Vera Farmiga, known for her Oscar and Emmy nominations, is set to captivate a new audience with her band, The Yagas, releasing their debut album “Midnight Minuet” on April 25. The band, composed of Farmiga, Renn Hawkey on keys, Jason Bowman on drums, Mark Visconti on guitar, and Mike Davis on bass, unveiled a new single, “Life Of A Widow.” This explosive yet luminous track was born from an entrancing beat Hawkey conceived post-spinal surgery.
The Yagas, showcasing Farmiga’s vocal prowess, have previously released singles such as “The Crying Room” and “She’s Walking Down.” The album promises a collection of ten songs, produced by Hawkey, that mix alt-rock elements in an innovative blend.
“‘Life Of A Widow’ is a song of searing lament,” Farmiga explained. The song embodies a soul’s journey through grief, yearning for connection with a deceased love. Farmiga described the protagonist as navigating a world of loneliness and desperation, aching to evoke the presence of a lost loved one. The emotional intensity is palpable, inviting listeners into this personal and heart-rending experience.
Hawkey found producing “Midnight Minuet” to be cathartic. For 25 years, he worked with DEADSY, but with The Yagas, he felt the creative process was different. He likened the band to a new playground they built together, a synergy that was empowering and inspiring. “We are the sum of our parts,” he said, emphasizing the shared ownership among the band members.
The Yagas’ debut single, “The Crying Room,” serves as the album’s powerful opener. It pairs Farmiga’s vocals with serpentine guitar riffs, moody synth lines, and dynamic rhythms. Eugene Hütz of GOGOL BORDELLO co-stars in its darkly enchanting video, reflecting the turmoil faced by many since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including Farmiga’s extended family.
“She’s Walking Down” features vocoder-enhanced vocals and chilling effects, creating an immersive tale of violence and vengeance. The accompanying music video, directed by Farmiga, marks her return to directing after 15 years. It depicts a haunting dream about her daughter, adding visual depth to the auditory experience.
The ten-track collection, mixed by Grammy nominee Brian Virtue and mastered by Grammy winner Emily Lazar, balances dark themes with bursts of unexpected beauty. The band aims to extend their namesake’s legacy while contributing uniquely to the music world.
The New York-based band had their live debut earlier this month and is set to perform on April 5 at Bowery Ballroom. The event, “Casa Gogol Records Presents: New New York,” offers an exciting opportunity for audiences to experience The Yagas live.
Earlier this week, The Yagas released a live performance video with GOGOL BORDELLO, singing the Ukrainian love song “Chervona Ruta.” As both Farmiga and Hütz have Ukrainian heritage, this serves as a cultural spotlight while raising funds for Support Action Ukraine, dedicated to aiding those affected by the conflict.
Formed in 2023, The Yagas originated from connections made at Rock Academy, a Woodstock-based music school. The band discovered their undeniable chemistry in the school’s adult program, drawing inspiration from the Slavic folklore figure Baba Yaga. Their music spans genres, praised for its transformative nature and comparisons to bands like A PERFECT CIRCLE and THE CURE.
As they release “Midnight Minuet,” The Yagas present a uniquely crafted narrative within the alt-rock landscape, marking a significant milestone in Vera Farmiga’s creative journey.
