Ukrainian singer Natisa Gogol has released her new single, Don't Let Me Down. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
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Created in collaboration with American producer Gregory Darling (Julian Lennon, Barbra Streisand), she says the song was born spontaneously in just one evening, "serving as a heartfelt reaction to the emotions and uncertainty of a relationship."
"I want this song to help people go through difficult moments with ease. We shouldn’t get stuck on things beyond our control. What’s important is to love yourself and trust life," says Natisa.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I was the lead singer of a jazz orchestra for nine years. I grew up on jazz music, and my favourite singer in childhood was Ella Fitzgerald.
A second fact about me: I support the LGBTQ+ community because I have many friends within it. I believe that love has no gender, race, age, or any limitations. Love is love because it is free. That’s why I support the LGBTQ+ community and believe that in our world, in the 21st century, this issue should receive even more support, and we should respect everyone’s choices and opinions.
A third fact about me: my musical career began a long time ago in Ukraine, in Kyiv, my hometown. I had almost finished recording an album of songs in Ukrainian, but when the war began in 2022, I had to move to Prague with my son and start over from scratch. I translated all my songs into English, began learning the language, and am still studying it. Now, all my songs are in English, and I’m about to release my first English language album here in Prague. I consider it my greatest achievement because it was a significant challenge and experience for me. I’m grateful to God for giving me the chance to be reborn in a new country.
How would you describe your music?
For me, it’s like a new, international language through which I can communicate with people of different nationalities. Since I’m still learning English, which unfortunately doesn’t come easily to me, the only language I can currently use to speak to my audience is music - my songs, my creativity. I would describe my music as inspiring, motivating, energizing, and positive. All my music is imbued with love because I believe love is the most important thing in life, and I strive to convey this feeling through my music. I believe in the power of music and songs to give people a new breath, a desire to live, a way out of difficult situations, to motivate them to take action, and to make them think differently. I believe music penetrates the soul and is the language of the soul.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I draw inspiration from many artists and bands. I’m a music lover and listen to a wide variety of genres. Often, I’m inspired by classical music - I adore Chopin. I’m frequently inspired by legends of the international music scene like Céline Dion, Mariah Carey, and Michael Jackson. Sometimes, I’m inspired by my contemporaries, new and unknown names that sound like an explosion in my mind with something entirely different. I can be inspired by any musical piece that carries meaning and touches my soul and heart. Music is what makes me feel happy, and the emotions I find in it are the most important, especially when I can share and convey them through music. That’s why I’m primarily inspired by talented artists who bring something special through their music.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first solo concert took place in my hometown, Kyiv, Ukraine, in August 2021, where I performed for my Ukrainian audience for the first time. It was such a long-awaited event in my life, and I’m happy and proud to remember that my team and I managed to make it happen because shortly after, the war began, and I no longer had the opportunity to perform in a peaceful Ukraine under a peaceful sky. I am proud of that performance and my Ukrainian songs. I tried my best to preserve the identity of my Ukrainian songs when translating them into English while also adapting them for an English-speaking audience.
What was the first record you ever bought?
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The first record I ever had, I remember it like it was yesterday, was by Ella Fitzgerald. As I mentioned, I was inspired by jazz music, and she was my first idol. I also listened to records by various other artists, but jazz performers like Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald left the strongest impression on me.
What’s your favourite song right now?
At the moment, I don’t have a favourite song. I might sound immodest, but my songs are my favourites because they’re like my children. I pour my heart and soul into them. Otherwise, I wouldn’t feel right about sharing them with the world. Each song has its own story, a lot of hard work from me and my team. That’s why I’m happy to share them, believing they’re worthy of being heard and can inspire, motivate, or simply bring joy and light to life.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Oh, that’s a very interesting question. It’s hard for me to name a specific song right now, but I always think deeply about the lyrics. If they make me feel better or give me hope, I love them. I enjoy songs about love - not just romantic love between two people, but songs that explore deeper philosophical themes, such as creation, human choice, and social issues. I believe that the more light and positivity a song emits, the more therapeutic effect it has. I love lyrics that carry a therapeutic effect. It’s difficult to name a specific song, as there are so many.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
You probably want me to name specific songs. Well, I can name a song that I can listen to on repeat, as I’ve been doing for years: it’s Mariah Carey’s My All.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify.
Alan Corr
