Kuba Ziołek is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer. He is the leader of numerous bands: Stara Rzeka, Ed Wood, Alameda Trio, Hokei, T’ien Lai, Innercity Ensemble and Kapital.
Ziołek, born 1985, remains one of the most active Polish alternative musicians. In 2013 alone, he took part in the release of three albums: T’ien Lai’s Da’at, Późne królestwo by Almeda Trio, and Cień chmury nad ukrytym polem by Stara Rzeka.
The latter received huge praise from both Polish and foreign critics. This one-man band’s album brings millions of coincidences: from psychedelic music through noise to ambient and even, according to Ziołek – black metal inspirations. Slavic folklore, mysticism and a fascination with poetry may well serve as road signs through Cień chmury nad ukrytym polem. His intention was to process his experiences, both music related and otherwise, books had he read and recurring thoughts that had puzzled him into a musical narrative. The outcome is simply stunning, making you fall into a dream-like state with its trance or suddenly unsettling you with its mysteries.
Ziołek blurs the boundaries between mind and soul, primitivism and sophistication – Piotr Lewandowski, PopUpMusic.
He should be awarded the Polityka’s Passport even for the sole purpose of getting his works properly systematized. This bearded man is a true visionary. – Jarek Szubrycht, T-Mobile Music.
In January 2016, Ziołek received the Polityka Passport Award in popular music category for astonishing diligence, consistency and a unique capacity of combining diverse musical genres.
Ed. Wojciech Oleksiak, Jan 2014.
