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Go_A (Ukrainian: Ґоу_Ей) is a Ukrainian folktronica band formed in 2012. The band represented Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, performing "Shum", and placed fifth in the final.

Key Information

The band's name was made by combining the English word "Go" with the Greek letter "Alpha", which symbolizes the beginning of everything, and the band's name is symbolic for "return to the roots".[1][2][3][4]

The band includes vocalist Kateryna Pavlenko from Nizhyn, keyboardist and percussionist Taras Shevchenko [uk] from Kyiv, Ihor Didenchuk [uk] from Lutsk (also a member of rap group Kalush), and Ivan Hryhoriak from Bukovyna.[5]

The band sings near-exclusively in the Ukrainian language.[6]

History

[edit]

The group was founded after keyboardist and percussionist Taras Shevchenko [uk], not related to the poet of the same name, met folk singer Kateryna Pavlenko in 2012. In December 2012, the first song "Koliada" (Коляда) was released.

The band gained attention after the release of the single "Vesnianka" (Веснянка), which won the national competition The Best Track in Ukraine 2015.[7] For six weeks, the song stayed at number one on the 10Dance chart of the Kiss FM radio station in Ukraine and was awarded Discovery of the Year by the radio station.[1]

In November 2016, Go_A released their debut album Idy na zvuk (Іди на звук; Follow the Tune) via Moon Records Ukraine.[8] The album consists of ten songs, including "Vesnjanka".[9] In early 2017, they released a Christmas single "Shchedryi vechir" (Щедрий вечір) in collaboration with Katya Chilly.[10]

Eurovision Song Contest (2020–21)

[edit]
Go_A performing "Shum" in Rotterdam at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021

On 22 February 2020, Go_A, performing "Solovey", earned the right to represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 by winning both the public vote and the jury vote in the Ukrainian national final.[11] was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Suspilne announced that the band would represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021.[12] On 4 February 2021, it was announced that "Shum" would be the song that Go_A would be performing in Rotterdam at the Eurovision Song Contest. "Shum" placed fifth, with 364 combined public and jury points. However, in the public vote, "Shum" placed second with 267 points.[13] Band member Ihor Didenchuk [uk] is also a member of rap group Kalush, which won the contest for Ukraine the following year.[14]

Post-Eurovision Song Contest (2021–present)

[edit]

The band played shows in Europe in late 2022 and early 2023.[15] At the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, Go_A performed "Shum" during the flag parade in the show's final, alongside past Ukrainian entrants including Jamala, Tina Karol, and Verka Serduchka. They also appeared on stage during Duncan Laurence's performance of "You'll Never Walk Alone" during the interval.[16]

Band members

[edit]
  • Kateryna Pavlenko – lead vocals
  • Taras Shevchenko – keyboards, mixing, percussion
  • Ihor Didenchuk – sopilka, percussion, upright bass, backing vocals
  • Ivan Hryhoriak – guitars

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
LTU
[17]
Idy na zvuk
  • Released: 1 November 2016
  • Format: Digital download
  • Label: Moon Records
 56

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
UKR
Air
[18] 		BEL
(FL)
[19] 		GER
[20] 		IRE
[21] 		LTU
[17] 		NLD
[22] 		SWE
[23] 		SWI
[24] 		UK
[25] 		US Elec
[26]
"Kolyada" 2012 — — — — — — — — — — Non-album single
"Vesnyanka" 2015 — — — — — — — — — — Idy na zvuk
"Shchedryy vechir" (with Katya Chilly) 2017 — — — — — — — — — — Non-album singles
"Rano-ranenko" 2019 — — — — — — — — — —
"Solovey" 2020 16 — — — — — — — — —
"Dobrym lyudyam na zdorovya" — — — — — — — — — —
"Shum" 2021 17 29 66 37
[27]		 3 19 27 36 59 20
"Kalyna" 2022 — — — — — — — — — —
"Rusalochki" 2023 — — — — — — — — — —
"Vorozhyla" — — — — — — — — — — Dovbush
(soundtrack)
"Dumala" — — — — — — — — — — Non-album singles
"Krip" 2024 — — — — — — — — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

