Grigorii Palamarchuk is one of those musicians who approaches the piano like a storyteller. His music lives between memory and reinvention. Rooted in classical training and shaped by the freedom of jazz, his arrangements feel cinematic yet intensely personal. Based in New York City and working independently, Grigorii has also released a brand new album titled ‘Christmas Memories: Piano Reimagined’. With this album, the artist continues to build a body of work that values connection and artistic honesty. We recently had an opportunity to sit with the artist and have a conversation. So, let’s see what we talked about –
DMR: Hello, Grigorii Palamarchuk. Congratulations on the album release. What sparked the idea for this album in the first place?
Grigorii: Thank you. I’ve always felt that Christmas music has a unique power to transport us back in time. With Christmas Memories, I didn’t just want to cover famous songs; I wanted to strip away the clichés and rediscover the raw emotion inside these melodies. I wanted to create a soundtrack for quiet, reflective moments during the holidays, rather than just background noise for a party.
DMR: When did the piano stop feeling like another instrument and start feeling like your voice?
Grigorii: It happened when I stopped worrying about hitting the right notes and started focusing on telling a story. Now, the piano is an extension of my emotions—it’s how I speak to the world without saying a word.
DMR: How does your classical background still guide the way you arrange music today?
Grigorii: My classical training is the foundation of everything I do. It gives me the technical freedom to execute whatever I hear in my head. When I arrange a pop song or a jazz standard, I approach it with the structural discipline of classical music. It allows me to add layers and harmonic depth that might not be in the original, making the arrangement sound more cinematic and full.
DMR: Why did this album feel like the right project for you right now?
Grigorii: We live in very chaotic, fast-paced times. I felt a strong need to create something grounding—music that forces you to slow down and breathe. Christmas is a time of hope and connection, and I wanted to offer listeners a musical space where they can find a bit of peace and comfort amidst the noise of the modern world.
DMR: What part of the recording process challenged you the most?
Grigorii: The biggest challenge was the arrangement of simple Christmas melodies itself. Many of these classics have very short original melodies—sometimes just 30 seconds long. Everyone knows them by heart, so you have to preserve that recognizable holiday spirit without overcomplicating it. The hard part was taking a simple, familiar motif and developing it into a full piano piece with varied textures and harmonies, so it never sounds repetitive but still feels like the song everyone loves.
DMR: Is there one track that captures the core of this project for you?
Grigorii: Definitely “Carol of the Bells”. This track is incredibly close to my heart because of my roots. I am Ukrainian, and this masterpiece—originally known as “Shchedryk”—was written by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. Performing it feels like a bridge to my homeland and my heritage. It captures the core of the project perfectly because it shows how a local, traditional melody can become a universal symbol of celebration, connecting different cultures through music.
DMR: Did your relationship with the piano change while making this album?
Grigorii: Yes, I think I became a better listener. This album required a lot of space and silence between the notes. I learned to trust the instrument more, letting the resonance of the strings speak for itself rather than filling every second with sound. It was a lesson in minimalism and restraint.
DMR: As an independent artist, what does having full creative control give you?
Grigorii: It gives me the luxury of authenticity. I don’t have a label telling me to make a song shorter for the radio or to change my style to fit a trend. I can follow my artistic intuition 100%. If I want an arrangement to be slow and contemplative, I can keep it that way. This freedom allows me to build a genuine connection with my audience because they know they are hearing the real me.
DMR: Who do you feel is the ideal listener for this body of work?
Grigorii: Someone who appreciates storytelling without words. My ideal listener is probably someone looking for a moment of escape—whether they are driving through the city at night, reading a book by the fire, or just need to decompress after a long day. It’s for people who feel deeply.
DMR: Which artist, living or dead, would be your dream collaborator?
Grigorii: I would love to collaborate with a cinematic composer like Hans Zimmer or a legend like Andrea Boccelli. But I also must mention Ed Sheeran. What resonates with me deeply is that in his music, you can feel his complex journey—the hardships and the grit behind his success. He has a unique way of turning personal struggle into universal melodies. Combining my classical piano textures with his raw, authentic storytelling would be an incredible experiment.
DMR: What can the audience expect from you next?
Grigorii: I have a lot of music ready to be shared. In fact, I’ve already recorded two new albums dedicated to the 60s and 70s, which are set to release in the next two weeks. As I mentioned, the 70s project is a collection of reimagined classics from that era—songs by Elton John, Queen, and others—arranged for solo piano. I’m very excited to share my perspective on that golden age of melody.
Looking ahead to next year, I have many ambitious plans. I am working on a “Classical Music in Rock” project, a collection of energetic Ragtimes, and an album of my original compositions. I’m also planning something special for the holidays next year—a Christmas album recorded with a jazz trio.
DMR: Do you have any message for your fans?
Grigorii: I just want to say a massive thank you for listening and for letting my music be a part of your lives. Knowing that my music accompanies your special moments is the greatest reward for me. Stay tuned, there is much more music to come.
Album Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/7phj7tZfosCBkvYmDXWQri
Follow Grigorii: Website // YouTube // Apple Music // Instagram //Facebook
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