LISTEN TO & WATCH SWALLOW

NEW ALBUM LET ME OUT TO RELEASE THIS FALL

ON TOUR THIS SUMMER ACROSS CANADA THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE

SUPPORTING MARTIN GARRIX WITH PERFORMANCE 
AT COLOURS OF OSTRAVIA ON JULY 16

TORONTO, ON – July 13, 2022 – Prolific Ukrainian Canadian folk-noir band, Balaklava Blues, unveil a powerful new single called SWALLOW today. The song is accompanied by a video, which is the second in a series of moving, cinematic B&W visual pieces they have released since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Continuing their path in creating an unparalleled signature sound, the track blends traditional "white voice" polyphony with a diverse array of sonic elements, heavy prose, 808s and other electronic influences. 

The song takes its name from its hero, a songbird who is trying to survive in a dangerous predatory world. The message is straightforward: "we WILL fly; you WILL NOT land here." SWALLOW follows the band’s trajectory of drawing inspiration from folk tradition and experiences of revolution and war. Listen to SWALLOW and watch the video here.

"We (Ukrainians) have a deep tradition of turning tragedy into self-expression, beauty and empowerment. When war doesn’t let you sleep, you scream your lullabies in your enemy’s face," adds Balaklava Blues.

SWALLOW follows their March release, Shelter Our Sky; both were filmed and directed by Pedja Milosavljević of Balkanada. Both tracks are highlights of what is to follow on their forthcoming sophomore full length album, LET ME OUT, set to release this fall. The release also marks an exclusive preview to Balaklava Blues' biggest performance ever— a Saturday night main stage slot at Colours of Ostrava, the biggest Czech festival, supporting Dutch DJ Martin Garrix, where an audience of 40K people has gathered in previous years of the event. An extensive summer tour leading up to release of LET ME OUT will follow - see below for all details. 

Mark and Marichka Marczyk met during the Revolution of Dignity in 2014 and left the eastern front after combat medic training to fight on the cultural front showcasing Ukrainian music, language and culture globally. Known for their steadfast support and fundraising efforts, they launched their ONLY FARE refugee aid campaign with Toronto photographer, Peter Lusztyk, at the start of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. To date, they have raised over $75K with t-shirt and print sales. In addition, they have helped raise over $1/2 million in fundraising shows all over North America —the band pledges to continue this until the war is over. 

Balaklava Blues' repertoire and live show is motivated and inspired by a deep connection of Ukrainian roots and its relationship to/reaction against Russian aggression. They recently won a Stingray Rising Star Award for best showcase at Mundial Montreal and enjoyed 4 sold out shows at the Barbican Centre in London, where they wrote and performed the live score to Belarus Free Theatre's Dogs of Europe, a dystopian epic based on a scenario not dissimilar to what has been unfolding in Ukraine.

Balaklava Blues just rocked two Ontario festival performances at Northern Lights Festival Borealis - Sudbury, and Kultrun World Music Festival in St. Jacobs and won the Jackie Washington award for contribution to Northern Ontario's arts scene and embodiment of the spirit of the 50th year old Northern Lights Festival. See below for all upcoming dates and don't miss Balaklava Blues when they perform in your city!

DOWNLOAD - Summer 2022 Tour Posters

Balaklava Blues Tour Dates
July 16 - Colours of Ostrava - Ostrava, Czechia
July 17 - Harrison Festival of the Arts -  Harrison Hot Springs, BC
July 18 - Folk Night for Ukraine - San Diego, CA
July 20 - Balaklava Blues & Puuluup - Puuluup Vancouver, BC
July 21 - Balaklava Blues at Victoria Event Centre  - Victoria, BC
July 24 - Surrey Fusion Festival - Surrey, BC
August 26 - Pop Montréal - Montréal, QC
August 27 - Tam Tam Macadam - Alma, QC
September 1 - Festival De Musique Émergente - Rouyn-noranda, QC
September 2 - Festi Jazz international de Rimouski - Rimouski, QC
September 4 -  Mondo Karnaval - Québec City, QC
September 18 - Balaklava Blues at The Cedar Center - Minneapolis, MN 
September 20 - Balaklava Blues at Heyde Center - Chippewa Falls, WI

DOWNLOAD - SWALLOW Artwork

DOWNLOAD - Balaklava Blues Press Photos by Zahra Saleki (@zahrasaleki)