MIDNIGHT MAY: The Ukrainians' fight for independence is not just their own – it is a fight for the right of all nations to exist freely

midnight may is a collaborative project of Estonian singer-songwriter Carlotta Põdra, who on February 24, the anniversary of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and also Estonia’s Independence Day, will release a double single "For Ukraine/For Estonia" in collaboration with Ukrainian singer PETROVOCHKA. The first single, "For Ukraine/Home", is dedicated to solidarity with Ukraine, while the second one, "For Estonia/Kajakas", celebrates our spirit of freedom. Carlotta shared with Drive Music Media her musical journey, the double single "For Ukraine/For Estonia", and a concert planned for March.

Interviewer: How and when did your musical journey begin? What were your first steps in this field?

Carlotta: Music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Singing is my most natural way of expressing emotions – whether I’m happy, excited, angry, confused, embarrassed, or sad, I sing. Sometimes, I don’t even realize I’m doing it; it’s almost subconscious. I’ll be walking down the street until I suddenly become aware – oh, I’ve been singing all along.

I find melodies everywhere – in the wind rustling through the trees, in the rhythm of the city, and in the stillness of the night. Music surrounds me; I just have to keep moving and listen.

My first formal introduction to music was learning the flute as a child. Later, I tried to teach myself the guitar, and now I’ve started experimenting with the piano. I haven’t been very successful, but fortunately, I have bandmates who know what to do, so I rely on them. I prefer to focus more on singing anyway. For the past two years, I’ve been studying Complete Vocal Technique (CVT) at Waf Singing School, which has been an incredible experience in refining my vocal abilities.

My musical journey began in August 2022 when I started collaborating with producer and musician Tanel Siimann. At first, it was just an experiment – we wrote one song, then another, and soon realized that our collaboration flowed naturally. We wanted to do more. That’s how midnight may was born.

Interviewer: What meanings are hidden behind the name of your musical group, midnight may? Why did you choose this name?

Carlotta: Finding the right band name was a struggle. We wanted something that would sound nice. After exploring different ideas, we settled on midnight may – two simple words that evoke curiosity, lightness, and possibility.

For me, the name symbolises creative freedom. midnight may could be a person’s name, a fleeting moment, a season, or a state of mind. Everyone who listens to our music can find their own meaning in it. Since my former bandmate and I parted ways, and I now lead the band on my own, the name has taken on a new significance. It represents my evolution as an artist and my commitment to constant reinvention – collaborating with different musicians and pushing the boundaries of my sound.

Interviewer: Tell us about your concert scheduled for March. What can the audience expect from your performance? What is the preparation process like?

Carlotta: On March 15, we’re hosting a very special concert at Tartu New Teater to celebrate the release of our double single, "For Ukraine/For Estonia". The audience can expect a performance that is deeply emotional, raw, and immersive – a journey through joy, grief, love, loss, and hope. This concert has no outside funding. We are self-producing the event, relying on ticket sales and our own pocket money. This makes it even more meaningful because it’s purely from the heart, created by a collective of talented people who believe in intentional and mindful art.

The night will be a full experience, featuring not just our live performance, but also Sümbioos, a five-woman DJ collective I'm part of, adding dynamic, vibrant energy to the event. It’s a shared moment of connection and expression. To kick things off, singer-songwriter Tiina Tubli will set the tone for the evening.

Interviewer: Tell us about your double single "For Ukraine/Domivka" and "For Estonia/Kajakas" created in collaboration with Ukrainian singer PETROVOCHKA. Why did you choose February 24 for the release?

Carlotta: February 24 is Estonia’s Independence Day, a day that marks our nation’s hard-fought freedom and resilience. However, in 2022, this date took on an even heavier significance – it became the day russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For Estonia, the echoes of history are impossible to ignore. Like Ukraine, we have endured occupation, repression, and the fight to reclaim our sovereignty. Decades under Soviet rule left deep scars, but also instilled in us an unbreakable spirit.

