SpivOberta
Dobropillya, Donets’ka Oblast’, Ukraine | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF
Music
Press
February 3, 2018
The composition "You are in my Hands" became part of the two-play single "Catch View" of the young and extraordinary group SpivOberta from the city of Dobropillia of the Donetsk region.
The "Catch View" single combines the various emotions we experience in our daily lives. These are journeys, love and thoughts of our homeland ", - tell musicians about the release.
In this work the band combines funk, indie rock, folk, and melodious pop music into an interesting musical cocktail.
"Our band was founded in 2011. At the moment, our greatest achievement is performance at American South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas.
Throughout the time of our band's existence, we experiment with music, we are looking for new ideas to touch the listeners using different styles such as pop, electro, folk, indie.
Композиція «Ти У Моїх Руках» стала частиною двопісенного синглу «Лови Погляд» молодого та неординарного гурту SpivOberta із міста Добропілля Донецької області.
«Сингл "Лови Погляд" поєднує у собі різні емоції, які ми відчуваємо під час нашого повсякденного життя. Це подорожі, кохання та сум за Батьківщиною», – розповідають про реліз музиканти.
У своїй творчості колектив поєднує у цікавому музичному коктейлі фанк, інді-рок, фолк та мелодійність поп-музики.
«Наш колектив був заснований у 2011 році. Наразі найбільше наше досягнення – виступ на американському міжнародному фестивалі South by SouthWest (SXSW) в місті Остін, штат Техас.
Протягом усього часу існування нашого колективу ми експерементуємо над музикою, шукаємо нові ідеї, щоб вразити слухачів, використовуючи різні стилі, як: поп, електро, фолк, інді. - MusicVideoUA
February 1, 2018
The guys from the SpivOberta group recorded and released a new release called Lovy Poglyad - a double author's single, which included the song Ty U Moyih Rukah besides the same name track. Both songs were written in the summer of 2017 and were recently recorded at the Soundplant Metropolitan Studio. According to musicians, they tried to make these compositions not very similar to each other, so the work did not manage without the involvement of folk Ukrainian motifs.
However, in the spring guys are promising to continue to please the audience with new music and interesting news, so watch out for social media.
The SpivOberta Group was established in 2010. Currently, the group is played by Kyrylo Vakariev (guitar, vocals, flute), Kyrylo Bavykin (base guitar, mandolin), Ilya Levchenko (drums)
Хлопці з гурту SpivOberta записали та оприлюднили новий реліз під назвою Lovy Poglyad – це подвійний авторський сингл, який окрім однойменного треку також включив у себе композицію Ty U Moyih Rukah. Обидві пісні були написані влітку 2017 року та нещодавно записані на столичній студії Soundplant. За словами музикантів, вони намагалися зробити дані композиції максимально не схожими одна на одну, відтак у роботі не обійшлося і без залучення фолкових українських мотивів.
Разом із тим, вже навесні хлопці обіцяють продовжувати радувати слухачів новим музичним матеріалом та цікавими новинами, тому слідкуйте за публікаціями у соціальних мережах.
Група SpivOberta була створена в 2010 році. В даний час в групі грають Кирило Вакарєв (гітара, вокал, флейта), Кирило Бавикін (базова гітара, мандолін), Ілля Левченко (барабани). - Luliq.com - сучасна українська музика
July 2017
After their recent musical journeys to the United States, members of the young SpivOberta group have come to realize that such dynamic, melodious, fun, and sometimes sad music is only in Ukrainian folklore. That's why folk art was the basis of their new mini-album Davni Promeni, one of the goals of which is to acquaint the foreign listener with the national traditional melodies.
"The idea of recording an album of Ukrainian folk music came after our performance at the SXSW 2017 Festival, where we performed with well-known bands as DakhaBrakha and others. The main purpose of the EP-release of Davni Promeni is to give Ukrainian folk songs new life, as well as popularize our folk music, in particular with the American public, " said guys from the trio SpivOberta
The studio work on the mini-disc was launched in May 2017, at the AV Sound recording studio, and today domestic and foreign music lovers have a great opportunity to get acquainted with its results. Regarding further creative plans, SpivOberta is now planning to take a closer look at their performance as well as record original, new songs. Keep up with the news!
