Features / Polish
‘Now that the world has been shut down by the pandemic, we need love more than ever’
Monika Garbień, a Polish rock singer living in Weston-super-Mare, has written a new album for her fans, the theme of which is love.
“I dedicated the album to my husband, who has been supporting me for a long time,” says the singer. “The occasion was this year’s Valentine’s Day, but it’s definitely worth reaching for all year round. Love and music unite people and give them wings. Now that the world has been shut down by the pandemic, we need love more than ever. Love gives us the strength to get through tough times, and to overcome the problems we face every day.
“We are currently living in a very conflicted world, full of divisions and bad emotions, uncertain where and from whom to seek help. Who is right and who is wrong. Where is the enemy and where is the friend. Let us love each other and give love a chance, because only love can save us. This is my message to everyone who already knows my work and to those who are just starting to listen to me.”
is needed now More than ever
The album includes 15 covers of well-known Polish artists, such as Manaam, Małgorzata Ostrowska, Justyna Steczkowska and Grażyna Łobaszewska, sung in duets together with Polish musicians based in Poland. Monika met them through the ising.pl internet platform.
One of Monika’s own compositions, entitled Jesteś Początkiem Miłości (You are the Beginning of Love), is also included on the album, along with Polish covers of songs by Roxette and Lady Gaga.
She was supported to make the album by musicians based in Poland, Dawid Król and Maciej Jan Charachajczuk, and Tomasz Maślanka and Tadeusz Mitręga who live in Bristol. The album is another joint work with friends; their first project was a compilation released for Christmas.
“The lockdown is a completely new experience and challenge for musicians,” Monika says. “Recording together in the same studio became impossible. In order to continue creating and recording, we had to adapt to the situation. Although everything is done online and we miss the live meetings, we are not giving up.”
Monika says lockdown has been a completely new experience and challenge for musicians. Photo supplied by Monika Garbień
The singer is already planning her next album, this time marking the occasion of International Children’s Day (June 1), which will include covers of popular songs from Walt Disney films. Monika is also working on completely original material, and hopes her Bristol-based rock band, The Progress, can return to the stage as soon as possible.
“It was motivating to work with people I hadn’t played live with before. It was a test and motivation driving me to work even more. I’m truly grateful to everyone involved for their help and support.”
To hear more of Monika’s Garbień’s music, visit www.youtube.com/channel/UC62zQ098i9997MQnMXhz4rA
Main image supplied by Monika Garbień
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