one of the first 30-40 in the World. But do we know
what to do to achieve that goal? Politicians always say – we need
reforms. But what kind of reforms? Is there anyone who knows?”
Probably few of Vakarchuk’s fans know that he’s got a PhD in physics.
Apart from his pretty successful singing career, he is educated and
well-read, with a curious mind. Trying to explain the challenges of
Ukrainian future, he started from quite far – from Newton and Einstein.
“Why do we all know and like Newton and Einstein, and don’t know much
of other scientists of their era? Why are some considered great
scientists and others are not known. Because those few managed to create
concrete values for science, on which science was later built. They
were not investigating a small problem, they tried to make the horizon
broader, looked at everything with a different much more fundamental
perspective.”
Following this example, Vakarchuk called on
students to think more broadly of the background of the current
situation in Ukraine. “I believe that our main problem is not
economics or legislative system. We should start from people’s values.
That is our fundamental cause, the space in which we live. There are
different sets of values worshiped in different parts of the world. In
Ukraine people say they want to be European, but not everyone knows what
it actually means. Freedom of choice and dignity of person: you can
derive everything from these two things. If you wish, you may add honest
labour to the list. Living here in London, you may think these are
universal and fundamental. But there are many societies where personal
freedom is not the first value. Some prefer safety to freedom of choice.
And the same split of values is present in Ukraine. You can’t
choose both freedom and safety as basic values. If you choose safety,
you will never get freedom. If you choose freedom, you’ll get safety as a
consequence, but it might take some time to achieve it.
Making
reforms without changing the values in the people’s minds – is a
Sisyphean task. Hence, the most important task is to educate people,
show them that there are other, better ways of living, building the
country and the society.
My recipe is the following: you need to
think about reforms and do it day by day in the economy, policy,
finances, and the courts. But while doing that – you have to remember
that you need to change the minds of people. Reforms should be a tool.
All reforms should be tailored to the values. That’s the only way it
could work.
Second issue – time. I don’t believe in fast change.
You can’t change minds of adults; you can only work with the kids. So it
will take several generations before we can see the result we want. We
need patience. A typical feature of Ukrainians is impatience. We always
want everything right now and right here. But it doesn’t work that way.
If you are interested in doing something for your country, you should
see the goal and act toward its achievement for your whole life. Your
lifetime won’t be enough to see the goal achieved, but you should be
happy to see your country on the right irreversible path. That’ll be
already a huge victory.
Ukraine started to rebuild its values.
The first step – Maidan. It’s like civil war in the US, revolution in
France. We might seem to do this much later than others. But there are
many societies not even close to the point where Ukraine is now. Ukraine has decided to make decisions for its future itself. There is no evidence it’ll succeed. Just hope and belief.
We can’t change our history or geography, but we can change our
future”
– these were probably the most important words for me
personally. Please also see some reviews shared by those from the
audience. Lev Grybov, Economics student at LSE, LSE SU Ukrainian Society Secretary:
"I was very pleased that Mr. Vakarchuk decided to give his lecture at
LSE and it was my pleasure to organise it. Taking into account the
current situation back at Home, it was particularly important for us to
hear some encouraging and motivating words, as well as suggestions on
how we can actually help Ukraine. After all, many of us are constantly
thinking about what we can really do in order to change our country’s
future. Sometimes, you just lose your faith, seeing how complicated the
situation is. That is exactly why we need such ambitious and committed
people like Svyatoslav Vakarchuk to inspire us."
Olya Afanasyeva:
"I want to thank the organizers of the meeting with S. Vakarchuk at the
LSE. This lecture was a rare opportunity to listen to one of the most
inspiring person in the Ukrainian music world. The singer talked about
events in Ukraine in a very down-to -earth and open manner, he was doing
exactly what he was asking others to do: raise the question about the
place of Ukraine in the World, to support brave Ukrainian activists in
fight for justice, to inspire minds for changes! I sincerely hope there
will be more events like this, and I am very happy I had a chance to
attend. Thank you very much to everybody who made it happen!"
