Ukrainian pop sensation Max Barskih has made waves with the release of “Stomach Butterfly,” the lead single from his highly anticipated English-language album. Renowned for his chart-topping tracks and poignant storytelling, Barskih infuses his music with a vibrant mix of pop and electronic elements, captivating listeners on a global scale.
With over 15 years in the music industry, Barskih has left a remarkable imprint, offering seven studio albums and billions of streams across digital platforms. His self-penned songs, rich in emotion, have garnered him accolades including an MTV EMA award, along with sell-out performances throughout the CIS and Baltic regions.
www.instagram.com/max_barskih // bfan.link/stomach-butterflies
Photos by Bugaev @yaroslavbugaev
Parker @yegorparker
Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Barskih’s artistry has taken on a profound new purpose—offering solace and resilience. His powerful track “Bude Vesna” emerged as a symbol of defiance and hope, crafted amid the turmoil of war.
His recent album, Zorepad (2023), not only topped the Apple Music charts but also saw its accompanying video album unleash an impressive eight entries into Apple Music’s Top 10 Videos. “Stomach Butterfly” gears up for release with a series of five evocative short videos, part of a social audiovisual project tackling the vital topic of mental health. Barskih aims to reach a wider audience by singing in English, conveying that life in Ukrainian cities perseveres against all odds.
During his charity tours abroad, Barskih felt the weight of fostering a global emotional connection, celebrating resilience and life. This first single is a heartfelt invitation to all who resonate with the depth of his lyrics and the tenderness of his musical spirit. Max Barskih remarked, “Our people inspire me! The true strength of Ukrainians lies in our ability to live. The war hasn’t shattered this spirit. Even amidst relentless shelling, my compatriots tirelessly work towards their future, nurture love, and maintain hope. I want the world to witness this strength.”
This new chapter in Barskih’s creative journey is encapsulated by touching video confessions from young Ukrainians—a raw exploration of their resilience amidst war. Filmed on VHS cameras, these intimate moments showcase the unwavering loyalty to their homeland, despite the trials they face. The culmination of this project is the “Stomach Butterfly” music video, a collaborative work with director Alan Badoev, featuring the same individuals interviewed.
Badoev reflects, “Every element of Max’s new video encapsulates modern Ukraine: our vibrant youth, their courage, and the interiors designed by progressive brand Dizza, alongside unique carpets created by artist Masha Reva. These are the pillars of our identity we proudly showcase to the world—this represents our FUTURE.”
In crafting the music video, both Barskih and the cast immersed themselves in an atmosphere of unity, leading the director to arrange several bonding workshops.
Barskih shares, “When you gather strangers on set, creating genuine chemistry is essential. We sat together on one carpet, honestly observing ourselves and each other. We connected—physically, and emotionally. It felt like group therapy, leading to a real energy exchange captured in the video. I also want to emphasize the importance of nurturing our collective mental health—we’re not broken, but we are fragile.”
Psychologist Sofia Pkhaladze, creator of the innovative SOPHY app, describes the video’s uniqueness: “The viewer experiences a transformative journey from isolation to connection. As light dispels the shadows, we witness bravery unfolding—embracing trust and warmth. The act of shedding clothing symbolizes openness: ‘I choose to trust.’ This intimate exchange builds a bridge, echoing acceptance and safety.”
To align with the release of Barskih’s first English-language single, his team, alongside psychologist Pkhaladze, launched “Together We Are Strong,” a free resource section within the SOPHY app. This initiative provides vital psychological support, assisting Ukrainians both at home and abroad in navigating anxiety and trauma stemming from the ongoing conflict.
Written by:
Max Barskih / @max_barskih
Produced by:
Anton Kukri/ @anton_kukri
Max Barskih/ @max_barskih
Mix & Master:
Olexander Slinchenko/ @msp_records
Director:
Alan Badoev/ @alanbadoev
Producer:
Julia Vertkova-Pilunskaya / @juliapilunska
Nataliia Synelnykova / @synelnykova_nataliia
DOP:
Cherniavskyi Dmytro/ @chikunia
Art department:
Gala Venglovska / @gala_arx
Style:
Gianni/ @gianni.vas
Assistant:
Yana Nadvorna/ @nadvvorna
Make-up artist:
Julia Schelkonogova/ @schelkonogova
Assistants:
Sasha Konovalova/ @sashakonovalovaa
Masha Starovoytova/ @mari_starovoytova
Hair artist:
Julia Stets / @stetsjulia
Assistant:
Illya Kanishchew/ @eliuxins
1-st AD:
Iana Mazana / @ianamazana
Directors assistant:
Valery Skachek/ @valeryskachek
Location manager:
Viktor Shava/ @viktorshava
Editing:
Trent Pazl/ @trent_pazl
Colorist :
Yerlan Tanayev/ @yerrekke
VFX:
Konstantin Evtukhov/ @evtukhov.fx
Title design:
IIlya Shulzhenko/ @ilya.shulzhenko
Focus puller:
Karpets Andrii/ @karpets_dop
Gaffer:
Leonid Sidorenko/ @leonidsidor
Casting:
Sasha Dudchenko/ @sashadudchenko
Models:
Savchynets Margarita/ @margarita_oliverivna
Artur Slisarenko/ @equimo9 / @bg_mgmt
Artem Boichuk/ @nknwn4rt1st / @bg_mgmt
Artem Zhernovyi/ @_proklyatyy_ / @bg_mgmt
Denys Volkov/ @denysvolkovv / @bg_mgmt
Diana Kim/ @wasssabidi / @intermodelsma
Nelly Vakulenko/ @vakumnasty /@intermodelsma
Maria Jenifer/ @tilojennyfer / @intermodelsma
Evhen Muntyan/ @jenyamuntyan /@intermodelsma
Olesia Nadieieva/ @olesianadieieva /
agent UA Anna Degusar, EU/ @rtalent_agency
Sound on set:
Vlad Kostyuk/ @itsmevlados
Rental company:
Patriot rental/ @patriotrental
Starwagen.ua / @starwagen.ua
Catering:
Energy Catering/ @energy_catering
Administrator:
Borisenko Dima/ @dima__borisenko
Photographer:
Yaroslav Bugaev/ @yaroslavbugaev
Yegor Parker/ @yegorparker
Backstage:
Stepan Bergeu/ @bybergeu
Special thanks for clothing:
TTSWTRS clothing brand/ @ttswtrs
PUMA Ukraine/ @pumaukraine
GUDU/ @gudu_official
SYNDICATE KYIV/ @sndct_kyiv
MD Fashion/ @md_fashion.ua
® Match Denim/ @match_denim_com
Special thanks:
DIZA | Object design. Furniture/ @diza_collective
Production:
BADOEVTEAM Production / @badoevteam_official 2025
