They have already let their “Bird of Pray” fly to Europe, and now they are ready for a trip Basel. We are of course talking about Ukraine’s Ziferblat! They have brought us all their unique sound, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we love a bit of authenticity, don’t we?
Between singing in Ukrainian, government app crashes and a bit of sibling rivalry, there’s a lot to learn about them. So let’s dive straight into 10 Facts about Ziferblat!
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10 Facts about Ziferblat
1. Ziferblat named themselves after a café in Kyiv, not the clock
Although the Ukrainian word “Циферблат” (“tsyferblat”) literally translates to “hourplate” in the language, the group did not get its name by looking at the clock. Ziferblat guitarist Valentyn Leshchynskyi revealed to the Vidbircast podcast in October that the name actually comes from the Ziferblat café in Kyiv – the hometown of all the members. Yes, that other result when you Google their band! Back in early 2015, the band had its first performance there and the name has since stuck with them.
2. To put it simply: they are two brothers… and a drummer
Ziferblat consist of singer and pianist Danyil Leshchynskyi, guitarist and backing vocalist Valentyn Leshchynskyi and drummer Fedir Khodakov. Danyil and Valentyn are fraternal twins, while Fedir Khodakov joined the group in 2019 as a drummer. Initially, he joined for $100 to accompany the band on their X Factor journey, but he stayed along the way. Historically, the twins wrote most of the music (often in great rivalry), but recently, they let Fedir join the writing team.
3. They remained with three as they found it the perfect combination to write music
Some name Ziferblat a trio, but in fact, during concerts, they generally build out to a full-flung band. Throughout the years, Ziferblat has seen many changes. Originally started by the twin brothers and classmate Yevhen Shevchenko, Ziferblat saw band members come and go for various reasons. After they started taking “music seriously” in 2022, the band had three members left. They have said they find three the perfect number to write music together.
4. Yes, the 70s influence is a really an influence
Okay, anyone who will start listening to their music will notice British and American 70s and 80s alternative pop and rock massively influenced Ziferblat. In Ukraine, they have occasionally been compared to The Beatles and Queen. More than once, they told of their own love for Kate Bush, Supertramp, King Crimson and Pink Floyd – among many other bands and artists.
5. They released their debut album in 2023
After all those years of jamming sessions, Ziferblat finally got serious to release an album around the end of 2022. In April 2023, they released their debut Перетворення (The Metamorphosis) – and yes, that’s a Kafka reference. Their album art work is even inspired by the eponymous novel by Kafka. By the way, the album received rave reviews among music critics in Ukraine.
6. They made of a point of singing in Ukrainian
Ziferblat started their music career with releasing solely Ukrainian-language music. As young people from Kyiv, this wasn’t the commercial viable choice at that time, but the events surrounding the Euromaidan, the war in Donbas and the Revolution of Dignity had a massive impact on the musicians. “Place I Call Home” was their first release in English, in 2024.
7. Ziferblat accidently almost went to Eurovision in 2024
Eurovision fans who follow national selections will remember Ziferblat from their Vidbir 2024 song “Place I Call Home”. Last year, they finished as a runner-up behind Jerry Heil and alyona alyona in Ukraine’s pre-selection. However, they almost made it to Malmö. During the selection show, the e-government app crucial to determine the public’s vote crashed. Initially, according to protocol, as jury winners, Ziferblat were then supposed to be selected. However, the Ukrainian broadcaster instead delayed the voting, which led “Teresa & Maria” to be Ukraine’s song in 2024.
8. They are massive Eurovision fans… or at least two of them
We love it when our “own people” make it to Eurovision, don’t we? Well, Ziferblat are a little bit hardcore Eurovision fans themselves. Skipping essentially no contest since 2004, the twin can be counted as part of the fandom. Among Danyil’s favourites are Secret Garden’s “Nocturne” and Lena’s “Taken By A Stranger”, while Valentyn enjoys Anna Bergenthal’s “It’s My Life”. Oh, and their 2024 favourites were Nemo and Bambie Thug.
9. Their victory in Ukraine’s selection led to a viral hit for a song… for a different band
After Ziferblat won Ukraine’s selection show, lead singer Danyil reminded the audience of bands that he loved but did not get the support or opportunity right after the Revolution. As he named his favourite underappreciated group to be the then already disbanded 5 vymir, that band’s songs suddenly started to trend on Ukrainian TikTok. A week after the selection, 5 vymir’s “Malo sliv” – which was released in 2015 – rose to the very top of Ukraine’s Viral 50 chart on Spotify.
10. Art rock and a little bit of everything else
Many foreign and Ukrainian music critics and journalist have a hard time to describe Ziferblat’s music. Even themselves have a hard time with it. In an interview to Wiwibloggs in January, when asked about their music, they called themselves an art rock band, but they like to encomporate many styles in their tracks.
Did you learn anything new about Ziferblat? Which fact did you find the most surprising? Are you rooting for Ukraine at Eurovision 2025? Let us know in the comments down below!
I am very happy with Ziferblat for Ukraine. They were my favorites for representing their country. I love their song Bird of Pray very much and I will vote for them in may !!! That ‘s a promise !!
I liked their song Place I Call Home from last year also very much. But this year’s song is better for me.