About
Combining elements of punk, gypsy music, and Brechtian cabaret, Gogol Bordello tells the story of New York's immigrant diaspora through debauchery, humor, and surreal costumes. Leader and singer Eugene Hütz's taste in music was spun out of black-market tapes of the The Birthday Party and Einstürzende Neubauten in his native Ukraine. After being evacuated to Western Ukraine in 1986 following the Chernobyl disaster, Hütz became enamored of the mystical, outsider qualities of gypsy music. Read more on Last.fm
Genres
- balkan brass
- gypsy punk
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Gogol Bordello Russian or Ukrainian?
- Is Gogol Bordello Russian or Ukrainian? Gogol Bordello is widely recognized as a multicultural band with strong Ukrainian roots, primarily due to its charismatic frontman, Eugene Hütz, who was born in Ukraine. While the band is based in New York City and features members from various countries, including Russia, Ecuador, and the United States, its identity is closely tied to Ukrainian culture and Eastern European influences. The band's name itself pays homage to Nikolai Gogol, a Ukrainian-born writer who wrote in Russian, underscoring this dual heritage. Their music often incorporates Ukrainian folk melodies and themes, and Hütz frequently references his Ukrainian background in interviews and lyrics. Despite the international lineup, Gogol Bordello is most often associated with the Ukrainian diaspora and is celebrated for bringing Eastern European music to global audiences. Therefore, while not exclusively Ukrainian or Russian, Gogol Bordello's heart and much of its inspiration stem from Ukrainian culture, making it accurate to describe them as a Ukrainian-influenced band with an international flair.
- What kind of music is Gogol Bordello?
- What kind of music is Gogol Bordello? Gogol Bordello is renowned for pioneering the genre known as "Gypsy punk,"
- Is Gogol Bordello klezmer?
- Is Gogol Bordello klezmer? Gogol Bordello is not strictly a klezmer band, but their music is influenced by klezmer along with a variety of other Eastern European styles. Klezmer is a traditional Jewish musical genre featuring expressive melodies, often played on violin and clarinet, associated with Ashkenazi Jewish celebrations. Gogol Bordello's signature "Gypsy punk"
- Who is the female singer in Gogol Bordello?
- Who is the female singer in Gogol Bordello? The most prominent female singer associated with Gogol Bordello is Elizabeth Sun, also known as Pamela Jintana Racine. Elizabeth Sun, of Hong Kong and British descent, was a key member of the band for over a decade, known for her energetic stage presence, backing vocals, percussion, and accordion skills. Pamela Jintana Racine, an American musician and dancer, also contributed vocals and percussion and was part of the band's lineup during some of its most significant years. Both women played vital roles in shaping Gogol Bordello's dynamic live performances and diverse sound, often sharing vocal duties with lead singer Eugene Hütz. Their contributions helped reinforce the band's multicultural identity and added a unique layer to their "Gypsy punk"
- What is the meaning of Gogol Bordello?
- What is the meaning of Gogol Bordello? The name "Gogol Bordello"