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from Grokipedia
Go_A (Ukrainian: Ґоу_Ей) is a Ukrainian electro-folk band formed in 2012, blending authentic Ukrainian ethnic vocals and with electronic dance beats, ethnic percussion, and guitar elements. The group consists of vocalist and expert , sound producer and keyboardist , multi-instrumentalist Ihor Didenchuk specializing in traditional wind instruments like the , and guitarist Ivan Hryhoriak. The band's origins trace to 2012 when Shevchenko and Pavlenko began experimenting with modern reinterpretations of Ukrainian folk traditions, releasing their debut single "Koliada" that December. They gained domestic recognition with "Vesnjanka" in 2015, which won Best Track in and topped Kiss FM's 10Dance chart for six weeks. Go_A's international breakthrough came through the ; initially selected internally for the 2020 edition with "Solovey" before its cancellation due to the , they represented in 2021 with "Shum", a track inspired by Ukrainian mythology and infused with elements, finishing fifth overall with 364 points—the first Ukrainian-language entry in the contest's history. "Shum" achieved commercial success, entering the chart, amassing over 100 million streams, and reaching number one on Spotify's Viral Worldwide chart. Following their Eurovision performance, Go_A received the Eurovision Award for Most Innovative Stage Production in 2021 and conducted the Ukrainian Magic Tour in 2023, performing 40 shows across 23 countries, including sold-out concerts at venues like Paradiso in . Their debut album, Idy na zvuk, released in 2016, further established their style rooted in traditional narratives.

History

Formation and early career (2012–2015)

Go_A was founded in , , in 2012 by sound producer , who sought to blend traditional Ukrainian folk elements with electronic music. Shevchenko initially collaborated with vocalist , an ethnic singer specializing in authentic Ukrainian vocal styles, after their meeting sparked experiments in reinterpreting folk songs through modern production techniques. Over the following year, Shevchenko assembled additional musicians to formalize the group, focusing on electro-folk fusion that incorporated instruments like the (a traditional Ukrainian ) alongside synthesizers and beats. The band's debut single, "Kolyada" (Ukrainian for ""), was released in 2012, marking their entry into the Ukrainian music scene with a track that combined ancient chants and electronic rhythms. This release laid the groundwork for their signature sound, though it received limited initial attention amid the nascent electro-folk genre in . Go_A performed sporadically in local venues and festivals during 2013–2014, refining their live sets while building a small following through underground electronic and ethno-music circles. Breakthrough within occurred in 2015 with the single "Vesnianka" (Ukrainian for "Spring Song"), a high-energy reinterpretation of a pagan spring ritual melody infused with dance beats and Pavlenko's powerful vocals. The track topped radio charts and won the national competition "The Best Track in ," organized by the Ukrainian Music Association, elevating Go_A's profile and securing radio play on major stations like . This success validated their approach of modernizing , attracting interest from labels and producers, though the band remained independent and focused on organic growth rather than commercial pop trends.

Breakthrough and pre-Eurovision releases (2016–2019)

In 2016, Go_A achieved their initial breakthrough in the Ukrainian music scene with the song "Vesnianka", which won the national contest The Best Track in . The track subsequently entered radio rotation and topped the "10Dance" chart for six weeks, leading to a nomination for Discovery of the Year at the YUNA awards. This success highlighted the band's style, blending traditional Ukrainian vocals with electronic elements, and paved the way for wider recognition. Later that year, on November 29, Go_A released their debut album Idy na zvuk (Іди на звук, translated as "Follow the Tune") through Moon Records Ukraine. The album comprised ten tracks, including "Vesnianka" and other fusions of ethnic percussion, synthesizers, and folk-inspired lyrics, marking the culmination of four years of experimentation since their 2012 formation. It solidified their presence in Ukraine's alternative music landscape by reinterpreting folklore through modern production. In early 2017, the band issued a Christmas single titled "Shchedryi vechir" (Щедрий вечір), featuring collaboration with singer Katya Chilly, which extended their seasonal appeal within electro-folk circles. Activity remained sporadic through 2018, with focus on live performances rather than new studio output. By 2019, Go_A self-released the double single "Rano-ranenko" (Рано-раненько), further showcasing their electronic reinterpretations of Ukrainian traditional motifs and building anticipation for international exposure. These pre-Eurovision efforts established a niche following, emphasizing cultural preservation amid electronic innovation, though mainstream commercial peaks awaited later contests.

