Polina

Featured Artist: Polina Nikitina '23

Click on the video to the left to watch Polina's music video for her original song, "Gotham."

You can also click here to find the song wherever you stream your music.

Please read more about the song here, and in the interview with Polina below:

"Two friends, seniors in high school, made the track ‘Gotham’ amidst being separated due to the war in Ukraine. They lived in the city of Kyiv for most of their lives and were band mates at their school ‘PSI.’ They left the country for February break and were never able to return: the school got shut down and the war had started. Working from a distance and wanting to speak up about the ongoing genocide Russia was committing, Martin sent Nora a haunting piano melody which she felt drawn to. She was inspired by the concept of Gotham city from Batman and felt as though Russia had turned cities in UA into dangerous and ghostly places.. as Gotham itself. The song took a while to create, with recording under a blanket, long periods of indecisiveness, and different time zones. However, the creative team supporting the song pushed through and made it happen. With the continuous Russian crimes against UA and the approaching of hallows eve.. Gotham is here. This song is dedicated to Ukraine and its bravery."

The 566 Featured Interview: Polina Nikitina, '23

What was the behind-the-scenes process for this featured music? How did you create it?

The process proved to be quite complex due to the distance and time difference. I worked with one of my friends and past classmates throughout the course of many months, the process took very long because recording and communicating was difficult. He produced the track in Europe, sitting in his bedroom, whilst I was in the U.S recording under a blanket and writing whilst my family was asleep. We were also both attempting to finish our junior year, thus delaying the process even more. As we started working on the animation with more of our fellow Ukrainian friends, we

tried to move forth as fast as possible. We brainstormed ideas for a few weeks and then started producing the first sketches. The time difference played against us but we tried to keep our communication strong. It was difficult not working face to face because every time our ideas didn't match, it took days or weeks for us to come to a solution. Sometimes we lost connection completely due to the power outages in Ukraine. However, in the end, the process proved to be rewarding.

How long have you been writing music and what instruments do you play?

I have been writing music since I was 7, overall, and professionally since I was 14. I sing and play the piano.

What was the last song you heard that you wished you'd written?

The last song I heard that I wish I'd written was 'Smalltown Boy' By Bronski Beat.

Who are three (or four!) artists you recommend for everyone to listen to?

A-ha, Garbage, and Boney M.

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