Some heads are probably scratching with the name and rightfully so. I bet you can’t pronounce her last name either (neither can I). Entertainment today seems to be on their own planet when it comes to standards of quality. The talent appears superficial, compact with mannerisms the vast majority cannot relate. Most of us can’t afford to live the lavish lifestyle that allow them to splurge money left and right as if it grew on trees. Pay attention to how they talk, dress, and whom they associate. These days people in L.A like to lecture the working-class too. Out of touch with reality perhaps? Yes, definitely. We’re all thinking it. When you turn on the radio, what’s consider good quality would not have made it mainstream 10 or 20 years ago. It doesn’t seem like they are listening to us either. The population whom does like today’s product, predominantly appease a small, but loud woke crowd. People like myself know, there’s art that’s being undervalued right now. And if you want recognition, better audition for one of the dozen talent shows on TV-good luck if you don’t have sad story either. The truth is, people want authenticity without the pity party. This is how YouTuber Kristina Rybalchenko earned the right to be February’s spotlight.
Times have certainly changed since the days when rock would play on the radio’s top hits. The era alternated styles between alternative-rock and punk-rock (punk-rock was referred as ‘pop-rock’ then). The landscape for pop music has changed dramatically too. There are days I attempt to comprehend what changed. Why does the majority of new music that make it to the Billboard, seem artificial? I came to the conclusion the industry got caught up with the digitalization of everything, thus taking the human element out of songs. These thoughts ran through my head on an afternoon as I sought new entertainment; I wanted something that connected my emotions. The YouTube algorithm kept recommending me to watch a drum cover on Wonderful Life: Bring Me The Horizon. I normally avoided the suggestions to give Google (YouTube is owned by Google) the middle finger. Options were limited, so if I couldn’t beat them, I’d join. I had never seen this drummer before, but I wanted to have an open mind. Besides, I liked watching drum covers while being in Afghanistan. One video became a marathon, losing hours of sleep in the process. The drummer displayed enthusiasm, raw talent and passion, letting her skills do the talk. It was refreshing and overall fun to watch. The pandemic lockdown brought a blessing that day!
I understand some will not view an individual playing cover songs as worthy of the spotlight. That is what she mainly known for, but Kristina writes her own music too! Still don’t think a drummer should be on here? I wonder if that is your own thinking, or what society has programmed you to believe. Let’s think of all the talent shows out there. What talent is being overly romanticized these days? The majority will heavily emphasize on your ability to sing, or some instances dance. If we watch something repeatedly with the same logic being spewed, it is only a matter of time before it becomes true to our conscious. Thus, when there are other people whom break conventional wisdom of praiseworthiness, it’s easier to dismiss. All other art becomes inferior by entertainment standards, because we allowed them. That is not to take anything away from those who do have those abilities. I can’t sing or dance to save my life! The point is there is a stigma for those who don’t fit into that box. There is a class structure. Think about it, when was the last known drummer you can recall receiving praise from the Rolling Stones? Our parent’s generation could most likely spat off drummers faster than we could blink! Ask them!
Kristiana Rybalchenko, goes against the 21st century orthodoxy. She is a drummer. The music industry have deprecated their value since the British Invasion. It makes sense if someone didn’t stand out. She does not compete for attention by going on some TV show to be judged by a small group of elite. Those judges serve a ruling-class that do not understand the daily life of the commoner. Hell, they don’t take the time to either! Instead, she uses a platform where it is accessible to everyone, and let the market decide her trajectory. There is nothing grandiose about her covers that make her stand out- no sad story to present, nor does she seem to care. When she plays, you can see every ounce of energy being put into the song she is covering. She let’s the music do the talking for her, while genuinely enjoying the song. One can see how she respects the instrument as a craft, rather than a commodity by the way she gracefully moves; her movement seems majestic and fluid. The greatest attribute that she gives is relatability. I could realistically picture her as someone else. I can’t do that with Ariana Grande or Taylor Swift. Kristiana is someone who could be your neighbor, friend, sister, daughter, etc. She may not be in the Rolling Stones, but I’ll give her praise. Her ability to play is something I envy and should not be disrespected. At least in this publication, she is superior from what is being presented by pop-culture. Kristina is a true musician and if I were to start a band, she’d be my first pick for drummer. Who’s underappreciated according to you?
Author’s Note: Anything underlined is a link for you to click on if desired. Readers are encouraged to educated themselves and seek other sources for information.