ONUKA: Ukraine’s electronic miracle

What may happen when wisdom and traditions of the past meet with electronic music of 80’s-90’s and modern sound and style? In case of Ukrainian band ONUKA – all this leads to pure magic born. And I was among those lucky ones who absorbed that magic during the concert in Odesa on 25 April.

The word “onuka” means granddaughter in Ukrainian, and was chosen to pay tribute to Oleksandr Shlionchyk – well-known Ukrainian maker of folk musical instruments. Oleksandr was the grandfather of Nata Zhyzhchenko, the band’s lead singer and author of the concept, he made Nata’s first sopilka (Ukrainian woodwind instrument) and gave her an understanding of what the homeland meant.

ONUKA is a young Ukrainian electronic band that has already gained fan’s hearts not only in Ukraine, but in other parts of the world. And it’s hardly a surprise. The sound of Ukrainian folk instruments, including sopilka, bandura and ocarina, wrapped in electronic music and supported by trombones and electronic drums creates unique multi-layered sounding highlighted with a deep sound of traditional Hutsul trembita.

But hearing is not the only sense which is affected by ONUKA’s performance, it’s an enjoyment to eyes as well. The performance is accompanied by footage adding to the necessary atmosphere. The band itself is very refine and stylish from modern minimal black and white costumes to classy haircuts and makeup.

ONUKA is very traditional and ultra-modern at the same time, with each sound and every visual element well-thought and placed. Every composition is highly professional, but at the same time full of love and soul. During the performance, the audience follows the paths of mysterious legends, intersected with modern world, and meets Ukrainian traditions having deep roots in the past.

ONUKA’s music is timeless making the world around change its pace and the audience experience different states of body and soul: somehow you keep shifting from dancing rhythmic mood to something eternal and ageless, simultaneously learning more about Ukrainian vivid culture. How can it be possible? Listen to ONUKA, or better attend band’s concert to completely submerge into magical atmosphere, when ageless meets instantaneous.

Credits to ONUKA

https://youtu.be/PR7jG9xVhzw

Credits to Kaththea

Aleksandra Demskaya, EMPR