Українська музика: SpivOberta – Davni Promeni
Після нещодавніх музичних мандрівок до Сполучених Штатів Америки, учасники молодого гурту SpivOberta чудово зрозуміли, що така динамічна, мелодійна, коли весела, а деколи сумна музика є тільки в українському фольклорі. І тому саме народна творчість була покладена в основу їхнього нового міні-альбому Davni Promeni, однією з цілей якого є ознайомлення закордонного слухача з вітчизняним традиційним мелосом.
«Ідея запису альбому української народної музики з’явилась після нашого виступу на фестивалі SXSW 2017, де ми виступали разом з DakhaBrakha та іншими відомими командами. Головна мета EP-релізу Davni Promeni полягає у наданні українським народним пісням нового дихання, а також популяризації нашої народної музики, зокрема серед американської публіки», – кажуть хлопці з тріо SpivOberta.
Студійну роботу над міні-платівкою було розпочато у травні 2017 року, на столичній студії звукозапису AV Sound, а вже сьогодні вітчизняні й закордонні меломани мають чудову можливість ознайомитися з її результатами. Стосовно подальших творчих планів, то наразі SpivOberta планують ближче до осені зайнятися зйомками офіційного кліпу, а також записати порцію нових, на цей раз авторських пісень. Слідкуйте за новинами! - notatky.com.ua
July 23, 2017
SpivOberta – Davni Promeni (EP)
The basis of the new mini-album "Davni Promeni" from the young band SpivOberta is found in Ukrainian folk art. The EP itself aims to acquaint the foreign listener, in particular the American public, with our traditional melodies. A great endeavor to support and spread the Ukrainian language!
10 нових пісень в українській музиці, які вас вразять
SpivOberta – Davni Promeni (EP)
В основу нового міні-альбому "Davni Promeni" від молодого гурту SpivOberta була покладена українська народна творчість. Сам ЕР має на меті ознайомити закордонного слухача, зокрема, американську публіку, з нашим традиційним мелосом. Дуже правильна ціль, підтримуймо та поширюймо українське! - maximum.fm
April 4, 2017
The Dobropillya group "SpivOberta" took part in the annual showcase festival SXSW, which was held in the capital of the State of Texas, Austin, from 9 to 18 March.
According to the vocalist and guitarist Kirill Vakarev, the festival was founded in 1987. It has been attended by such celebrities as Snoop Dogg, Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, Blink-182, Black Eyed Peas, White Stripes, Pharrell Williams, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys and others.
This rock band "SpivOberta" was created in 2010. Three guys - guitarist and vocalist Kirill Vakarev, bassist Kirill Bavykin and drummer Ilya Levchenko successfully recorded their first songs, but the fighting in the Donbass destroyed their plans. The guys had to travel to different parts of Ukraine and abroad.
"Our producer applied for participation in the festival for a long time, and at first the organizers refused us," says Kirill Vakarev. - Therefore, we went to the festival to come together again, to gather something new. The day before the festival, we were given a surprise - the application for our participation was approved. Urgently we had to prepare musical numbers for the performance. The audience accepted our songs, and we got a new experience, performing on the same stage with the world stars. "
The musicians have many new ideas for the future activities of the band. And the distance separating them - not a hindrance, because they believe that the main thing - a strong friendship, a properly chosen team and the desire to create together.
Now the members of the group "SpivOberta" graduate from universities. After that, they plan to intensively study music.
Музыкальная группа «SpivOberta» из Доброполья побывала на фестивале в Техасе
Участники добропольской группы «SpivOberta» приняли участие в ежегодном шоукейс-фестивале SXSW, который проходил в столице штата Техас Остине с 9 по 18 марта.
