This collection brings together the personal reflections of law students from Ukraine, sharing their unique relationships with music during a crucial time in the nation’s history. As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of 2025, these young legal minds offer intimate glimpses into how music shapes their identities, provides emotional refuge, and connects them to their cultural heritage.
Each contribution reveals not only individual musical preferences—from traditional Ukrainian folk and modern Ukrainian rock to K-pop and classical compositions—but also how these soundtracks intertwine with their experiences of daily life, national identity, and personal resilience. Many reflect on how their listening habits have evolved since the full-scale invasion, with several noting a conscious shift toward supporting Ukrainian artists as an expression of cultural solidarity.
These reflections stand as a testament to music’s power to heal, inspire, and unite during difficult times, while offering valuable insight into the perspectives of Ukraine’s next generation of legal professionals.
Valeria Zalizniak:
I can’t call myself a true music lover because music is not central to my life and I rarely listen to it much. For me, it’s more like a background accompaniment to everyday activities or way to emphasize my mood. However, even in my small playlist there are songs and artists that fascinate me, make me stop and listen. Most often these are foreign artists whose songs just fit my mood. But since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, I have consciously started listening to Ukrainian musicians more often, as if it were my small contribution to supporting my culture in these difficult times. In particular, one of these discoveries for me was the Kyiv-based band Ziferblat. I found out about them relatively recently, during the National Selection for Eurovision 2024, and they immediately caught my interest.
Their album «Перетворення» was a real discovery for me because it showed Ukrainian music from a completely different perspective. Among my favourite tracks are «Диско-фанко терапія» and «Для чого ти прийшла?». These two songs evoke completely different emotions in me and that’s why I love them so much. The first one makes me want to move, smile and forget all my problems, while the second one on the contrary, makes me stop, listen to every word and experience something deep. Such contrasts help me to escape from the harsh routine and feel more emotions.
I should also mention their recent song “Bird of Pray”. It may seem difficult to understand at first, but with each new listen I discover even more meaning. The band members said that this song became their reflection on the current situation in Ukraine. It inspires me and reminds me that after the darkest times, light will definitely come.
Their work for me is not just music, but life stories, emotions and support in difficult times.
Serhii Savchenko:
Music plays an important role in my life. I listen to different types of music, but the ones that mean the most to me are those with deep lyrics and strong emotions. Lately, I enjoy listening to Ukrainian rock and modern patriotic music. It helps me feel more connected to myself and the world around me.
One of the bands I often listen to is “Кому вниз.” Their music is powerful and thoughtful. It gives me energy and makes me stop and reflect. Their songs have a serious tone, and they often touch on topics that are important for thinking — life, identity, and values. This music really makes me feel more focused.
Another band I like is “Тінь сонця.” Their music is inspiring and emotional. When I listen to them, I feel uplifted and motivated. Their songs often talk about strength, hope, and dignity. It’s the kind of music that helps me keep going, especially when I feel uncertain or tired. They make me believe in better days.
Taras Zhytynskyi is another artist I enjoy. His songs are calm and soulful. When I need to relax or find some peace, I turn on his music. It helps me feel balanced and brings a sense of comfort. There’s something very honest and heartfelt in the way he sings, and I really appreciate that.
For me, music is more than just sound. It helps me think, feel, and sometimes understand myself better. It’s like a friend that’s always there — in different moods, at different times.
Elizaveta Kolomiiets:
Music in 2025 in Ukraine
Music is something I can’t imagine my life without. It’s always there for me: when I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I need to collect my thoughts or, on the contrary, when I need to relax. I have very diverse tastes, so I listen to music from different genres – it all depends on my mood or situation. I’m a music lover, and I’m interested in discovering new sounds, styles, and emotions that music conveys.
One of the genres I really love is K-pop. It attracts attention with its bright concepts, dynamic melodies and atmosphere. K-pop has a lot of drive, energy, but also emotional depth. Sometimes the songs motivate and inspire, and sometimes they just put you in a good mood. I like the fact that this genre is constantly evolving – there is always something new to get excited about.
In addition, I listen to heavy metal, and although it sounds a bit paradoxical, it often helps me calm down. There’s something about heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals that allows you to “let off steam” and get rid of excess tension. This music gives me a sense of strength, and with it I find inner balance faster.
Sometimes I turn to the classics. For example, Vivaldi is not just a background, it’s music that makes you think. It helps you to stop, to be alone with your thoughts, to feel something deeper.
Ukrainian songs often create an atmosphere of warmth, familiarity, and something very personal. I often listen to songs that are similar to folk songs that were sung long ago. But also those that are quite modern. For example, I love the rock band Hate speech, they have tracks about the pressing problems of our time, specifically about the state. Sometimes you listen to them to keep your spirits up and to take off your so-called rose-coloured glasses because not everything is always good, and you need to realize that.
For me, music is a way to express myself, to understand the world better and just to feel that I am alive.
Victoria Vasylenko:
I really love calm music that has a deep meaning. For me, music is not just sound—it’s something that helps me feel, remember, and understand myself better. I usually listen to music when I go to the gym or when I travel to the university. It helps me focus, gives me energy.
Most of the songs in my playlist are not random. Each one of them brings me back to a special moment in my life. It can be a happy time, a sad day, or just something small, like a memory of walking home in the evening. Music connects me to my past, but also helps me enjoy the present.
I don’t like loud or aggressive music. I prefer soft melodies, quiet rhythms. I feel that even a simple melody with a few words can make me stop and think. These kinds of songs help me to explore my own thoughts.When life is busy or stressful, this kind of music gives me peace.
