Ukrainian artist Sominaryst talks ‘Qualia’ LP and being creative during conflict

Kyiv-based artist Sominaryst speaks to us following the release of his new album ‘Qualia’ on local label Polygon. Shaped by his eclectic creative background, the project blends personal expression with bass-driven club music.

He discusses the process behind making the record, how the ongoing war has influenced him, and his work with the BREAKARNYA project – a Kyiv collective focused on organising events.

It must be really stressful living in Ukraine right now, what is day to day life like in Kyiv in 2025?

Every day is a lottery and a matter of luck. You go to bed, plan your next day, close your eyes… and that’s exactly when the missile or drone attacks begin. But instead of fear, it mostly brings anger and determination. The same applies to creativity. It reflects my everyday life. You create not “because of”, but “in spite of”.

You recently released a new album, ‘Qualia’, did the process of planning and producing the project provide any sort of escape from the war?

It’s not an escape — it’s a reflection. The war became negative motivation for my creativity. The awareness of inevitable death, as it turns out, makes you more decisive and organized.

What’s one thing you learned about yourself during the process of making it?

The final concept is the result of a long and interesting journey of making the album. You need direction and skills, but you also shouldn’t be afraid to improvise and break the rules, even the ones you’ve studied thoroughly.

You have a collective, BREAKARNYA, what projects have you been working on with that?

With the BREAKARNYA collective, I organise events around broken electronic music: breaks, bass, electro. The main goal is fundraising for military and humanitarian needs. Each time, we work with different military units.

You also have experience in filmmaking, drumming, and journalism, have these different roles influenced your music at all?

Definitely. Drumming is a natural extension of what I do now. And working with war journalists was also a serious and valuable experience that shaped my perspective.

What’s been your favourite track of 2025 so far?

Sominaryst – Yes.

Is there anything else you want to mention before we go?

I’m free for bookings, please!

Sominaryst – Qualia LP is out now on Polygon.

Follow Sominaryst on IG.

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