We're not gonna pretend we don't know each other. So I will address you naturally by name. Ivan Komarenka – enemy number one. The mainstream media either attacked you or continued a period of silence. Your work has been expelled from public space. What do you think was the main reason?
– The mainstream media hasn't liked me since the beginning of my career. The case, as if trivial, yet crucial: I am an independent artist. And large business is killing independent individuals. So far, I haven't signed a deal with either radio or television, or even my erstwhile manager, with whom I worked 18 years. Already in 2004, taking part in the “Door to Career” competition at Michał Wiśniewski Reality Show “I Am Who I Am”, winning 4th place I refused to sign an exclusive contract with Universal Music Polska and with Radio Zet. I remember very well a conversation with a woman (I will not uncover the name) who threatened me – I quote – "we will do our best to prevent you from working on phase in Poland." I remained unmoved and left the room. I don't regret it due to the fact that in a fewer months I released a single "Her Black Eyes" with the band "Delfin". My gut didn't let me down. After this kind of business experience, I could afford to object to civilian rights violations during a pandemic.
Let's get this straight. You're not an anti-vaccinate that negates the existence of diseases or anti-vaccination. It was about circumstantial time, decisions then made. You've been a volunteer on this subject from the beginning.
No, I'm absolutely not against vaccinations. I am against the genetic preparation mRNA called the "vaccine" Covid19. Besides, I've been vaccinated many times. virtually before the 2019 pandemic, I was bitten by a dog and took 4 doses of rabies vaccination. I took a series of cold vaccinations before. There were moments in my career erstwhile the body couldn't handle quite a few gigs and couldn't keep up with the regeneration. individual prescribed me vaccine therapy for strengthening. I then accepted the Broncho-Vaxom and Polianixin. The impact was so strong that the body rebelled. I developed autoimmune disease. I lost 1/3 of the hair on my head, almost no eyebrows. I've been on steroids for over 10 years. That was the first reason I rejected the mandatory vaccination option on Covid. Time worked in my favor. After 2-3 weeks, I knew what the action called "Pandemia" truly was. Let us be honest, people who usage the word “antivaccinating” know that this is not true. The word now became synonymous with the expression of a fool, a fool. In a pandemic context, it adds technological colors, which gives these people, frequently composed, a sense of superiority and false competence. They are besides braved by tv “experts” from the celebrity world.
In February 2022 the Russian-Ukrainian conflict intensified. The full mainstream expected a declaration from you condemning 1 side of the war. There's been a curiosity situation. It is like expecting from Gołda Tencer before all performance at the Esther Rachel and Ida Kamiński Theatre in Warsaw to condemn the politics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. How do you explain this madness?
– Luke, this was a large chance for mainstream journalists to pour all their frustration on me in revenge for participating in anti-covid demonstrations. Kuriozum was that in covid cases I had no right to talk due to the fact that I was not a specialist. In war matters, however, I was to immediately become a geopoliticist, weigh the political situation in the planet and express public opposition, regardless of my household on both sides of the front. For part of my household (mama, sister, brother) live in Russia, and the another part (aunt and full cousin) in Ukraine. Journalists knew this very well, and yet they organized a perfidious campaign. It's their vile nature. At 1 point I stopped it. I hired a law firm and filed lawsuits against: Radio Zet, the portal "consecrated" Frond and a civilian suit against Radio Zet writer Łucji Siennicka.
I'm sorry. From what I remember in addition to “Polish Thought”, only “The Most advanced Time!” did not at the time succumb to this paranoia. But I wanted to ask about the artists' environment. Did anyone in this planet have the courage to publically defend you? These people knew you and knew you weren't a supporter of the war.
– Short and about – No! Sometimes Edyta Górniak mildly blinked in my direction in social media and made it clear that she was sympathizing with me.
This may be a hard question for you – but I gotta ask them. Of many European countries, you have moved to our country. Poland has become your choice. You loved this country. You always spoke very well about Poland and Poles. You know our communicative very well. But here you were hit. Have you failed in Poland, in Poles? Has your attitude toward our country and to us changed? Is Poland 2026 inactive a cool country?
