- Year of foundation – 2004
- City – Kyiv (Ukraine)
- Language – Ukrainian, English
- Genre – folk rock, punk rock, ska punk
Lineup:
- Yuriy Yurchenko “Yurkesh” – vocals, accordion, acoustic guitar, ionic;
- Valery Kolomiyets “Overko” – keyboards;
- George Yurchenko “Joe” – bass guitar;
- Yuriy Zakharchuk “RAFF” – drums.
Style and themes of creativity
Yurcash (Yurkesh, very rarely you can hear “Yurkash”) is a Ukrainian musical group that appeared in Kyiv in 2004 on the initiative of vocalist and songwriter Yurko Yurchenko. From the very beginning, it was not just another rock project, but a bold creative experiment.
About the style of the band Yurcash, whose songs have been with Ukrainians for over 20 years, frontman Yurko Yurchenko says this: there is no specific genre - everything that exists in music is taken, mixed, humor, satire and Ukrainian folklore from different regions are added - and we get a cocktail called "intelligent-intellectual punk rock with elements". And by those "elements" we mean literally everything that imagination allows.
The first album of Yurcash "Oh!" (released in 2006) clearly outlined the author's approach - daring, ironic, with sharp lyrics and lively energy of the stage. The band Yurcash discovered Yurko Yurchenko as a performer from a new side - without gloss, but with character. The band's work is not just rock or punk, but a way to talk about social issues, ridicule the absurd and at the same time cherish the Ukrainian cultural code.
History of the band
The first major performance of the band Yurcash took place during the national selection for Eurovision-2005. But the real explosion of popularity was caused by the song "Mundial" - a driving track performed by Yurko Yurchenko, which became the unofficial football anthem before the 2006 World Cup. The video for this composition was actively played on television, and Yurcash confidently established itself on the Ukrainian stage.
The same year, 2006, the debut album "Oy!" was released, and in 2007 - the second release "Menuets. Tulips in CelloFan". During this period, Yurko Yurchenko and the team actively gave concerts, participated in festivals (for example, “Step into the Future”) and expanded the audience of Yurcash.
In 2016, to the 20th anniversary of Yurchenko’s creative activity, the single and video “100 Seconds of Spring” were released. The band continued active concert activity, created new tracks, and wrote music for the show. In 2017, Yurcash became superfinalists of the 8th season of “X-Factor”. And in 2018, Yurko Yurchenko took to the stage of the National Selection for Eurovision.
The third album “Karaly Karparatyvav” was released in 2019. Although the release was planned back in 2013 as the completion of the “humor and satire” trilogy. Due to the war, the album release had to be postponed, but the record was released and cemented the reputation of Yurko Yurchenko's band as one of the most original rock bands in the country. Since 2023, the lineup has been updated - Yurko Yurchenko's son George (bass guitar) and keyboardist Overko have joined the band. The scene for Yurcash has become even more family-friendly and at the same time even more exciting.
Famous tracks
The style of Yurcash's work is most clearly revealed by the works:
- “Minuet (Tulips in a TseLAFA)” is one of the band's main hits, a satirical rock number that ironizes glamor and provincial romance;
- “Stelyatsya tumany” is a lyrical song by Yurko Yurchenko, which received a new wave of popularity after his performance on the “X-Factor”. The clip is distinguished by its atmosphere and experiments with graphics;
- Stop Killing Love is an energetic English-language track, with which the band performed at the 2018 National Selection;
- “Panivna visota” is a powerful composition about freedom and resilience, which sounded especially strong after the full-scale invasion;
- “Ya ydyu” is a cult solo hit by Yurko Yurchenko, which the band performs in a modern rock arrangement, adding a punk temperament to the songs.
Discography:
- “Oy” (2006);
- “Menuets. Tulips in Cellophane” (2007);
- “Karaly Karparatyvav” (2019).
Singles:
- I love you!;
- “Nepravlyna Lyubov”;
- “Kapitan Diryzhablya”;
- Stop Killing Love;
- “Patriot”;
- “Romadubonos”;
- “Pory roku”;
- “Waltz”;
- “Zhovtyy skotch”;
- “Panivna vysota”;
- “Vin v ZSU, she v TRO” and others.
h2>Atmosphere live
Yurcash concerts are a separate genre. Both well-known songs and tracks that can only be heard live are performed on stage. The format of the band's performances is the same "intellectual punk rock", where music alternates with the frontman's satirical monologues. Yurko Yurchenko actively communicates with the audience at concerts. There, every pause can turn into an improvised performance. Arrangements also often change just during the concert: driving punk can suddenly turn into deep, almost chamber lyrics. This is especially noticeable in songs on military themes - they sound sincere and penetrate to the very core.
Today, the band regularly participates in charity concerts in Ukraine and abroad, supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. For musicntiv scene is not only a platform for creativity, but also a way to be useful.
Visual aesthetics
Yurcash's visual style is a conscious eclecticism. Here, punk protest is combined with retro aesthetics and elements of musical shocking. Yurko Yurchenko can go on stage in a top hat and tailcoat or in a simple T-shirt with a provocative inscription - it all depends on the mood and concept of the concert.
The band's videos are distinguished by theatricality, bold images and social subtext. The video combines humor, challenge and sincerity - a reflection of the philosophy of Yurko Yurchenko's team, where behind the irony there is always truth.
Creative cooperation
Yurcash is actively present in the media space - television shows, festivals, collaborations with other artists, charitable initiatives. Yuko Yurchenko's band does not confine itself to a narrow rock environment, but is constantly looking for new formats for creativity and communication with the audience. Among the striking examples of cooperation:
- collaborations with "Skryabin" and SOWA. In 2023, Yurcash released the track "Forgive" together with the singer SOWA and the members of the group "Skryabin". Yurko Yurchenko also repeatedly performed as a guest vocalist at concerts in memory of Kuzma Skryabin;
- joint performance with the group NAZVA. In 2025, Yurko Yurchenko presented an updated live version of his main hit "I'm Going" together with young musicians.
It is worth noting separately the period of the band's participation in the project "X-Factor-8" (2017). This episode was marked by a real media breakthrough for Yurcash. Covers of Britney Spears (Oops!… I Did It Again), Rammstein (Mutter) and others in Yurcash's own interpretation have become viral.
In parallel with his activities in the Yurcash band, Yurko Yurchenko has proven himself as a songwriter for other artists.
Yurcash's audience
Yurcash's music is for those who don't like unambiguousness in their work. After all, behind loud rock and punk there is always either sharp satire or deep drama hidden.
Who will definitely like the work of the Yurcash band:
- admirers of intellectual rock;
- lovers of old school;
- seekers of sincerity in music.
Where to listen to Yurcash songs
You can follow new releases and listen to your favorite tracks performed by Yurko Yurchenko on popular streaming platforms Spotify, YouTube Music, and the band's YouTube channel.
Why Yurcash's music is worth paying attention to
Once the band was remembered thanks to one track - "Mundial". Today Yurcash is a full-fledged rock band with a bright discography and a loyal audience, which is gladly welcomed at festivals and large stages.
The main feature of the band is the charisma of the vocalist. Yurko Yurchenko turns each performance into an honest and incredibly emotional performance without barriers between the stage and the audience. Yurcash is worth listening to for the rare feeling of freedom – to their tracks you can break away wildly to punk, and in a moment be moved by the insightful lyrics and piercing, courageous vocals of Yurko Yurchenko. And it is in this contrast that the true power of the band's music lies.
