REVIEW: Natisa Gogol’s Journey of Resilience, Empowerment, and Musical Triumph
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY DANIELLE HOLIAN ☆
THE RESILENCE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT IS OFTEN TESTED IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY - and no one embodies this more profoundly than Natisa Gogol, a singer-songwriter whose music is not just an artistic expression but a reflection of the turmoil and triumph she has endured. Born in the war-torn city of Dnipro, Ukraine and now based in Prague, Natisa’s journey from the hardships of displacement to becoming a rising star in the music world is as compelling as her dream pop soundscapes. Her latest single, “Don’t Let Me Down” is a testament to the strength, vulnerability, and power that come from embracing both the chaos and beauty of life.
Natisa’s music is an ethereal fusion of dream pop, jazz, and dance-pop, woven with emotional storytelling that deeply resonates with listeners. But the narrative behind her work is what truly sets her apart. Fleeing her home in Kyiv in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Natisa’s life was abruptly upended. For millions of Ukrainians, the outbreak of war has meant not only the loss of loved ones and homes but also the need to find new purposes in a shattered world. For Natisa, that purpose became music – a healing force that has fueled both her artistic expression and her advocacy for those still caught in the war’s devastating grip.
Natisa has been through a profound shift in her music since the war’s onset. When she began songwriting, her music was more lighthearted, whereas now she feels her storytelling in a deeper way. This is seen in the transformation apparent in her single “Into the Wild,” a track that delves into themes of female empowerment, primal instincts, and the force of feminine energy. The song is a journey into the wilderness of human emotion and strength and a celebration of the untamed power within us all, but especially within women who often face the world’s harshest realities.
The track’s lyrics evoke both the rawness of survival and the beauty of reclaiming one’s own power, a reflection of Natisa’s own battle against adversity. The world may be in chaos, but her music offers solace and hope. As she explores the wild, metaphorical terrain of her own soul, the listener is invited to do the same—embracing their own resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
But Natisa’s music is not just about self-exploration. It is also a call to action, a way to channel pain and trauma into something transformative. “Aesthetics,” another one of her recent releases, is a love letter to the LGBTQI+ community, particularly those under the oppressive conditions of war. It is a song that intertwines love, resistance, and the unbreakable spirit of those who face discrimination. The track stands as a powerful anthem for anyone whose identity has been marginalized, using the universal language of music to give voice to those who need it most.
While her career began with classical music training at the Kyiv Municipal Academy of Performing and Circus Arts, Natisa’s artistic evolution has been marked by a steady exploration of various genres. She has collaborated with renowned artists and producers, including Gregory Darling, a respected American musician and producer known for his work with icons such as Julian Lennon and Barbra Streisand. With Darling, she created “Wind of Hope,” a single that captures the duality of solitude and inspiration. The track is a fusion of soaring vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, delivering both a message of optimism and a reminder of the power of belief in times of hardship.
The connection between Natisa and Gregory Darling is a deeply symbiotic one. Both share a passion for storytelling through music, and their collaboration serves as a reminder of how art can transcend borders and backgrounds. “Wind of Hope” is a beacon of light for those struggling with despair, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can rise from the ashes.
Through her powerful performances and evocative lyrics, Natisa also shines a light on the impact of war on the refugee experience. As one of the millions displaced by the conflict in Ukraine, she has lent her voice to raise awareness about the challenges facing refugees, using her platform to support organizations working to ease their burden. In addition to her music, Natisa’s humanitarian efforts serve as a reminder that, even in the midst of personal loss, we can find ways to help others in need.
Her newest single, “Don’t Let Me Down,” further showcases Natisa’s evolution as an artist and a storyteller. Written in collaboration with Darling, the song emerged spontaneously, born out of the emotions and uncertainties surrounding a personal relationship. Instead of wallowing in the drama of heartbreak, however, Natisa chose to turn those feelings into an uplifting anthem about self-love, freedom, and the power of letting go. The accompanying music video, directed by Farid Alijanov, visually complements the song’s message, capturing Natisa’s grace and strength through dance and movement. The video’s fluid choreography beautifully mirrors the duality of the song’s message—strength and tenderness, boldness and grace, all elements of the powerful feminine energy that Natisa continues to explore in her work.
“Don’t Let Me Down” serves as a powerful reminder that, no matter how difficult life may get, we can choose to rise above it. The song encourages listeners to let go of things beyond their control, to trust in themselves, and to embrace the future with an open heart. It’s a message that resonates not only in the context of a romantic relationship but in every aspect of life.
Natisa Gogol is much more than a singer-songwriter. She is an emblem of strength, resilience, and hope. Her music offers not only a soundtrack to the struggles of our time but a healing balm for anyone willing to listen. As she continues to carve out her place in the global music scene, one thing is clear: Natisa’s journey has only just begun, and her voice is destined to inspire and uplift for years to come.
