Finalists of the National Selection for Eurovision-2025 pop group Molodi: what is known and the history of creation.

In the final of the National Selection for Eurovision-2025, the pop group Molodi will perform under the number three. The band was formed in 2022, and its founders are Kyrylo Rohovyi and Ivan Stepaniyshev – musicians from the temporarily occupied Mariupol. 'Glavcom' tells about their creative journey, the formation of the band, and the music with which they aim to conquer Europe.

What is known about the band Molodi

Kyrylo Rohovyi and Ivan Stepaniyshev met in a technical school where they studied to be electricians. They started their creative journey in their native Mariupol as street musicians. Later, they moved to Kyiv, where they continued to engage in music and develop their group.

'I am a singer and music producer from Mariupol. Before Van and I became a band, we were just ordinary guys who did music, played on the street, but had no clear idea of what we wanted from life. We did not know where to go or what to do. Because of this, our parents sent us to a technical school, where we met,' said Kyrylo Rohovyi in an interview with 'Focus.'

Rohovyi added that his brother remained in Mariupol: 'He made his choice, although I do not fully understand this decision.'

Ivan Stepaniyshev noted that he is a drummer, arranger, and music producer. He lived in Mariupol for nearly 19 years. He also has relatives in the occupied city, but the musician does not want to talk about it: 'I am not sure how my words can affect them, so I prefer to keep this topic personal.'

Before forming the band, Stepaniyshev worked as a drum teacher: 'This is what I did my whole conscious life until I started writing music. Teaching was my main source of income,' Stepaniyshev noted.

In the two years of its existence, Molodi has released 13 singles and managed to work with artists such as Michelle Andrade, Max Barskih, and Ostrovskyi. In addition to creating their own songs, the musicians also engage in sound production for other Ukrainian performers.

Why Molodi? The story behind the band's name

The name of the band Molodi was invented by their friend Mykyta Enleo. According to the musicians, it symbolizes the voice of the new generation, as the participants of the collective consider themselves young not only by age but also in their worldview and approach to life and creativity.

Personal life of the musicians

Kyrylo Rohovyi and Ivan Stepaniyshev are currently bachelors. According to the musicians, it is difficult to combine creativity and personal life.

'In my personal life, it is currently calm. I realized that it is difficult for me to combine creativity and personal life right now. I immerse myself in relationships completely, but I cannot afford it for now. Because of this, my sympathies remain unreciprocated. Building a relationship is a great responsibility, and after my last experience, I am not ready for this yet,' emphasized Rohovyi.

Stepaniyshev added that work occupies all of his Time, and besides his cat Lev, he has no one. The drummer believes that in time, when he achieves his desired goals, he will be able to find balance and have a loved one next to him:

'Honestly, combining personal life with creativity is not working for me so far. Work takes up all my time: I spend every day in the studio, striving to improve my skills, write music, and become better at what I do. In the evening, when I return home, I often continue to work – recording interviews or creating new tracks. For me, this is a priority right now, because the more I invest in my work, the closer I come to the success I dream of. But I believe that over time, when I achieve what I desire, I will find balance and have a loved one beside me.'

National Selection for Eurovision-2025

For the National Selection for Eurovision, the band chose the lyrical composition My Sea – an emotional song about the longing for home, the strength that is born through trials, and the faith that helps overcome difficulties. At 'Radio Promin,' the participants of the duo Molodi told that their contest song is about the struggle for identity and a love that cannot be destroyed.

For the song My Sea, the artists worked together with hitmakers from the Ukrainian music industry: author Andriy Parfienov and music producer Anton Chiliby. In case of victory in the National Selection, the members of the Molodi band view it as their mission to convey to the Eurovision audience the truth about the realities that Ukrainians live through during the war.