UA:PBC has released the 36 artist long-list for Vidbir - the national selection show which determines the Ukrainian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest.
The acts are…
2TONE
Angelina
DAYTON
DEMCHUK
Drevo
Elysees
FIINKA
Havkа
Jerry Heil
Iana Kovaleva
Kozak Siromaha
KRUTЬ
Lue Bason
Moisei
Olivan
OOHLA
Oy Sound System
SASHA
Seréen
sexnesc
Shy
SKYLERR
SOWA
Tember Blanche
Tery
TVORCHI
Victoria Niro
Vynohradova
Zetetics
Лилу45
Макс Пташник
Мія Рамарі
Роялькіт
Саша Фадєєва
ТÓНКА
Циферблат
Musician and Vidbir producer, Pianoboy said:
‘I am personally interested in ensuring that Ukrainian music does not freeze and develops in all directions, so that we have our heroes in all possible musical niches and styles. In my opinion, now, during the war, and with complete uncertainty in the lives of musicians, this selection takes on a special significance: we not only choose those worthy to represent Ukraine at the competition, but also have the opportunity to hear a wide range of Ukrainian music that is being created here and now, no matter what.’
He continued:
‘I am glad that during the selection process, many musicians were motivated, inspired, and encouraged to create new songs and interesting ideas. It was difficult for many of them to start writing again, many musicians are in forced emigration or on the verge of changing professions, or even surviving. There are musicians who volunteer and fight. However, we have a 36-song longlist that has everything from original songs, dream pop and rock to indie, rap and ethnic.
All this speaks of how creative our nation is, how much we strive to create. I am grateful to the society and the Society for the trust to musically produce the selection, I am already personally listening to this longlist in the car, I hope that after the publication of all the songs, you will too.’
Interest in the national final has been high, with the broadcaster receiving nearly 400 song from 299 participants, all hoping to replicate Ukraine’s success in Turin where Kalush Orchestra won with their song Stefania; an ode to a mother, which became the first Eurovision winning song to feature a rap.
Long-list auditions will continue, with the final lineup of acts announced no later than November 17.