Eurovision week has kicked off… and what a great start we’ve had!

One of the acts that will continue on to the Finals is Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra. Prior to their performance, ROMEO had a chance to interview Kalush’s frontman, Oleh Psiuk.

Psiuk could have never imagined how symbolic his Eurovision entry for this year, “Stefania” would become. The song is a tribute to Psiuk’s mother, or at least, that is how it started out. Today, in light of what is happening in Ukraine, the song has adopted many new meanings, and its impact is now stronger among the Ukrainian audience. “Stefania” represents not only the mother, but the motherland, and the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Check out “Stefania” here:

As he prepared to take the Eurovision stage, Psiuk answered some questions for ROMEO about his – and his band’s – participation in the song contest this year. Read the full interview here:

Hi Oleh! How has your journey to the Eurovision been so far?

KALUSH, whose name is inspired by my small industrial hometown, was formed in 2019, when the members Igor Didenchuk and MC CarpetMan (KylymMen) responded to my Facebook post through which I was searching for bandmates. And so the band was born, creating a unique mix of rap with folk motifs and Ukrainian authenticity – or as they like to call it: folk and groove. For a bigger setup, KALUSH transforms into the Kalush Orchestra, gaining the power of two additional multi-instrumentalists: Tymofii Muzychuk and Vitaliy Duzhyk. Our first single “Shtomber Womber” was released in December of 2021.

During one of the rehearsals in the studio, when we played “Stefania” and two other songs, which were also submitted to the National Selection for Eurovision-2022, we decided that this music should be heard all over the world. So we decided to take part in the competition.

Also, from our observations, there were not many hip-hop songs in Eurovision, and certainly no rap groups as winners, so we are happy to bring this new angle to the Contest.

What are you looking forward to the most?

We are all waiting for only one thing – when this war will end and peace will be established in Ukraine. As for the competition, I would like to win, of course, not for our group, but for all Ukrainians. Support for our country is now important in all possible respects.

What are you most nervous about?

Worst of all, when you see in the news that your friend or classmate is dead, it’s a really bad feeling. I’m probably not eloquent enough to express all these emotional experiences now, there is just a feeling of constant stress, but you get used to it. I think the contrast will be felt when war is all over. Sometimes there is something that is stressful, and as if not to creativity. There is such a feeling of anxiety. It’s just that maybe I’m used to it. And not only I have it. Lots of explosions and you don’t know which house will fly to. You wake up and don’t know if your family is alive.

Your art uses a lot of traditional Ukrainian music and imagery. The song, “Stefania” being about your mother is also very personal. How does it feel to share this on the Eurovision stage?

Yes, “Stefania” is a song written for my mother, long before the war. I have never dedicated a song to her, but it is something I wanted to do for a long time. My mother lives in Kalush, my hometown in the Western part of Ukraine. This is the best thing I ever done for her.

After the Russians invaded, many people started to look for an additional meaning in it. For example, those who are sad that they can’t see their mother right now. That’s why the song is now in the hearts and ears of Ukrainians.

Also, “Stefania” expanded its meaning to all mothers who care for their children and protect them from the scourge of war. From the song about a mother, it has become the song about the motherland.

All songs of Kalush and Kalush Orchestra are written from their own experiences. Sharing your creativity means being open to your listeners. Now we want a song to be heard on the world stage in Ukrainian, everyone should hear this music. Now our song conveys the spirit and strength of the Ukrainian people as never before.

What does it mean to you to be representing Ukraine on such a big stage, in light of the current events?

Participating in the Eurovision is an opportunity to present our culture at the international level and show the strength of the Ukrainian spirit and bravery in the music arena as well. Representing Ukraine in this time – is very responsible.

We are now another mouthpiece of Ukraine. Although this is a music competition, we show our aesthetics, our culture. This is another info story about Ukraine, so that everyone remembers that we are.

What message do you hope to convey with your performance this year?

Our mission in the Contest is to be the voice of Ukrainian people and what must be told about the pain and suffering caused by the invasion.

We also want to show Ukrainians on Eurovision night that they are not alone, that all Europe is watching us fighting in this brutal war and supporting us. That there is no other way, we will win.

We believe in our song, it is now that reflects the spirit of the time.

How has the response been from your family?

Of the first time my mother heard the song live during the final of the national selection for Eurovision -2022. Then the organizers invited my mother to the performance of the Kalush Orchestra group. Behind the scenes, we already hugged tightly with my mother. It was the best reaction and the best surprise for me.

How has the response been from your community?

We were feeling a very warm and welcoming vibe from people. Now all Ukrainians are united as never before and this is our strength.

How do you get in the mindset of preparing for such a big moment?

We understand that it is through our activities that we can be useful to our country. Through our music, we are able to deliver the message to the huge Eurovision audience. This is our way to be useful to our country.

What advice would you give to our ROMEOs with Eurovision dreams?

Make every effort to make your dreams come true. Do not be afraid to stand out, this is your difference and makes you special. Also, be honest with your fans and in front of the people you perform on stage because sincerity and your own experiences in art are most valued.