"LSE SU Ukrainian Society is exceedingly proud to officially announce that Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, politically involved leader of the most successful Ukrainian rock band Okean Elzy,will deliver a lecture on the "Ukrainian Crisis and its Future", which will take place on Monday, 17th of November from 19:00-21:00 in Clement House (CLM 2.02).
The speaker, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk,
is a prominent public figure and is the lead vocalist of Okean Elzy,
the most successful post-Soviet rock band in Ukraine. Mr. Vakarchuk has
been actively supporting the ‘Orange Revolution’ in 2004 and was a
Member of the Ukrainian Parliament from 2007 to 2008. He has taken part
in various social and cultural projects as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
for the Ukraine. Since 2013, he has been one of the leading activists of
the Euromaidan, and one of the main supporters of the Ukrainian
sovereignty and independence."
"Cambridge Ukrainian Studies is proud to welcome
Svyatoslav Vakarchuk (prominent civic activist and frontman of Okean
Elzy, the most celebrated rock band in Eastern Europe) to Cambridge on
18 November at 17.00.
Sorry for these few days of silence... I was sick and I needed to recover! (Suffering of chronic pain is a mess...)
Photogr.: Unkn.
In such difficult moments, how do I find the necessary strength to
believe in tomorrow? By listening to Okean Elzy music and going deeper
into Slava Vakarchuk's words, of course! :)
I don't know why I've listened to this song for hours these days...
'Коли тобi важко - Koly Tobi Vazhko' - 'When you find it difficult'
The chorus says:
'But honestly, who told you that this would be easy? (x3) Andcan youreallylive with no ambition?'
One of my dreams was to learn Ukrainian language and to sing these beautiful Ukrainian traditional songs... It now became a reality! :-)
AleXa
She is unlike any other ;
When she goes to bed, she now remains all alone...
But there's a lot to see in her eyes !
For a long time, there is much in her soul ;
She no longer wished to play in the bad movie of her life…
The girl of another life... Chorus
I was waiting for you, waiting for you…
I was looking for you, looking for you…
And I found you!
I comforted you of your past,
Giving you mine in return
Again and again…
She doesn't live in an exotic city ;
There is no poetry in her letters…
But there's something special in each one of her words!
Maybe she has a singular first name…
Maybe she is not exactly the one I'm looking for…
The girl of another life…
Chorus
I was waiting for you, waiting for you…
I was looking for you, looking for you…
And I found you!
And all these songs I sang for you...
When I'm by your side, my soul ascends
Again and again…
Songwriter: Svyatoslav Vakarchuk (Okean Elzy) / Translation: AleXa / Okean of Emotions
Some would say that this is an autobiographical text... But when you are a writer, it's already a lot of work to express your own feelings... So why on earth should we speak of those of others! ;-)
All I can say is that Svyatoslav Vakarchuk had this experience (as all of us probably did!): he was in love with a woman who was in relationship with another man ; but it was an unhappy marriage... and, in fact, 'The girl of another life' was much in love with Svyatoslav! Oh, yes... Love is a mystery!
And do you know how it ended?...
It did not end! Everything changed for 'The girl of another life' and she is in Slava's life... since 15 years!
Svyatoslav Vakarchuk & Lyalya Fonareva, in the early 2000s
They are a perfectly matched couple, aren't they? ;-)
Svyatoslav Vakarchuk & Lyalya Fonareva, Lviv Jazz Festival 2013
Love inspires all,lovedoes everything and it changes everything!
Okean Elzy (in Ukrainian 'Океан Ельзи' that might be translated 'Elsa's Ocean') or O.E., is the most famous Ukrainian rock band. Formed in October 1994 in Lviv, a beautiful city in the western part of the country, Okean Elzy's popularity reaches nowadays a wide audience, far beyond Ukraine's borders: if the band won hearts of many people in Eastern Europe several years ago, more and more fans are today Westerners.
