O.Torvald
The band O.Torvald will represent Ukraine in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Time.O.Torvald was established in Poltava, Ukraine in 2005. In 2006 the band moved to Kyiv where they began performing live. Zhenia Halych is the band's front man and and to date, the group have released five albums. The band also have a large audience of fans. In 2015 they toured Ukraine and Europe and last year released their latest album; #OurPeopleAreEverywhere which was produced by Kyrylo Matiushenko from Belarus.
In autumn 2016, O.Torvald toured extensively throughout Ukraine and performed one of their biggest concerts to date in the Stereo Plaza in Kyiv. In February 2017 they won the Ukrainian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest and will represent the country in Kyiv in May.
Things you should know about O.Torvald
What are the three most interesting aspects about your entry?
This is the first performance of the group with the minus phonogram. The song Time is the first English-language track of the group. Initially another track was written for the contest, but at the last moment a decision was made in favour of Time.
What are the three most impressive facts about you?
Three members of the group have a military education and two are vegetarians. The guitarist and vocalist have been friends for 23 years already.
Do you have a (lucky) routine before you go on stage?
We embrace each other.
Why is the Eurovision Song Contest important for you?
This year, as never before, Ukraine should be represented by strong-willed people who achieve their goals and dreams. We are the guys who are fighting for our dream and independence, as well as our country.
About the composers & song writer
The music for Time was written by Halych Yevhen and Miziuk Denys, the members of the band O.Torvald. Halych Yevhen was born in 1984 and spent the first eight years of his life living in Kazakhstan. He returned to Ukraine in 1992. In 1994 he met guitarist Denis Miziuk and they created the first group, Apotheosis. They took part in several Ukrainian festival and in 2005 they formed O.Torvald.
Denys Miziuk was born in 1981 and moved to the Ukrainian city of Poltava in 1988. His musical career began in 1994 with his acquaintance with Zhenia Galych. After finishing his military service Denys worked as a Director (M1, OTV) and as a Producer (MTV Ukraine).