Meet Jiwa: Music That Awakens the Soul!
Music isn’t just sound—it’s energy, emotion, and a story waiting to be told. Jiwa, a dynamic musical duo named after the Slavic goddess of life, creates melodies that uplift the spirit and inspire the heart. Their performances range from original compositions to beautifully arranged classics and contemporary hits, making every note a journey into something truly special.
In our exclusive interview, we dive into their passion for music, their artistic influences, and how they bring soul-stirring experiences to their audiences. From classical arias to modern masterpieces, Jiwa’s sound is crafted for those who seek depth, beauty, and meaning in every performance.
✨ Get ready to be inspired—join us as we uncover the magic behind Jiwa’s music! 🎤💫
Welcome to Glendale! How has your experience been living here for the past three months?
Glendale is a wonderful place to live—full of nature, great hiking spots, and a welcoming community. It’s the perfect environment for creativity to thrive, and we’re grateful to be here. The sense of belonging and artistic inspiration we’ve found here makes it feel like the right place for us to start this new chapter.
Can you tell us about the meaning behind the name "Jiwa" and how it reflects your music?
Jiwa wasn’t a spontaneous decision—it’s something we thought through carefully. The name is inspired by Zhiva, the Slavic goddess of life, which deeply resonates with our artistic vision. Our music often feels like it carries a healing energy, like it breathes life into the listener, and this connection felt natural.
Coming from Ukraine, how has your cultural background influenced the music you create today?
Our Ukrainian heritage has shaped our music in many ways. Traditional Ukrainian folklore has a profound influence on our sound, blending seamlessly with modern beats and contemporary production. This fusion allows us to honor our roots while creating something fresh and new.
What was the inspiration behind forming Jiwa? Did you both always envision working together as a duo?
Our perspectives on music—and life in general—are very similar. I think when Alex first heard my voice, he immediately felt that we had to create something together. Over time, it became clear that forming Jiwa wasn’t just an artistic decision; it was something that was meant to be.
Your music is inspired by the Slavic goddess of life—how does this theme shape your songwriting and compositions?
Sometimes it feels like our music carries a life force of its own. We want our songs to evoke deep emotions and a sense of transformation, much like the stories of the goddess Zhiva. This theme naturally shapes our lyrics, melodies, and overall approach to music.
You perform everything from classical arias to contemporary music. How do you balance such a diverse repertoire while maintaining your unique style?
We see our music as a bridge between the past and the future. There’s classical influence, synthesized pop, and even some jazz elements. It’s been a long journey for me—I started with pop, moved into jazz, and for the last six years, I’ve been deeply immersed in opera. Alex, on the other hand, has been involved in music his entire life, which gives him a unique perspective on blending genres.
Karina, as a classically trained opera singer, how do you blend opera with modern music styles?
For me, this is a real challenge—sometimes I even think of it as a mission. Opera and classical vocals aren’t as popular nowadays, but we want to create something fresh, something that fuses the unexpected. And I’m confident that we can make it work.
Alex, as a producer and composer, what is your approach to creating music that resonates with listeners on a deep level?
I especially enjoy finding similarities between different forms of art. Leonardo da Vinci worked in a similar way. I firmly believe that all art forms—whether music, film, or painting—share structural elements and emotional depth. I approach music with the same mindset, making sure every note and every silence serves a purpose.
Walk us through your creative process. How do you two collaborate when producing new songs?
Sometimes our songs come spontaneously—one of us says an interesting phrase, and suddenly it turns into a song. Other times, it’s a more structured process. What makes it work is our shared vision and our ability to truly listen to each other.
Alex, you've worked with actors and studied different artistic techniques. How do these experiences influence your music production and video work?
Walter Murch and David Trevor have been my mentors, shaping me as an artist in many ways. Walter Murch, in particular, taught me an important lesson about composition—when and why we should sacrifice details. If you want your audience to be an observer, give them details to analyze. But if you want them to become participants in the experience, take away the details and leave the canvas almost empty.
Your journey has included working with industry professionals like Walter Murch and David Trevor. What are some key lessons you've learned from them?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that simplicity is often more powerful than complexity. Every element in a composition should serve a purpose—if it doesn’t, it’s best left out.
You've recently moved to the U.S. and opened a studio branch in Los Angeles. What are your aspirations for Jiwa and your production company in this new chapter?
We are striving to create an American super hit, and I believe we are already quite close to our goal. The U.S. has given us a new perspective, and we’re excited to take our music to the next level.
Alex, you've studied music production at DubSpot and Garnish—how has that shaped your approach to producing and composing music?
These schools helped refine my musical knowledge, but at the time of studying, I already had a strong foundation. What truly changed was my ability to feel the American vibe—something that’s essential when creating music for a global audience.
What do you hope audiences feel when they listen to your music?
Our music is diverse—some songs are full of energy, while others are more lyrical and emotional. We want our listeners to experience every story with us, to feel everything we pour into our songs, and to be filled with light through our music.
Do you have any upcoming performances or projects that fans should look forward to?
We have some exciting projects in the works, and we can’t wait to share them soon. Stay tuned!
What has been your most memorable performance so far, and what made it so special?
One of the most unforgettable performances we’ve ever had was at Ohmatdyt, a Ukrainian children’s hospital where kids are treated for serious illnesses. Seeing the joy and the sparkle in their eyes is something we will never forget.
If you could collaborate with any artist—past or present—who would it be and why?
If we could collaborate with anyone, it would be Quincy Jones. He was an absolute genius, and his influence on music is immeasurable.
Where do you see Jiwa in the next five years? Are there any new musical directions or projects you're excited about?
We want to experiment, push boundaries, and make sure our music is heard around the world. I have no doubt that in five years, we’ll have an international audience.
What advice would you give to other musicians who want to merge different genres like you do?
Never give up. Believe in yourself, no matter how difficult the path may be. The journey isn’t easy, but if you stay true to your vision, success will follow.
How can fans support your music and stay updated on your latest work?
You can find us on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—follow us, listen to our music, and most importantly, feel it. Alex Makarov @alexmakarovmusic and Karina Pogosyan @karen.po_
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