Ukrainian riot grrrl trio Death Pill have released their new single, Craterface, from their forthcoming album, Sologamy. We asked Mariana Navrotska (guitar and lead vocals) of the band the BIG questions . . .
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Mariana is joined in the band by Anastasiia Khomenko (drums and backing vocals) and Natalya Syeryakova (bass and backing vocals).
Death Pill's debut album was written and recorded before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2023, while their new record was written and recorded while the band remain separated, with Mariana staying in Kyiv while Anastasiia and Natalya are in Spain in Australia.
Speaking about Sologamy, the band say, "The title, inspired by the concept of marrying oneself, speaking to the importance of making a personal commitment to self-care, happiness, and emotional well-being.
"In an era where that can sometimes be misconstrued as selfishness, Death Pill pushes back against these misconceptions, inviting listeners to embrace the power of prioritizing their own mental and emotional health."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Mariana: I am a total cat person, but I can't take a cat home with me - I'm allergic to cat hair. I’m also the voice and high frequencies in Death Pill.
I started my musical career at the age of seven when my mother brought me to a music school to study in the Ukrainian folk vocal and piano class. When I was 12, my uncle bought himself a drum kit and set it up at the country house, where I was left with my grandmother for the entire summer holidays. He sometimes came on weekends to play the kit for himself and showed me simple rhythms.
I really wanted to learn how to play the guitar, and I begged my mom to buy me an acoustic guitar and hire a tutor, because in a year I was graduating from music school and wanted to continue studying music, or rather, to play the guitar!
How would you describe your music?
Mariana: Pop-metal-punk. To be honest, I don't know! I always just want to answer: "We play rock ’n’ roll", or "Great music". I don't want to limit Death Pill in genres. If in a couple of years, we want to release a hip-hop album or electronic punk rock - we will do it.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Mariana: Sting and his musical career with The Police. I am inspired by their story, although it is quite controversial. But I think you know the results of their work - their amazing five albums that changed the course of history in music.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Anastasia: Some underground covers show in my district. No one really knew how to play, everyone got drunk on cheap beer, but somehow I got completely drawn into that DIY vibe. It felt like you could build your own world from scratch, and the best part was no one cared if it was perfect. That raw chaos felt more alive than anything else.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Anastasia: American Idiot by Green Day. I heard Boulevard of Broken Dreams in some TV show and instantly fell in love with the sound. I didn’t even know who the band was at first, spent a while trying to find out. Then one random day, I saw the video on TV, freaked out, and literally went out to buy the CD that same day. It felt like discovering a whole new universe.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Anastasia: The Marvelous Orange Tree by Deafheaven. I’m deeply, tenderly in love with this band. There’s something about the way they blend chaos with beauty that just hits me. And that line, "with my endless illness walking into blackness". It makes me cry every time. It feels like someone put my inner world into words.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Natalya: "I got a feeling that I don't belong here, I know it's true, I don't belong here, And neither do you" - I Don't Belong by Jerry’s Kids. Times and conditions of our lives are changing, but some things are stable. The feeling of "belonging" since school rines/uni/work/immigration haven't really changed, but at least now I know that it's not a big deal, at least for me. If you know who you are, you definitely don't have issues with belongings.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Natalya: Ufff, let's hope it's just a question and this situation would never happen! Hahaha. But without jokes: Skeeter Davis - The End of the World, and any variations of it. I think, I have listened to this song less times than I sign it in my head or real life. So sad and so bright at the same time. This song is a treasure box of sarcastic beauty, romantic melodic, magnificent vocals and actually a deep meaning.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Natalya: More information you can find on Instagram or use our linktree, updates about gigs/tours. Subscribe please to stay tuned! Spotify, Instagram, Bandcamp.
Alan Corr
