Just in time for Halloween, THE YAGAS, the acclaimed alternative rock band fronted by Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress Vera Farmiga, have returned with their brand-new single and music video, “Runaway.”
Trading some of their signature dark, atmospheric sound for an ’80s-inspired, synth-driven approach, “Runaway” finds the band exploring new musical territory without sacrificing their intensity. The track showcases Farmiga’s powerful vocals, soaring melodies, and the band’s explosive musicianship, culminating in a blistering guitar solo. At its heart, the song is a love letter to freedom, encouraging listeners to leave behind whatever holds them back and run toward a life filled with greater happiness, love, and possibility.
Of course, The Yagas couldn’t resist adding a little seasonal horror to the mix! The accompanying music video transports viewers into the eerie confines of an old asylum, where the band serves as its ghostly house band. Farmiga portrays a former patient whose increasingly desperate circumstances lead to a spectacular escape. The result is a wonderfully twisted visual that blends the band’s theatrical sensibilities with the actress’s undeniable screen presence.
The Yagas, featuring Farmiga (vocals), Renn Hawkey (keyboards), Jason Bowman (drums), and Mark Visconti (guitar), officially burst onto the scene in late 2024 with their debut single, “The Crying Room.” The group followed with their critically acclaimed debut album, “Midnight Minuet,” in April 2025. Produced by Hawkey, formerly of the alternative metal outfit Deadsy, the 10-track collection introduced listeners to the band’s distinctive sound through standout tracks including “She’s Walking Down,” “Life of a Widow,” and “I Am.”
The band kept the momentum rolling with the standalone single “Illusion,” released in September 2025 in conjunction with the theatrical arrival of “THE CONJURING: LAST RITES,” which saw Farmiga reprise her iconic role as paranormal investigator Lorraine Warren.
With more than 35 million combined streams and video views since their debut, The Yagas have clearly struck a chord with music fans. “Runaway” finds the band stretching its creative muscles, embracing a fresh sound while keeping the dark, theatrical edge that makes their music so intriguing.
Listen to their debut album, “Midnight Minuet,” here. Additionally, you can check out our interview with Ron Hawkey about the birth of the band and the making of their debut record at this location!
More About The Yagas:
The Yagas took shape after its members met at Rock Academy (a Woodstock-based music school run by drummer Jason Bowman) and began playing together in the school’s adult program, discovering an undeniable musical chemistry. An audacious band with otherworldly origins, the New York-based band borrowed their name from the mystical Slavic folklore figure Baba Yaga, believed to devour the souls of the newly deceased to safeguard the fountains of life. The Yagas share their namesake’s storied penchant for shapeshifting, morphing from metal to industrial to wildly extravagant alt-rock as their songs journey into the strangest depths of the human psyche. Creating a truly singular aural experience, their music is endlessly unpredictable but infinitely propelled by the spellbinding force of Farmiga’s vocal work.
Follow The Yagas:
Instagram // Facebook // YouTube // Spotify // Apple Music
Jason Price founded the mighty Icon Vs. Icon more than a decade ago. Along the way, he’s assembled an amazing group of like-minded individuals to spread the word on some of the most unique people and projects on the pop culture landscape.
