“Mad Heads” is a Ukrainian musical group that performs rockabilly songs. The group was formed in Kyiv in December 1991. In 2004, Mad Heads was transformed into the group “Mad Heads XL”, which performs ska-punk songs.

Brand hairstyles, a characteristic sound and sincere lyrics in Ukrainian. This is what their fans love them for.

UkraineForever managed to talk to the frontman of the group, Vadym Krasnooky. The musician talked about participating in charity concerts, a new song and creative plans.

  • Vadym, we are glad to see you in Ternopil. We know that today you joined the charity event in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine “BUNKERNIK LIVE”. How much have your feelings and impressions changed personally at such performances, if you compare them with concerts before the great war?

Honestly, completely different feelings. Before, you didn’t appreciate each concert so much. But now, each concert is like a new story. Over the past months, we have been constantly accumulating a lot of stress and negativity in general. Such charity concerts are an ideal opportunity to escape from this “pool” of negativity. Of course, their goal is to help the military, but it is also a great time to meet each other, sing together, let out everything that hurts and finally feel positive emotions. After all, when we sing together, we change our unity, we feel that strength within ourselves. Of course, concerts were about this before, but now it is our vital necessity. We cannot do very big concerts, as we would like, but we do what we can. Nevertheless, each concert is very special, it is filled with feelings of importance, warmth and light that lives in every Ukrainian.

  • Congratulations on the release of the song “We are Ukrainians, we can do everything” it is very inspiring. Tell us how this song was created and was it easy to write this text?

The first “feeling” that the song would appear was in the summer. Besides, to be honest, for a certain period since February 24 I didn’t even pick up a guitar. It was emotionally difficult for me. Later I forced myself to do it in order to recharge myself. I tried to create songs, but they were permeated with negative emotions that we all experience. Maybe there were some good ones among them, but I didn’t feel like sharing them. I don’t know, maybe one day one of these songs will come out. I was looking for positive impressions among all the negative ones, in fact there are a lot of them. We have incredible pride in Ukrainians and there are many reasons for this. We are surrounded by living examples that inspire. And at some point I came to the point that the song would be about Ukrainians. This is exactly what I want and will sing many times. What will support, because each episode of this song is all our victories, which are actually much more. The main idea sounded in my head – “We are Ukrainians, we can do everything”. I felt that this song would definitely be. This is the first song that my colleagues from “Mad Heads” gladly accepted. Previously, they reacted with restraint to everything I showed them, but now they said: “We want to play this, this is for “Mad Heads” and we want to be a part of this”. We started playing at concerts and completed studio work. The song was played completely live, all the instruments are “live”. This song inspires us, inspires people. When we sing, I look into the eyes of the audience and see that they respond to them. I hope it will become the support we need and we will do even more, because we are UKRAINIANS.

  • Now is a time of great challenges and great opportunities in Ukrainian culture. What do you think our country needs to work on?

We are already working, everyone. The time has come when Ukrainians’ inclination towards self-determination is revealed to the maximum. People do not need to be told what to do. Everyone does what they feel. Now a lot is being created that creates history not only for Ukrainian culture, but also for the world.

I am a very small part of this process, in order to say what and who needs to do it. I am grateful to fate for the opportunity to be here and take part in this.

  • You have two lineups of the “Mad Heads” collective, one in Canada, the other in Ukraine. What path do you see for the development of your musical activity? Share your creative plans.

Indeed, there was a period when two lineups existed simultaneously. There were even concerts that were given on the same day, for example, in Toronto and in Kyiv. At some point, I returned to Ukraine, in particular, this was connected with Covid. Then, public activity stopped all over the world, there was no opportunity to engage in serious show business. Actually, then there was a reassessment of values. Yes, in Canada I still have friends with whom I keep in touch, but the most important people for me are in Ukraine.

Before that, I had the illusion of a “small world,” 8 hours from Toronto to Kyiv. Of course, things weren’t over in Canada, especially musical ones. When I felt the threat of a big war, I realized that if I stayed in Canada, I would “bite my elbows” and wouldn’t be able to do anything. I got on a plane and flew here. Since then, I’ve been in Ukraine and I think I’ll be here until our victory. Many musicians perform at charity concerts abroad, those people who do it are great. I chose smaller concerts here, but with my people.

  • Victory for Ukraine, everyone repeats it like a mantra, we believe in it, we are committed to it. And what gives you confidence in our victory?

I feel it. I have long admired Ukrainians, there have been many difficult trials, but we cannot be broken. We have this inner strength. An incredible struggle is underway now, everyone is making an effort, so if I can put in my “5 kopecks” – I will do it.

Tetiana Panchenko