Singer Ap$ent released a new song in Belarusian. And promised there would be more

Belarusian musician Ap$ent. Photo: apsentofficial.com

“I like how the Belarusian language sounds”

Ap$ent says he wrote "Sliady" in Belarusian simply because it brings him pleasure:

“I like how it sounds; it feels like contributing to the revitalization of Belarusian culture. After all, I am Belarusian, I like Belarusian culture, I respect it, I value it. And if I am a cultural figure, it means I should also make some contribution. Right?”

The musician calls some of his songs "Frankensteins" because they were written in parts and can be associated with different periods of his life. "Sliady," however, came together quickly, though the music was not easy.

“I made five different arrangements to understand what mood this song should have: from reggae to epic instrumental. I have songs that have been waiting for their release for even 20 years. And when a Belarusian-language song appears, I try to make it faster, because I like how the Belarusian language sounds. Even for Russian speakers who respect other cultures, it sounds like foreign music,” says Ap$ent.

The interviewee notes that his wife, Maria, was also an initiator for the song "Sliady" to be completed and released earlier than others:

“Every day I write some new material, sometimes I show it and so on. She hears something and says, ‘this needs to be released.’ I don’t resist; for me, there isn't much difference in what to release. If a second voice emerges for this song, I start working on it.”

“It's as if the essence of creativity has slightly changed”

At the same time, "Sliady" did not generate much feedback from the audience, the musician admits, but he is not discouraged.

“Compared to previous volumes, of course, this doesn't look as strong, but I declared on Threads that I would aim for a billion [streams. — Ed.] with a Belarusian-language song. This one isn't a billion, but maybe the next one will be a billion. Lately, I haven't been fixated on numbers. I see many musicians comment: “low numbers, low numbers.” It's as if the essence of creativity has slightly changed. Everyone is chasing numbers, not self-expression,” Ap$ent continues.

Павялічыць

Ap$ent concert in Warsaw. September 15, 2024. Photo: senya_apsent / Instagram

He says that he has already gained popularity and generally has high metrics on YouTube, including thanks to the song "Mozhna ya z taboy" (Can I be with you), so now he is focusing precisely on self-expression.

“Now all the feedback isn't particularly strong. Firstly, YouTube is blocked in Russia, and I have many listeners there. Secondly, a large number of people also immediately drop off due to the Belarusian language. Thirdly, the style. Many people subscribed [on social networks and various services. — Ed.] after "Mozhna ya z taboy." Perhaps they are sitting and waiting for me to write a second "Mozhna ya z taboy."

If you don't obsess over numbers, then maybe, over time, it will still bring results. Let them get used to it. There will be more Belarusian-language songs!” says the musician.

“I'm somehow shy about singing in English”

At the same time, Russian-language material that already exists but hasn't been released will also see the light of day. Perhaps it will be one album or individual songs.

Павялічыць

Ap$ent. Photo: apsentofficial.com

“I call it tying up loose ends. I was preparing. At some point, I realized I sounded bad, and I had to learn to bring the sound to another level. I want to finish this work,” says the singer.

He notes that among the new songs, there might even be a song in Polish.

“I'm somehow shy about singing in English. I listen to how others sing in English, and it somehow sounds inauthentic, secondary, I would even say. The only language Belarusians speak without an accent is Belarusian. I want to sound as natural as possible,” he notes.

Towards the end of the conversation, the musician was reminded that two years ago he told "Zerkalo" that he doesn't feel like a star. This remains unchanged, says Ap$ent:

“I simply don't understand what it means to feel like a star. This Saturday, I went to an establishment — a girl approached, a former political prisoner, and thanked me for the song. I went to a bar — people took photos with me.

I somehow don't understand it. There aren't a thousand people standing under my windows chanting "Ap$ent, Ap$ent." I don't know how people perceive themselves as a star, what does it mean? I engage in creativity, not self-admiration.”

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