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Renowned composer Ulykhan Zholdasov, with a career spanning over 40 years and nearly 500 original songs to his name, has shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of music and the potential pitfalls of its commercialization.

Zholdasov's extensive catalog includes around 300 pop songs, with the remainder being orchestral works, soundtracks, and unreleased compositions. His music has not only enriched the golden archives of Kazakh Radio, where nearly 100 of his songs are preserved (including the music for the radio's anthem), but has also been performed by international artists.

The Essence and Echo of an Era

Having first stepped onto the stage in 1983, Zholdasov views his journey through different eras – from the Soviet period to the present day – as a testament to art's enduring significance. He emphasizes that music often captures the spirit and mood of its time, especially during challenging periods.

The styles of music have also evolved. While disco dominated before Kazakhstan's independence, the scene later embraced diverse genres like rock, pop, Latin American rhythms, Kazakh waltz, and bossa nova. Zholdasov believes it's crucial to select styles that resonate with the Kazakh identity and national character. Currently, even reggae is making its mark on the Kazakh pop scene.

In recent years, Zholdasov has also explored international collaborations, with his songs being performed by artists in the USA, Russia, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Portugal, showcasing a new facet of his creativity.

A Distinctive Signature

Zholdasov considers works born from reflections on life, each with its own style and message, to be closest to his heart. Songs like "Qairan Könil" and "Mahabbat Güli Solmaydy," performed by groups such as "MuzArt," "Zaman," and "Melomen," resonate with his inner world. His "Küzgi Vals" (Autumn Waltz) offers a unique warmth in its content and melodic structure, and has also been successfully interpreted by international performers.

While Zholdasov primarily composes melodies, he acknowledges that sometimes the perfect synergy between music and lyrics doesn't materialize, leaving a piece incomplete. Conversely, a melody might find new life and success when adapted into another language. He also values nurturing the next generation of musicians, citing talented composer Kuat Abilov as one of his protégés.

International Creative Reach

Zholdasov's work has transcended national borders, reaching the international stage. He has established connections with major production houses like Sony Production in New York, composing music for the global market. This is the same environment where global icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson began their careers.

Furthermore, Uzbek singer Shohruhxon has performed over ten of his songs, which gained new life after being translated from Kazakh to Uzbek. Other notable international artists who have incorporated Zholdasov's music into their repertoires include Turkey's Mustafa Sandal, Uzbekistan's Yulduz Usmanova, Armenia's Silva Hakobyan, and Italian singer Salvatore Ferragamo.

A decade ago, he collaborated with world-renowned music producer Niclas Olsson in Stockholm, gaining valuable professional experience.

Concerns About Art Becoming a "Marketplace"

After more than 40 years in the industry, Zholdasov openly expresses his concern about art transforming into a mere "marketplace." While a song's success often depends on the performer, he believes that composing solely for commercial gain is misguided. He stresses that composers and lyricists should create from the heart, asserting that art is not a commodity. Advertisements offering to write "special songs" on social media, he feels, signify a devaluation of art.

The sacred land of Mangystau and the epic poems of his elder, Murat Uskenbaev, significantly influenced the formation of Zholdasov's unique musical signature. Having learned the dombra at age 6 and the guitar at age 9, he described the dombra as an instrument deeply ingrained in his being, reflecting his origins as an artist from the village.

A Song's Lifespan Lives in the Hearts of the People

Zholdasov admits that predicting which songs will endure is impossible, stating that the audience ultimately decides a song's fate. Only those that touch the hearts of the people stand the test of time. He cited his 1992 song "Altynai" as a prime example, remaining his most requested piece and one he considers his "passport." He aspires to create works with the longevity of those by legendary composers like Asset Beyseuoov, Kenes Duishekeyev, and Shamshi Kaldyakoov.

Zholdasov cannot imagine himself without his guitar, feeling most at ease on stage with it.

This was reported by the information agency Infohub.kz.