Cellist, string quartet

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: One of my proudest projects was collaborating with the LA-based vocal quartet Anthem4. Adding cello to their arrangements was a beautiful and rewarding experience that highlighted the emotional power of live strings. I'm also proud of the debut album by my band ROCKOKO, where I contributed as both cellist and co-composer. That project allowed me to fully express my artistic identity through a fusion of classical and rock influences.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I’m working as a string arranger for the upcoming sixth studio album by Ukrainian neoclassical composer Yegor Grushin. It’s a deeply expressive and cinematic project, and I’m honored to contribute orchestral textures to his music.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: While I’m still building connections within the SoundBetter community, I already have one verified review here and several more from past collaborations outside the platform. As I continue working with new clients, I look forward to expanding my trusted network and sharing more recommendations in the future.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: One of the most common questions I get is: “Is this something you can do?” And my answer is almost always: “Yes — and I’ll make sure it sounds great.”

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: One common misconception is that adding cello is just layering a simple melody. In reality, it takes a deep understanding of harmony, dynamics, and emotion to create parts that truly enhance a song without overwhelming it.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Since music is a deeply personal and subjective art form, my advice is to always trust your heart and your own taste. Choose a collaborator whose sound resonates with you emotionally — that’s the best foundation for a meaningful creative result.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: If I were on a desert island, I would take: 1. Laptop – for composing and recording 2. Starlink – to maintain connection and deliver projects 3. Solar battery – to power my equipment 4. Axe – to craft tools and build shelter 5. Cauldron – to prepare food and sustain energy for work

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I began playing cello at the age of 7, back in 1993. My first experience performing in a band came in 2005, and since then I’ve been an active member of several Ukrainian music projects, contributing to the recording of six albums. Over the years, I’ve also completed 400+ freelance projects, collaborating with artists from all over the world.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I’d describe my style as symphonic rock with a romantic soul. It blends cinematic string textures, emotional expression, and a touch of drama — all rooted in classical technique but shaped by modern energy.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I’d love to collaborate with legendary rock and metal artists like Rammstein, Poets of the Fall, Sting, or Tarja Turunen. Touring and performing live alongside such powerful acts is my ultimate artistic goal — to bring cello into epic, emotionally charged music on the biggest stages.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Listen wide. Practice daily. That’s the fastest way to grow both skill and musical taste.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I usually work on easy listening music — acoustic guitar-based songs, soft piano ballads, and minimal drum arrangements. But my personal passion lies in rock and heavy metal — I’m always excited when a project lets me bring the cello’s power and aggression to heavier genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Responsibility. I treat every project with the same care and focus as if it were destined for the charts, a film score, or a global release. I'm fully committed to delivering the best result possible — even if it takes days of work or countless takes. Your satisfaction is always my top priority.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: To initiate the process, I ask the client to send me the song I’ll be working with. After carefully listening and analyzing the piece, I rehearse it multiple times to fully internalize its structure and emotion. I then prepare for recording using Ableton Live. My DPA 4099 mic is attached to the cello, and I monitor through headphones connected to my Steinberg UR22mkII audio interface. All recordings are done in a soundproofed room, ensuring clean, isolated sound. I typically record multiple takes and choose the best one — or blend the best parts if needed. Once satisfied, I deliver the final cello tracks in high-quality WAV format. This process ensures a polished and expressive result for every project.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer digital — it’s compact, efficient, and doesn’t require much space. For a mobile, freelance-friendly workflow, digital tools offer the flexibility I need without compromising sound quality.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I promise precision, musicality, and professional quality in every recording. My goal is simple: to make sure you're fully satisfied with both the process and the final result.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I enjoy most is connecting with new people through their music. Every project is an opportunity to discover something fresh — a new sound, a new story, a new emotion. It keeps my work inspiring and endlessly diverse.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: One of the first things I ask is: “How do you plan to use this song?” Understanding whether it’s meant for streaming, sync, live performance, or something else helps me shape my approach and deliver the best result for its intended context.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: The cello is a truly unique instrument with a rich, expressive range that allows me to bring a wide spectrum of emotions into a song. Whether it's sadness, warmth, humor, or melancholy, the cello can amplify a track’s emotional core and highlight its most meaningful moments. With its ability to blend seamlessly or stand out with intention, the cello has the power to transform a composition — often turning it into something precious and unforgettable.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: The most important (and most expensive) part of my studio is my DPA 4099 microphone — a high-quality condenser mic designed specifically for cello. Its clarity and tonal accuracy make it my go-to choice for recording expressive performances. My setup also includes: – Steinberg UR22mkII audio interface – M-Audio BX5 D3 studio monitors – Ableton Live 11 for recording and editing I record in an acoustically treated space to ensure clean, professional-quality stems.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: The Finnish cello band Apocalyptica is the first to come to mind. Their unique combination of classical training and metal energy, along with the distinct personalities of the three cellists, makes them a constant source of inspiration. I’m also captivated by rock bands performing with live symphonic orchestras — a powerful blend of raw and refined energy. Additionally, I draw inspiration from cellists who have crossed into the pop and cinematic worlds, such as Hauser, Tina Guo, and Yo-Yo Ma — artists who continue to push the boundaries of the instrument.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I specialize in enhancing songs by recording expressive cello parts. Clients either provide written sheet music, or I create my own parts through improvisation. In both cases, I focus on capturing the song’s mood and adding something meaningful and emotionally resonant to the composition.