– Of course, Poland is simply a peculiar country for me. I've lived here for 38 years. Only the difference is I don't idealize her anymore, like I did at the very beginning of my stay. Besides, there's no need. That would prove my naivety. And naive people are being used. Although there is simply a group of people in this country who would want to hurt me very badly, it is unique to me. Here I spent most of my life, I realized my dreams: I became a celebrated artist, here I have a home, friends without whom I could not manage in life and yet fans who value my artistic achievements. I do not gotta love all Poles to love Poland.
Exactly. Ivan – I always thought you were a Polish artist. You made your career in Poland. You sing mainly in Polish. You represented Poland in the 50th Eurovision Song competition in Kiev. You are arrogant to look at our national flag. In 2022 you abruptly became a Polish-Russian vocalist in the media and with Russian time. The percentages of Russian blood that flow in you have been publically calculated? Relatives in Russia were sought out, forgetting about those in Ukraine. Do you think we're dealing with russophobia or simple folly? I'm leaning towards the first.
- Yeah, it's typical rusophobia. People are always afraid of something. And at a time of civilization crisis, he's afraid to grow. It's paralyzing, and then even smart people can talk nonsense. Unfortunately, politicians and journalists do not make life easier and add fuel to the fire, despite the suffering of average citizens, due to the fact that that is how it pays off. Time is the best doctor and cures everyone from any phobia. Even journalists and politicians. That's how the human psyche works.
I admire your steel nerves, your mastery, your ability not to engage in absurd discussions with the provokers. You're partially out. But I don't believe you've moved distant from what you love, or music. Were there any fresh tracks created at the time? Is there a prime minister coming up?
- Oh, I don't like absurd discussions. During the journalistic campaign, it was sad to see haters who were desperate and hopelessly twinning and trolling provoking me on Instagram and Facebook. That was embarrassing. These people have shown their animal face. I didn't respond once. Those haters hurt a lot. But certainly, I was not discouraged from making music. On the contrary, it was encouraged! Aggressive hatred with criminal threats included made me realize that I am firmly stuck in the minds of Poles and that I am an crucial figure in this country. I happen to be releasing a fresh song with a music video soon. The premiere of the song “Our Love Is Not Years” is scheduled for 20 February on all my channels and social platforms (Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Tick Tok, Spotify, iTunes, etc.). You're welcome!
That's very good. And what about the performance situation? Do your fans have a chance to perceive to you live today? People are waiting for this, which I have learned by walking with you in the Kraków market.
– I'm slowing down. More and more people call me, compose me and ask me about performance dates. Last year, I played the festival in Stara Błotnica, where I was enthusiastically greeted by respective 1000 people. A performance was besides held in Mazury. On Christmas I played for Poles in Ejęszki in Lithuania. In late January, I performed at a closed event. Like I said before, time is the best doctor. The past fewer years have been hard, but I'm back to my place stronger and smarter.
You practically always refuse interviews – whether it is television, a well-known portal or a large-scale magazine. Why did you agree to talk to “Poland”?
– That's right. After the war, I stopped giving any interviews. The propaganda level is terrifying. Under specified circumstances, there is no area for nonsubjective and honest conversation. We're watching an all-out chaos. People are aggressive and they shout at each other. And where emotions rule, there is no listening or understanding. delight don't mistake my withdrawal for isolation. I'm not isolated. I just don't want to talk to people who treat me like an enemy. I felt a friendly attitude in the editorial board “The Polish Thought”.
Thank you for the interview, I ask for a fewer words to readers of “Polish Thoughts”, among which there are most likely many of your fans.
– First of all, I want the editors wellness and perseverance in the fight for truth. fresh events have shown that to be Polish and think in Polish it is not adequate to be born on the Vistula River. Our souls are not neutral. They are constantly tinted and shaped by the content of our thoughts. As the large Stoic utilized to say, Mark Aurelius, “Our soul takes on the colour of thought.” Then let our thoughts be Polish. And then, not only will we live here passively, but we will make the nation's spiritual identity.
He spoke: Łukasz Jastrzębski
Ivan Komarenka – Polish independent vocalist of Russian origin. From 2002 to 2007, lead vocalist of the band Ivan and Dolphin, with whom he released 2 studio albums: “Iwan and Dolphin” (2004), as well as his re-release entitled “Black Eyes” (2005) and 2 Elements (2006), “The Stand is Freedom” (2022) and represented Poland in the 50th Eurovision Song competition in Kiev (2005). Since 2007, solo artist, has released 2 albums: Tango Saute (2010) and the Meaning of Life (2014).
