Okean Elzy – The Lighthouse Tour

Ukraine’s most beloved and enduring band Okean Elzy released their first-ever English-language studio album, Lighthouse, on October 11. The group heralded the record’s announcement with the title track and new single “Lighthouse” featuring John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls out on all streaming platforms. Produced by John Feldmann (Blink 182, Avril Lavigne, 5 Seconds of Summer), and co-written by Slava, Feldmann and Eva Arnby Busacker (5 Seconds of Summer, Landon Barker), the track also features Travis Barker on drums. A portion of the proceeds from the song will be donated to United24, an initiative launched by the president of Ukraine in support of the country during the ongoing war. The song is accompanied by a cinematic music video – available to stream on the band’s official YouTube channel.

About the song, Okean Elzy’s lead vocalist Sviastoslav ‘Slava’ Vakarchuk says, “The creative process was a unique experience for me. Working alongside Feldy and Evey was both fun and inspirational. The song came together in a matter of minutes. Having Travis on drums took the vibe up to a whole other level, and is yet another example of how special the human camaraderie and support is on this track.”

“Lighthouse is a very powerful metaphor for me,” Slava continues. “As a Ukrainian I couldn’t think of a better metaphor to express our hope for the future, which is part of why the song and album bear that name.”

About collaborating with John Rzeznik, Slava adds, “I am extremely honored to have John Rzeznik sing in this song. His performance makes the song feel wider. As a legendary artist he takes this collaboration beyond just music. Thank you for your support of Ukraine, John.”

“I’m grateful Okean Elzy asked me to lend my voice to this beautiful song and pleased that proceeds will be donated to such a meaningful cause,” says Rzeznik. “The band has a storied track record of sharing messages of hope and unity through their music and wish them continued success as they inspire those from Ukraine and beyond.”

Okean Elzy radiate luminous energy through “Lighthouse.” Anchored to a steady beat, warm guitars ebb and flow beneath a heartfelt promise, “Take my hand, I’ll get you through the storm.” The momentum builds as the song climaxes on an uplifting chorus, “Tonight, I’ll be your lighthouse, shining on.” Meanwhile, Vakarchuk and Rzeznik lock into a bold and bright back-and-forth. The music video seamlessly translates this energy to the screen, capturing the chemistry between the frontmen.

With their new album, Okean Elzy aims to transcend borders and share the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culture with audiences around the world. The album will include collaborations from Travis Barker (Blink-182), Paul O’Duffy and Diane Warren. The group initially set the stage for Lighthouse with their first-ever English-language song “Voices Are Rising.” NOTION praised, “Crafting music that becomes beacons of hope in their homeland, Ukraine, the five-piece have used their platform to advocate for peace and solidarity in the face of adversity, whilst unravelling Ukraine’s rich culture through their poignant lyrics.” WONDERLAND applauded how, “the song quickly unfolds into an anthemic chorus enriched with dynamic musical arrangements,” and Earmilk hailed the “shimmering guitar riffs, pounding drums, and haunting strings peppered with a soul-gripping vocal performance.”

For over twenty-five years, Okean Elzy have been a beacon of hope and inspiration in Ukraine, spreading their message of resilience and unity through their music. Slava has been at the forefront of this movement, using his platform to advocate for peace and solidarity in the face of adversity. Together with his fellow band members, he has also actively supported IOM and MTV Europe’s human rights campaign, People Are Not For Sale. In 2003 he became an Honorary Ambassador of Culture in Ukraine, before being named as Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Development Programme in 2005. He is also a rare example of a rock star academic, holding a PhD in physics.

Since debuting in the ‘90s, Okean Elzy (whose name translates as Elza’s Ocean) have captivated audiences across Eastern Europe with powerful rock anthems such as ‘На небі’ (‘Na Nebi’) and ‘Без бою’ (‘Bez boyu’). While they regularly play to 70,000+ people in Ukraine, they have also played major venues across the world too, including London’s Eventim Apollo and New York’s Madison Square Garden. Now, through their music and activism, Okean Elzy continue to spread a message of hope and resilience, reminding audiences that “there is light at the end of the tunnel, we just need to all get through the tunnel and to the light.”

In support of Lighthouse, the band will embark on their biggest North American tour to date. A portion of the tour’s proceeds will be donated to Open Eyes Fund, specifically supporting their Drive For Life initiative, whose goal is to deliver 30 ambulances, along with essential medical equipment to the frontlines where urgent medical assistance is required. These efforts will be in addition to the 242 ambulances already delivered to Ukraine and 36,000 lives saved previously by Open Eyes.

Consistently selling-out stadium shows, winning multiple YUNA Awards (the nation’s equivalent to the Grammys or the BRITs), and topping airplay charts, Okean Elzy are undoubtedly Ukraine’s biggest band.

Despite English not being their native language, Okean Elzy embrace this new artistic endeavour with enthusiasm and determination. Collaborating with international producers, they are poised to deliver a collection of songs that stay true to their signature sound while reaching a broader audience.

To purchase your tickets, visit: www.evenko.ca

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