По словам вокалиста и гитариста коллектива Кирилла Вакарева, фестиваль был основан в 1987 году. В нем принимали участие такие знаменитости, как Snoop Dogg, Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, Blink-182, Black Eyed Peas, White Stripes, Pharrell Williams, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys и другие.
Сама же рок-группа «SpivOberta» была создана в 2010 году. Трое ребят – гитарист и вокалист Кирилл Вакарев, басист Кирилл Бавыкин и ударник Илья Левченко успешно записывали свои первые песни, однако боевые действия на Донбассе нарушили их планы. Парням пришлось разъехаться по разным уголкам Украины и ближнего зарубежья.
«Наш продюсер подавал заявку на участие в фестивале давно, и сначала организаторы нам отказали, – рассказывает Кирилл Вакарев. – Поэтому на фестиваль мы ехали для того, чтобы снова собраться вместе, почерпнуть для что-то новое. За день до мероприятия нас ожидал сюрприз – заявку на наше участие все-таки одобрили. В срочном порядке пришлось подбирать музыкальные номера для выступления. В конечном итоге публика приняла наши песни, а мы получили новый опыт, выступив на одной сцене с мировыми звездами».
У музыкантов много новых идей относительно дальнейшей деятельности группы. И расстояние для них – не помеха, ведь они считают, что главное – крепкая дружба, правильно подобранный коллектив и желание творить вместе.
Сейчас участники группы «SpivOberta» оканчивают обучение в университетах. После этого планируют интенсивно заняться музыкой. - orbita.dn.ua
March 29, 2017
SpivOberta, young Ukrainian artists from Dobropillia, interpret traditional folk songs and create original music. Kirill Vakarev, Ilya Levchenko, Kirill Bavykin are friends since childhood, their long friendship and the dream of co-writing original songs and music have gone through many hardships and trials against the backdrop of recent events in the east of the country.
After performances in Donetsk before the war, in the halls now destroyed by bombing, the guys have been searching for a place for their music. In March last year they presented their songs and history in Austin for study at the University of Texas and for the performances in the Rotunda of the Capitol of Texas, in the Russian House, sponsored by the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, as well as Assembly Ukrainian community in Austin. Talent of the Dobropolsky musicians was greatly appreciated.
The group renamed itself SpivOberta after burning in Kiev, their first album, released in December 2016.
Добропольская рок-группа выступила в Америке
29 марта 2017
Культура
SpivOberta - молодая украинская группа из Доброполья. Ребята интерпретируют традиционные народные песни и создают оригинальную музыку. Кирилл Вакарев, Илья Левченко, и Кирилл Бавыкин дружат с самого детства, их длительная дружба и мечта о совместном написании авторских песен и музыки пережила уже немало невзгод и испытаний на фоне последних событий на Востоке страны.
После выступлений в Донецке до войны, в залах, теперь разрушенных бомбардировками, ребята долго искали место для своей музыки. В марте прошлого года они отправили свои песни и историю в Остин для обучения в Техасском университете и для выступления в Ротонде Капитолия штата Техас, в Русском доме, спонсируемом Центром русского, восточноевропейского и евразийского исследований, а также для Собрания украинского сообщества в Остине. Талант добропольских музыкантов оценили по достоинству.
Группа переименовала себя в SpivOberta после записи в Киеве своего первого альбома, выпущенного в декабре 2016 года. - 06277.com.UA
March 27, 2017
Гурт SPIVOBERTA
Video interview and story on the band SpivOberta and their showcase at SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas and their Ukrainian folk and traditional music focus. - UACulture
March 20, 2017
Mix of cultures, styles at SXSW music festival, showcasing Ukrainian band SpivOberta.
One of the world's biggest international music festivals is winding down in the US state of Texas.
The South by Southwest festival (SXSW) showcases talent from dozens of countries, styles and traditions.
Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds reports from Austin. - Al Jazeera News
March 14, 2017 by Arden Ward
Didn't score a SXSW wristband or badge? You don't have to miss out on the music. SXSW boasts a slew of free official music showcases through Saturday, March 18. They range from intimate shows on Second Play stages to themed showcases at downtown venues and big-name performances at Lady Bird Lake.
Here are eight free shows to see from March 15-18. And remember: There's more where this came from. View the full schedule of free official SXSW programming — including many Second Play shows — here.
Wednesday, March 15
Free Spotlight Showcase
This free showcase at Buffalo Billiards runs from 8 pm to 2 am and features six bands: pop artist EDO, rock band Troi Irons, Taiwanese trio Jade Eyes, Brooklyn-based Pastel Ghost, Odezenne, and Japanese rocker Miyavi. Grab a SXSW Guest Pass to attend.
World Electronic Showcase
Head to the Russian House for a free showcase presented by Sounds from the World. It kicks off at 8:45 pm with young Ukrainian band SpivOberta, who have quite the story to tell. The show ends just shy of 2 am with a set from Austin's own world music band Rattletree.
Thursday, March 16
All Latino Resist Concert
The SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake hosts three days of big shows. It kicks off with this showcase presented by Voto Latino, featuring Panteón Rococó, Residente, and Ozomatli. The show is open to all ages — you just need a Guest Pass to attend.
International Showcase
St. David's Church hosts an all-night showcase with an international lineup. Highlights include LA-based avant/experimental artist Sorne at 10 pm and Manchester jazz trio GoGo Penguin at 11 pm.
Friday, March 17
Tribute to a Friend — Celebrating Prince
Just announced, this tribute show on the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake features Dez Dickerson, original bassist and musical collaborator; artist and producer Andre Cymone; Wyclef Jean; and Micki Free performing classic Prince songs. Come early for Riders Against the Storm at 7:20 pm. Again, this is open to all ages — get a Guest Pass to attend.
Penny Loafer
Penny Loafer PR hosts a showcase at TenOak featuring a heavy dose of local rock 'n' roll. Austin's Edison Chair (8:50 pm), Darkbird (12:15 am), and Otis the Destroyer (1:10 am) are on the bill.
Saturday, March 18
Music Showcase: Emily Wolfe, WILSN, Farida, and more
Rainey Street venue Lucille sets the stage for this showcase with appearances by Austin artists Théorie Ornery (8 pm), Emily Wolfe (11 pm), and A-Town GetDown (1 am). Australia's WILSN, Norway's Farida, and Nebraska's High Up round out the bill. This show requires a Guest Pass.
Pop Showcase
The Parish goes pop to close out SXSW. Newark, New Jersey's Chris Akinyemi starts the showcase at 8 pm, and Nigeria's L.A.X. closes the late-night party with a 1 am set. - culturemap AUSTIN
January 22, 2017
Radio Interview in China with Illia Levchenko of the Ukrainian band SpivOberta
The group "Spivoberta" (previously called "Hotline") was established in 2011 in a small town in Donetsk, called Dobropillia. In their music the musicians are boldly experimenting and using folk instruments such as the dulcimer, zozulka, kobza, and, of course, flute.
The band members unchanged to this day are Kyrylo Vakarev (guitar, vocals), Kyrylo Bavykin (bass) and Illia Levchenko (drums). Currently, members of the group are in China. CRI correspondent managed to talk to the drummer of the band Illia.
Why have you come to China?
- I got to China with Program Au Pair *. While here, I have decided to use my time for new experiences. In China, the conditions for Au Pair is simply fabulous. In Europe or America, the position would have just been for a nurse and for cool childcare, not more. But China is different, here is a different attitude. It's nice to take this opportunity, and I would like to thank this country for many facilities.
What can you say about Chinese music?
- It has insight and an original sound, the Asian music in general and China in particular that I have heard. Probably overall, China for a creative person from the West is a breath of fresh air. It promotes the search for a new sound, because the music is too original to not happen.