Eurovision selection and participation (2020–2021)

Go_A was internally selected by Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne (UA:PBC) to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 following their victory in the national final Vidbir on February 22, 2020, with the song "Solovey". In the Vidbir final, the band received the maximum 6 points from both the jury and televote, totaling 12 points. "Solovey", blending electronic beats with Ukrainian folk elements, was intended for performance in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The was cancelled on March 18, 2020, due to the , preventing Go_A's participation. In response, UA:PBC announced on the same day that Go_A would represent in the 2021 contest, allowing the band to prepare a new entry. For the 2021 edition, Go_A submitted "Shum" as their entry, which was unanimously selected by a five-member on February 1, 2021, and publicly announced on February 4. The song, meaning "noise" or "buzz" in Ukrainian, incorporated ancient pagan rituals and electronic folk influences. At the contest in from May 18–22, 2021, Go_A performed "Shum" in the first semi-final on May 18, qualifying for the grand final. In the final on May 22, placed fifth with 364 points, comprising 187 from votes and 177 from televoting.

Post-Eurovision activities and Russian invasion impact (2021–2022)

Following their fifth-place finish at the in on May 22, Go_A commenced an active international touring schedule later that year. In October 2021, the band announced a series of concerts across the , , and for and , marking their initial post-Eurovision European outreach. The band maintained momentum into early 2022 with performances at European music events, including a live set at Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) in , , on February 18. No major studio releases occurred during this period beyond promotional extensions of their Eurovision entry "Shum," which had been revamped pre-contest in March 2021. Russia's full-scale invasion of on February 24, 2022, disrupted planned activities, including the cancellation of a guest performance at Iceland's national final on March 5 due to travel and safety constraints amid the escalating conflict. Band members, originating from and other affected areas, evacuated to safer locations but prioritized resilience by resuming live shows abroad to generate funds and amplify awareness of Ukraine's cultural identity and the invasion's toll. This included a June 2022 appearance at the Festival's Stage in the , where they performed amid the ongoing war. By mid-2022, Go_A organized a tour spanning 14 countries and 28 cities in and , directing proceeds toward Ukrainian relief efforts while emphasizing the band's role in countering narratives of cultural erasure through their performances. These efforts sustained their visibility despite domestic infrastructure damage and displacement risks, with the group continuing to integrate traditional Ukrainian elements into sets as a form of resistance.

Continued releases and tours amid wartime challenges (2023–2025)

In 2023, Go_A conducted their most extensive tour to date, the Ukrainian Magic Tour, which encompassed 23 countries and featured around 40 performances in regions including Britain, Scandinavia, the Balkans, Georgia, and Turkey. The tour included sold-out concerts at notable venues such as Paradiso in Amsterdam, Indigo at the O2 in London, Nalen in Stockholm, Roxy in Prague, and additional shows in Dublin and Paris. These international efforts served to promote Ukrainian culture and raise funds in response to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which had displaced band members in 2022 and continued to pose logistical and safety challenges for domestic activities. The band released several singles in 2023, including "Rusalochki" and "Dumala," maintaining their style amid wartime disruptions that limited studio work and local performances in . In 2024, Go_A continued the Ukrainian Magic Tour with a European leg starting in April, featuring shows in , , , and festivals such as EarthGarden in , SubKult in , Castlefest, and Summersound in . This phase emphasized celebrating Ukrainian heritage through live sets, including DJ performances showcasing electronic interpretations of folk elements, while navigating travel restrictions and security concerns stemming from the conflict. Key 2024 releases included the single "Krip" on April 24, accompanied by an , and a on "Vorozhyla" with Korolova, Rokston, and Monokate, released September 6. These tracks reinforced Go_A's fusion of traditional Ukrainian motifs with modern electronics, produced under constraints of the that necessitated remote collaborations and reliance on international platforms for distribution. Into 2025, the band scheduled further performances, including a DJ set in and a concert in on February 27, 2026, at Atlas, demonstrating resilience against ongoing hostilities that have prompted many Ukrainian artists to prioritize overseas engagements for sustainability. Despite speculation of exhaustion from relentless touring since 2021, no disbandment has occurred, with activities focused on cultural preservation and support for Ukraine's defense efforts.

