As Ukraine celebrates 20 years in the Eurovision Song Contest, indie-pop trio Ziferblat—brothers Danyjil and Walentyn Leschtschynskyj with drummer Fedir Chodakow—are ready to bring a fresh sound to the global stage. This year, they won the national selection Vidbir with their atmospheric and haunting track “Bird of Pray.”
Formed in 2015, Ziferblat first gained attention with their EP “Kinoseans” and later reached a wider audience on X-Factor Ukraine in 2019 with their song “Vnochi.” After finishing second in Vidbir last year, their 2025 win feels like a full-circle moment.
Despite the ongoing war, which forced the national final underground for a fourth year, the band sees their participation as a symbol of Ukrainian resilience. “Even when the world shakes, we sing,” Walentyn says.
“Bird of Pray” plays with contrasts “pray” and “prey.” Its cryptic lyrics reference a “spherical woman’s voice,” which the band describes as a symbol of clarity and inner strength. “It’s about surviving with grace,” says Danyjil.
Following a performance in Amsterdam that left them stunned by international fan support, Ziferblat is heading to Basel to prep for the big stage. “We want the staging to feel raw and poetic,” they explain.
With their cinematic style and modern edge, Ziferblat represents a new wave of Ukrainian music—resilient, creative, and globally minded.
Watch the full interview here:
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As one of the founders of eurovisionlive.com I am responsible for the interviews with the singers and the editorial content. My passion for the Eurovision Song Contest exists since my early childhood. The exotic music, different cultures and languages have given a lot of inspiration to me. Since my very first ESC in Dublin 1994 I particularly appreciate the get together and friendship of all the nationalities and Riverdance was a thrill!
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