In the world of Eurovision, there are always musicians that missed out on a place to go the contest by just a small margin — but then went on to have a career that’s much larger than the contest. In Ukraine, that was the case with Max Barskih. Now, he’s heading towards an international career with the release of two English-language singles. And he wanted to exclusively talk to us at Wiwibloggs about this step.
Kherson-born Max Barskih participated in Ukraine’s Eurovision selection show in 2010 and 2012. During his last attempt, he finished as a runner-up with the song “Dance”. He did take part in the modern-day Vidbir in 2017 when he produced and co-wrote Taynna’s song “I Love You”. Despite it being the favourite, Tayanna ultimately finished second in the dramatic show down that were the Vidbir 2017 results.
About his pre-2022 life, he elaborately spoke to Rolling Stone. Ever since returning from combat, Max has embarked on a new musical journey. Last summer, he was one of the first Ukrainian stars during the war to be to perform in Kyiv’s Palace of Sports — the country’s biggest indoor music venue.
Knowing that the world has become open to music from artists from Ukraine — also through Eurovision — Max Barskih currently prepares to release his first English-language album.
English is developing still an upcoming language in the music scene where Ukrainian has become the dominant language in the past decade. Max Barskih is not the only star releasing an album in the language this spring as he will be joined by Ukraine’s Eurovision 2025 stars Ziferblat when they will release their EP.
Ahead of his album, he released his first single “Stomach Butterflies”. The song — a midtempo pop effort — was written by Max Barskih himself. It definitely follows the trend of more relaxing pop music that has recently become popular across Europe. The song proved popular in Max’ fatherland as its music video racked over a million views within a month. Shortly before Easter, he released his second single “Someone New”.
Interview: Max Barskih on the release of “Someone New” and upcoming material
How would you describe your newest singles and the direction you are taking your music in 2025? What can international listeners expect to hear from your upcoming album?
My new single leans into the shades of dark pop — a genre that really captures the emotional core of the song. Last year, I went through a moment where my heart was broken, and I ended up pouring all my thoughts and emotions into this track. Dark pop felt like the perfect soundscape to carry that kind of vulnerability and intensity.
In 2025, I gave myself full permission to bring to life all the ideas that had been sitting in my head for years. I stopped overthinking and just started creating what feels right to me. As a true music lover, I enjoy exploring different genres. My album’s tracklist is constantly evolving — some songs end up on the shelf, others make the cut, but it’s all part of the process. I’m just going with the flow, staying in tune with the times, and releasing whatever resonates with my soul. You’ll hear everything from pop to afro house, synthwave, indie pop. Right now, I’m in a phase of experimenting, and I’m allowing myself to try absolutely everything.
The English language is not the common language yet for Ukrainian musicians to sing in. What made you decide to write and produce your songs in English as opposed to Ukrainian?
I’ve loved listening to English music since I was a kid — it just resonated with me on a different level. I started taking the English language more seriously around 2012. I even spent some time living in the U.S., which helped me improve not just my understanding of the language, but also the nuances of different dialects. That experience really helped me grow as a songwriter. So far, I rarely work with co-writers. I try to push myself — to grow through songwriting, producing, and creating lyrics on my own. For me, writing in English is both a challenge and a way to step out of my comfort zone. I have something to say, and I want to say it to the world. I believe in the power of stories and in the ability to create something that can impact people in a positive way.
Most of my earlier work was in Russian. After the war began, it was a personal challenge for me to start writing in Ukrainian, but I did it — and over the past few years, I feel like I’ve told the stories I needed to tell. Now, I feel a strong urge to share my emotions in a language the whole world can understand. It honestly feels like a portal has opened in my mind — and the ideas, the melodies, the lyrics just come to me in English. I follow that voice. And if my music connects with people around the world, then I know I’m on the right path.
In recent years, your music has been picked up by big international news outlets such as Rolling Stone and Billboard. How important is it for an Ukrainian artist to receive this coverage?
Of course, it’s an honor to be mentioned by outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard. For me, it would be an even greater honor if my music truly resonated with people. If it lived in their hearts — as a memory, as a feeling, or as the soundtrack to a meaningful moment in their life. That’s the kind of recognition that means the most to me.
Additional reporting by Vova Tsvyk