Musical style and influences

Folktronica fusion and production techniques

Go_A's style fuses traditional with electronic elements, primarily through producer Taras Shevchenko's approach of layering modern electronic dance beats and synthesizers beneath authentic folk vocals and instrumentation. This involves reinterpreting ancient motifs, such as spring awakening rituals, by packaging them in digital soundscapes that emphasize rhythmic drive and harmonic contrast. Shevchenko, who handles keyboards, percussion, and overall production, draws from diverse genres to create a cohesive blend, starting from collaborations initiated in 2012 when he sought to merge ethno vocals with EDM structures. Central to their production is vocalist Kateryna Pavlenko's use of the "" technique, an ancient Ukrainian method employing an open throat for resonant, bright-toned projection without , often extended to extreme vocal ranges for polyphonic effects mimicking traditional group singing. These vocals are then integrated with electronic production via ethnic drums, guitar amplification, and programmed rhythms, producing tracks like "Shum" (2020) that alternate between acoustic folk authenticity and pulsating synth-driven drops. Shevchenko's role ensures harmonic balance, avoiding dilution of folk roots while amplifying them through contemporary processing for live and recorded formats. The band's techniques prioritize causal fidelity to source materials, sampling or emulating traditional sounds—such as percussive elements evoking ancient rites—within DAW environments to generate movement-oriented ("Go") energy, as reflected in their name's etymology. This results in a hybrid where electronic elements provide propulsion without overshadowing the organic of folk-derived components, evident in their Eurovision 2021 entry's structure of building from sparse vocal chants to full electronic crescendos.

Integration of Ukrainian folklore and modern electronics

Go_A's music exemplifies by layering traditional Ukrainian vocal techniques and mythological motifs atop electronic production, including synthesized beats, basslines, and atmospheric effects crafted primarily by . This integration reinterprets —such as Carpathian ritual chants and Hutsul ethnic singing styles performed by vocalist —with modern dance rhythms and digital , preserving oral traditions while adapting them for contemporary audiences. A core technique involves sampling or adapting folk melodies and lyrics into electronic frameworks; for instance, the 2020 single "Shum" derives its chorus from vesnyanky spring ritual songs tied to the pagan "shum" ceremony, where participants invoked forest spirits through rhythmic chants, fused here with dark pulses and echoing synths to evoke unity and seasonal renewal. The track's base traces to ancient Polissian variants from the Chernobyl region, with Pavlenko's unaltered ethnic vocal delivery contrasting programmed percussion and guitar riffs for a hybrid texture. Shevchenko's production emphasizes authenticity by incorporating live ethnic drums alongside MIDI-triggered loops, avoiding full synthesis of folk elements to retain acoustic , as seen in earlier works like "Vedy" (2018), which weaves Carpathian legends into EDM drops. This method not only revives lesser-known Ukrainian narratives but also amplifies them through electronic amplification, enabling global dissemination without diluting cultural specificity.

Band members

Current lineup

In July 2025, lead vocalist departed Go_A to pursue a solo career under her pseudonym Monokate, leaving the band's instrumental core intact. The group has since continued performing, including DJ sets emphasizing electronic and elements, without announcing a replacement vocalist. The current members are:
  • Taras Shevchenko: Founder, keyboards, mixing, percussion, and production; handles much of the electronic and sampling elements central to the band's sound.
  • Ihor Didenchuk: (traditional Ukrainian ), percussion, upright bass, and backing vocals; contributes ethnic instrumentation and has been a member since the band's early years.
  • Ivan Hryhoriak: Guitar and additional production support; joined later to enhance the band's live dynamics and influences.
This trio maintains Go_A's focus on electronic-folk fusion amid ongoing tours and wartime adaptations in .

