The incredible story of a young Bulgarianmusician who moved to the US as a child, later resettled in the UK and is now pursuing fame as a musician in the bandKan Wakan is featured in US's LA Weekly issue.
The band's name could be translated as ''interstellar'' in Tagalog and ''sun dance'' in the language of the Native American tribe Lakota.
“I want to make other people cry at my music,” Gueorgui Linev said in an interview for the media. “It’s very dramatic.”
His journey started in Bulgaria, at the time when the democratic changes in the country were just taking place, and as many locals might remember, people had to queue up early in the morning to get bread and food for their families on account of the massive inflation and currency devaluation.
His family suffered turmoil as his mother and father divorced merely a year after he was born, thirty years ago. They had met at the Sofia Art Academy and were living in Bulgaria.
However, soon after the divorce took effect, Gueorgui and his mother emigrated to the US and settled in Sun Valley, Idaho.
“It was a massive culture shock,” says Linev, remembering his first impressions. “I didn’t know anything about anything and wasn’t into any of it.”
Called ''the mastermind behind the cinematic orchestral bandKan Wakan'', the Bulgarian didn't have an easy journey into the world of art.
As a high school student, he started playing soccer but soon had to abandon the dream because of a rare form of cancer. At that time, in his words, his interest and fascination in music developed.
Linev started playing guitar as he was undergoing chemotherapy and soon became obsessed with Stevie Ray Vaughan. The inspiration never faded, even as he started pre-med courses in college, but soon abandoned them to pursue a musical career in LA.
“I had to do something else, and all that made me happy was music,” he explained.
His journey took him to England where Kan Wakan was formed in 2010. The songs started flowing two years later, but led to a contract with Universal's sub-company Verve Music Group.
Often compared in sound and emotion to Portishead, Mazzy Star, the Cinematic Orchestra and even Alt J.
Linev himself and guitarist and producer Peter Potyondy (the band’s only other full-time member aside from Linev), as well as guest vocalist Kristianne Bautista and drummer Joey Waronker create contemporary music, entwining trip-hop, experimental minimalism and symphonic elements.
In a recent meeting of the European Council, Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev underscored Bulgaria's unwavering support for Ukraine amidst discussions surrounding the fight against disinformation and foreign manipulation of information
In an unexpected turn, Bulgaria and Turkey have been notably absent from the list of the ten cheapest European summer destinations for British tourists
According to the latest data released by the National Statistical Institute, Bulgarian household incomes experienced a remarkable surge in 2023, reaching an average of BGN 10,846 per household member.
The National Statistical Institute's latest report unveils a marginal annual increase in the income of Bulgarians in 2023 compared to their expenses, marking a reversal of the trend observed in 2022
Acting Minister of Transport, Georgi Gvozdeikov, has taken the unprecedented step of canceling the tender for the supply of 35 single-deck motor trains, valued at a staggering BGN 1.1 billion
In a grand inauguration ceremony today, the city of Shipka proudly unveiled the archaeological complex "Valley of the Thracian Kings," marking a significant milestone in the preservation and presentation of Thracian culture and art
As the Saturday following Shrovetide arrives, Bulgarians across the nation come together to celebrate Todorovden, a cherished tradition deeply rooted in both Christian faith and folk customs
In the annals of Bulgarian history, few figures shine as brightly as Rayna Knyaginya, a name synonymous with unwavering courage, national pride, and the spirit of resistance against oppression
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022
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