You may have noticed that I try to have inspiration and motivation as some form of underlying theme to each piece I write. As a writer, I personally find no greater joy than showcasing features like this. It strikes the same nerve as one of my favorite stories to ever unfold in music – last years, Rockin’ 1000. With that, I introduce you to Viktoriya “Vika” Yermolyeva from Kiev, Ukraine. Vika, who now calls Frankfurt, Germany home, is an award-winning pianist with what she describes as – long-term experience of public appearances as both a solo performer and with symphonic orchestras. She is also an artist of Chamber Ensemble and certificated piano teacher with a very decorated resume that is filled with honors achievements, awards and scholarships.
What makes Vika incredibly unique is that although she is classically trained, she finds a tremendous amount of inspiration in Rock/Alternative artists. If you scroll through her social media sites, where she goes by vkgoeswild, you will notice her influences include the likes of Trent Reznor, Metallica and Maynard James Keenan.
Out of the blue, a friend of mine sent me Vika’s performance of Pearl Jam’s “Release.” His note read – “Musically, this is unreal.” He was spot-on. Maybe just missing the word “chilling” from the description. Sure, there are tons of musicians who cover such rock artists via just the keys of the piano. There’s an abundance of versions filling and sometimes taking up space on YouTube. What struck me about Vika’s performance was: First – the attention to detail. Every note in the original song, including the guitar solo, is accounted for, often surfing atop the beautiful melody foundation that is so gracefully being played – usually on the lower keys. Second – the passion to which Vika plays with. She appears totally submersed in the song, overwhelmed and moved by the emotion it exudes.
This is where I stop my words, because the best way to experience this is to simply see for yourself. With much cheer and enthusiasm, here are some of Vika’s incredible piano renditions of artists frequently showcased here on Alternative Nation:
To see all of Vika’s amazing covers (there are a ton! Including System of a Down, Filter, Fuel, Queen, A Perfect Circle, The Cure, Pink Floyd, REM and more from the artists below ) plus some original music, visit: vkgoeswild.com or the vkgoeswild YouTube page. Below are 10 Grunge era covers with a few bonus songs.
All video’s from vkgoeswild youtube page.
Pearl Jam “Release”
Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Alice in Chains “Nutshell”
Stone Temple Pilots “Creep”
Nirvana – “Heart Shaped Box”
Smashing Pumpkins “Cherub Rock”
Nine Inch Nails “Hurt”
Tool “Vicarious”
Pearl Jam “Yellow Ledbetter”
Smashing Pumpkins – “Disarm”
Alice In Chains – “Frogs”
Foo Fighters “Times Like These”
Metallica “Fade to Black”
Guns N’ Roses “November Rain”
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