Go_A Ukraine Eurovision 2020 Solovey

Despite previously saying it was “not for Eurovision”, Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC has revealed that Go_A‘s latest single “SHUM” is one of three entries in the running to represent the country at the 2021 song contest.

The other two songs are called “Rano” and “Tserkovka”. Snippets of all three dropped on Wednesday 3 February, along with the news that the chosen song would be revealed the next day — Thursday 4 February.

Go_A’s songs for Eurovision 2021 — snippets

From listening to the three previews, it is clear that the band brought a wide variety of music to the table.

“Rano” (Рано)

Translating as “Early”, this channels folk-rock vibes. It is closest to their Eurovision 2020 entry “Solovey”. “Rano” bears some lyrical similarity, as the snippet starts with lines as: “Рано рано засвітило сонечко/ Рано рано сопівала голосна”.

“Tserkovka” (Церковка)

This is the most spiritual entry in terms of lyrics. And it’s perhaps the most experimental. The song title literally means “to church”. It’s hard to define the song based on the snippet UA:PBC shared. Obviously, that begs for more!


“SHUM” (ШУМ)

“SHUM” has been a fan favourite since it’s release last month, with many campaigning for it to be the group’s Eurovision song. Go_A called the single “dark-techno”. In just a week, it has already reached half a million views on YouTube.

Ukraine’s internal selection process and jury

On 1 February, an internal jury, consisting of Jamala, Yevhen Filatov, Ruslan Kvinta, Dmytro Khorkin and Yaroslav Lodrygin, decided on Go_A’s Eurovision song.

In a Zoom call, the group presented the three entries. At the time, Jamala shared some details of the selection process on her Instagram story. She and her fellow jurors were seen giving feedback on the three tracks. We saw a fragment, with Yevhen Filatov saying over the call:

“(…) A kind of dark, diligent electronic music, if we can say so. Well, it seems to me that it would be great to have such capability…”

It wouldn’t be surprising if Yevhen were to back “SHUM” over the other two songs. After all, he is one of the founders of ONUKA, the best known electronic group in Ukraine.

 

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Which song do you want to represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2021? And which of the three snippets is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

Follow all of our Ukraine Eurovision 2021 news here.

74 Comments
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Calvin
Calvin
2 years ago

I have no idea how or why the decision process has come about but as a UK citizen never exposed to Ukrainian electro folk music before, I can honestly say that Go_A are the best thing I have heard in Eurovision (and beyond) for years! Thank you Ukraine for bringing something so amazing to our untrained ears!
Where can I buy more of their tracks?!?

Anerneq
Anerneq
3 years ago

Judging from the snippets alone, Cerkovka catches my attention the most, but I don’t understand what the Ukranian broadcaster is trying to do. Shum is the only fully released song among the three and I’m pretty sure that makes a lot of people biased towards it. At the same time, a jury has already decided which song Go_A will be singing in May, BUT for some strange reason they still release the snippets as if people could choose. Like, what’s the point in sharing snippets of songs that were candidates, but didn’t make it? Snippets are usually used to tease… Read more »

zelenovi
zelenovi
3 years ago
Reply to  Anerneq

“tserkovka” immediately grabbed me as well. I wonder did they strike a deal with Go_A that they will promote several album tracks to boost public interest in the band, not just their single?

But yes, I agree, it’s strange to spend so much effort producing a video and promoting one song out of three potential candidates, but not the others?
I do hope it’s a real choice, I’m not as much of a fan of Shum as other here.

Moonstar
Moonstar
3 years ago

The snippets sound promising, especially “Tserkovka”. “Shum” is great but a bit too repetitive for Eurovision, in my humble opinion. 🙂

RennyWest
RennyWest
3 years ago

From the snippets, my top 3 are:
1. Tserkovka
2. Rano (is it really “early”? Not “morning”?)
3. Shum

It is possible that if I heard entire songs I would change my mind though.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  RennyWest

In Serbo-Croatian, ”rano” means ”early” as well, and Google translate claims it’s the same in Ukrainian.

xoxofromPoland
xoxofromPoland
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

but in polish as well as in ukrainian “rano” means “morning”

Lana
Lana
3 years ago
Reply to  xoxofromPoland

“Rano” means “early” in Ukrainian. Ukrainian word for “morning” is “ranok”. I’m from Ukraine, I can guarantee that.

