In the realm of music history, there are few artists who, amidst the backdrop of a full-scale war, could pack out arenas, strike deals with international labels, and release albums. Ukrainian singer Max Barskih not only accomplishes all of this but does so with a remarkable finesse. The events unfolding in his homeland have become a driving force not only for personal but also for creative transformations in the artist’s life. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Barskih has been using his performances to aid the country financially, as proceeds from ticket sales to his concerts have transformed into donations supporting the Ukrainian army.
Recently, the artist organized a massive show at the Kyiv Palace of Sports, attended by 10,000 spectators. This concert of such magnitude marked the first since February 24, 2022, in the country. This year, Barskih unveiled a new album and joined the globally renowned music label Warner Music Poland. We got firsthand insights into how recent events have inspired Max to change the direction of his artistic endeavors, pulling him out of an emotional crisis, and the challenging task he has undertaken to realize in the near future.
Max, you’re wrapping up the year with a bang. Can you share your thoughts as you bid farewell to 2023?
The journey Ukraine is going through is the same journey every Ukrainian is undertaking. At the Palace of Sports, we had the “Falling Stars” show, where I shared my story over these almost two years of war. From the first day when it seemed like there would be no more songs and no more performances, to the concert where ten thousand people sang old and new songs with me in Ukrainian. I won’t stop thanking those who restored hope for us in the future and allow us to live on our land. I believe in our future!
This year, you released your first Ukrainian-language album, even pausing work on an English-language record for it. Can you share the significance behind this decision?
This album is genuinely important to me. On one hand, I paused work on the English-language record, and on the other hand, I completely shifted the direction of the songs—changing their tone, energy, and emotion. With these new tracks, my goal was to bring joy and moments of happiness to my listeners. The inspiration for creating these songs came from the same people: their bravery, resilience, and determination, their smiles, and their unwavering desire to live. It was one of the most challenging records I’ve had to write, but I created it alongside Ukrainians.
You didn’t stop writing music even in the first days of the full-scale invasion?
That’s true. “Spring Will Come” truly became the anthem of this war. I wrote it on the third day of the invasion, when it was incredibly challenging to grasp that the world had forever changed. But I know that spring is just around the corner! Many songs took on new meanings overall. For instance, the track “Rhythms,” I wrote a couple of years ago. It was initially created for a duet. After the onset of the full-scale invasion, I made a significant decision—to give a chance and new life to unreleased material, but not just changing the language, also altering the meanings. One of those tracks was “Rhythms,” which we recorded with DOROFEEVA. The main idea behind this track and video is that we really miss our friends, the simplicity. This music is about love for each other, about the most valuable things, about the energy that is impossible to lose under any circumstances.
You’re trying to assist your fellow countrymen not only with music but also with painting. You even painted a picture, and the proceeds from its sale were donated to the Ukrainian army.
Absolutely. In my childhood, I attended art school, but after finishing it, I set aside art for the sake of music. Nevertheless, I still love creating; sometimes, I paint, and I don’t rule out the possibility of having my own exhibition someday. But right now, I’m focused on making music. I receive a lot of messages from fans saying that my music helps them through tough times. For me, that’s the most crucial evidence that I’m on the right path, doing what I’m supposed to do.
The full-scale war in Ukraine has been ongoing for over a year and a half. However, there was a moment when you hesitated to take the stage…
At the onset of the full-scale invasion, I thought the least about music. The first days were simply shocking. Initially, I forgot about music altogether. I didn’t know when I would be able to perform again. All plans were shattered. I didn’t have the energy and emotions to go on stage. The only thing I could do at the beginning was perform for refugees, people who had fled from hotspots, to offer support. Although it was more about mutual support than performances. It was these people, their emotions, and their feedback that convinced me that not everything was lost. Over time, we restructured our program to fit the agenda and added a charitable purpose: raising funds for the specific needs of our military.
This task, like many artists and cultural figures in my country, is something I strive to fulfill every day. We use our talent and reputation to gather as much money as possible for our military. Because war is a big fire, and we need fuel in the form of money. It is an honor for me to be useful, and it’s a great pride that through my creativity, I can help my country. My concerts until the end of the full-scale invasion are charitable; a portion of the proceeds goes to support the Ukrainian army.
What does it mean to you to be Ukrainian now?
To be courageous, strong, free, and proud!
If you had a superpower, what would you change today and in the future?
I would protect the sky from rockets, giving Ukrainians peace.
What saves you when things get really tough?
I’m an introvert, and it’s easier for me to express my emotions through music than through direct conversation. When I’m going through mentally or emotionally challenging moments, I try to escape into music and transfer what I feel, what hurts me, onto paper, into songs. I also limit my exposure to news. I give myself detox breaks from social media. Understanding that with my profession, I can be maximally useful to my country in difficult times has restored my self-confidence and balance. In my free time, I read psychological and esoteric literature, which helps me not only distract but also better understand myself.
Entering the Western music market, is it yet another creative challenge for you?
Some doors close, others open. I’m open to new opportunities. Of course, it’s not easy. I’ve dedicated 14 years to developing my career in Eastern Europe. Now, representing myself in the West feels like starting from scratch. I have to introduce myself to new listeners who don’t know my history, my songs, or achievements. It’s a significant motivation. But one of the reasons for success in the East is that I always tried to be sincere, honest in my music, always shared my own experiences in my songs, creating a connection with the audience. I hope to achieve the same while singing in English because conveying soul and sensitivity is challenging. I face a tough task ahead, but once again, I hope to do it so authentically that the new audience can also identify with my stories.
After such creative and personal transformations, do you still have ambitions regarding music awards and accolades?
I approach awards, nominations, and competitions quite calmly. When you encounter something for the first time, it’s exciting and surprising, but then you start to see it as something expected because you work hard, and your awards are a logical result of that hard work. You are in the creative process 24/7, dedicating your entire life to music, sometimes sacrificing personal relationships, time with family and friends. Accordingly, it should bear fruit. But for me, the ultimate reward is having full houses at concerts; that’s when I feel love and inspiration. Nevertheless, it’s always very pleasing when your music is appreciated not only by your listeners but also by the global music community.
How will you start 2024?
I’m constantly on the road with my concert schedule. Time is such that you live day by day. You just live and appreciate it. In my plans, as always, is to be extremely honest in my songs, not hiding my feelings. I will experiment a lot. New songs are on the way, and each of them will be very different from the others. Because, as always, I’m exploring my new self.
