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Leonid TereshchenkoGuitarist of the pop-rock band IOWA
Date of Birth: 09.11.1982
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Early Life and Musical Roots
- The Path to Stardom
- The Birth of IOWA
- Breakthrough and Recognition
- Hitmaker and Industry Collaborations
- Personal Life
- Present Day
Early Life and Musical Roots
Leonid Tereshchenko: Childhood and InspirationLeonid Tereshchenko, the lead guitarist of the pop-rock band IOWA, was born in Belarus in November 1982. Despite growing up in a non-musical household, Tereshchenko's innate talent for the arts was evident from a young age. Inspired by Soviet pop stars, he would perform elaborate concerts with a broomstick as his microphone before his amazed parents. Recognizing his son's passion, Tereshchenko's parents enrolled him in a music school, where he excelled in solfeggio, choir, and artistic performance. A transformative experience came in his adolescence, when he witnessed a virtuoso guitarist live. The impact of that performance left a profound mark on his life, inspiring him to pursue a career as a musician.
The Path to Stardom
During his high school years, Tereshchenko began taking private guitar lessons. He went on to enroll at the Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Mogilev Musical College, where he excelled academically and won numerous prizes at competitions and festivals. Tereshchenko's aspiration to become a global music sensation led him to consider studying in the United States, but visa issues prevented him from pursuing this path. Instead, he relocated to Minsk and found creative fulfillment working at a production company.
The Birth of IOWA
In the late 2000s, Tereshchenko's talent landed him on the radar of aspiring Belarusian singer Katya Ivanchikova, who was seeking musicians for her pop-rock band, IOWA. The charismatic and skilled guitarist immediately caught her attention, forming the foundation of a strong creative partnership. Initially reserved, Tereshchenko's musical contributions grew with time. His composition, "Vesna," marked a turning point in the band's history.
Breakthrough and Recognition
With Ivanchikova, drummer Vasily Bulanov, pianist Andrey Artemyev, and bassist Vadim Kotletkin, IOWA embarked on a tour of Belarusian cities. Seeking to broaden their horizons, the band relocated to Saint Petersburg, where they encountered the challenges of the music industry. However, their unique sound and captivating performances gained traction online through platforms like YouTube and social media. The release of their hit song "Mama" propelled them to mainstream success.
Hitmaker and Industry Collaborations
In the 2010s, IOWA's songs, largely penned by Tereshchenko, became ubiquitous, rivalling those of established artists like Dima Bilan and Gradusy. Tereshchenko's songwriting prowess earned him accolades and awards, including a third-place finish in the television contest "Krasnaya Zvezda." He also composed soundtracks for popular TV series such as "Fizruk" and "Kukhnia." As a testament to their growing popularity, IOWA performed at major events, including the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Sochi and the RU.TV Awards.
Personal Life
Tereshchenko has been in a long-term relationship with Katya Ivanchikova, his bandmate and the lead singer of IOWA. They married in Karelia in the mid-2010s. In 2020, the couple appeared on the TV show "Polnyy Blackaut," demonstrating their adventurous spirit and sense of humor.
Present Day
In 2020, Tereshchenko continued to contribute to the success of IOWA with the release of the album "#lyudimayaki." He also co-created and recorded the singles "#dushnoduet" and "Spicy." Tereshchenko remains a driving force in the Russian music scene, inspiring countless aspiring musicians with his talent, passion, and dedication.