Lana
Lana
3 years ago
Reply to  RennyWest

“Rano” means “early” in Ukrainian.

Sim
Sim
3 years ago

PLS UKRAINE PICK TSERKOVKA

Jamie
Jamie
3 years ago

Idk, Shum seems like an obvious winner to me. Other songs are not even on the same level.

Yudhistira Mahasena
3 years ago

I can already imagine millions of Eurofans raving at home if “Shum” gets picked to represent Ukraine… Go_A is not your stereotypical EDM group. I mean they are, but they blend EDM with Ukrainian folk music. They are a SURE QUALIFIER with that song!

Sniper K-Wolf
Sniper K-Wolf
3 years ago

Perfect like every years, Ukraine send high quality entry like Italy. Not generic like Sweden and Russia.

Last edited 3 years ago by Sniper K-Wolf
Mr X
Mr X
3 years ago
Reply to  Sniper K-Wolf

This can be absolutely great – France this year is on a very high level and obviously The Roop will win again in Lithuania and will I will already have two favourites for Rotterdam.
Perhaps also three of them with Go_A´s entry. Eurovision needs this sound and style. I´m very looking forward !

zelenovi
zelenovi
3 years ago
Reply to  Sniper K-Wolf

I also love that it’s not just un-generic, it’s a super Ukrainian sound as well. Very in line with ONUKA and other contemporary Ukrainian artists, this is such a clear expression of countries in Eurovision bringing something uniquely theirs to the table. Regardless of whether it’s your taste or not, we should all applaud a contest that isn’t 42 identical G:Son pop tracks or ballads.

Last edited 3 years ago by zelenovi
sami
sami
3 years ago

If Shum wins, that means 2 of our 4 current songs have tempo changes…
Redeem yourself, the ghost of Icebreaker

Heartbeater
Heartbeater
3 years ago

I love that they are continuing to sing in Ukrainian and not being forced to sing them in English

Jojo
Jojo
3 years ago

NOT IMPRESSED BIG TIME.
MY DEEPEST APOLOGIES. THEY ALL SOUNDS THE SAME AND ALL SOUNDS LIKE LAST YEAR. YEAH.. SPECIAL, ETHNIC, STAND IN OR STAND OUT, YOU HEARD ONE, YOU HEARD THEM ALL.
VELYKYY DISAPPOINTMENT

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Jojo

Psst…you forgot to turn off your caps lock

Jojo
Jojo
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Maybe i didnt? Mmmmm
I AM QUITE SURE I DID NOT

Jenny
Jenny
3 years ago
Reply to  Jojo

I agree 🙁 i couldnt manage to listen snippets until the end how annoying they felt, had to turn off 🙁

Kate
Kate
3 years ago

no way people start blaming Khayat for the leaked info, are you crazy? ugh!

Kalla
Kalla
3 years ago

They all sound the same to me!

Sven
Sven
3 years ago
Reply to  Kalla

agree, they all the same stunning!

Jojo
Jojo
3 years ago
Reply to  Sven

Stunning in how boring they can be and how annoying the singer voice can be, like torture.

Jojo
Jojo
3 years ago
Reply to  Kalla

Exactly. Heard one heard them all.

Diamond
Diamond
3 years ago
Reply to  Kalla

You obviously know nothing about eastern european folklore my friend. But that’s alright. But at least, stop being disrespectful.

Nick
Nick
3 years ago

I already see how folks gonna say Ukraine will have NQ if they pick Shum/Rano/Tserkovka haha!

I’m sure they will qualify with any of these, and don’t forget about staging , in this department Ukraine almost never failed

Last edited 3 years ago by Nick
OpenUpToKazakhstan
OpenUpToKazakhstan
3 years ago

I would have liked if they released an EP with all three songs to listen to them all side by side but Shum is the pick for me.
The snippets of the other two don’t give me the ethnic vibes I crave.

But, I am beyond happy to not hear a word of English anywhere in there 🙂

3art
3art
3 years ago

Shum for the win !

Jacob S
Jacob S
3 years ago

i mean seriously, go_a didn’t tease the other songs like they did ‘shum’ as a youtube premiere or an instagram post. it’s so obvious they want it, and the public wants it. the decision panel would be complete idiots if they don’t pick it!

