Singer Andrei Kravchenko: If an artist truly changes their style, it's a positive transformation.

In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, singer Andriy Kravchenko discussed his work with Oleg Vynnyk's concert director, the artists who have changed their stance amid the full-scale war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and the absence of fear during explosions.

The artist is often compared to Vynnyk, while he himself draws large crowds and refers to his female fans as "Swans," "Madonnas," and "Queens." Kravchenko has recorded duets with Pavlo Zibrov, singer Myata, and Slava Kaminska. Additionally, he is a reserve officer.

RBC-Ukraine asked the singer whether he has an army of female fans, if he possesses his own weapon, and if he ever thought a full-scale war would begin.

Below is a condensed version of our conversation. You can watch the full interview on the YouTube channel of RBC-Ukraine.

– You can say that you have been on stage for quite some time. But your peak popularity has come now. Why wasn’t this the case before, prior to the war?

– I analyzed this period from the beginning of the war to the present day for myself, as well as many other people, including my colleagues and authors. I noticed that after the full-scale invasion, there was a surge of new songs and powerful hits created within about six months. There was an emotional spike because the war affected all of us. And it still does. But, as scary as it sounds, war has become the norm, and the emotional swings we experienced at the beginning are no longer present.

Why did I succeed? Because I started writing my own songs and realized that I needed to implement them.

– How do you feel about colleagues who have "changed their shoes"? Those who sang in Russian before the full-scale invasion and now perform in Ukrainian.

– I have a normal attitude towards this... I can't say they have "changed their shoes" if they are genuinely doing it.

It’s bad for those who adapt superficially. But those who have done it sincerely—this is a big plus for them! I always put myself in the shoes of others and think about how I would act in such a situation. Perhaps I would also start singing in Ukrainian like everyone else.

– You mentioned that the topic of Oleg Vynnyk is closed. However, you work with his concert director. How did that come about?

– The world of Ukrainian show business is very small and limited. There are very few professionals. You know, people have said: "Kravchenko is good because he uses the experience of others." But still, why did I connect with Sergey? Because it was mutual. He also wanted this meeting.

A doctor helped us, whom I went to see and who treated him as well. We just started talking, and she asked me, "Andriy, how do you feel about being compared (to Vynnyk)?" At that time, everyone was asking those questions, and I didn’t give a definitive answer.

Then she said, "I know this and that person." Then I had a small situation with my previous concert directors. I decided it was time to try to change my team. That's how I ended up making contact with him.

– Did he share any practical insights they went through with Oleg? Did you apply those in your practice?

– Yes, of course, he offers advice. You know, as for specific moments that were there with Oleg, we don’t apply them directly. He just shared how difficult and challenging the path is, which still needs to be traveled. And I will say that everyone’s path is different.

No matter how much I want to repeat Oleg Vynnyk's journey, it's simply impossible. There are many different factors involved, including PR, the artist's desire to work, and how to interact with the audience—whether sincere or insincere, sober or not—all these aspects matter.

– Do you often see the same fans at your concerts? Is there a stable group of women who travel with you to concerts across Ukraine?

– There isn’t a stable group, but there are individual girls who come to most concerts. For instance, some travel to the western part of Ukraine and attend every concert, no matter where I am. Others travel from central Ukraine. But they come with their friends.

The famous singer shared his thoughts on "artists who have changed their shoes" (photo: RBC-Ukraine)

– The Verkhovna Rada recently passed a law on the declaration of citizens' weapons and their surrender to the police. What about you? You are a reserve officer; do you own a weapon? Share your experience.

– Of course, I am a normal person preparing for everything. I have body armor and helmets just in case. As a boy, I played these war games. I have visited the front lines multiple times, for instance, in body armor, with a helmet and weapon. But I don’t owe anyone an explanation because, thank God, I don't owe anything to anyone except myself and my loved ones.

Regarding weapons, I have trained for most of my conscious life because when the war started in 2014, I already had some thoughts that it could reach the present time. And that’s exactly what happened. Therefore, I have used weapons in certain situations: I trained at shooting ranges and in various special units.

For me, this is primarily self-defense and being prepared for anything. It’s about self-discipline. Because having a weapon is a huge responsibility. You can't just leave it unattended or take it lightly. The same goes for permits; they need to be renewed, and it must be licensed. I have no illegal weapons. Everything is legal, civil, and according to the rules.

– How do you calm yourself during missile attacks or "Shahed" strikes?

– I simply don’t stress myself out to calm down. I am an emotional person, but not to the extent that I need to calm down... I don't pay attention to "Shaheds" at all. I have made a personal verdict that if there's an alarm and you don’t go to a shelter, there’s no need to worry. I accepted the situation, that’s all. Just like if you’re driving, you don’t think you’re going to get into an accident. You believe in the best. It's the same here.

Of course, you need to take care of your safety. If you understand there’s danger and see "Shaheds" flying, you need to go to a shelter or hide in the bathroom, behind two walls, and so on. Hide your children and loved ones.

I have heard explosions nearby. Everyone has their own method. You just need to not think about it. I said that if someone is uncomfortable, women can leave for abroad. Of course, there are factors influencing you to stay here—relatives, loved ones, family. But you need to do something for yourself.

The famous singer admitted that he is not afraid of explosions (photo: instagram.com/andrii_kravch)

– In the future, do you want to conquer the European audience?

– I won’t. I don’t wish to. I am content here. I love Ukraine so much! But if I wanted to conquer the European audience, I would have already gone there and started my journey. But, as they say, I have no desire for that.

I am so satisfied here, and I love Ukrainians and Ukraine so much that neither "Shaheds" nor missiles scare me... I feel that the best people live here.

We remind you that earlier, Oksana Bilozir's interview was released, in which she spoke about Sofia Rotaru, the widow of Nazariy Yaremchuk, runaway artists, and the secrets of her beauty.

Additionally, recently singer Tatyana Piskareva talked about the traitor Regina Todorenko, modern music, and Potap's return to Ukraine.