Changes and contributions

Go_A's lineup evolved through numerous iterations following its in , when sound producer collaborated with vocalist to experiment with Ukrainian folk elements in electronic music. The group reportedly cycled through 14 different personnel configurations in its early years as Shevchenko assembled musicians to develop the style, reflecting ongoing refinements to balance traditional and modern sounds. By 2020, ahead of their Eurovision involvement, the core quartet stabilized with Pavlenko handling lead vocals, Shevchenko on keyboards and percussion, Ihor Didenchuk on traditional wind instruments, and Ivan Hryhoriak on . The in February 2022 disrupted operations, scattering members geographically—Shevchenko relocated abroad—and hindering new productions amid wartime conditions. A major shift occurred in July 2025, when Pavlenko departed to pursue a solo career, altering the band's vocal dynamic and prompting uncertainty about future direction. Taras Shevchenko has driven the band's production, integrating rhythms, heavy guitar elements, and synthesizers with folk motifs while composing core tracks and managing mixing. contributed authentic ethnic vocals, specializing in "" techniques and extreme ranges rooted in , alongside co-writing lyrics and melodies that emphasized Ukrainian heritage. Ihor Didenchuk supplied traditional instrumentation, including , frilka, floyara, telynka, trembita, and drymba, grounding the electronic framework in vernacular authenticity as a dedicated folklorist. Ivan Hryhoriak anchored rhythms with bass and guitar, incorporating experimental approaches from and acoustics to enhance the hybrid texture. These roles collectively enabled Go_A's signature fusion, though postwar logistics tested their sustained collaboration.

Discography

Studio albums

Go_A's debut studio album, Idy na zvuk (Ukrainian: Іди на звук, translated as "Follow the Sound" or "#Ідиназвук"), was released on November 1, 2016, by Moon Records Ukraine. The 10-track record marked the culmination of the band's early experiments fusing traditional Ukrainian folk vocals and instrumentation with electronic production, featuring songs like "Vesnianka" (a folk-inspired track incorporating spring ritual elements) and "Vohni" (exploring fire motifs through layered synths and percussion). Recorded primarily in Kyiv, the album emphasized authentic ethnic melodies sourced from Ukrainian cultural heritage, processed with modern digital effects to create a folktronica sound. As of October 2025, Idy na zvuk remains the band's sole full-length studio , with subsequent releases primarily consisting of singles and extended plays rather than additional LPs. A 2021 digital reissue under the stylized title #Ідиназвук preserved the original tracklist without new material, serving to broaden international accessibility amid rising global interest post-Eurovision. The album's production highlighted the contributions of core members, including vocalist Kateryna Pavlenko's ethereal delivery and Taras Shevchenko's electronic arrangements, establishing Go_A's signature style of revitalizing through technology.

Singles and extended plays

Go_A released their debut single "Kolyada" in December 2012, marking the start of their musical experiments blending with electronic elements. The band followed with "Vesnyanka" on November 29, 2016, a track that won the "Best Track in Ukraine" competition and propelled their recognition within the country. In , they issued the Christmas-themed single "Shchedryi vechir" in collaboration with singer Katya Chilly. "Rano-ranen'ko" arrived on July 3, 2019, incorporating traditional motifs into a dance-oriented production. "Solovey", released February 4, 2020, was selected as 's entry for the , which was canceled due to the . The band then released "Shum" on January 22, 2021, with an updated Eurovision version following on March 9, 2021; it represented at the 2021 contest, finishing fifth overall. Post-Eurovision, Go_A issued "Kalyna" in 2022 amid the . Subsequent singles include "Rusalochki" and "Dumala" in 2023, followed by "Krip" and "Vorozhyla" (featuring Monokate) in 2024. No extended plays have been released by the band as of October 2025.