What are your impressions of the Chinese instruments?
- With instruments like guzheng that are very, very similar sounding to dulcimer, but in the Chinese version they are played by the hands. Also interesting is the Chinese flute which is also very similar to Ukrainian instrument. A very impressive stringed bowed instrument is the erhu. The original look and sound are tempting to buy, because for us it is new and unknown. We are planning to buy a dulcimer, and after adapting that, we will think of foreign instruments, including Chinese.
What attracts you besides music in China?
- Besides Music, China attracts me in their attitude to foreigners. In addition to all the new around you, you feel that you, in turn, are nothing new to others. It is not strained, but rather encourages communication with native local people. So we are giving thought for a tour in China with our songs.
* - Au Pair ( from the French. Séjour au pair) - a cultural exchange program that enables young people to travel and live in another country, living with another family. In exchange for a personal residence, food and pocket money they care for children and perform light household work. The period of stay in the family, usually one year. Also, the term referred to by Au Pair program. - China Radio International
December 2016
Friends, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the new studio EP from the young indie band SpivOberta called Gone Your Way, in which the musicians merge funk and pop-folk elements within new music compositions . In general, the fresh EP, recorded at Studio SoundPlant capital, includes four songs (two Ukrainian-language and two English) and a lead-intro-track.
"The main goal of our mini-album Gone Your Way is to show listeners and connoisseurs of quality music from around the world that the fusion of modern musical genres with our Ukrainian national culture is realistic. In our compositions we use Ukrainian folk instruments and of course the use of the Ukrainian language. Work on the music began in March 2016 in Austin (Texas, USA), where we attended SXSW 2016, and where, incidentally, we plan to be next year, and the recording of musical works was done at the studio SoundPlant in Kyiv " - told "notes" by SpivOberta.
The next item on the list of collective goals will be their debut full-length album and performance at SXSW in March 2017, and among the global challenges the guys hope to distinguished themselves with the popularization of Ukrainian music not only for domestic audiences but also foreign music lovers. Watch for the new accomplishments of SpivOberta on social networks!
1 місяць тому
Друзі, пропонуємо до ознайомлення новий студійний міні-альбом молодого інді-гурту SpivOberta під назвою Gone Your Way, в якому музиканти сумістили звучання у стилі фанк, поп-елементи та фольклорні деталі. Загалом до свіжого EP, записаного на столичній студії SoundPlant, увійшло чотири авторські композиції команди (дві україномовні та дві англомовні), а також ввідний intro-трек.
«Основна мета нашого міні-альбому Gone Your Way – продемонструвати слухачам та поціновувачам якісної музики з усього світу, що завдання доцільно приправити сучасні музичні жанри частинкою національної культури є цілком реальним. У своїх композиціях ми використовуємо українські народні інструменти на зразок сопілки і тамбурину, а також, звичайно, тексти українською мовою. Роботу над релізом було розпочато у березні 2016 року в Остіні (Техас, США), де ми виступали на фестивалі SXSW 2016, та де, до речі, плануємо виступити у наступному році, а вже основна частина музичних робіт проходила на студії SoundPlant у Києві», – розповіли «Нотаткам» учасники SpivOberta.
Наступними пунктами у списку цілей колективу значиться видання дебютного повноформатного альбому та виступ на вищезгаданому SXSW 2017 у березні, а серед глобальних завдань хлопці виділяють для себе популяризацію української музики у колах не тільки вітчизняних, а і закордонних меломанів. Слідкуйте за новими звершеннями SpivOberta у соціальних мережах! - notatky.com.ua
December 17, 2016
The young indie band SpivOberta released a new studio album entitled «Gone Your Way«. The disc includes 5 tracks, including two Ukrainian-language and two English and intro. The album was recorded in studios in Kiev SoundPlant.
