Exclusive Interview: Music Sensation Max Barskih Talks New English Releases, Eurovision & Life in Ukraine

It is incredibly special for us to share this interview with Ukrainian music talent Max Barskih who kindly devoted his time for a chat with Culture Fix. Max is one of his home nation’s biggest talents and has found success with tracks such as Bestseller and Dance as well as multiple studio albums.

Among the subjects discussed, Max delved into the disorientating emotions of life in Ukraine and the continued importance of media support to aid the Ukrainian people. Max also shared his shift into English language recording with singles such as Tequila Sunrise, Fly and the freshly released Before We Say Goodbye – teasing a new English studio album. Max also gives his thoughts on competing to represent Ukraine at Eurovision after coming close at 2012.

Thanks to Max for taking the time to chat with us. You can read his answers below and connect on his social channels:

➣ TikTok | https://vm.tiktok.com/Tdc56P/
➣ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/max_barskih
➣ Facebook | http://fb.com/MaxBarskihOfficialPage
➣ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/MaxBarskih
➣ Viber | https://vb.me/maxbarskihyt
➣ Website | https://maxbarskih.com

Max, thank you for taking the time to chat to us. Are you well?

Thank you, Culture Fix. I’m well, I mean better than before. Going through the process of emotional healing. 

What does your typical day look like in 2022? Can you share how the current crisis has affected you?

My life in 2022 is a bit chaotic and emotionally unstable. It’s a year of changing my values. I wake up in different places around the world and am always on the move. Still can’t figure out where to stay full time. Nowadays, I’m working on new music in English. It’s a challenge for me since English is not my native language but step by step I’m practicing translating my stories to share with new audience.

Thank you for taking the time to continue showcasing Ukrainian art throughout this time. Can you share how you connected with the message of your single ‘Rymuiu’?

I wasn’t planning to release the song Rymuiu, this is the first song that wasn’t written by me. A good friend of mine ETOLUBOV sent me this track just to listen and hear my opinion. I instantly fell In love with this song and later ETOLUBOV proposed to record a duet. This is a beautiful story that plenty of Ukrainian couples can relate to, especially when they’re being separated during these difficult times. 

Has it been a challenge to stay motivated to create new music during the war?

Honestly, It was a big challenge. Making music was the last thing I wanted to do, but I knew that music is a powerful tool to unite people, give them strength and power, so I was forcing myself to write despite the pain I felt. That’s how I wrote the song Bude Vesna, which turned out to be a powerful Ukrainian anthem during the wartime. I know that a lot of Ukrainians look up to me, so I take responsibility to make people happier, at least for a few minutes of a song. 

We were big fans of your track Don’t Fuck With Ukraine, capturing the strength and resilient spirit of the Ukrainian people. What was the response like to the song in Ukraine?

People liked the song a lot, I got so many positive reviews and comments, but at the same time lots of hate from my ex fans from Russia. That means I’m doing the right thing. Don’t Fuck with Ukraine became a powerful song that gives Ukrainian soldiers adrenaline rush and power.

In 2012 your song Dance came very close to representing Ukraine at Eurovision. Would you consider trying to represent Ukraine at Eurovision again?

Maybe. In the future. In my opinion, for the past years Eurovision has become a platform for new artists to represent themselves, usually it’s a temporary success that rarely goes further in a career. That’s a lot of stress and responsibility that isn’t worth it. But after the winning of Maneskin and their successful launch of a worldwide carrier, I seriously consider applying for Eurovision in the future. 

Last year you were in the UK performing in London. How was that experience for you?

I loved it. It was so much fun. We’re going to do one more show in 2023. I am actually thinking of moving to London, I feel connected to this city. I love the people and music industry. 

With a few English language singles such as Fly and Tequila Sunrise in recent years, would you consider releasing a full-length English language album?

Yes. That is what I’m working on right now. I feel like this is a new chapter of my life. I was always practicing writing songs in English, but was worried about not being good enough. It’s time for a change. I’ll be releasing more  music in English. It’s very exciting and overwhelming. 

Can you share the best way for British readers to support the Ukrainian people?

First, I want to thank you for the opportunity to be heard, telling my own story and story of my country through music. I know how difficult it’s been for the world to keep this agenda for the past nine months. It is very important that every person on Earth knows what is REALLY happening. Therefore, each of your questions and each media hit is very important, especially now – at a time when the war in Ukraine has entered a long exhausting phase.

It is critical not to forget that every day and every hour, the very same moment we are talking with you, Ukrainian people are dying for their freedom in the fight against Nazism that’s been brought by Putin’s totalitarian regime.