In this lively episode, Pipeman interviews Vika, also known as VK Goes Wild, at the legendary Wacken Festival. Vika shares her journey as a classical pianist-turned-metal musician, her unique experiences navigating the world’s biggest metal festival, and the creative ways she expresses herself through music and art. Tune in for candid discussions on the intersection of classical and metal, introversion in the music industry, and the power of authentic self-expression.Main Topics Covered
The Wacken Festival Experience: First impressions and the sheer scale of the event (00:37)
Navigating the Festival: Getting lost, festival infrastructure, and the need for a map or app (01:12)
Vika’s Musical Journey: Growing up as a classically trained pianist in Ukraine (05:11)
Blending Genres: The connection between classical and metal music (04:21)
Going Viral: Vika’s YouTube success with Metallica covers (06:09)
Music Education in Ukraine: Discipline and its influence on musicians (09:09)
Expression Through Art: The role of dance and jewelry-making in Vika’s life (12:38)
The Artist as Introvert: Navigating performance and public interaction (11:08)
The Therapeutic Power of Music: Music as a language and therapy (09:46)
Key Discussions & Stories
First Time at Wacken
Vika describes her debut at Wacken as “a fucking dream,” expressing astonishment at both performing and the magnitude of the festival (00:37).
Both Pipeman and Vika admit they were “Wacken virgins” prior to this experience (00:54).
Journey to Wacken
Vika explains how friends’ recommendations led to her being invited to perform, first on a boat, then in Mallorca, before finally at Wacken (02:09, 10:32).
Classical Meets Metal
Discussion of how metal is deeply rooted in classical music, and how emotional expression transcends genre and era (04:21).
Vika shares her perspective as a classically trained pianist integrating into the metal scene.
Going Viral on YouTube
Vika's piano arrangement of Metallica’s “The Day That Never Comes” from the "Death Magnetic" album went viral, attracting a wide audience (07:27).
Creativity Beyond Music
Vika talks about her love of dancing and jewelry-making as additional creative outlets (12:38).
She describes the festival’s vibrant art scene, especially jewelry made from skulls (12:52).
On Introversion and Expression
Both speakers discuss how music and art allow introverts to truly express themselves, even when words fail (11:08, 12:08).
Ukrainian Music Education
Vika highlights the rigorous and disciplined approach to music education in Ukraine, contributing to the country’s musical talent (09:09).
Notable Quotes
“It’s a fucking dream. It’s my first time at Wacken and it’s the best it can get because I’m playing.” – Vika (00:37)
“I always felt like we have the same kind of feelings we want to express. We only just had different kind of tools for that.” – Vika (04:35)
“I was 4 years old, so I don’t think I had any choice.” – Vika on starting music early (05:03)
“Music saves lives.” – Pipeman (12:28)
“When you’re introverted and you cannot do that with words properly, you just like, like bursting all kind of like whatever you see, you use it to express or something.” – Vika (13:38)
Resources & Links Mentioned
Vika's Social Media and Music:
Instagram: Search for "VK Goes Wild"
YouTube: VK Goes Wild – find piano covers and arrangements (14:25)
Facebook: VK Goes Wild
Albums/Songs Mentioned:
Metallica – “The Day That Never Comes” from the "Death Magnetic" album (07:27)
Pipeman in the Pit is a music, festival, and interview segment of The Adventures of Pipeman Radio Show (#pipemanradio) and from The King of All Festivals while on The Pipeman Radio Tour.
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