Ukraine's Eurovision entry says “This is the highest responsibility possible”

Virgin Radio

11 May 2022, 15:52

Kalush Orchestra is this year’s Ukrainian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Frontman Oleh Psiuk opened up to NME about what their song 'Stefania' means, and about competing during a war.

They formed back in 2019, and the band weren't the first choice.

The band originally replaced Ukraine’s entrant Alina Pash after she withdrew from the competition in February.

 They're now the favourites to win the competition in Turin.

Oleh said it's a “huge responsibility”, what with the war in Russia.

"To represent Ukraine in the international arena is always a responsibility, but to represent it during the war is just the highest responsibility possible,” he said.

“The song was composed and dedicated to my mother, but after the war the song has acquired lots of nuances because a lot of people are perceiving it as if Ukraine is my mother,” said Psiuk. “That’s why the song has become so close to the Ukrainian people, and it is in the Ukrainian hearts.”

He described their sound as: “The band combines old forgotten folklore, which could have been forgotten through many generations, and new, modern contemporary hip-hop and rap – all mixed into one cocktail. That’s why it has an interesting sound, but I don’t know anything similar to that.”

“One of our band members stayed in the war and is now defending Kyiv in the capital. I created my volunteer organisation helping people with accommodation, travel, transport and medicine all across the Ukraine,” he said. “We also have a special telegram channel that you can join, write where you’re from and what help you need.”

He acknowledged the impact the war is having on their chances: “According to the bookmakers’ bets, we are taking the first place – but before the war struck, it was fifth place,” said Psiuk. “That shows that our song is liked by the European audience. We hope that when the wider audience hears it, that they’ll pay attention to Ukrainian music.”

He added: “Our aim is not only to make Ukrainian popular not only in the Ukraine, but all over the world. Eurovision is a very cool platform for that. We would like to create a situation where Ukrainian music has a place in the world market and for it to be really needed.”

Fans were amazed to see a Tweet showing a Ukrainian broadcaster working from a bomb shelter.

The Ukrainian entry is currently the hot favourite to win.