Trying to define Okean Elzy's musical style would be too simplistic: It cannot be compared with any other! However, it can be noted that Svyatoslav Vakarchuk who composes most of O.E. songs, is a fervent Beatles fan. Moreover, his musical influences are varied: if Queen & Led Zeppelin are for sure some other sources of inspiration for him, one might also add jazz or… Ukrainian traditional folk music!
Britpop sounds with a touch of Slavic culture... Okean Elzy's music is unique!
But on top of that, what makes O.E. so special is, according to me, the quality of the deep and poetic lyrics. Slava Vakarchuk has a message of love to deliver...
'Slavic Britpop'? Love songs? Really?!!
Yes! Let me give you an example: 'Я так хочу... - Ya tak hochu... - I want so badly...'
This music strikes a chord in the hearts and the melody carries us along a journey on the Dnieper River... What a beautiful song! - Well, that's my own personal view! :) - More simply, we can say 'That's very nice !!'... yes, it is! But when you get the idea of what is said... Wow!
Here is my English translation of the chorus:
"I want you so badly ... Like a baby needs his mother. I want you so badly... Like Earth aspires to the sky. I would have offered All the desires in the world And everything I have So that, every morning, I can finally call you by your first name... I want you so badly!"
So... What would you say about this song now?
Indeed, there is much to be said! :) Great music, beautiful melody, Vakarchuk's captivating voice and deep lyrics: everything is perfect!
All of their songs are in this particuliar style! That's why I love Okean Elzy... That's why I decided to create a blog devoted to my favorite rock band. Beautiful works and words of love must be shared worldwide!
Would you like to know more about O.E.? Let me introduce you briefly with the band members!
Slava Vakarchuk
Vocals, songwriter - O.E. member since 1994
- Born on the 15th of May 1975 in Mukatchevo, Ukraine
- Ambassador of Ukrainian Culture - 2003
- UN's Ambassodor of Good Will - 2005
- Active member of an association who promotes reading & helps fight illiteracy
- He's got a Degree in Theoritical Physics, Economy
- Fluent in Russian, Polish & English
Denis Glinin
Drums - O.E. member since 1994
- Born on the 21st of October 1971 in Lviv, Ukraine
- Diplômé Université Polytechnique de Lviv - Spécialité "Economiste-Ingénieur"
- Exemple de batteur celui de Led Zep John Banham
Milos Jelic
Keyboards & arrangements - O.E. member since 2004
- Born on the 9th September 1981 in Novi-Sad, Serbia
- Composes music for cinema, theatre, piano artitsts & Vakarchuk acoustic projects
Denis Dudko
Bass guitar - O.E. member since
- Born on the 24th of November 1975 in Kharkiv, Ukraine
- Played cello
- Music teacher
- Jazz quintet 'Dudko' - 2009
Vladimir Opsenica Guitar - O.E. member since 2013
- Born on the 9th of March 1980 in Novi-Sad, Serbia
- Studied music in Europe & Russia
If Okean Elzy
is famous in Eastern and Central Europe, many fans are living in
other countries. Since a few months, I've been in contact with people
from Canada, USA, Chile, Japan, Australia, etc. who were asking for some
information in English. The thing is that most of the data available on
the web are writen in Ukrainian or Russian, two languages that they
don't understand... but that I speak a bit! I realized that there was a
need to relay the latest news in English and to create a databasefor English speakers. That's how the idea of creating Okean of Emotions was born!
Today,
only a few information is available on this blog. Sorry... 'Rome wasn't
built in a day.' :-) Some new posts will be available very soon! Thanks
for being patient.
English
native speakers will for sure have a lot to say about how I write in this lovely language... We learn by doing!
:-) Thanks for your understanding.
Of course, feel free to send me your questions/remarks.'Okean of Emotions' is YOUR BLOG!
