Gorchitza

Gorchitza ("Mustard" in Ukrainian) is a Ukrainian electronic music band from Kyiv that performs in English.

History

Formation and first single: 2003-2007

Prior to the formation of Gorchitza, Oleksii Laptev had belonged to a band with the same name. This band competed in a Ukrainian musical contest, "Better Together" (ukr. Краще Разом) in 2003, and placed second.

After this outfit disbanded, Laptev developed an interest in forming a new band. He was also working as a sound engineer at a radio station in Kerch, where he experimented with synthesizers during his downtime; this would inform Gorchitza's electronic sound.

Laptev encountered vocalist Alla Moskovka (better known by her stage name Alloise) by chance, when he attended a nightclub where she happened to be performing as a house vocalist. Laptev recruited Moskovka shortly after their chance encounter; the pair remained the band's permanent members until 2012, supported by other musicians in collaborations and live shows. Influenced by a mutual admiration for English-language music, they decided to write their songs exclusively in English.

Gorchitza performed for the first time at a nightclub in Kyiv, "Kaif," on 6 October, 2006. Although this performance lasted only 20 minutes, the band considers this date to be its 'birthday.' In 2007, Gorchitza released its first single, "Kiss Me Loneliness," which became a national radio hit in Ukraine. The band followed up with the song "One New Message" later in the year, which garnered some international attention when British band Apollo 440 remixed the track.

International recognition and Alloise's departure: 2008-2012

In 2008, Gorchitza joined the label Lavina Music and released its first studio album, "Highlights." The label's general director described Gorchitza as the "most successful domestic electronic usicproject" at the time. That same year, Gorchitza represented Ukraine at the Sopot International Song Festival, having beaten almost 5,000 applicants to place in the final 15 competitors. Although the band did not win the contest, they were signed by EMI Music Poland, which released their music outside Ukraine.

In August 2009, Gorchitza performed in Russia for the first time, appearing at the NuNote Lounge Fest in Moscow.MTV News "Gorchitza and Skye Edwards @ Lounge Fest, Moscow"
2010 saw Nokia launch a limited edition series of mobile phones that came with Gorchitza's music already installed. Also in 2010, the band released two singles: "Last Time" and "Final Cut." These songs were included on Gorchitza's second album, "It's You," released via Lavina Music in 2011.

The following year, Alloise decided to leave Gorchitza to pursue a solo career. She played her final live show with the band on 7 April, 2012. In an interview with Marie Claire, Alloise stated that her departure from Gorchitza briefly damaged her relationship with Laptev, though they reconciled as friends in 2013 and they remain on good terms as of 2016. Alloise was replaced by vocalist Olya Dibrova, and the band also received a new member, Kenyan-born singer Godwin Kiwinda.

Later activities: 2012-present

Gorchitza continued to perform live music after Alloise's departure, including a performance at the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine's Independence Day Picnic in July 2012. The band released some new songs and continued to tour, but did not release another studio album. The band went dormant in 2014, and Dibrova also left to pursue a solo career. Gorchitza remained inactive until 2020, when new song "Shkoura" was released. Oleksii Laptev remains the band's only permanent member.

Band members

*Oleksii Gorchitza (Oleksii Laptev) — front-man, key-boards, programming (2007-2014, 2020-present)

Former members:
*Alloise — Lead vocals, lyrics (2007-2012, 2017)
*Olya Dibrova - vocal, lyrics (2012-2014)
*Godwin Kiwinda — vocals
*Alexey Kyrychenko — guitar
*Artem Ugodnikov — drums
*Oleg Kuzmenko — drums
*Yaroslav Polishchuk — bass-guitar
*Alexey Molchanov - drums

Discography

Albums

*Highlights (2008) — first studio album
*Neytrino (2008) — Gorchitza's (Oleksii) solo album
*Highlights RMXS (2008) — remix album
*It's You (2011) — second studio album

Singles

*From the album Highlights (2008): Kiss Me Loneliness (2007), One New Message (2007), Call It A Dream (2009)
*From the album It's You (2011): Last Time (2010), Final Cut (2010)

References

{{Reflist

English-language musical groups from Ukraine
Ukrainian electronic music groups
Musical groups established in 2007