Just a few days before Ukraine selects its Eurovision 2025 entry, we had the chance to speak to one of the candidates to represent the country in Eurovision 2025.
This time we have the honor of speaking to Ziferblat. The band members are: Daniel Leshchynskyi,
Valentyn Leshchynskyi, and Fedir Hodakov.
The band will compete in “Vidbir” for the second time.
Welcome to ESCBEAT and thanks for finding time to talk to us!
Thank you! We are glad to be here
You established the band back in 2015. Can you tell us about how the band was
created? What’s your secret to keeping on working together for all those years?
Daniel: It’s a secret because even I don’t fully understand why it’s like this. probably because we share the same values
.
Eurovision fans discovered you when you first participated in “Vidbir” last year. How
Did you feel like the ending as the runner-up?
Daniel: “That was exactly what we needed last year. Strategically, it was the best position for us. We were able to gain additional resources for our development and for a decisive attempt in 2025.”
What led you to apply for “Vidbir” again this year?
Daniel: You have to knock on the door—and do it persistently. This is a chance for independent music to be heard in our country.
Can you tell us about the message behind “Bird of Pray”?
Valentyn: This song reflects the events that have been unfolding in Ukraine for the past three years—and, to be honest, for more than a decade. It is a song of hope, a hope for a bright future. I used the bird as a symbol of freedom and emancipation. I wrote it one evening on an acoustic guitar, which might seem surprising since many find it complex and layered. But it’s quite easy to play and sing on any instrument in reality.
Can you tell us how you created “Bird of Pray”? Did the lyrics or the melody come
first?
Valentyn: I wrote the music first. I always write the music first, and then, depending on the mood, I add the lyrics. This time was no exception. I was just sitting at home, it must have been May or June, playing my acoustic guitar, and all kinds of interesting musical ideas started coming into my head. I then combined them and showed it to the boys. We made the full arrangement together, and later, I wrote the lyrics.”
When listening to your music, we can identify a cinematic nostalgic sound. What
genres best describe your music?
Daniel: Since childhood, we’ve played the music that lived in our hearts. But our tastes have evolved, making it difficult to define a single style. The most important thing is that our music tells a story that resonates with others.
This time you chose to combine some Ukrainian lyrics in the song, unlike in “Place I
Call Home”. What were the reasons for this?
Daniel: Because these are our two identities. We are a Ukrainian band that primarily writes
in Ukrainian, but we grew up listening to Western music. We’ve always wanted to combine
these two beautiful languages.
What are the major musical influences?
Daniel: I grew up with classical music, but after I started watching Eurovision, I realized that pop culture is also vibrant and captivating. That’s when I fell in love with rock and roll, especially art rock—it became my biggest inspiration during my teenage years. And then came pop music—different styles from different eras.
Do you watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs (both from Ukraine and not
from Ukraine)?
Daniel: Yes, I’ve been watching Eurovision since childhood. My favorite
performances have always been those that aim to bring something unique, something unlike anything else—because people aren’t robots. I will always remember Lena Meyer’s second performance in Düsseldorf. Even though it wasn’t a winning song like the year before, it was ahead of its time. I was also deeply impressed by Norway’s “Secret Garden” performance. With just a dozen words in the entire song and 2.5 minutes of music—it’s surprising and captivating. It goes beyond clichés and rules.
Suppose you win “Vidbir” this year. What is your vision for Eurovision?
Valentyn: Let’s not think about it yet. We are focused on the national selection. I think it’s
right to think about such things after a victory in Ukraine.
Ukraine has been through tough times ever since the war began. Can you tell us
about your personal experience of these challenging times?
Daniel: It’s frightening and unjust. Lately, I often think back to the beginning of the first Chronicles of Narnia movie, with the bombings of London by Nazi forces. At the time, I watched that film and couldn’t believe something like that could happen to me. Evil must be punished.
What is your message for ESCBEAT readers?
Daniel: My message is simple—give a chance to Ukrainian independent music and our diversity. And we’ll be able to give you emotions that you may have forgotten or never felt before.
“Vidbir 2025“ will be held on Saturday, the 8th of February 2025.
The winner will be selected via a combination of national jury votes and public votes.
Ukraine will compete in the first half of semi-final 1.
Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland on the 13th, 15th, and 17th of May 2025.
Follow our Eurovision 2025 HOMEPAGE for all the updates
