Interviews: The Hardkiss

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band The Hardkiss from Ukraine. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it, or did it just come out like that?

We started The HARDKISS 15 years ago, and at the very beginning, it was just the two of us, Val and me. Back then, we didn’t fully understand what genre we wanted to play, but we knew we wanted something emotional, powerful, and rooted in rock music.

The band’s name came from the combination of our two personalities and creative energies. Mine was more tender, dramatic, and lyrical, which we associated with the word “Kiss.” Val’s was more energetic, alternative, and rebellious, which we called “Hard.” Putting those two sides together gave us The HARDKISS, a name that still perfectly reflects who we are as artists.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Our relationship with genres has always been a bit of a rollercoaster. We have very soft and emotional songs in Ukrainian, but we also have heavy, energetic tracks. Our latest album, Grey Hound, is probably the most alternative record we’ve ever made. It incorporates industrial elements, touches of metal, and blends them with electronic music.

We’ve never wanted to limit ourselves to a single genre, which is why it’s always difficult to describe The HARDKISS in just one word. Val and I come from very different musical backgrounds, and that diversity naturally finds its way into our music. We see it as one of our greatest strengths because it allows us to keep exploring, experimenting, and surprising both ourselves and our listeners.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes, we actually knew each other before the band was formed. I met Val when I came to interview him as a journalist for a student newspaper. At the time, he was working for MTV Ukraine. We fell in love first, and about six months later, we decided to experiment and start a band together.

In the beginning, the HARDKISS was just the two of us. A few years later, Klym joined the band, and our drummer, Yevhen, became part of the lineup later on as well.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Julia’s - Placebo

Val - NIN

Jeka - U2

Klym - Metallica

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Our listeners are probably our biggest source of inspiration. There have been many moments throughout our journey when we felt exhausted, discouraged, or even thought about giving up. But then you receive a message from someone saying that your music helped them get through a difficult period of their life, or that it became the soundtrack to one of their happiest memories. In moments like that, you realize that your work has a deeper purpose and that what you create truly matters to people.

On a personal level, I absolutely love performing live. Every concert gives me a huge amount of energy and inspiration.

6. Where was your last gig?

We’ve already kicked off our festival season at the Greenfield Festival, where we had the honor of performing on the Main Stage alongside bands such as Papa Roach, Bloodywood, and Three Days Grace. Sharing a stage with artists we respect so much was an incredible experience and a real milestone for us.

Another major highlight of this year is Wacken Open Air. Performing there has been a dream of ours for many years, and we’re putting a lot of effort into preparing for it.

7. Where would you like to act?

Of course, we dream about playing all the great festivals that exist today, from Rock am Ring and Rock for People to Glastonbury Festival. These are iconic events that every rock band knows and respects, and I truly believe that one day we’ll play every single one of them.

That said, there is something even more special about headlining your own shows and connecting directly with your audience. This year we’re heading out on a European tour, and next year we’ll be touring across North America. We’re incredibly excited about both, and we’d love to see you there. If we’re coming to a city near you, come and join us. We can’t wait to share these shows with you.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Deep down, one of our dream collaborations would definitely be with Evanescence. It’s a band I fell in love with when I was still in school, and Amy Lee has always been a role model for me as a strong, charismatic frontwoman. Her voice, stage presence, and artistic identity had a huge influence on me growing up.

I also have enormous respect for Within Temptation.

I would love not only to collaborate with them one day but also to get to know them personally.

9. Whom not?

We’ve learned that a great collaboration can happen with almost anyone who has a creative mindset and a unique vision of music. Genre doesn’t really matter to us. It could be a classical musician, an opera singer, a rapper, or an electronic artist. We’re always open to experimenting and exploring new ideas.

The only exception would be artists who support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This is a line we would never cross, as it goes against our values and everything our country has been fighting for in recent years.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I wouldn’t call it stage fright. It’s more of a feeling of excitement, and honestly, I don’t think it’s something you should try to get rid of. That nervous energy is part of the magic of performing. It’s the adrenaline that keeps you alive on stage.

To me, it feels a lot like the excitement before a first date. You’re nervous, your heart is racing, and you don’t quite know what to expect.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

We’ve been shaped by very different musical influences. Val has always been a fan of heavier music, bands like Slipknot and Korn, as well as more electronic acts such as Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, and Depeche Mode. I grew up listening to jazz and soul artists like Rachelle Ferrell, Diana Krall, and Ray Charles. Later, I fell in love with alternative bands such as Evanescence and Placebo.

I believe you can find inspiration in any kind of music. The more you listen, the more colors you have to create something that feels uniquely your own.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Thankfully, we have a very kind and respectful audience, so we’ve never really received any truly weird requests.

Some of the most memorable ones have actually been very touching. We’ve been asked to help people propose to their partners, and quite often, fans ask me to handwrite lyrics from our songs so they can get them tattooed. That’s incredibly moving because those words become a part of someone’s life forever.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are simply the best. They are incredibly supportive, caring, and compassionate.

In a world that often feels full of criticism and hate, they give us a sense of comfort and confidence.

We’re deeply grateful for this connection and never take it for granted. They are a huge part of the HARDKISS story.

14. What do you think of our site?

We’re truly grateful that platforms like yours exist. It’s wonderful to see media outlets that are open to collaborating with independent artists and willing to support new music. That kind of support means a lot, especially in today’s music industry. We wish you continued success and growth, and we hope you keep discovering and sharing great music with your audience.

15. Something to add?

We’d love to invite everyone to listen to our new album, Grey Hound, and support it. We hope you’ll find at least one song that speaks to you and stays with you.

We’d also like to invite everyone to join us on our European tour this November. We can’t wait to share these songs live and meet our listeners on the road. See you at the shows!

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