Ka'olanaBand

Kaolana is a singer/songwriter born in Stavropol, Russia. Growing up in a musical family, she has been surrounded by music and poetry since childhood. She used to listen to jazz, classical music, folk songs, rock ballads and began singing at the age of five. She lists Sting, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer and Lizz Wright as her major influences. In school she started to take vocal training lessons (classical singing style), later - music theory classes. These courses and various music projects provided her with the opportunity to explore different musical genres and expand her songwriting abilities. In summer 2011 Kaolana attended Berklees Performance Program in Boston. That year she invited fellow musicians, Sergey Bednarchik (drums), John Stelmakhov (bass), Timur Tsahilov (guitar) and Gregory Gazaryan (keyboard), to record songs for the debut (independent) album Neznakomets, which was released in January 2012. Their live performances included participation in various music festivals and shows, TV and radio interviews. The musicians currently work on their EP, which is due out later this year, and enjoy this great journey.

'If a new wave of Russian musicians is coming, and the music sounds as good as theirs, the correct reaction ought to be, Bring it on! 'Neznakomets' should make you see Russian music in a whole new light..'
(Dan MacIntosh)

'Kaolana has surrounded herself with exceptional musicians and co-writers, all of whom come together to make this record a rocking, energetic tour de force. The lyrics she sings do not detract from the power of the music, or the sense of enjoyment one has listening to them, even if they cant understand them. Kaolana & Band have amassed something very special in their writing and performing together..'
(Heath Andrews)