Live performances and tours

Key tours and festival appearances


Go_A gained international prominence through their live performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where they presented "Shum" during the first semi-final on May 18 and the grand final on May 22, ultimately placing fifth with 364 points from jury and televote combined.
Following their Eurovision success, the band conducted a European tour spanning November and December 2021, with stops in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Lithuania to capitalize on newfound visibility.
In 2023, Go_A initiated the Ukrainian Magic Tour, a series of concerts across Europe featuring electro-folk sets, including performances in Tallinn, Estonia (November 6), Vilnius, Lithuania (November 8), Gdańsk, Poland (November 9), Warsaw, Poland (November 11), and Wrocław, Poland (November 12). The tour extended into 2024 with additional dates such as Heerlen, Netherlands (April 14), Bochum, Germany (April 15), Vienna, Austria (April 25), and The Hague, Netherlands (April 28), emphasizing Ukrainian cultural elements through live renditions and DJ sets.
Among festival appearances, Go_A performed at the Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, United Kingdom, from June 22 to 27, 2022, marking a significant UK debut amid a diverse lineup. Further festivals included EarthGarden in Malta and SubKult Festivalen in Sweden, both in June 2024, alongside Castlefest and Fonnefeesten in August 2024, showcasing their fusion style to international audiences.

Adaptations during geopolitical events

Following the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of on February 24, 2022, all members of Go_A evacuated the country in the initial days, relocating abroad alongside hundreds of thousands of other to ensure their . This geopolitical crisis profoundly disrupted domestic activities, compelling the band to adapt their live performance strategy by prioritizing international venues over Ukrainian ones, where ongoing conflict posed severe risks to travel, infrastructure, and audience . The band maintained its touring schedule abroad, conducting shows across in late 2022 and early 2023 to sustain visibility and cultural outreach amid the war. For instance, Go_A performed at Club Academy in , , on October 18, 2022, delivering a set that resonated with audiences supportive of Ukraine's plight. These adaptations included logistical shifts to base operations outside , enabling continued electro-folk performances that preserved the group's style while navigating travel restrictions and heightened security concerns. During the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest held in , —relocated from due to the —Go_A participated as guests, contributing to an event that provided emotional uplift for . Band members described the occasion as a "big moment" that "raised our spirits and helped us to fight," highlighting how such high-profile appearances served as platforms for morale-boosting symbolism rather than routine commercial tours. This reflected a broader adaptation pattern: leveraging international stages to amplify Ukrainian resilience and , with performances often infused with patriotic undertones absent in pre-invasion setlists. Throughout the conflict, Go_A's persistence in live festivals and venues underscored a commitment to artistic continuity, though scaled back in scope compared to pre-2022 plans, focusing on communities and supportive European markets to mitigate financial strains from halted domestic revenue. No evidence indicates significant alterations to core production techniques, but venue selections emphasized stability and proximity to Ukrainian expatriates, facilitating audience engagement in safer environments.

Reception and achievements

Critical and commercial reception

"Shum," Go_A's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, achieved notable commercial success through streaming platforms, amassing over 100 million streams on Spotify. The track topped Spotify's Global Viral 50 chart shortly after the Eurovision grand final on May 22, 2021. It also marked a milestone as the first Ukrainian Eurovision song to enter Billboard charts, peaking at number 27 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and number 12 on the Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart in May 2021. In the Eurovision contest, Ukraine finished fifth overall with 364 points, including 97 from juries and 267 from televotes. The song's streaming peaks extended to regional charts, such as number one in Lithuania and number three in Latvia and Ukraine. Critics and audiences lauded "Shum" for its electro-folk fusion, blending traditional Ukrainian elements like flute melodies with modern electronic beats and percussion. On , the single holds a 3.7 out of 5 rating from over 600 users, who praised lead singer Kateryna Pavlenko's vocals and the track's cohesive "mad hybrid" of Eastern European folk and hardcore electronic styles. Reviewers from described the Eurovision remix as a "fun party anthem," though some panelists preferred the original version for its recognizability. An academic analysis in Popular Music highlighted the performance's evocation of melancholy and ecstasy, interpreting it as a multimedial commentary on ecological and cultural survival amid the . Go_A's live shows have received positive feedback for their high-energy delivery, with comparisons to due to heavy bass and electronic intensity. European critics have identified influences from , , and even heavy metal in the band's sound, distinguishing it from pure . Earlier single "Solovey," intended for Eurovision 2020, was noted for its traditional vocal style juxtaposed against contemporary production. Overall reception emphasizes the band's innovative preservation of Ukrainian heritage through , though commercial data beyond "Shum" remains limited, with success tied primarily to festival appearances and digital platforms.

