Five Fine Things on a Thursday...
*guest post by Yova Radeveska, of band YOVA
Photo credit: Abi Riley @abirileyphotography Design: Sara-Jane Molrey @huggamugga
This week’s ‘Fine Things’, (a weekly list of recommendations, current obsessions, interests and inspirations), is a guest post from talented Macedonian-born lyricist and singer Yova Radeveska of band YOVA. The band is compromised of Jova and London-based musician and music-manager Mark Vernon (who was also a Fine Things guest back in November, see here).
The duo released their first album NINE LIVES in 2022 and their second album Dreamcatchers is available on vinyl, CD and download streaming on all platforms from March 1st’ 💫 ! For now check out the title single track here. This is what EIGHTH DAY magazine, (February 2024) has to say about the upcoming release…
‘Due for release on March 1st this is the maverick duo’s second album ‘Dreamcatchers’ and despite us being just a few weeks into 2024 we might have already found the most imaginative record you’ll hear all year…an album we could wax lyrical about forevermore.’
And this is what Wayne Carey at Louder Than War had to say…
‘A stunning album filled with layers of sound and scope.’
YOVA’s next gig, and indeed album launch, will be at the wonderful Troubadour on Old Brompton Road on Tuesday March 12th, tickets available here. Â
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However, and without further ado, here’s Yova….
Reading! I am currently reading ‘Psychology Today’. I've been an avid reader of anything related to human nature since a very young age. Always infinitely curious as to why we do the things we do, our motivations and what drives us. Subjects like these I very frequently use in the lyrics I write.Â
Watching! "The Office" series, (comedy and nostalgia). I used to live in Berkshire and travelled frequently to Slough when the show was being made so have some affinity with the series. Re-watching it again recently has awoken a level of nostalgia in me for those particular times. And of-course there's the legendary "The Office Christmas Special"!
Viewing! I was recently at the Macedonian Embassy with Mark (Vernon) my collaborator in YOVA where we found out about a Macedonian artist living in London and became acquainted with her via Social Media. Her name is Ema Mano Epps. Her art is emulating nature's harmony through organic alchemy, mysterious yet daring. I can't wait to see her next exhibition in London.
Listening! I was listening to Spotify recently & was on my way out the door when this voice came on & I felt compelled to find out who this was. It belongs to a Canadian musician called Justin Nozuka singing an emotional song called Save Him It’s a song about domestic violence. I have to admit I listened to it many times, and found it very touching - so much so it made me cry.Â
  5.  Absorbing! I've been inspired by Natalie Lue's podcast "Baggage Reclaim Sessions". Again psychologically inclined,  and the equivalent of having a ‘personal therapist’ without the hefty price tag! This lady deserves a medal for helping humanity with her inimitable gift.Â
Thank you so much to Yova for her eclectic and fascinating selection of ‘Fine Things’. Do check out the band here on Spotify and on You Tube here, (there’s some really beautiful and cool videos in the collection including this one directed by filmmaker and photographer Mark Arrigo).
Finally, a reminder - if you do enjoy this Substack well then you know what to do….ta!
Love,
Emma
x o x o
p.s. This was last February’s top post which was about attending a pre-natal yoga class while not pregnant. And in the service of serendipity here’s a soundbite post about things I’ve overheard on the 432 bus running from Tulse Hill to Brixton - it’s wild!
Look forward to seeing Yova soon!