biography
her own world
our story
HER OWN WORLD is a band that brings a new quality to the gothic scene, combining musical diversity with artistic authenticity. Their creativity and passion make them one of the most interesting representatives of the Polish dark independent scene.
Origins and formation
The very early stage of HER OWN WORLD was formed at the end of 2018 in Szczecin, Poland, by Paula „Yu” Szymkowska and Adrian „ad-x” Szymkowski. Their collaboration began with the experimental recording of the song „Happiness Imperative”, which quickly became a foretaste of a unique sound and artistic chemistry between the founders. The decision to continue working on a joint project was natural and inevitable.
The band’s name had been germinating in Paula’s mind for many years when she began envisioning a music project that would reflect her inner world. Initially, she had planned a shortened name, H.O.W., but over time, it was expanded to the full HER OWN WORLD, emphasizing her personal artistic vision.
Band members
YU
vocals
Paula 'Yu’ Szymkowska,
founder, vocalist, lyricist, composer, the leader of the band and its charismatic voice.
ad-x
synths
Adrian 'ad-x’ Szymkowski,
co-founder, music producer, keyboardist, and composer responsible for the band’s unique sound.
Shai
guitars
Tomasz ’ Shai’ Szajbe,
guitarist, co-composer, bringing strong riffs and dynamic arrangements to the band’s music. (joined 13th of May 2022)
Louve
performer
Kamila 'Louve’ Maślak,
performer, and stylist, who adds a theatrical dimension to the band’s concerts, including spectacular fire and LED shows. (joined 11th of July 2019)
Musical Style
HER OWN WORLD blends elements of industrial rock, dark electro, gothic rock, and industrial metal in a style the artists themselves call „nugoth.” Paula’s dark, melodic vocals intertwine with energetic guitars and electronic pulses, creating a soundscape that delights both fans of the classic gothic scene and lovers of modern sounds.
Artistic achievements
Releases:
The band has released several works:
Albums:
- Tales from Another Life (June 23, 2023) – the debut album that won the hearts of fans with tracks like „My Darkling”, „Guarding Angel”, and „This Fire”.
EP:
- A Different Kind of Reality (April 16, 2020) – a stylistically varied EP containing original tracks and remixes by renowned dark independent artists.
Singles:
- „This Fire” (2022)
- „Guarding Angel” (2022)
- „Jessie” (2022)
- „Autumn Song Part 2” (2023)
- „The Queen” (2024)
HER OWN WORLD has also featured on tracks by other artists, such as EXTIZE, Dawn of Ashes, and Freaky Mind, showcasing their versatility and international ambitions.
Lyrics and Message
The lyrical layer of HER OWN WORLD’s songs oscillates between personal experiences, reflections on the darker aspects of life, and fantasy themes such as vampires and demons. The lyrics have a dark tone, often exploring emotions, loneliness, and desires, while also inviting the listener to introspection.
Live Performances
HER OWN WORLD is not only about music but also about spectacle. Every concert is a carefully crafted performance combining sound, light, and theatrical expression. The band has performed at prestigious festivals such as Castle Party Festival in Poland, Prague Gothic Treffen in the Czech Republic, and Schattenwelt Festival in Austria, with their international recognition continuing to grow.
Key Moments
- First signing – with the Belgian label Alfa Matrix in 2019 (in 2021 the band broke off the cooperation with AM).
- Following the German darkTunes label in 2022. Signing with this label turned out best decission for the band.
- Festival debut at Castle Party Festival 2021, which paved the way for the band’s presence on European gothic stages.
- International collaborations with respected dark independent artists (EXTIZE, Dawn of Ashes, Frontal Boundary, Freaky Mind).