ABOUT US
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Based in the Pacific Northwest, Kye Kye is a musical duo comprising Estonian-born siblings, Olga and Timothy Yagolnikov.
Olga's melancholic and dream-like vocals gracefully blend with Timothy's unique and distinctive style in crafting organic, electronic synths, and otherworldly textures. Their music is a fusion of melodies, poetry, and rhythm.
Kye Kye has graced stages nationally and internationally, from New Zealand to the Philippines. Their journey began with the release of their debut album, 'Young Love,' in 2011, followed by their sophomore album, 'Fantasize,' in 2014. The latter featured the chart-topping single 'Honest Affection' on the Billboard 200.
Their tracks have found their way into film, television (including shows like Shameless, Vice, and MTV), and advertisements for renowned brands such as Lexus, Samsung, and BMW. Kye Kye has even crafted custom music for HBO and Starz, making music a continuous pursuit in this ever-evolving world and tech-driven industry.
In 2021, they celebrated the launch of their third full-length album, 'Arya,' which was mixed by the Grammy Award-winning Michael Brauer
KYE KYE GENERAL HISTORY (ROOTS)
Olga and Timothy's parents played a significant role in shaping their musical journey, both being highly creative individuals. Their parents, Grigory and Nelia, shared a deep passion for singing and performing, a love that remained a central part of their lives, both professionally and intimately. Grigory, their father, was a versatile multi-instrumentalist, proficient in playing the guitar, accordion, piano, and saxophone. Nelia, their mother, was primarily a vocalist but also dabbled in playing the guitar and accordion.
Initially, Olga and Timothy each pursued independent musical paths. However, the inception of Kye Kye happened when Olga shared a song she had composed on her acoustic guitar with her brother. This fusion of Olga's songwriting and Timothy's electronic synth drum machine tracks provided the fertile ground for Kye Kye's emergence.
Their collaborative journey began in 2008 with their first project, released under a different name. Then, in 2011, they officially adopted the name "Kye Kye."
Kye Kye embarked on an extensive touring journey that spanned from 2008 to 2015. During these seven years, they took their music to various stages and audiences across the country and even beyond its borders. This allowed them to share their music with fans from various backgrounds and connect on a personal level.
Approaching 2015, Kye Kye found themselves standing at a crucial juncture. They made a momentous decision to change their focus, shifting away from extensive touring. The motivation behind this choice was a desire to allocate more of their time and creative energy to the music-making process. This shift in their focus allowed them to delve into music production, explore new artistic directions, and craft the unique sound that characterizes Kye Kye. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in their musical journey, one that centered on artistic expression and musical exploration.
Their most recent album, 'Arya,' serves as a testament to the culmination of their dedicated journey.
Olga
Olga was just one years old, when her family left their home in Estonia, and moved to the United States. She was a unique child, and the people around her made sure to let her know that. Growing up, she became an introvert, and her vivid imagination ran wild. She would spend hours crafting beautiful stories, songs, and imaginary places in her mind, especially during challenging times. As she matured, she became more at ease with her uniqueness, which drew her even closer to art. Art provided her with a sense of acceptance and served as a means to express her emotions.
In her teenage years, Olga embraced the guitar and piano, instruments commonly resonating in her family's home. She played them as a form of therapy, self-teaching along the way. At 16, she took the plunge into songwriting, commencing with the chords from "Where Is My Mind" by "The Pixies." The naturalness of songwriting struck her, leading to her "aha" moment. Shortly after, she shared her songs with Timothy, setting the stage for the inception of the Kye Kye journey.
Olga remains dedicated to crafting music with Timothy, in addition to pursuing her solo project, "O, Olga." She finds joy in performing in her hometown of Portland, Oregon, as she thrives in a life deeply infused with art, a philosophy she wholeheartedly embraces. At present, she resides in a cozy cabin in Washington state, accompanied by her cherished canine companion. Nature stands as her primary wellspring of inspiration, and her leisure activities encompass embarking on adventures, painting, fishing, hiking, foraging for mushrooms, cooking, and savoring moments with loved ones
Timothy
Timothy, the eldest of four siblings, was immersed in music from an early age. He began performing with his parents, Grigory and Nelia, as soon as he could stand and hold a microphone. Their musical ensemble featured Grigory on vocals and guitar, often accompanied by an instrument assembled by a friend who possessed an old synthesizer and mixing board. Timothy and his mother, Nelia, would join in on vocals.
At the age of 9, in addition to his family performances, Timothy embarked on intensive violin lessons. He frequently played alongside family members, cousins, and uncles. During his early teens, he became a member of a local community church orchestra, and his violin teacher significantly influenced his musical journey. According to Timothy, his teacher was an extraordinarily talented violinist with an unparalleled work ethic, an infectious sense of humor, and an unwavering passion for music
Timothy's upbringing highly valued the exploration of theology and philosophy. Throughout his life, he dedicated substantial time to reading, meditation, and contemplation of the human psyche. Timothy's creative process is deeply influenced by his exploration of the nature of the spirit and its manifestations within individuals.
During his teenage years, Timothy began composing his own music and ventured into live performances, initially with a band and later as a solo artist. He eventually purchased a digital synthesizer and drum machine, delving into music production and songwriting. As the software advanced, his production skills flourished. Around this time, Olga introduced him to the songs she had composed separately. In 2007, the siblings united their musical talents and formed Kye Kye.
Timothy is passionate about various hobbies, including solitude, nature, and quality time with loved ones. Amid his musical endeavors, he discovered a fondness for painting, finding it to be a meditative activity that helped him navigate creative challenges. His exploration of painting allowed him to approach questions of creativity in a different light than those posed by his musical tools. The tactile experience of painting, using his hands and fingers on canvas, offered unique insights into the creative process.
In 2021, Timothy's artistic talents extended to creating striking paintings for Kye Kye's single releases for "Arya," providing a visual dimension to their music. These paintings were meticulously crafted by Timothy Yagolnikov himself, adding a personal touch to their musical journey.
