PRESS
“Equal parts ethereal and epic, every track on “YEV” — including “Hunger,” “Oi Ci To Kin,” “Kozak’s Lament,” and “Last Prayer” — is lyrically infused with the singer’s dual identities as American and Ukrainian citizen.”
Yev’s songs generally adopt earnest and often tragic themes, many inspired by the resilience of modern Ukrainian refugees, something close to his own cultural heart, stories of the displaced, the dispossessed, and the disenfranchised; they are heartfelt, thought-provoking, and tell timely and timeless tales.
Yev Rosso, aka YEV, is a Ukrainian-American artist who now lives in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. His debut album pays homage to the resilience of Ukrainian refugees and war veterans. YEV’s voice (reminiscent of Roy Orbison and Jeff Buckley) is the focal point of the powerful song “Witness”.
“Your debut album, YEV, is a powerful depiction of life as an immigrant and refugee resilience. The music is polished like a Broadway musical, which I think makes it easier for an audience that may not have the same lived experience to process the stories…”
And so it is with “Hunger,” a song whose keening vocals and drifting sonics are filled with the melancholy of those who have been displaced and forgotten, targetted and tormented, those whose hunger is not just physical, but a hunger for peace and safety, tolerance and empathy, love, and humanity! “Hunger” is more than just a song; it is a plea and prayer for peace!
Music doesn’t always exist to lift our spirits; sometimes its purpose is to walk us straight into the fog, hand in hand with the ghosts that still shape us. This album does exactly that. It asks us to sit with sorrow, to acknowledge histories we’d rather avert our eyes from, and to feel the ache of voices that refuse to be forgotten. Yet in that immersion there’s a quiet, redemptive power: by allowing the past to sing through these songs, we’re reminded of our own resilience and of the fragile but enduring thread that binds grief to hope.
“Hunger” is excellent & “Last Prayer” is more soulful & well-arranged. It’s also the most accessible tune to the unfamiliar American ear. The more religiously inspired public domain tune “Oi Chi To Kin” has well-etched electric guitar atmospherics mixed among the choir-like vocals. Peculiar but interesting.
“YEV’s debut album is a statement—an emotional convergence of storytelling and cultural heritage. Yev sets the stage for a career that promises to bridge divides, inspire connection, and stir the soul…”
“With “Refugee,” YEV cuts to the chase, ignores the political minefield and social posturing, and puts himself in the shoes of the refugee fleeing a war; it could be a Ukrainian mother, A Syrian child, a family from Myanmar or people from a hundred other locations fleeing war or disaster or the effects of climate change or political oppression…”
WFNU Frogtown Radio - 9:45 Show Interview (Spotify Podcast link)
TESTIMONIALS
Greg Gorman | Gorman Photography, Los Angeles, CA
“True and on point, Yev delivers his message with the same stunning vocals and lyrics reminiscent of Chris Isaak.”
Anders Overgaard | VJUS AS, Oslo, Norway
“Your music is so powerful. When combined with video, I think we created some really awesome results.”
Stephen Helvig | Helvig Productions, Minneapolis, MN
“Yev’s music is a reflection of his heart and heritage, woven together with an honesty that invites listeners into his world. Every song on this album feels intentional, carrying a depth of meaning that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable. It’s been a privilege to help bring such an authentic and powerful vision to life”
Awards & Recognitions
CEDAR COMMISSIONS AWARD
A 2023 - 2024 Cedar Commissions award recipient, YEV’s project reflected on Ukraine's current events, history, and resilient culture. YEV's voice and songs authentically echo raw emotions, transforming pain into hope.