Ukraine’s national broadcaster is once again organizing Vidbir in order to find their entry for Eurovision. A total of 10 acts are going to be competing this coming weekend in order to win over the hearts of the three-member jury, as well as the public all over Ukraine, to represent their country in Basel later this May.

Just before the rehearsals are starting, we had a chance to chat with one of the 10 finalists – Ziferblat. After finishing in second place last year with “Place I Call Home,” they are back again in Vidbir, and will try to win Ukraine’s ticket to Eurovision in Baseld with the song “Bird Of Pray”. Check out everything she told us in this interview below:

Hello guys, thank you so much for taking your time out for talking to us. For the beginning of this interview, can you tell us who are Danylo, Valentyn and Valya away from the music and the stage?

Danylo: Music is a big part of my life. When I want to take a break and distract myself with something else, I choose reading books, watching tennis, and football.

Valentin: Fedya is always immersed in music. In real life, he teaches drums and spends entire days in the studio. As for me, I work at an educational company, handling sales — then I spend all my money on music.

This is your second time competing at Vidbir in two years. What made you compete again right after placing second place in last year’s competition?

Danylo: The reason is simple – I have been a fan of this event since my childhood. So, the participation this year is a way of fulfilling my childhood dream, without a hint of exaggeration.

This year, you have entered with the song ‘Bird of Pray.’ What is the inspiration behind this song and what is it about?

Valya: This song is about freedom. About the emotional state of an ordinary Ukrainian. “Bird Of Pray” is about love for one’s land and the desire to share it with others. This track is a deep and emotional reflection on the realities that every Ukrainian faces daily, from dawn to dusk. It intertwines a longing for home, the pain of loss, and, at the same time, a prayer, words of support, and a search for inner strength—all of which create a powerful narrative that resonates with the sense of hope living in people’s hearts.

“Bird of Pray” is filled with symbolism. Its central image—a bird—embodies freedom, renewal, and the anticipation of change. It becomes a harbinger of spring and a symbol of life’s cyclical nature, instilling confidence in the future.

Your discography contains music that is usually fully in Ukrainian. However, your Eurovision proposals are mostly in English. Artists like Go_A and Kalush Orchestra have done very well at Eurovision with songs fully in Ukrainian. What is the reason behind having English lyrics only in your Eurovision Songs?

Danylo: Because we grew up listening to Western music. We enjoy writing songs in both Ukrainian and English equally. Over the past year, we have written many songs with Ukrainian lyrics.

Many have commented that this year’s Vidbir lineup, including your song, showcases a more Western display of Ukraine at Eurovision. Do you agree with such comments? Why?

Danylo: If we are talking about our band, I tend to disagree. Our music is deeply rooted in Ukrainian traditions. If you check out our latest LP, you’ll see just how mistaken people are about this (smiling).

Which are your favourite songs from Vidbir in the last few years, and Why?

Danylo: “Lullaby” by Maryna Krut, because it’s incredibly melodic and intelligent music.

Valentin: I really love the song “We do change” by Pur:Pur. One of the best songs ever to appear in the national selection.

Which Eurovision songs/artists (not from Ukraine) have inspired you and contributed to your artistic journey?

Danylo: There are so many. I love melodic songs. I was also inspired by Lena Meyer—her non-winning song (in her home country) was even more successful and ahead of its time. Another major influence was Secret Garden, who won Eurovision in the ’90s with a composition that had almost no vocals or lyrics.

Valentin: My all-time favorite is “This Is My Life” by Anna Bergendahl.

Are there any concluding messages you would like to send to your international followers?

Danylo: The Eurovision stage is an opportunity to convey important messages to the world, and for us, the main one is to remind everyone about the war that Ukraine is going through. People tend to forget, to grow weary, but for us, this struggle continues every single day. We need constant support, understanding, and empathy.

Moreover, it is also a chance to reach out to Ukrainians who have found themselves far from home. Many of them long for a sense of unity and the presence of their own people nearby. Our performance will be more than just music—it will be a dialogue with them and with the world.

Thank you for your time Masha, and we wish you the very bbest of luck in the Grand Final of Vidbir 2025!

Check out Ziferblat’s Vidbir entry “Bird Of Pray”:

Also, let us know who YOUR personal favorites are in this year’s Vidbir, by voting for them in our poll: