Alina Bzhezhinska : Whispers of hope, the Interview...
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
In this poignant interview, Alina Bzhezhinska, the Ukrainian Harpist, explains how her last musical effort embodies resilience in the face of life's uncertainties...
1) Dear Alina, thank you so much for joining us here on the Balearic Breakfast Blog! "Child's Play", the opening track of your last studio album "Whispers of Rain", recently played by Colleen, seems to have a worried soul. Can you take us through this opening song and tell us what you wanted to convey?
Thank you so much for having me here, Artur. ‘Child’s Play’ is really the doorway into the world of Whispers of Rain. I wanted it to capture that uneasy feeling of uncertainty, a mix of nostalgia and apprehension.
The track opens softly, almost tentatively, like someone stepping into unknown territory, and then, gradually, it layers tension and texture. It’s not meant to be dark for darkness’ sake; it’s about those moments in life where the familiar suddenly feels fragile, and you’re learning to navigate the unknown. I hope listeners feel that tension, but also a subtle sense of hope underneath. There are also voices of Tulshi’s kids in the background, and they bring hope and lightness...
2) "Whispers of Rain' is a beautifully mixed and engineered album. The soundstage, the sonic layers, the atmosphere, the way the harp's sound melts with waves of electronic sounds is astounding, and speaking about your collaboration with Tulshi on this album, you said "I loved the way Tulshi felt the music, we instantly had a strong creative connection. Our collaboration was built on trust, we each understood how to complement the other’s sound without overpowering it.” Can you remember on which track you absolutely felt that connection, and was it present during the recording, or did it reveal itself in later stages while producing the album?
The connection with Tulshi was almost instant. I’d say the track ‘Across the Sea’ really embodies that interplay; the harp and the electronics just seemed to breathe together. That feeling of trust and complementarity was there from the recording sessions, but it deepened in the production stage when we were shaping the textures and layering sounds.
At times, it felt like the music was guiding us rather than the other way around, which is always magical for me in a collaboration.
3) This album seems to be a musical warning. How did you choose its title, and what is the main message behind it?
The title Whispers of Rain came from the idea of subtle warnings and quiet awakenings. Rain is gentle but persistent; it can nourish, but it can also remind us of fragility and change. The album is a reflection on uncertainty, resilience and awareness. It’s not a lecture but a conversation through music about noticing what’s happening around us and maybe feeling compelled to respond in some way.
4) You have a brand new EP coming out in March. Can you present it to us?
The new Live recording of “Whispers of Rain”, featuring the incredible Tony Kofi on saxophone, flute and hand percussion, is a continuation of my exploration with sound, intimacy and space. We’ve experimented with more textures while keeping the live improvisation our central point. It’s playful in some places and reflective in others, but always about dialogue between instruments, between musicians and with the listener. I’m excited to share it because it feels like a more personal side of my musical voice.
5) Those who follow you, and those who feel you through your music and who know your soul, deeply feel how much you're open and willing to change things (your charity engagement proves that), and how much your music speaks volumes about everything that is going wrong, be it in Ukraine or in other parts of the world... Do you still believe music has the power to change things? What does it take for an artist to be up there fighting the odds?
Yes, I do still believe in music’s power to change things, but it’s never simple or immediate. Music creates space for empathy, awareness and reflection; it can stir people to feel, to think and to act.
For an artist to ‘fight the odds’ it takes courage, consistency and humility. Courage to speak up through your work, consistency to keep creating even when it’s difficult. But there is always hope that we can create a better world. I am going to Ukraine next month to work at the Art Therapy camp with kids, and am also trying to put up a big concert, "Jazz for Peace", with many great musicians getting together. Watch this space!
Thank you so much for answering these questions, dear Alina! The Balearic Breakfast Family wishes you all the best in your musical endeavours!
Follow Alina Bzhzhinska on her Bandcamp to buy her music, and don't forget to visit her website too!
Gorgeous song & a great interview ✨
👌🏻