As I strolled through the rain-drenched streets of Soroca, Moldova, my gaze lingered across the Dnister River, where the shores of Ukraine beckoned. It was a fleeting moment, but one that left an indelible impression. I watched the small ferry boats shuttling between the two countries, a tangible reminder of the divide that separated them. Yet, despite the allure, I was informed that crossing the river required navigating official checkpoints – an encounter that would have to wait.

Fast forward to 2017, during a journey through Poland, I found myself within reach of the Ukrainian border once more. Without hesitation, I seized the opportunity to explore Lviv – a city pulsating with vitality and creative energy. Yet, amidst the vibrant facade, I couldn’t ignore the haunting presence of men who traversed the streets with an air of detachment. Their silent anguish spoke volumes, a testament to the ongoing conflict that ravaged Eastern Ukraine in the shadow of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Collaborating with Ukrainian Poets

When Dmitry Postovalov extended an invitation for mockART to participate in the Blue and Yellow Through Black and Gray project, Christoph and I embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. Conceived as a collaboration between Ukrainian poets and international musicians, the project sought to intertwine the realms of poetry and music, crafting a narrative that reflected upon the stark realities of war in Ukraine. Penned during the initial throes of conflict, the poems of the twelve contributing authors offer glimpses into a world besieged by turmoil. While not explicitly addressing the war, its spectre looms large, infusing each verse with a sense of poignancy and resilience.

Joining forces with fifteen musicians from across the globe, we embarked on a creative odyssey — one that gave rise to a musical landscape both introspective and discordant. In the lyrical tapestry woven by Maksym Churkov, we found kindred spirits — travellers navigating the vast expanse of poetic imagination. His poem Tænæt served as our guiding light, inspiring us to explore new sonic horizons and reimagine reality through sound.

In tandem with crafting the music, I undertook the task of creating lyric videos—a visual companion to the auditory journey. Infusing static photographs with dynamic animations, I endeavoured to breathe life into the imagery, ensuring that the text transcended its role as mere subtitles.

A Beacon of Hope

As the project took shape, it became evident that our collective efforts were more than just a creative endeavour. They were a testament to the resilience of the human spirit—a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of conflict. Published by Syrphe and presented by AEMC, the Blue and Yellow Through Black and Gray project stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. It serves as a reminder that, in times of uncertainty, we have the capacity to unite, transcending language and borders to weave a tapestry of hope.

As you embark on this journey through the realms of poetry and music, know that your support carries profound significance. With every purchase of the album, you are contributing to the healing and restoration of lives affected by conflict. Together, let us weave a tapestry of hope, painting the world with hues of blue and yellow amidst the black and gray.

Track List:

1. Sterion Music – Peredmova 02:09
2. Medicine Lake – The Braille Stars (feat. Olena Halunets) 04:25
3. Toto Tobass – Alone with the Demon (feat. Anastasiiith) 04:12
4. Jennifer Howd – The Bullet (feat. Ada Yelagina) 01:38
5. Fedir Tkachov – Our House (feat. Stepan Penkaliuk) 02:53
6. James Schlesselman – Rapids of Hunger (feat. Snig na Golovu) 04:49
7. Whispered – Evening Glow Milk (feat. Oleh Ladyzhensky) 03:31
8. Paul Soto – Perepochynok (All Remain Silent) 03:21
9. mockART – Tænæt (feat. Maksym Churkov) 04:58
10. Givun – We Were Men in Black (feat. Vlad Kovbasiuk) 02:43
11. Bayun the Cat – The Temple (feat. Mira Malska) 06:13
12. Mark Daelmans-Sikkel & Paulien Dirkzwager – This Passionate Pleasure (feat. Tetiana Osipenko) 05:07
13. Alex Richardson – Renaissance (feat. Holosy) 05:20
14. Guy Richardson – Dreaming of You Again (feat. Maria Chekariova) 05:43
15. Phil Durrant – Pislyamova 04:10

The poems were written between February 2022, and February 2023.
The music was composed and recorded between February and July 2023.

All profits from album sales will be donated to the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Northern Region, located in Kharkiv, Ukraine. 

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