Awards, nominations, and chart performance

Go_A represented at the with the song "Shum", qualifying from the first semi-final on 18 May 2021 and placing fifth in the grand final on 22 May 2021 with 364 points, including 158 from juries and 206 from televoting. The performance earned the band the Eurovision Awards 2021 for Most Innovative Stage Production, announced on 31 December 2021. Additionally, Go_A won the Vision Music Awards 2021 for Best Use of Props, based on reader votes announced on 18 August 2021. The band received earlier recognition with a win in The Best Track In Ukraine contest in 2016 for "Vesnianka", which topped dance charts on a new radio station. In late 2020, Go_A was nominated for the YUNA Music Awards as Discovery of the Year. They were also nominated for KissFM Discovery of the Year around the same period. "Shum" achieved notable chart success post-Eurovision, debuting at number 69 on the Spotify Global Top 200—the first Ukrainian-language song to enter the chart—and reaching number 80 on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart, marking the debut of a Ukrainian-language track there. The song peaked at number 1 on streaming charts in Lithuania and number 3 in Latvia and , among other countries, as reported in 2021. By May 2024, "Shum" had accumulated 100 million streams on .
ChartPeak PositionSource
Spotify Global Top 20069
Global Excl. 80
Spotify 1
Spotify 3
Spotify 3

Cultural and political significance

Promotion of Ukrainian cultural identity

Go_A's music integrates traditional Ukrainian folklore with contemporary electronic production, aiming to revive and modernize ethnic motifs drawn from ancient rituals and regional dialects. The band's name derives from "Go" symbolizing movement and "A" representing a musical note, reflecting their intent to propel Ukrainian heritage into modern contexts through folktronica—a fusion of folk elements and electronica. This approach is evident in their use of authentic lyrics and melodies sourced from rural elders across Ukraine, as in tracks like "Рано-раненько" (Early-Early), which adapts pre-Christian spring awakening songs to electronic beats, preserving phonetic and rhythmic authenticity while broadening appeal. Their Eurovision 2021 entry "Shum" exemplifies this promotion, reinterpreting a traditional Polissian folk song from northern Ukraine's region, where vocalist originates, to evoke pagan spring rituals symbolizing renewal and fertility. The track employs ethnic vocals and instruments such as the (a duct flute), frilka, and floyara, played by folklorist Ihor Didenchuk, grounding the electronic soundscape in verifiable ethnographic to assert a distinct Ukrainian pagan heritage often overshadowed by Slavic generalizations. Band members have stated in interviews that such compositions encourage listeners to reconnect with ancestral customs, with Pavlenko emphasizing remembrance of roots for personal and collective happiness. Through Eurovision's global platform, "Shum" achieved fifth place overall and second by public televote, exposing to over 180 million viewers and sparking renewed domestic interest in archaic songs among urban youth unfamiliar with them. Scholarly analysis interprets the song's ecstatic-melancholic duality as negotiating Ukrainian national identity amid historical , using multimedia staging—like ritualistic dances and projections of natural cycles—to counter cultural erasure narratives without explicit political framing. Go_A's official communications further underscore this mission, declaring efforts to "promote and share " against attempts to suppress and traditions. This blend not only authenticates their work via direct sourcing but also fosters cultural resilience by hybridizing it for international resonance, as seen in post-Eurovision collaborations and appearances adapting folk narratives to electronic formats.