Молодий інді гурт SpivOberta випустив новий студійний альбом, що має назву «Gone Your Way«. До платівки увійшли 5 треків, серед яких два україномовні, два англійською мовою та інтро. Альбом був записаний в Києві на студії SoundPlant. - Overdrive.com.ua
December 7, 2016
The other day, a young indie band from Dobropillya, SpivOberta (formerly Hotline), published its new studio EP "Gone your way" and hope to perform in a second trip to the US.
The new collection of music combined such genres as funk, folk, pop, indie and rock. The structure of the album included 4 original songs (two in the Ukrainian language, two in English), as well as an intro.
"The main goal of the mini-album Gone Your Way - show listeners at home and around the world, that modern musical genres merged as a part of the national culture is quite real. In compositions the use of Ukrainian folk instruments like the flute and tambourine, as well as, of course, the text is in the Ukrainian language. Work on the album was launched in March 2016 in Austin (Texas, USA), where we were at the festival SXSW 2016, and where, by the way, we plan to perform in the next year, but the bulk of the musical works was done at the SoundPlant studio in Kyiv " - told members SpivOberta.
The next items on the list of collective goals are the publication of a debut full-length album and performance at the aforementioned SXSW in March 2017, and among the global challenges of youth to distinguish themselves in the popularization of Ukrainian music in the community, not only domestic but also with foreign music lovers. Watch for new achievements SpivOberta on social networks!
https://www.sonicbids.com/band/spiv-oberta-hot-line/
https://www.youtube.com/
https://soundcloud.com/spivoberta
https://www.instagram.com/spivoberta/
Альбом добропольской группы, который услышат в США
На днях молодая инди-группа из города Доброполье, SpivOberta(ранее Hotline), опубликовала свой новый студийный мини-альбом "Gone your way" и собирается в во вторую поездку в США.
В новом сборнике музыканты совместили такие жанры как: фанк, фолк, поп, инди и рок. В состав альбома вошло 4 авторские песни(две на украинском языке, две на английском), а также intro.
Основная цель нашего мини-альбома Gone Your Way – продемонстрировать слушателям и ценителям качественной музыки со всего мира, что задачи целесообразно приправить современные музыкальные жанры частичкой национальной культуры является вполне реальным. В своих композициях мы используем украинские народные инструменты вроде флейты и тамбурина, а также, конечно, тексты на украинском языке. Работу над релизом было начато в марте 2016 года в Остине (Техас, США), где мы выступали на фестивале SXSW 2016, и где, кстати, планируем выступить в следующем году, а уже основная часть музыкальных работ проходила на студии SoundPlant в Киеве», – рассказали участники SpivOberta.
Следующими пунктами в списке целей коллектива значится издание дебютного полноформатного альбома и выступление на вышеупомянутом SXSW в марте 2017, а среди глобальных задач ребята выделяют для себя популяризацию украинской музыки в кругах не только отечественных, но и зарубежных меломанов. Следите за новыми свершениями SpivOberta в социальных сетях! - dobrepole.com.ua
April 29, 2016 Как группа «Hotline» в Техасе выступала - Телекомпания "Орбита"
July 31, 2014
Группа «Hotline» — горячие добропольские парни
Music - the mysterious sounds that make you feel something special. There are melodies that are perceived not just with your ears but with your heart. And now we look at the group from Dobropillya that performs exactly this kind of music.
Музыка – таинственные звуки, заставлящие чувствовать то, чего нет в природе. Есть такие мелодии, которые воспринимаешь будто бы не слухом, а сердцем. И сейчас мы познакомимся с группой из города Доброполья, которая исполняет именно такую музыку. - Телекомпания "Орбита"
July 31, 2014
Группа «Hotline» - горячие добропольские парни
Сюжет программы «Выше Крыши» производства телекомпании «Орбита».
