Ziferblat: We're here to win at the National Selection, so our focus is solely on ourselves.

On the significance of Eurovision for Ukraine, creativity, and the talented young artists - one of the favorites of the National Selection, the band Ziferblat, shared their thoughts in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.

The band Ziferblat was formed in 2015 by twin brothers - lead vocalist Daniil Leshchynskyi and guitarist Valentyn Leshchynskyi. Later, drummer Fedor Khodakov joined their team. They participated in "X-Factor" and, for the third time this year, made it to the National Selection, already entering the "top ten" finalists. Their song and its music video are trending on YouTube and other platforms.

RBC-Ukraine asked the musicians about their expectations for the contest, the meanings behind their song, and whether they fear competition.

– What is your contest song about? Can you share the story of its creation?

– Valentyn: The song "Bird of Pray" is primarily about freedom. It reflects the cycle of life and the hope for a happy future. It is a song of reflection, the title of which can be literally translated as "Prayer Bird" or "Bird of Prayer." It’s a kind of journey-confession. I aimed to encapsulate all the chaos, anxiety, experiences, and hopes that have lived in my heart since 2022.

– Let’s talk about the music video. Describe its concept.

– The director of the video is Ilya Dutsyk. His visual vision immerses the viewer in two parallel planes. The first is a memory of a home that exists only in human memory, evoking mixed feelings of joy and sadness. The second is the search for home, its realization, and acceptance through symbolic movement in space.

To find, love, and see home, we embark on a journey. This journey is an essential part of our visual story. It’s a circular movement that constantly changes in diameter, color, and texture.

– What message do you want to convey with your performance?

– Valentyn: The message is simple, but perhaps it’s not as apparent as it seems at first glance. I would describe it like this: "We will always be here," "We live here, on our land that we love; it means everything to us, and no one can take it away," "After dark times, light always comes."

– This is your third National Selection. Why do you want to participate in Eurovision?

– Valentyn: Or the second (smiles). In reality, we’ve already talked about our first "attempt" at the National Selection. It was only half-hearted, and we didn’t fully participate. Why do we strive to participate? Primarily it’s a childhood dream. Furthermore, we would like to convey the theme of Ukraine through a more serious motive, similar to what Jamala did back in the day.

Daniil: I agree with my brother. I would add that we see this event as a chance for music made in Ukraine to enter European charts.

Fedor: I've always dreamed of our Ukrainian music being heard everywhere. I believe it’s very important to spread it and take root around the world.

Ziferblat spoke about their song for Eurovision (photo provided by the press service)

– Who do you consider your competitor?

– Valentyn: Music is not about competition, so we don’t think about it. This year, we are entirely focused on ourselves and our work. Time will tell, as will the choice of Ukrainians on February 8!

Daniil: I used to readily answer such questions. But the last National Selection taught me many things. Therefore, this year I have great respect for those who go through the difficult path of writing their music to performing at such a significant event watched by the whole country.

Fedor: I've never liked the word "competitors" when it comes to contests. The older I get, the more I appreciate each artist's work. Because we all contribute to the development of Ukrainian culture.

– If not you, then who? Which participants besides you have a chance of winning?

– Valentyn: Understand that we came this year to win. If not us, then someone else. And that clearly doesn’t sit well with us. So we are currently only thinking about ourselves.

Fedor: Eurovision is interesting for its unpredictability. We don’t know what the reaction to the songs and the actual performance on stage will be. It’s a game of roulette, and everyone has a chance to win.
Ziferblat at the National Selection (photo provided by the press service)

– Let’s recall your first performance on "X-Factor." Kondratiuk's reaction was mixed. Did it hurt you?

– Valentyn: No. That was a long time ago and not true (smiles). Seriously, it’s a show. Igor's phrase "cherte sho" became a meme, which we were quite fine with. Don’t forget that every such program has its own dramaturgy and roles that you agree to take on by participating. I really don’t think we were that disliked by him. But each jury member played their role, so no hard feelings.

Daniil: Kondratiuk's reaction didn't hurt. To me, it’s a rather funny and successful phrase. It’s a show! He simply played the antagonist role compared to the other jury members. By the way, he did it quite successfully if people still remember some of his statements. Do we criticize the actor for playing a "negative character" in a movie? On the contrary - we are amazed by the skill of conveying the emotion of a "bad guy."

– Overall, how do you assess your experience participating in talent shows?

– Daniil: In our case, it’s an integral experience in searching for stage charisma, creative confidence, and ultimately becoming artists.

Fedor: Such experiences provide a significant boost for development as well as the opportunity to showcase oneself. It’s a completely different level, as filming on television always requires confidence in front of the camera, which is extremely important for a musician.

– This year, many artists in the National Selection final are participating for the second or third time. And there are also those for whom this contest is their first attempt to make a name for themselves. In your opinion, do "experienced" participants and "newcomers" approach the selection differently?

Daniil: I can only speak from my own experience. I approach participation with equal responsibility, and the number of times one has entered such a contest doesn’t matter. I believe I have always managed my energy wisely before performances. I will try to do the same this year.

– There has been quite a stir about Tina Karol becoming the music producer, as this is her first time in such a "position." Can you tell us what is unique about her work? How does the National Selection with her differ from the contests of previous years?

– Valentyn: To understand this, one must clearly grasp the specifics of working in this "position." The task of a music producer is to assist, guide the artist, improve their performance, and indeed, the work itself. Tina is fully engaged in this process. I had not worked with her so closely before, and I must say it’s a very cool experience.
Ziferblat spoke about their expectations for the National Selection (photo provided by the press service)

– If you win and represent Ukraine at Eurovision, can we say it will be the realization of your dream?

– Daniil: Yes, it will be the realization of a childhood dream. A little boy in front of an old dusty television somewhere in Klavdiyevo near Kyiv, watching Tina Karol's performance at Eurovision, dreamed of trying it himself.

Fedor: Undoubtedly, it will be the realization of a dream. Representing Ukraine and spreading our culture on a truly large European stage is a great honor and responsibility.

– If someone else wins, will you return to the National Selection again?

– Daniil: Let’s win this year first, and then we’ll talk about next year (smiles).

Fedor: Experience has taught us to live in the moment, so we are counting on the maximum support of Ukrainians on February 8. We perform under number 9!

– Many say