04/26/2026
In this episode of The Wind Up, host Edu Gutterres sits down with Ukrainian guitar powerhouse Marko Topchii, winner of the 2023 GFA and, frankly, a competition legend.
They dive into the strange and intense world of competitions. Somewhere in that constant movement, the idea of “home” shifts, and Marko reflects on what it means to belong when you’re always on the road.
The conversation wanders in the best way, touching on the time Marko considered switching to piano, but ultimately stayed with the guitar and learned to deeply appreciate its repertoire. There’s also plenty of real guitarist talk—cedar vs. spruce, favorite composers—along with the small but very real details performers obsess over, like what to wear on stage and remembering to stay hydrated under pressure.
Somewhere between the humor and the absurdity, there’s a genuinely moving moment as Marko talks about performing his mother’s music on stage.
Marko is thoughtful, unpredictable, and genuinely funny. Think you can make it through all six strings and all the outfit changes?
1 like. "Fit Checks and XCX: The Tea with Topchii"
