We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Volodymyr Prysiazhnyi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Volodymyr below.
Volodymyr, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
On August 27, 2023, at the Sport of Kings in Hallandale Beach, FL, an Emigrant took a leap of faith. Armed with only $100, he dared to organize a concert for 1,500 people. The risks were daunting, but his determination was unwavering.
With relentless effort, he secured artists, a venue, and promotion. As the night approached, nerves mingled with excitement. The concert, titled “The Power Of Ukraine,” was not just about music. It was about hope and unity.
As the first notes filled the air, magic unfolded. The audience was captivated, and hearts were touched. Amidst the melodies, a powerful message resonated – solidarity with Ukraine.
By the end of the night, the Emigrant’s gamble paid off in a remarkable way. The concert raised an astounding $50,000 for prosthetics, proving that even the smallest act of courage can lead to immense impact.
The Emigrant’s journey from $100 in his pocket to organizing a concert that touched so many lives is a testament to the power of determination and compassion. It was more than just a concert; it was a beacon of hope and support for those in need.
During the concert, we collaborated with KindDeeds, a charitable organization dedicated to providing prosthetics for Ukrainian defenders. All donations collected during the event were handed over to KindDeeds for the procurement of prosthetics. Additionally, it was a special moment as soldiers who had undergone prosthetic procedures in the United States were also in attendance.
I believe it’s crucial to acknowledge the valuable work of KindDeeds and the impact they are making in the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
Volodymyr, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
The EMIGRANT project was created to promote Ukraine worldwide, particularly in the USA, and to instill faith in oneself. Even a truck driver can become an artist and perform on grand stages. EMIGRANT has already visited Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. It is a fully charitable project, with all royalties from song plays directed towards supporting individuals impacted by war. I am proud of the impact EMIGRANT has had on our community. It’s not just about music; it’s about hope, unity, and making a difference. Join us in spreading the beauty of Ukrainian culture.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Yes, I wish I knew earlier that sometimes all it takes to achieve success is to simply lift yourself up and start moving forward. This rings true with the story of EMIGRANT when we were filming the music video “The Power of Ukraine” with a Ukrainian soldier who lost his leg in war and came to the U.S. for prosthetic treatment in Arizona. The state kindly provided us with the Monument Valley National Park for filming, free of charge. I couldn’t have dreamed of such generosity before. It’s moments like these that remind us that sometimes all we need to do is take that first step, and doors will open unexpectedly.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The story of the EMIGRANT project begins in early 2020 when my mother passed away from COVID-19 in Ukraine. At that time, I didn’t have a green card and couldn’t travel to Ukraine to attend her funeral. It was during this difficult period that one of my close composers, Dmytryi Sysoev, wrote the song “Emigrant Mama.” This marked the beginning of the EMIGRANT project.
I was still working as a truck driver at the time, and the song resonated deeply with my personal experience. It reflected the struggles and challenges of being separated from loved ones and the homeland. The ultimate goal of the project is to stop the war. This is my biggest dream and aspiration. I am currently working on a new project that aims to unite the world around Ukraine and bring an end to the conflict.
The EMIGRANT project is not just about creating music; it’s about spreading awareness, fostering unity, and advocating for peace. Through our songs and performances, we hope to inspire others to join the cause and work towards a world free from war and conflict.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emigrant.band
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emigrant_mama/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/v.prysiazhnyi/?locale=ms_MY
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5NvFkG6WT4
Image Credits
all images by Iryna Nesterova