The ongoing war in Ukraine is a stark reminder of the struggles we once faced, and it has only strengthened our solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Their fight for independence is not just theirs alone – it is a fight for the right of all nations to exist freely, without fear of oppression. The two songs reflect this duality:

"For Ukraine/Домівка" symbolizes solidarity, unity, and resilience, incorporating elements of Estonian and Ukrainian cultural and musical heritage. "For Estonia/Kajakas" is our first song in Estonian, celebrating the spirit of freedom.

The double single speaks about freedom, national identity, unity, and the feeling of home. No one can take away one’s sense of home. We sang ourselves free during the Singing Revolution – Ukrainians did the same during Maidan and are doing so again now. This unites us.

Interviewer: Tell us about the songwriting process. Which of all the songs you've written is the most special to you? Why?

Carlotta: I actually started writing "For Ukraine" two years ago. The chorus came to me, and I knew immediately that this song was going to be both political and emotional. But at the time, I wasn’t ready to finish it. In 2024, I joined the Eastern European Music Academy, organized by Music Export Ukraine, where I met PETROVOCHKA. The program brought together young musicians from across Eastern Europe, and ten of us were selected to attend Athens Music Week. Being surrounded by Ukrainian artists was deeply inspiring – their resilience, their spirit, and their life force. That kind of strength and passion shifted my perspective in a profound way. That’s when I knew I had to finish the song. I also discovered that a Ukrainian choir was based in my city, Tartu, so I reached out to them. They listened to the demo and agreed to be a part of it. Now, they sing a traditional Ukrainian song in the bridge, making the track even more meaningful.

Additionally, PETROVOCHKA wrote and sings the second verse of "For Ukraine/Домівка",  making the song truly a shared artistic expression between us. Her voice and words bring a deeply personal Ukrainian perspective, adding another emotional layer to the track. Because of this journey, "For Ukraine" is the most special song I’ve ever written. Sander Rosenthal produced, mixed and mastered these two songs.

Interviewer: Tell us about the people who create music with you. What role does each of them play?

Carlotta: I’m surrounded by an incredible group of talented musicians. Right now, midnight may consists of: Carlotta Põdra – vocals, songwriting; Jürgen Ernits – guitar; Madis Orr – guitar; Lota-Loviisa Rohtla – bass; Karl Martin Kirm – drums.

In addition, I work with producers and guest artists, constantly evolving our sound and exploring new creative directions.

Interviewer: What projects are you working on right now?

Carlotta: Right now, my focus is on promoting the double single and preparing for the March 15 concert. After that, if we secure funding, I’ll be heading to New York to perform at the Estonian Cultural Days at the NY Estonian House. And of course, there are some secret projects in the works – but I can’t reveal everything just yet!

Interviewer: What challenges have you faced as a singer-songwriter in Estonia?

Carlotta: Estonia is a small country, with only 1.3 million people, so the music scene is tight-knit and supportive. However, one of the biggest challenges right now is the economy. The war has had a huge impact –businesses are struggling, wages are low, and costs are rising. This means that, as an emerging artist, it’s hard to make a full-time living from music alone. I’m grateful for my day job, which allows me to keep creating without financial stress.

Interviewer: What is your mission as a singer?

Carlotta: I want to stand against violence, bullying, and hate. I was bullied as a kid, and I know how terrible it can feel – like you're not enough or don't fit in. My goal is to connect with people and give them a space where they feel seen, heard, and accepted. I want to create a safe and inclusive place for everyone to be themselves. I believe that every experience provides a valuable learning curve. I want to create, experience, and connect as much as possible. Life is short, and I want to make the most of it.

Interviewer: What word do you associate with your own songs? Why that one?

Carlotta: Hope. Every day is a new chance to change, to heal, to grow. My music is about moving forward, finding light, and believing in yourself.

Pictures were taken by Sille Riin Rand, Anastasia Musakko  "For Ukraine/For Estonia" artwork, Silver Tõnisson, Tartu Christmas City and Jürgen Ernits