International impact and wartime symbolism

Go_A's participation in the in , , marked a significant international breakthrough, with the band finishing fifth overall and second in the public televote among 39 participating countries. Their electro-folk entry "Shum," drawing on Ukrainian spring rituals, resonated globally, leading to sustained visibility such as topping searches for Ukrainian acts that year and prior chart success like "Vesnianka" reaching the top 10 on Slovakia's Dance Chart in 2019. The performance earned awards including the Eurovision Awards for Most Innovative Stage Production in 2021, amplifying their presence at international festivals in countries like , , and prior to the contest. Post-Eurovision, Go_A expanded their reach through performances at major global events, including a 2022 appearance at the Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom, where lead vocalist Kateryna Pavlenko emphasized unity amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They also performed at the Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands in support of Ukraine and at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam in 2024, maintaining a focus on authentic Ukrainian folklore fused with electronic elements. In the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of starting February 24, 2022, Go_A emerged as a symbol of cultural resilience, with band members initially for territorial defense before resuming music activities. They released the single "Kalyna" on March 18, 2022, adapting the traditional Ukrainian patriotic song "" to raise funds for the Ukrainian armed forces and evoke global against aggression. Performances during this period, such as addressing the directly at a 2022 concert and joining Italian singer for "Imagine" at a football match opener, positioned their work—exclusively in Ukrainian—as an act of national affirmation and rejection of Russian cultural influence. This wartime role underscored their music's evolution from folk revival to a broader emblem of defiance, though without direct claims of "Shum" itself symbolizing resistance beyond its pre-war themes of awakening.

Controversies and challenges

Political context and performance disruptions

Go_A's performances have unfolded against the backdrop of the , intensified by Russia's full-scale invasion of on , 2022, which prompted widespread Ukrainian cultural assertions of and rejection of Russian influences. The band, through its exclusive use of and folklore-inspired electro-folk sound, has aligned with broader efforts by Ukrainian artists to revive pre-Soviet traditions and counter narratives of shared "Slavic" heritage often promoted by Russian state media. The directly disrupted international engagements, as band members were forced to evacuate their homes amid initial airstrikes, complicating travel and logistics for tours. A prominent example occurred on , 2022, when Go_A canceled a guest performance at Iceland's Eurovision national final, citing inability to travel due to the war's onset, including border restrictions and security risks. Icelandic organizers voiced support for , substituting Sweden's to perform "Voices" in their stead, while lead singer used to highlight Russian attacks and advocate for NATO-enforced no-fly zones over . Subsequent geopolitical tensions led to additional cancellations, such as a , 2023, concert in , which the band aborted due to the Israel-Hamas war, stating it as a safety precaution amid regional instability. European tour dates, including shows in and planned for spring 2024, were postponed for the second time, with the band attributing delays to unspecified circumstances likely tied to Ukraine's ongoing and infrastructure strains from the conflict. These interruptions reflect how the war's ripple effects—encompassing sanctions, closures, and performer relocations—have hampered Go_A's ability to maintain a consistent global presence despite demand for their wartime-symbolic music.

Internal band dynamics and recent incidents

Go_A has maintained a relatively stable core lineup since its formation in 2012, consisting of lead vocalist , producer , and drummer Ihor Didenchuk, with occasional contributions from additional musicians for live performances. The band's collaborative dynamic has historically centered on blending Pavlenko's vocals with Shevchenko's electronic production and ethnic instrumentation, fostering a unified creative process rooted in . However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted this cohesion, as several members, including Shevchenko, relocated abroad amid safety concerns, complicating new music production and rehearsals due to geographical separation. In 2025, tensions surfaced with Pavlenko's announcement of a solo career, including the release of eight new songs diverging from Go_A's electro-folk style, prompting speculation about the band's potential dissolution despite no official disbandment statement. This shift followed years of intensive touring post-Eurovision, which band members attributed to physical and creative exhaustion, though they continued select performances. Pavlenko's solo pursuits were framed as an exploration of personal artistry rather than acrimony, but they highlighted evolving individual priorities within the group. A notable recent incident involved Pavlenko's removal from Ukraine's 2025 national jury on May 25, 2025, after violating confidentiality rules, as confirmed by public broadcaster ; specific details of the breach were not disclosed, but it echoed similar disqualifications in prior contests for juror-artist communications. This event drew minor media attention but did not escalate to broader band discord. External factors, such as postponed European tours in April 2024 due to logistical strains from the ongoing war, further tested operational dynamics without reported internal fallout. Overall, Go_A's internal relations appear resilient, prioritizing wartime solidarity over publicized conflicts.

References

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