Музыка – таинственные звуки, заставлящие чувствовать то, чего нет в природе. Есть такие мелодии, которые воспринимаешь будто бы не слухом, а сердцем. И сейчас мы познакомимся с группой из города Доброполья, которая исполняет именно такую музыку. - Телекомпания "Орбита"
Discography
Тиша - EP released 2022
Нові Мости - album released 2018
Lovy Poglyad - single released 2018
Ти в моїх руках - single released 2018
Davni Promeni - EP released 2017
Gone Your Way - EP released 2016
Search - single released 2013
Solid Surface - single released 2013
Photos
Bio
SpivOberta was created in 2010 as Hotline by childhood friends Kyrylo Vakariev and Illia Levchenko with Kyrylo Bavykin joining them later in the small town of Dobropillya, Donetsk region, Eastern Ukraine.
Every winter the snow is black from coal boilers heating the city where most work 12 hours a day in the mines. All of the country's industry is concentrated in the region but none of its profits, lost by theft and corruption with the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Vakariev studied guitar. Levchenko studied drums initially as a joke but realizing he really enjoyed playing them. In 2010 they began playing music at a youth club in the city with an older experienced vocalist who taught them much about rock music. In Dobropillya by just learning to play and perform as a rock group everyone would know you as a rock musician. The equipment in the club was old, the speakers and amplifier hardly worked, and the drum kit was in terrible condition, but somehow they managed to create music. Never able to buy drums, Illia practiced at home by banging his drumsticks on the couch. After the group's singer was forced to leave looking for work, they searched for a new member, despairing until finding Bavykin. Even though he loved heavy metal and 2 hour solos, he became a bass player for them. They played well together. They were forced to practice at home, playing on old acoustic guitars and drumming on the couch. They wrote their songs “Search” and “Solid surface” at home in 2012. After having only rehearsed half an hour before performing their first concert at a club in Donetsk, a producer approached them offering them to go on tour in Ukraine. Two years later, the club in Donetsk, was bombed.
After their initial success in 2012, they went separate ways to universities. The only education in their small town was in mining. Each wanted to achieve something greater. Illia went to Kramatorsk, Vakariev to Donetsk and Bavykin to Kyiv. Because Kyiv was far away they could meet just once a month to play music together. Summer 2013 was the turning point for the band with serious work on their songs. Each had looked for new musical opportunities but realized that they couldn’t write songs and play as well with anyone else. They were convinced that Hotline was in their hearts forever. Being together again they spent all of the money they had saved to produce their songs in the recording studio in Donetsk. Recording their songs was an important achievement in their lives. They were musicians!
The war began. People did not panic too much at first, living conditions were already bad. Protests, blockades, explosions on the outskirts of town, and smoke-covered terrorists walking the streets became commonplace in the city. Their lives became more in danger. Bavykin, studying in Kyiv was safe, but Vakariev and Illia were in danger. The cities where they went to school were taken over by terrorists in a matter of days. Vakariev moved to a city controlled by Ukraine, and Illia who at first went home, soon knew he had to leave. He sold his laptop, scraped together a little money and fled to Minsk to live with relatives where he was able to be safe.
They were challenged by war and separation but continued creating original songs and discovered an identity as Ukrainian. They began adapting Ukrainian folk and traditional music, merging traditional sounds and instruments with personal expressions in their music.
In March of 2016 the band traveled to the US performing and recording in Austin, Texas. They presented their music and met with students at the University of Texas Moody School of Communications. They performed in Austin at the Russian House, sponsored by the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas and in the Rotunda of the Texas State Capitol on the opening day of the SXSW Music Festival. They shared their music with other musicians at the Festival and with the Austin Ukrainian community.
Completing their University educations, Bavykin in law, Vakariev in engineering, and Illia working as a journalist and studying as well, they are alive and still have a passion for each other and their music. Living through the continuing conflict in Ukraine has given them a very strong motivation to move forward and not give up, to keep working hard every day. They believe in their music and focus their energy creating and sharing their songs.
The band renamed themselves SpivOberta in 2016, recording in Kyiv, Gone Your Way.
Invited to showcase in Austin at the SXSW Music Festival 2017, the band continues to create with new music, Davni Promeni.
Band Members
Links