Druha Rika

1. Year of foundation – 1996
2. City – Zhytomyr (Ukraine)
3. Language – Ukrainian, English
4. Genre – rock music, alternative rock, Britpop

Composition:

1. Valeriy Kharchyshyn – vocals, trumpet, lyrics;
2. Oleksandr Baranovsky – guitar;
3. Doroshenko Oleksiy – drums, lyrics;
4. Bilichenko Serhiy – guitar;
5. Serhiy Gera (Shura) – keyboards, backing vocals;
6. Andriy Lavrynenko – bass guitar.

Former members:

1. Taras Melnychuk – guitar;
2. Viktor Skuratovsky – bass guitar.

Band history

Druga Rika is a Ukrainian rock band whose roots date back to 1995. However, the official year of formation is considered to be 1996. At that time, the band was called Second River. And the group included student friends Valeriy Kharchyshyn, Oleksandr Baranovskyi and Viktor Skuratovskyi. The musicians held their first rehearsals in an empty auditorium of the Philology Faculty in Zhytomyr. At that time, the group performed mainly English-language compositions and quickly gained popularity and recognition among female students of the local pedagogical institute.

Valeriy Kharchyshyn recalls that one of the biggest problems at the beginning was the selection of a permanent lineup. At first, the group consisted of only three members. And then different musicians appeared at the rehearsals, who did not stay for long. It was especially difficult with the drummer. After all, finding a good drummer in Zhytomyr turned out to be a real challenge. One and the same musician could play in fifteen bands at the same time. So the professionals had to be literally lured away - with jokes, bonuses. The band also needed a new guitarist, because the young team needed at least one real master who could pull off a part on stage.

In 1998, several demo recordings fell into the hands of Volodymyr Luchkin, who later became the tour manager of Okean Elzy. What he heard made a strong impression on Luchkin. So he invited the guys to audition for participation in the "Future of Ukraine" festival, and also organized the recording of demo tracks at a studio in the capital. So the band received such important levers of influence on the audience as professional sound and high-quality promo. The bright charisma of the frontman also played an important role in the growth of the band's popularity. It was during this period that the band finally formed its name - Druha Rika. Preparations began for participation in the "Chervona Ruta-1999" festival.

Creative path

The band moved to Kyiv, where they began to actively declare themselves on the big stage. And over time, the band became an integral part of the musical culture not only of the capital, but also of the entire country. Among the first with whom the Zhytomyr residents established creative ties were the musicians of the Skryabin band. They supported the young band, helping with several compositions.

In parallel with working on songs for the debut album "I Am", festival performances are also taking place. It was a valuable experience and, at times, an opportunity to earn some extra money. A real breakthrough was the victory at the "Future of Ukraine" festival in 1999. Druha Rika took first place among more than a hundred participants.

The presentation of the first album took place on October 9, 2000 in a live format on the stage of a Kiev club. And on October 16, the official release of the record took place on the Nova Records label. The debut was marked by success and stimulated the further development of creativity. During the same period, the group became the main opening of the large-scale PROSTO ROCK festival.

The creative development of the group

In April 2001, in parallel with work on the new album, Druhy Rika presented their fans with a fresh single "Oksana". The composition quickly conquered the charts, becoming one of the most rotated on Ukrainian radio stations and TV channels. Shortly after the release of the song, the musicians returned to the studio. The recording of the next album was in full swing. The record was created at the studio of a successful prodyuser and famous composer Yevhen Stupka. About a month later, the band was shortlisted for the Golden Firebird award, where it was awarded in the Discovery of the Year nomination.

After long studio sessions, in early 2002, fans heard another new song - the song "Mathematics". At that time, the members of Druga Rika were fascinated by the work of the British band Manic Street Preachers. And the leader of the team Valery Kharchyshyn wanted to create something similar in atmosphere to the solo from the song Ocean Spray. The song was accompanied by a video clip shot by Andriy Toloshnyi.

In March 2003, the band signed a contract with the leading Ukrainian recording studio Lavina Music. And already in the summer, Druhaya Rika received the honorable opportunity to perform as the opening act for the Kyiv concert of Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan. Then, the Ukrainian rockers were waiting for large-scale concert tours in Ukraine and the world, the release of new albums and video clips, collaborations with other music stars, conquering the stages of major festivals and millions of fans.

The group's musical style

Gradually, the group established itself as a band that creates not just music, but real sensual masterpieces that easily find their way to the hearts of the audience. The music of the Druhaya Rika band is a combination of deep sensuality with powerful energy that unfolds like a mountain stream. The creative style of the artists is distinguished by unpredictability and originality. The sound is a real cocktail of styles that does not lend itself to unambiguous classification. The compositions combine lyricism and rhythm, the power of rock motifs and frank emotionality. This balance gives the band's music a special depth and allows you to create a unique atmosphere that stays with each listener for a long time.

The members of the Druha Rika band boldly experiment with sound, are not afraid to break patterns and open new horizons in their creativity. Such freedom allows you to attract a different audience - from fans of alternative rock to listeners who gravitate towards a more melodic sound.

A special value of Druha Rika's work is the lyrics. Lyrical depth and frankness allow you to touch on the most intimate topics - love, loss, hope, and the search for meaning. Each line in the band's songs carries a philosophical basis and real emotions, leaving an echo that resonates for a long time in the listener's heart.

Social activity

The Druhaya Rika band is actively involved in charitable initiatives and public projects. The musicians consistently speak out in defense of human rights and support the ideas of freedom and justice. The artists use their popularity as a tool to draw attention to social challenges and encourage civic activism. During the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity, the band's songs became a real soundtrack of the struggle. The composition "Today Here, Tomorrow With Me" became a symbol of resistance and inner indomitability.

In May 2015, the Druha Rika band performed on the stage of the National Opera of Ukraine, where, together with the National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments (NAONI), they presented a special concert program. The combination of live rock with the Ukrainian academic tradition created a unique atmosphere. The musicians donated 100,000 hryvnias for the treatment of victims in the ATO zone, continuing their active charitable activities in support of those in need.

With the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, the musicians did not remain on the sidelines. Druha Rika held a charity acoustic concert in Kyiv with the telling title “Another River”. In addition, the band performed the program “Mariupol” in their native Zhytomyr, and later went on a mini-tour “Who if not us?” Baltic countries, Czech Republic, Poland. All these performances had a single goal - to raise funds to help those affected by the war and support Ukrainian defenders.

The musicians have repeatedly played for wounded soldiers in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They have organized chamber performances where they have collected donations for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The personal connection with the defenders for the group is of even deeper importance. After all, it is known that the son of the band's singer Valery Kharchyshyn also serves in the ranks of the Ukrainian army.

Awards and distinctions:

1. Three-time winners in the "Song of the Year" nomination at the eponymous television festival;
2. victory at the "Future of Ukraine" festival (1999);
3. nomination in the "Discovery of the Year" category of the Ukrainian Golden Firebird award (2001);
4. special award of the Yuna-2024 music award for large-scale drone collections over the past 20