Last edited 3 years ago by Jacob S
Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Ukraine’s coming back STRONG

Kate
Kate
3 years ago

Tserkovka (the Church) for the win!
so we will have Church of the Church cult lol

but seriously, I love this one the most

ESC8
ESC8
3 years ago

First of all I’d like to congratulate them for choosing to publicize their song on 4 February rather than around 10 March as it was planned. It seems that they believe it is futile to release their song among 30 others since it could get easily lost in this sea of songs. Regarding the songs, I think it is somewhat unfair to judge an already released song (that needs to be limited to 1 minute though) and 2 snippets. I like Shum but I think Solovey was better so I don’t think that this is necessarily their best option. My… Read more »

Liv
Liv
3 years ago
Reply to  ESC8

Who’s reporting that rano is the winner?

Bonny
Bonny
3 years ago
Reply to  Liv

one of the biggest youtube music blogger in Ukraine, he posted it on his Insta stories,
he is friend of Khayat’s manager and Khayat is very close friend with the youngest member of Go_A band Igor (he plays on flute) they used to work a lot together on and off stage

Sven
Sven
3 years ago
Reply to  Bonny

so people assumed that Khayat leaked info about the song only because he is close friend of flutist Igor?
but why he would do it? it makes no sense lol

Teddie
3 years ago

So, the song called “Early” has been declared a winner a bit… early.

Bonny
Bonny
3 years ago
Reply to  Teddie

Haha! but it’s totally can be fake leaks and Shum will win

Ari
Ari
3 years ago

They’re all interesting, and they’re all ethnic which was their goal. So in that regard, this selection is a success. (01) Shum – this is such a cool song, but I worry about it translating to the Eurovision stage (7.5/10) (02) Rano – it’s intense, moody, but I feel like it lost something in the process. Not a fan! (4.5/10) (03) Tserkovka – probably the safest entry, I like it, if Kateryna can pull off the lyrics at this speed it will be very distinguished indeed (7/10) I think I would actually prefer Tserkovka as a package deal because the… Read more »

John
John
3 years ago
Reply to  Ari

It’s hard to tell from such short snippets for Rano & Tserkovka, but Rano seems to have the same problems that Solovey had which is not enough instrumentation and too much emphasis on Katya’s great vocals. Something that a lot of Western Europeans found very off-putting. Based on the clips I would pick Tserkovka because it has the biggest EDM/rave feel.

Bonny
Bonny
3 years ago

so apparently one of the biggest local music blogger leaked that Rano was picked as ESC entry

Mariia
Mariia
3 years ago
Reply to  Bonny

he was wrong)

Lena
Lena
3 years ago

SHUM is the best

Laburnum
Laburnum
3 years ago

Honestly I’m not a fan of Shum, while it is interesting and I like the dark vibe I find it flat and well underwhelming. From the snippets Rano sounds the most interesting to me

Jenny
Jenny
3 years ago

I dont like them all 🙁

Oleh
Oleh
3 years ago

In Ukrainian groups about Eurovision we have “spoilers” that “Rano” was chosen.
I hope it’s a lie and SHUM won

Ann
Ann
3 years ago
Reply to  Oleh

What exact Ukrainian groups are you talking about? Are they official? I’m rooting for Shum as well

Helen
Helen
3 years ago

Rano sounds so hard rocking wow!
Tserkovka has amazing beat )))
and Shum is epic !

so I don’t know what I would pick, they all are amazing, but we need full versions asap

ERUS
ERUS
3 years ago

I think the reaction to SHUM was so positive they’ve made an exception and added it to the selection, even though previously stated it wasn’t going to be included in the selection.

Héctor
Héctor
3 years ago

Well I think it’s pretty much “SHUM”. It sounds good, cool sound and very different to what we are used to listen. We’ll stand out for sure and impact viewers. With a good staging this could climb up to the top 10. Better than “Solovey” though I think it will need to be cut down to 3 min.

Last edited 3 years ago by Héctor
Helen
Helen
3 years ago

1)Go-a said our esc song will be out in February
2)Go-a released ‘Shum’ but said it’s not for ESC
3) Broadcaster said song will be picked by jury and released in March 10
4) Go-a releasing song in February 4 and ‘Shum’ potentially their entry

what a mess, lmao!

