Russkaja singer Georgij Makazaria and his colleagues say goodbye to music retirement with their new album “Turbo Polka Party”. After 18 years it is over because of the Russian offensive war in Ukraine. It is “impossible” and “doesn’t feel right to throw Russian slander into the ears,” according to the band. One cannot continue “with an image and style” that uses Soviet themes and language “in a satirical way”.
In an interview, Makazaria explained why it had to be this way and how the group will continue.
The new Russkaja album just came out, and shortly after that you announced the end of the band. How difficult was this step?
George Makazaria: You have to differentiate a bit. Not everyone in the band feels the same, but it’s a bit similar. And there is another aspect: the band turned 18 on this day. I founded it together with bass player Dimitrij Miller, who came to Austria from Ukraine 20 years ago. We met by chance at a concert, got talking and got on well. I told him about the idea for this project, which I’ve been carrying around for two or three years. That’s how it came about. Of course it’s the worst for both of us. For me it was the hardest decision of my life, but also the most important and the right one.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine almost a year ago, the band has been the target of hate speech on the internet. How did you experience this phase?
We started with the album preparation, it also involves singles that will be released in advance. And from the first issue, my colleagues asked me to stop reading the YouTube comments. I loved that about them. It probably would have affected me badly if I had read it – which I haven’t until now. I can already imagine what’s in there.
Have you ever had an uneasy feeling at concerts or the impression that the audience would treat you strangely?
There was no reason to do so before the war. Not even now. But I can no longer represent it. It doesn’t feel right to throw the Russian taunts at people against the backdrop of such a terrible tragedy.
Your new album can very clearly be read as an anti-war statement, for example if the opener says, “No borders, no wars, we are equal, all the same.” Is such a statement sometimes not enough?
I felt that such explanations are the least you can give.
How did you feel when the war started on February 24, 2022? Did you ever think that this would affect you as an artist?
After the outbreak of war, in early March 2022, we played a few concerts in the US. Then I had my first concerns about what it would be like now. The Russian news always claimed that it was a special operation that should be over soon. I just thought to myself, for God’s sake, hopefully that’s the case. But it wasn’t like that. Any hope that it will somehow continue has been dashed.
Many fans have shown understanding. The music must continue, also as a show band at “Welcome Austria”. Do you have any idea what this will look and sound like in the future?
I am grateful to everyone who sends their condolences and words of encouragement to us. That’s good to hear. Of course we are all deeply saddened that the band will and must stop. We’ve built a fan base, built an infrastructure, everything is working great. But it must be. On the other hand, it should not be overestimated. It is a project that is coming to an end. Compared to what people are losing in this terrible war, it’s actually ridiculous to feel sorry for this project. I learned a lot with this band, we all take a lot with us. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. All music must stop, as the saying goes.
And as for “Welcome Austria”: I am very grateful to the whole team, the production company and the ORF for always standing by our side – even now that we are parting ways. We are still active there as musicians. We are now thinking about what kind of music it will be or what we will wear there. And we’ll all continue to do music projects, for me that’s the Gentleman Music Club or my solo program. It’s just time for something new.
In addition to “Welcome Austria”, will the band also release music together and give concerts?
It’s still up in the air, we don’t know yet. I’m a little further emotionally, but the others were very upset. It comes as a surprise to them as I have struggled with this thought for a year and have gone through all stages of suffering. Colleagues will need a little. We will see. Musical diversity has always been Russkaja’s line. Besides, we got along really well and didn’t break up because we killed each other.
Interview: Christoph Griessner/APA
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
