Interviews

Iryna Sanzharovska is a Ukrainian photographer who, after reaching a managerial position in sales, realized she was losing herself. The desire to be more and to create without limitations reminded her of photography, which had been an important part of her father’s life. Photography became the field that could not confine her within boundaries, so she decided to purchase a photo studio and eventually began pursuing photography herself. Iryna believes that she is not only doing what she loves but also continuing a family tradition in memory of her father. She shared her thoughts with Drive Music Media about carrying on the family legacy, having her photographs published in magazines, and her future plans.

Anna Stadnik is a Ukrainian writer and editor at the BookBanda publishing house, who sees her mission as contributing to the development of modern Ukrainian literature. She feels she cannot afford to do otherwise while so many people are defending Ukraine on the frontlines. This fall, Anna and writer Jan Braz presented two books – “One’s Own Stranger” and “The Penal Group” from the Lifira’s Routers cycle, united under a shared lore. “One’s Own Stranger” was authored by Anna, while “The Penal Group” was written by Jan Braz. The events in both books take place in the same universe but feature different protagonists. Anna shared her thoughts with Drive Music Media about her writing journey, which led her to an editorial position at a Ukrainian publishing house, her own book, and her future plans.

Zoriana Bezodnia is a Ukrainian writer and the author of the fantasy novel The Obsidian Dagger, who believes that words are a living code capable of influencing people when they are heard, spoken, or read. Fascinated by the power of words, she decided to pursue a degree in philology at university. Her writing journey began with the birth of her younger sister, for whom Zoriana created fairy tales. At just 14 years old, she began working on her book The Obsidian Dagger, the first edition of which was published last fall. This autumn, she plans to release another edition of her book. Zoriana shared with Drive Music Media her experiences of studying philology, writing fairy tales for her sister, and creating her first book.

Uliana Dadak is a Ukrainian writer who, despite holding two degrees in ecology and tailoring, stayed true to her childhood dream and embarked on a new path in writing – a passion she has nurtured since youth. Her debut book, Beyond Reality, is set to be published soon. Despite early rejections from publishers, she never stopped writing. Uliana shared with Drive Music Media insights about her fantasy worlds, the writing process, the importance of connecting with readers, and her plans for her next book.

Karina Mazneva is a Ukrainian web designer who believes that creating quality branding for a company requires a clear understanding of its values, purpose, and competitive environment. This is where she begins her work. Karina combines two professions in her work – graphic design and UI/UX design – and develops websites and applications for people in Ukraine and worldwide. Among the companies Karina has collaborated with are the Polish real estate agency "AURA", the café "Manufaktura Smaku", and many others. Karina shared with Drive Music Media her journey in design, working during Russia's war against Ukraine, and her new projects.

Nadiia Davediuk is a Ukrainian actress who plays in different theatres, including the Vodyany Theater who has been captivating the stage since childhood and considers it her second home. Over the years, Nadiia has played numerous roles, including the Maiden in the world-renowned story Viy by Nikolai Gogol, Snow White, Cinderella, Moulin Rouge and now, in collaboration with TeatrMusical, she will play a joyful elf in the magical production Stolen Time, scheduled for December in Poland. Nadiia shared with Drive Music Media her journey in acting, her second home, and upcoming projects.

Yaryna Katorozh, a Ukrainian writer and the author of the fantasy book Alchemy of Freedom, recently announced that, after many years, her book is ready to delight readers once again. A slightly updated, more confident, yet equally sincere version is already on sale and appearing on the shelves of her fans. Yaryna shared insights with Drive Music Media about the reissue by Zhorzh Publishing and her upcoming projects.

Aydan Aliyeva is a Ukrainian photographer who believes that a single successful portrait can reveal more about a person than an entire series of staged shots. In her art, she holds on to authenticity and "living" moments. She shared with Drive Music Media her thoughts on the harmony of location and shoot themes, her love for experimentation, and the impact of the war on her creativity.

"Insha Tysha" is a musical and poetic collaboration between Ukrainian poet Kateryna Voloshyna and performer-composer Serhiy Radzetskiy. When they met at a charity concert, each had a successful solo career, and neither imagined they would end up collaborating. Yet, five years later, they continue to enchant audiences in Ukraine and abroad with their unique creations. Since their formation, "Another Silence" has released four collaborative albums. One of these, In "Search of Picasso", was begun in Ukraine and completed in France. Drive Music Media spoke with Kateryna Voloshyna and Serhiy Radzetskyi about their French audience, their careers before this collaboration, upcoming projects, and their commitment to charity work.

Anna Frolova is a Ukrainian artist whose career with the Virsky National Folk Dance Ensemble inspired her to create her own brand of traditional Ukrainian wreaths, “Poleva”. From childhood, Anna was involved in dance as part of the Ukrainian ensemble "Barvinochok". Her parents dedicated their lives to choreography, and it was her experience with the Virsky Ensemble that motivated Anna to establish her own brand. Over more than 20 years as a ballet artist, Anna has restored many wreaths, and a year ago, she began crafting them herself. She shared with Drive Music Media her thoughts on preserving the traditional art of wreath weaving, promoting Ukrainian culture abroad, and her inspiration for creating these wreaths.