Danyil Shpudeiko on Freedom, Poetry, and the Philosophy Behind Thin March

Danyil Shpudeiko is a Ukrainian poet, songwriter, and co-founder of the band “Tonkyi Marsh” — a project that emerged not from a calculated career plan, but from a need to transform thoughts, social tension, and personal freedom into music. Having spent most of his conscious life in sports before unexpectedly stepping into the music industry, Danik never considered himself a traditional musician. For him, music became a channel for poetry, reflection, and honest conversations about society, politics, inner conflict, and identity. Together with his bandmates, he built “Thin March” as a space where lyrics matter more than trends and where songs are meant not simply to entertain, but to provoke thought and emotional response. Danik shared with Drive Music Media the story behind the band’s creation, the philosophy of their music, the meanings hidden inside the mini-album Painted Souls, the challenges of creating art during wartime in Ukraine, and why freedom remains the defining word of his art.

Interviewer: How and when did your musical journey begin? Why did you choose this field?

Danyil: Honestly, it happened unexpectedly. Before music, I spent almost my entire conscious life in sports. After some time, I decided to leave it behind because I lost interest, started growing up, and simply needed money. Around that period, I met a person who wanted to create a band. Since I had been writing poetry since I was fourteen, I was originally supposed to be just a lyricist. But things changed when that person acted irresponsibly and abandoned the idea completely. So I took all the responsibility upon myself together with Arthur, our co-founder. I came up with a new name, a new genre, and the direction we would move in. I didn’t choose this sphere — you could say it chose me, giving me the opportunity to communicate important meanings to people through music.

Interviewer: Tell us about your role in the band “Thin March.” How was the band created?

Danyil: I take on the role of music producer and poet-songwriter. The entire concept of the band — its ideas, genre, meanings, and overall artistic direction — is essentially my work. I’m also responsible for promoting our music to wider audiences.

At one point, the project was close to ending because of disagreements within the group and changes in the lineup. But over time, we found common ground, and now we continue making music with even more enthusiasm and persistence than before.

Interviewer: Which song in your career has the most special meaning for you? Why?

Danyil: We don’t really have a massive career yet to make huge conclusions, but if I had to choose one song right now, it would be Traffic Lights. For me, this song reflects both my worldview and the worldview of the people I create music with.

The track focuses on social and political concepts, interpreting our lives through the metaphors of traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and commands. It’s a song that speaks about how society functions and how people move through systems built around them.

Interviewer: In January, you released the song “Way of Perception.” Tell us about it. How was the process, and how did the audience react?

Danyil: The song actually appeared while we were thinking about the future album we’re currently working on, and it will become part of that release. Of course, there were technical difficulties and different challenges during production, but surprisingly, the audience received it very well.

After only a few promotional pushes from us, the song began spreading almost on its own. Thanks to it, we were also noticed by the label we recently started collaborating with.

Interviewer: Is there a topic you would never write a song about? Why?

Danyil: Honestly, I don’t know. Creativity is freedom first and foremost, and that’s exactly why I love it — because I love freedom. I don’t think there’s a subject we would completely refuse to write about in the future.

Interviewer: Tell us about the mini-album “Painted Souls.” The title is very intriguing. What meanings did you put into it?

Danyil: You could say it became the foundation for our future creative work and development. The title reflects many different themes — lyrical, social, everyday experiences — everything that exists within society.

These are songs that need to be listened to carefully and understood deeply. The meanings are not always on the surface; they encourage personal reflection. Depth and the process of thinking itself are essential characteristics of Tonkyi Marsh’s music. So if that’s not something you’re looking for, I honestly wouldn’t recommend our творчість.

Interviewer: How difficult is it to continue building a music career during Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine?

Danyil: In the city where we live, the situation is far from the worst, so we still have opportunities to gather, rehearse, and continue working. At the same time, there are still problems with electricity and other difficulties.

We try to adapt to the reality we live in — working from home when necessary and meeting at the studio every Sunday as consistently as possible.

Interviewer: What goal do you have as a Ukrainian artist?

Danyil: I don’t really consider myself a musician — first of all, I’m a poet, a person who writes poetry. My goal has always been to express my own view of the world, and that worldview is built around freedom of thought — the idea that personal opinions have the right to differ from others. Music simply became the best possible channel for delivering that message, together with the people around me who believe in the same ideas.

Interviewer: What word best describes your music? Why?

Danyil: Freedom. I think it fits perfectly because nowhere else do I feel as free as I do within my own creativity.word of his art.

The interview was written by Asya Radko. Pictures were provided by Danyil Spudeiko