KRM
KRM
3 years ago

Hmm, Shum sounds the best to me

dekossense
dekossense
3 years ago

It has to be SHUM.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

It’s an unusual situation, because comparing a song I already know and love with 2 10 seconds snippets is nothing but unfair. Though I’m now very intrigued to listen to “Rano”.

Lolek
Lolek
3 years ago

All sound great! Rano sounds promising but for now, I’m still leaning mainly towards Shum. I’ve playing it quite a lot on Spotify.

Last edited 3 years ago by Lolek
Mors
Mors
3 years ago

Ukraine: Go_A release “SHUM”… Delegation confirms it’s not their song for Eurovision 2021
Also Ukraine (possibly): Go_A will represent Ukraine with “SHUM” at Eurovision 2021

You just gotta love Ukraine 😀

Last edited 3 years ago by Mors
Kate
Kate
3 years ago
Reply to  Mors

so true! LMAO!

John
John
3 years ago

Tserkovka is more like “Little Church” instead of “to Church”. It sounds very intriguing to me. I wanna hear more; it seems much more EDM influenced. I like Shum but I worry that having to cut 1.5 minutes of the released version will butcher it by removing all the instrumental sections.

Last edited 3 years ago by John
Lucianna
Lucianna
3 years ago

1) Tserkovka
2) SHUM
3) Rano

Oscar
Oscar
3 years ago

I love Go_A and how they just do their own thing. Nobody else is delivering this level of uniqueness. The only ones close are probably The ROOP and Little Big but it’s not the same. Go_A is just so different to the rest.

PTLS
3 years ago

i REALLY like Go_A’s songs and effort.
Based on the snippers:
1) SHUM
2) Rano
3) Tserkovka

These snippets get me really excited for ESC. Thanks Ukraine! My first two can top Israël, Albania and even France for me (and for Rano, it’s not even a full song yet). So thrilled for this!

Nick
Nick
3 years ago

As always with Ukraine we have ‘unexpected’ surprises lol
I like all 3 songs, but Rano is my fav so far

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

One thing is certain – Ukraine will be in my top 10 this year. Probably top 5. Shum is absolutely stunning and the other two seem mesmerizing as well. I knew that Go_A and the Ukrainian juries, led by Jamala, won’t be picking anything generic. These songs are just fantastic! Shum is already in my top 3 of all songs released from NFs so far.

Lele
Lele
3 years ago

Theory: Go_A wanted SHUM from the beginning, said it was their entry (in their insta stories) but then UA:PBC interfered cause they wanted to have the last word. Eventually, they might have realised that SHUM is actually the best entry and now they wanna reveal their choice earlier cause there is no reason to wait as SHUM is a finished product and they don’t need to shoot a music video. I have to be careful though with that assumption cause I love SHUM so much and it would be hard to be disppointed again cause I already checked off thinking… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Lele
Nick
Nick
3 years ago
Reply to  Lele

intresting thoughts, I’m just glad that all 3 songs sounds unique and will stand out no matter which one is picked

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Lele

Lowkey think that Shum isn’t the song. It is too long, they filmed the video without the support budget of the broadcaster, which is very unusual for an internal selection + i’ve heard that most of the lyrics are from folk songs.. but we will see.

Nick
Nick
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

they said they filmed Shum videoclip on smartphone during one day

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Nick

I mean it certainly looks that way hahah. Like I doubt they would do that for their eurovision song + again all music videos from internal selections are usually made with the help of the broadcaster.

Ricky
Ricky
3 years ago

I think that Shum has been selected cause there is no way they made a music video for the other two in like 4 days….
SHUM is amazing and Its gonna be one of my favorites!

Kosey
Kosey
3 years ago

Well, there goes Ukraine sailing straight into my top spot! I’ve not heard the whole songs but it is clear to me whichever they pick is going to be my favorite confirmed artist so far. I love Shum already and both the other two sound like they’re going to be great, Rano with it’s rock sensibilities and Tserkovka being very intriguing.

Well done Go_A!

?????? ??????????
3 years ago

Shum is by far their best release. Hope they give us a good version since its more than 4 minutes long

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago

Go Shum!!! I would like if Rano and Tserkovka have an official release, though.

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

I love how Go_A says they have their song, and then they don’t, but then releases SHUM, says it is not for Eurovision, and then it potentially is. I wouldn’t be surprised if that one is selected since it seems to have good audience appeal but I hope we can hear the full version of the other two as well