Men Seni Suyemin (MEN SINNY SOO-YEH-MEN) is the nom de plume of Minona Volandova – a classically trained guitarist and producer from Kazakhstan. On her new single ‘Dark Waves,’ Men Seni Suyemin conjures a sense of impending danger.
Based on an ancient melody from the Belgorod region in Russia, co-writer and featured guest vocalist Kristina Li adeptly grasps the mood of the song. Sung in Surzhik, but reinterpreted and enriched with Kazakh flavour and modern sound, this fashion of cultures demonstrates not only a deep respect for tradition, but also a desire for an international dialogue through art.
The accompanying video for ‘Dark Waves’ is an ethno-horror style film directed by Kristina Negina, based on Kazakh mythology and rooted in the concept of the importance of not forgetting one’s roots.
Listen / Download ‘Dark Waves’ here.
