Max Barskih (Макс Барских) is a Ukrainian pop singer who has grown in popularity in recent years. His first performance was in 2008 on a Ukrainian television show called Star Factory 2.[1] Two years later, he was named best Ukrainian performer by the MTV Europe Music Awards. He is 30 years old but has already won several major awards. He has primarily performed in Ukraine and Russia. However, in 2018 he embarked on his first tour outside of the post-Soviet space. He performed in England, Canada, and the United States. His songs are either in Russian or English and, rarely, in Ukrainian.
Max Barskih’s music is pop and electro-dance and has been popular among younger listeners. Some of his popular songs include “Теряю тебя” (“I’m Losing You”) and “Моя любовь” (“My Love”). His music is upbeat and lively and has been known to top the dance charts. He has tried his hand at acting and has appeared in some movie musicals such as, “Mademoiselle Zhivago”. His love for acting can be seen in his music videos. They are all well-choreographed and slightly over the top. They have also been known to win awards along with his music.
Max Barskih’s music has actually been helpful to bridge the divide been Russia and Ukrainian while addressing some Ukrainian national problems. Following the annexation of Crimea in 2014, many Ukrainian artists were not allowed to perform in Russia and many Russian artists were not welcome in Ukraine.[2] Max Barskih was one of the few Ukrainian artists who actually maintained his popularity in Russia. Most of his songs are in Russian and appeal to a wide audience of Russian speakers in the post-Soviet space, including in Ukraine. With him being allowed to perform in Russia and still being a popular artist there, it allows for a type of cultural diplomacy. By being a positive Ukrainian presence in Russian music, Max Barskih is presenting a positive image of Ukrainians to the Russian public.
“Моя любовь” (“My Love”) Lyrics:
“Теряю тебя” (“I’m Losing You”):
“Теряю тебя” (“I’m Losing You”) Lyrics:
Медленно тают
Пустые слова
Нервно искусана губа
Кто-то теряет
Кто-то уйдёт
А после с памяти сотрёт
Равнодушное такси
Ждёт сегодня одного
Чтобы слёзы увезти
И не вернуть её…
Я теряю тебя!
Теряю тебя!
Я теряю тебя!
Теряю тебя…
Не думаю сейчас
Закрой глаза на час
Это наш последний раз
Когда я теряю тебя
Невозможно передать
Состояние внутри
Я сегодня потерял
И не бьётся бит в груди
Я теряю тебя!
Теряю тебя!
Я теряю тебя!
Теряю тебя…
Не думаю сейчас
Закрой глаза на час
Это наш последний раз
Когда я теряю тебя
Одна сигарета и пара минут
Я попробую уснуть
Холодные руки ласкают меня
Я просто схожу с ума
Я теряю тебя!
Теряю тебя!
Я теряю тебя!
Теряю тебя…
Я теряю тебя!
Теряю тебя!
Я теряю тебя!
Теряю тебя…
[1] “Max Barskih.” kino-teatr. Accessed May 7, 2020. Weblink.
[2] Rabimov, Stephan. “Turn It Up: Max Barskih and Ukrainian Pop Diplomacy.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, June 14, 2018. Weblink.
