CHIKISS

Galya Chikiss is one of the most important figures in the indie-scene of St Petersburg today. She’s a unique musician and artiste, not to mention her participation in various side-projects and collaborations.Over six years, Galya’s group – “Chikiss” – has managed to master a wide range of styles: experimental ambient, amorphous or minimalist pop, and fully-fledged psychedelic pop, too – as we hear on her album, “Medlenno” (Slowly). With a special groove and drama, the imagery and appeal of Galya’s songs both evolve thanks to penetrating harmonies and her melancholy – yet romantic – Russian lyrics.

Together with the charisma of Galya’s tender, sometimes strange vocals, “Chikiss” stands apart from other Russian groups. A year has passed since that first studio album “Medlenno” came out – on the “Sreda” label run by Moscow’s famous music critic Aleksandr Gorbachev. The same period has also seen a complete change in the band’s lineup – and a reinterpretation of older songs, too, not to mention the creation of new ones! Galya has published two chapters of her cycle dedicated to the seasons of the year, namely: “Winter Silver” and “Emerald Spring.” She has also recorded a collection of children’s songs with the Finnish rock group “Jytajyrsijat” (Rock-Rodents). Another milestone has been an album with Arsenii Morozov from “Padla Bear Outift,” with whom she formed the “mortgage-punk” band known as “Sablia.”In April 2001 Galya published the EP “Bez Kisloroda” (Without Oxygen) – a grand gesture in the direction of folkloric mysticism and the darker side of romance. The change in lineup has led to a change in sound, too, plus lots of new ideas. The band is stronger and more confident.

Future plans involve writing a soundtrack for some onscreen fairytales and a second studio CD.Galya’s CV lists various festivals, participation in the dance-rock collective known as “188910,” and piano accompaniment for silent movies. She has collaborated not only with the star of German electronica Barbara Morgenstern (and her experimental choir): other projects have involved St Petersburg’s “Elochnye Igrushki” (Christmas Baubles), the beatbox musician Galun, a stint playing keyboards for Sensiva – and fronting Padla Bear Outfit. Regular club performances continue…