The Yagas Release New Single “Illusion”
Alt-rock band The Yagas, fronted by Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress Vera Farmiga, have released their new single “Illusion” to coincide with today’s premiere of her new film The Conjuring: Last Rites. The haunting track features cello contributions from Fynn Hawkey, son of Farmiga and husband/keyboardist Renn Hawkey, and was written to complement the film’s unsettling themes.
Farmiga describes the song as “an auditory expression” of the movie, written during filming:
“‘Illusion’ is our sonic interpretation of this haunted dreamscape – the fragile space between fear and acceptance; the space where you realize that the things in your head may be much more than just your imagination.”
The single follows The Yagas’ independent debut full-length, Midnight Minuet, released in April and produced by Renn Hawkey (formerly of alt-metal band Deadsy). The 10-track album features singles including “The Crying Room,” “She’s Walking Down,” “Life Of A Widow,” and “I Am.”
About the Band
Formed in 2023, The Yagas bring together Farmiga (vocals), Hawkey (keys), Jason Bowman (drums), Mark Visconti (guitar), and Mike Davis (bass). The members first connected at Rock Academy in Woodstock, New York, where they discovered their shared musical chemistry. Their name references Baba Yaga, the mystical Slavic folklore figure, reflecting the band’s penchant for shifting between metal, industrial, and expansive alt-rock.
Since their debut, The Yagas have amassed over 3 million streams and views, with coverage from outlets including Revolver, Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, NME, Stereogum, and more.
Cultural and Humanitarian Work
Beyond music, the band has used its platform to highlight Ukrainian culture and support humanitarian aid. Earlier this year, they collaborated with Gogol Bordello on a rendition of the Ukrainian love song “Chervona Ruta,” performed both in studio and live. Farmiga and Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hütz both share Ukrainian heritage.
