Successful and Independent by FOBERINI: Taras Topolya

What inspired you to connect your life with music?

At the age of 6, I saw on television a performance by a symphony orchestra. I immediately asked my parents to take me to the music "To learn how to play like that man." Man played the violin (laughs). From that moment I devoted 10 years of my life to the violin school and everything that came from there - solfeggio, music literature. I never went to the orchestra; the classics did not take root on me. But the love into music and the decision to devote myself to it haven't gone away. 

What projects are you working on now? 

We are actively preparing new releases for the fall now. On spring we plan to release 2-3 songs with clips. This will be a completely new material, which will be the first sign in our preparation for the future big tour.

Tell us about your tour in the USA and Canada. How did everything go?

It was our first trip of such scope. Mostly our audience was Ukrainians living there, because all our repertoire is in Ukrainian. In addition to concerts, the travel process itself was interesting. For example, we arrived in Minneapolis from New York by train. The Americans were practically unaccustomed to using trains, and for many it was a surprise that the “Antytila” should be met at the railway station, and not at the airport. In fact, this step was dictated by logistics and technical issues, but for myself, I realized that this would be the best opportunity to see real America. We rode the train and saw nature, how Americans live not only in megacities, but also in small towns. It’s cool to watch the contrast and realize the scale of the country.

How has the situation in Ukraine affected to your work?

Influenced and very much. At some point, we were simply not up to the music. And this period lasted almost a year, when we constantly traveled to the East.

What will be the "Antytila" through 5 years?

The group "Antytila" in priority is not a commercial component, but creativity. I hope it always will be. Our tour "The Sun" showed that we are ready to try to dare the stadiums.

What is scarcity of our native show business?

A lot is scarcity. But the growth is huge, compared for what it was 4 years ago. First of all, we lack the ability to value our own. All of us got used to treating in some ways our own as something with less value. I transmit personally that we need to appreciate and support all of ours. From language to artists, scientists, athletes. It is necessary to create a Ukrainian trend, then in a new generation in 10 years it will be easy to associate themselves with Ukraine. We are living now in a difficult period for the country, and I wish so much that Ukrainian “Antytila” to leave a significant ideological and musical trace in history.

What do you recommend to those who want to connect themselves with music?

For beginner artists, I would advise at first to understand the basic things. There is creativity, and there is show business. There is art, and there is commerce. And you need to clearly understand for yourself what your goal is. Many artists often run counter to the show business market and cannot monetize their work. But Antytila are trying to strike a balance. For example, despite the entertaining nature of many songs, our work contains a social component. We have our own way. Therefore, my advice is to find a middle ground for yourself.

Share the recipe for success.

I always believe in what I do, in my work. I’m generally lazy. And laziness is a natural mechanism that serves people to encourage them to do what they really can do. When a person, as they say, in his place, devotes himself to the vocation of all life, the laziness disappears, and this means that the choice is right. There are people who all their life suppress the feeling of healthy laziness and devote themselves to activities that never bring them pleasure. I believe that it is a tragedy to do things that do not bring happiness all my life. I thank God that I am successful precisely in my favorite business, and it benefits others and it is not just my job, but also my hobby. And the secret of success is my team. Without my friends and colleagues in the case, the group would not have reached the level that it is now.

What helps you cope with difficulties?

My parents raised me simply. Therefore, in life I try to behave without pathos. This is probably what gave me the strength to go through life's difficulties - it is easier to perceive situations.

How in your star family do you and Alyosha influence each other's work?
We advise, sometimes I invite Alyosha to the studio, sometimes I put on to listen to new tracks. We can discuss some ideas in the kitchen at home, but still, each one is engaged in his own creativity individually.

What are the main traditions in your family?

When Alyosha and I are not on tour, we always spend time with our children. Especially in the evening - we have dinner together, read to the children at night and put them to bed. It is important to follow certain family traditions and remain sincere in a relationship.

What inspires you?

My family, children, travels and, of course, stage performances inspire me. Sometimes the news.

How will you celebrate Independence Day of Ukraine?

I will celebrate Independence Day on the stage in Ivano-Frankivsk, together with thousands of citizens from the stage and millions of Ukrainians across the country!

Style: FOBERINI

Photo: Alexander Gurman

Operator: Anton Pozhidaev

Producer: Ekaterina Zemlyanaya

Location: IQ Business Center