Andriy Khlyvnyuk's first full solo album, recorded between Territorial Defense service breaks. Release — August 2026.
Andriy Khlyvnyuk presents his first full solo album of his entire career — 'Khottabych.' Release is scheduled for 14 August 2026 — the anniversary of his joining the Territorial Defense in 2022. The album was recorded throughout 2022-2025 during service breaks — mostly mobile, in field studios, with minimal equipment. The name 'Khottabych' references Khlyvnyuk's radio call sign during service. The album contains 11 tracks recorded in acoustic ballad format: voice + guitar + occasionally tambourine or field-attached violin. The thematic content interweaves a soldier's personal experiences (fear, love, anxiety for family) with historical motifs (references to Shevchenko, Vynnychenko, fighters of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army). First single 'Letter to Mother' drops in June 2026 — dedicated to Andriy's mother Antonina Khlyvnyuk. The album cover is a field photo of Khlyvnyuk with guitar on the ruins of a village house in Kyiv Oblast (taken March 2022 by IRPIN1 photo correspondent). All digital sales proceeds go to the 'Goodwill' foundation (psychological rehabilitation for military). The presentation concert at Kyiv's Zhovten on 23 August features an ensemble of brother-in-arms musicians.
