Singer Zhenya Lyubich, celebrated for her distinctive fusion of ethereal vocals and intricate musical arrangements, has once again captivated listeners with her latest single, “Wings” (Крылья). This release signifies a profound moment in her creative journey, serving as a deeply personal dedication to a new chapter in her life: her third pregnancy.
The Genesis of “Wings”: A Symphony of Life and Art
The inspiration for “Wings” ignited during a period of significant personal transformation for Lyubich. Amidst the demanding realities of raising two children and navigating the complexities of a substantial relocation to the countryside, she unexpectedly discovered she was expecting her third child. This news, far from being a hindrance, became a potent catalyst. As Lyubich candidly shares, it marked a “turning point,” fostering a fresh surge of inspiration and artistic vitality. “I needed to reconnect with myself, to feel `alive` and full,” she explains, highlighting the essential need for self-reaffirmation during such a monumental life event. It was a conscious decision to embrace her creative path despite the new challenges, and, as if by some artistic alchemy, “songs began to flow one after another.” “Wings” emerged as a testament to this revitalized spirit, an ode to the “spirit of creativity, the spirit of music and art that suddenly surged within me with double force.”
A Sonic Tapestry: Blending Tradition with Contemporary Flair
Musically, “Wings” remains deeply rooted in Lyubich`s characteristic style, renowned for its soft, melodic, and often dreamlike quality. This sound resonated strongly with fans of her earlier international success, “Russian Girl,” and her notable collaborations with the French collective Nouvelle Vague. Yet, the new track introduces subtle, engaging textures. It expertly interweaves the comforting warmth of an acoustic guitar with the exotic resonance of a kalimba and various percussive instruments, imbuing the composition with a modern, ethnically inspired “vibe.” These organic elements are skillfully blended with electronic guitars and drums, crafting a rich, layered soundscape that manages to feel both familiar and refreshingly new—a delicate equilibrium often sought by listeners who appreciate innovation within a beloved aesthetic. One might even muse that the human desire for “new, but familiar” is an eternal enigma for artists, yet Lyubich navigates it with graceful precision.
An Intimate Dialogue: The Artist and Her Audience
Beyond its deeply personal origins, “Wings” also functions as a heartfelt address to her audience. Lyubich describes this connection as intensely vulnerable, likening it to facing a cherished confidant. “Every time, I am completely exposed, but internally, with `bare wires,` vulnerable, ready to share both my joy and my sorrow,” she reveals. For her, music transcends mere performance; it is the most profound means of self-expression, a “quintessence of experiences, conclusions, sensations, and indeed, all processes that reflect my inner world.” This intimate dialogue is a fundamental cornerstone of her artistry, enabling listeners to forge a deep, emotional connection with her narrative and musical landscape.
Visuals: Echoes of Cinematic Grace Above St. Petersburg
The accompanying music video for “Wings” is designed to amplify this evocative experience. Shot against the dramatic backdrop of St. Petersburg`s iconic rooftops, it features Lyubich in pristine white attire, adorned with wings. This striking visual immediately conjures images from Wim Wenders` revered cult classic, “Wings of Desire” (originally titled “Heaven Over Berlin” in German). In a subtle, perhaps even serendipitous, nod to cinematic history, the English title of Wenders` film perfectly mirrors Lyubich`s new single. Whether this is a deliberate homage or a harmonious alignment of artistic visions, the visual parallel adds yet another layer of poetic beauty and intellectual intrigue to her latest work, proving that sometimes, the most profound connections are found in unexpected places—or on rooftops, with wings.
Conclusion: An Ever-Evolving Artistic Journey
Zhenya Lyubich`s “Wings” is far more than a mere musical track; it is an auditory diary entry, a celebration of life`s profound transitions, and a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring force of creativity. It extends an invitation to listeners to partake in her journey, to discover their own metaphorical wings, and to appreciate the intricate interplay between personal experience and universal artistry. This single not only expands her impressive discography but also enriches the narrative of an artist who consistently finds fertile ground for creation within the very rhythms of her own life, demonstrating that true art is perpetually in flight.
