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AgonPop group
Date of Birth: 01.01.2016
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- The History and Rise of AGON: A Ukrainian Pop Powerhouse
- Formation and Members
- Members' Background
- AGON's Departure from Quest Pistols
- Musical Journey
- AGON's Present and Future
- Discography
The History and Rise of AGON: A Ukrainian Pop Powerhouse
AGONY, the popular Ukrainian pop group, made its debut in 2016, but its members have been icons in the music industry for much longer. As former members of the renowned Quest Pistols, they continue to captivate fans with catchy pop anthems, electrifying dance moves, and captivating music videos.
Formation and Members
AGON was founded in 2016 by Konstantin Borovsky, Nikita Goryuk, and Anton Savlepov. While this trio remains at the core of the group today, the band's origins lie with another trailblazing musical collective.
In 2007, dance music enthusiasts witnessed the emergence of three talented performers as the Quest Pistols. These young men, initially known for their dance skills on the "Quest" show, ventured into singing with the cover of "Long and Lonesome Road" by Shocking Blue. Their performance garnered rave reviews, and their video released in May that year propelled them to wider recognition. By the end of the year, they released their debut album, earning a platinum certification.
One of the band's most notable hits was their cover of "Belaya Strekoza Lyubvi" (White Dragonfly of Love). Inspired by a YouTube video of Nikolai Voronov performing the song on a synthesizer, the Quest Pistols reinterpreted and released their own version, which became a viral sensation in 2009. With each new song and video, their popularity soared, leading to the release of a second album in 2009.
Borovsky left the group in 2011, and Daniil Matseychuk took his place. However, Matseychuk departed two years later and reunited with Borovsky, forming a duo and launching their own clothing brand. The Quest Pistols continued to tour with the remaining two members until 2014 when they were joined by three new performers: Mariam Turkmenbayeva, Washington Salles, and Ivan Kristoforanko.
This revamped lineup lasted until mid-2015, when Nikita Goryuk left, followed by lead vocalist Anton Savlepov. Determined to return to their roots, the former Quest Pistols members reunited their original trio. Thus, AGON was born in 2016, delighting fans with new music and captivating visuals.
Members' Background
Nikita Goryuk: Born in Khabarovsk, Russia, Goryuk is a former professional figure skater who transitioned to singing and dancing in his adulthood.
Konstantin Borovsky: A trained dancer, Borovsky specialized in folk and ballroom dance but embraced contemporary dance after moving to Kyiv.
Anton Savlepov: Savlepov's passion for dance began at an early age. Despite his academic prowess, he chose a career on stage.
AGON's Departure from Quest Pistols
In September 2017, it was revealed that Goryuk had left AGON. In an interview, he stated that he did not leave voluntarily but was informed by Savlepov and Borovsky of their decision. After a decade of collaboration, personal differences had arisen. Goryuk expressed gratitude for the band's decision, as he believed he lacked the initiative to leave on his own. He also noted that the intense demands of touring had taken a toll on him emotionally.
Following his departure from AGON, Goryuk launched a solo music project under the pseudonym Zveroboy. He recorded 12 songs and released his debut album in 2017. He has since distanced himself from his former bandmates, citing his busy schedule and family life.
Musical Journey
AGON's maiden release in January 2016 was the single "Otpusti" (Let Go). The lyrics and music were penned by Aleksandr Chemerov, who had also written songs for their previous band.
In April 2016, they unveiled their second single, "Kazhdy Sam Za Sebya" (Each One for Himself). While originally intended as their debut track, they opted to start with "Otpusti" due to unforeseen circumstances. The song celebrates youth and love, and they soon recorded a music video to accompany its release.
Despite their recent reunion, AGON's first joint album, "#Yabudulyubitytebya" (I Will Love You), was released in May 2016. The album had been in the works for some time, and the songs had been written long before they had found their place on this record.
The album, produced by Chemerov, features 10 tracks, including their debut single "Otpusti," as well as "Leto" (Summer), "Kazhdy Za Sebya," and "Chuvstva" (Feelings). The album's success was evident on the iTunes charts, where it peaked at number three overall and number one in the pop genre.
Their first music video, released in 2016, was for "Otpusti." This was followed by "Kazhdy Sam Za Sebya" two months later. That same year, they recorded the hit single "Opa-Opa," which had originally been performed by Ilona Kupko on the Ukrainian talent show "X-Factor." Savlepov, who was a judge on the show, was impressed by Kupko's original song and obtained permission to include it in AGON's repertoire.
The music video for "Begi" (Run), released in 2017, featured a high-octane night-time car drift sequence and was filmed in a Kyiv shopping mall parking lot. The video was directed by renowned Ukrainian filmmaker Andriy Olenich, who simultaneously worked on "Supermodel Po-Ukrainsky." Participants from the show were also featured in the video, which incorporated vibrant stage sets, colorful lights, and energetic dance routines. The band had long envisioned creating such a video and waited for the right song to accompany it.
AGON's Present and Future
In May 2018, the group released the music video for their single "Vsem FUCK" (To Everyone FUCK). On his personal Instagram page, Borovsky proclaimed that the video would "blow up" the music industry.
AGON's live performances have become less frequent, with one notable appearance alongside American rapper Pouya in Kyiv in October 2018. They also guest on Ukrainian television shows.
While AGON is primarily a pop group, their fashion and appearance are often provocative. Fans appreciate their flamboyant and charismatic nature. The band's members share frequent updates on social media, where their vibrant style sparks admiration and discussion among their devoted followers.
Discography
2016 - "Yabudulyubitytebya" (I Will Love You)"Otpusti" (Let Go)
"Kazhdy Sam Za Sebya" (Each One for Himself)
"Radio "Noch"" (Radio "Night")
"Blondin" (Blonde)
"Ya Budu Lyubit` Tebya" (I Will Love You)
"Leto" (Summer)
"Chuvstva" (Feelings)
"Supergeroy" (Superhero)
"Serdtse Fei" (Fairy's Heart)
"Blestiyut" (Shining)
Music Videos
2016 - "Otpusti" (Let Go)
2016 - "Kazhdy Sam Za Sebya" (Each One for Himself)
2016 - "Leto" (Summer)
2016 - "Opa Opa" (Opa Opa)
2017 - "Supergeroy" (Superhero)
2017 - "Provokiruy" (Provoke You)
2017 - "Begi" (Run)
2018 - "Vsem FUCK" (To Everyone FUCK)
