The Yagas

The Yagas are a New York-based alternative rock and psychedelic metal band formed in 2023, featuring the unique collaboration of Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actress Vera Farmiga as the frontwoman and her husband Renn Hawkey on keys, who previously played in the industrial rock band Deadsy. The group also includes Jason Bowman on drums, Mark Visconti on guitar, and Mike Davis on bass. Originating from their meeting at the Rock Academy in Woodstock, NY, the band came together somewhat serendipitously during the academy's adult music program and quickly developed a compelling chemistry that blends metal, industrial, goth, and alternative rock influences with emotional depth and theatricality.

Their name, The Yagas, references Baba Yaga, a mystical figure from Slavic folklore known for her supernatural powers, reflecting the band's penchant for dark, atmospheric, and shapeshifting soundscapes. In 2025, they released their debut album *Midnight Minuet*, produced by Hawkey, which features powerful singles like "Life of a Widow," "The Crying Room," and "She’s Walking Down." The music explores themes of grief, loss, and resilience, delivered through Farmiga’s emotive vocals and the band’s richly textured instrumentation. Critics have drawn comparisons to bands like A Perfect Circle, The Cure, and Type O Negative, highlighting The Yagas' ability to craft hauntingly beautiful songs with a strong emotional core.

Genres