Songs with lyrics but a calm style are especially helpful when I feel tired or upset. After a hard day, I like to put on my headphones, lie down, and just listen. It helps me relax, forget the stress, and feel strong again.
Right now, my favorite artist is Nikow, and my favorite song is “Moments” This song is full of emotion, but not too loud. The words are simple, but they stay in my heart. Every time I listen to it, I feel calm and inspired at the same time. It reminds me to enjoy the little things and not to rush through life.
In general, music is very important in my everyday life. It is not just background noise—it is my support, my motivation, and sometimes even my therapy.
Valeria Stashko:
It’s not hard to agree that music is a fantastic thing. Honestly, I think my life would not feel so emotional and special without music. Some songs that I listened to during different times in my life remind me of moments from the past. There are certain songs that always bring memories when I hear them.
For example, the song Ta4to by Boombox, a Ukrainian band, has very painful lyrics and meaning for me. Last summer, I heard a part of this song on TikTok. The chorus had these words: «…if only I knew where you are, who you are with… and not believe the nonsense that you are gone». These words touched my heart and made me feel very sad. A few hours later, I found out that someone very close to me had passed away. That’s why this song is painful for me, and when I hear it now, I remember that terrible summer day.
In general, Boombox’s music is very emotional, meaningful, and full of atmosphere. Songs like Diagnosis and Kym My Buly (Who We Were) are energetic and always inspire me to do something, surprise others, and stay true to my values.
Another song I must mention is Perfect by Ed Sheeran. Every time I hear it, I smile. For me, this song is about true love. Maybe in the future, I would like to dance to this song at my wedding.
I already wrote about songs that make me feel sad, happy, or smile. But I also want to write about songs that make me think about life in general. Some examples are Shape of My Heart and Englishman in New York by Sting, and Hai Shumlyat by Pyrih (Groves make noise). These songs are all different, but they always make me think about my life today and what will happen tomorrow.
Melania Melnyk:
Music is a part of my life. I can’t imagine my life without music, as I listen to it when I read books, wash the dishes, go to university, or walk outside. I listen to different kinds of music every day, but today I’ve been listening to Lana Del Rey all day, especially her songs like Art Deco, Carmen, Paris, Texas, and Fishtail. I really love Lana Del Rey’s songs because I’ve been listening to her since I was seven years old, and I grew up with her music. To me, her songs are like lullabies — I often listen to them before falling asleep. The song Paris, Texas inspires me deeply, and I usually listen to it when I’m writing essays or painting pictures. Through this song, I find harmony and inspiration to create, to dream, and to live. I also listen to the rock band Radiohead because their songs make me think about the future. My favourite song by this band is Let Down.
When I listen to it, it feels like music understands me better than people do. Another band I really love is The Smiths. I tend to worry a lot, and when I try to calm down, I listen to the song Back to the Old House. I first heard this song when I was 8 years old, and I realized that now I will always be in love with this piece of music. Also, when I try to calm down after a hard day at university, I drink green tea and listen to the Canadian singer Mac DeMarco, especially my favourite song My Kind of Woman. This piece of music helps me feel safe and forget about all the bad moments that happened today. Music is like air to me because I simply can’t live without it — it helps me feel less alone.
Bohdan Polishchuk:
Today, my musical day was rich in emotions, just like the life of a Ukrainian student. The morning started with the sounds of modern Ukrainian ethno-electronica. These rhythms, which combine ancient melodies with modern beats, give me a deep sense of connection to my roots. It’s like a conversation with the past, which at the same time fills the present with pride in our culture and a subtle sadness for the trials our country is going through. Listening to these songs, I imagine the wide steppes, the singing of the flute in the Carpathian mountains, and feel the indomitable spirit of our people. In the afternoon, I preferred more melancholic piano pieces by Ukrainian composers. In their gentle, sometimes piercing chords, I find space for quiet reflection.
These melodies help me to comprehend the complex emotions that are swirling around me-anxiety about the future, compassion for those who have suffered, and at the same time an unquenchable hope for the best. Each note seems to echo someone’s thoughts and experiences, and in this musical unity I feel not alone. When my heart is particularly heavy and I need real peace, I turn to traditional Ukrainian instrumental music, especially the magical sounds of the bandura. Its smooth, shimmering melodies act on me like a healing balm.
They envelop me with a sense of comfort and serenity, as if a gentle wind were swaying the grasses in my native fields. In these moments, I can let go of tension and find inner balance. And when studying becomes particularly exhausting and it seems that I have no more strength, my main source of inspiration is the powerful and anthemic Ukrainian rock. Its energetic rhythms, strong voices, and patriotic lyrics awaken my inner strength and determination. These songs remind me of our indomitable spirit, of the struggle for freedom, and of the bright future we strive for. They fill me with optimism and faith that all difficulties can be overcome. Thus, my musical journey today has become a reflection of my inner world, full of pain and hope, sadness and faith, but always deeply.
Yulia Samoilenko:
I love listening to music, especially when I go to university. Every day I listen to different music, it all depends on my mood. It may also depend on the weather. If the weather is cold and gray like today, you want to listen to slower music. And if you go to class in the morning and you want to sleep, it’s better to listen to cheerful and lively music to wake up. I don’t have 1 song that I liked the most. Because if you listen to 1 song too many times, it starts to get boring. That’s why I try to update my playlist every week. As for Ukrainian music, there is 1 group whose songs were written a long time ago. And this is a band called Boombox, they have a lot of songs that were written 10-15 years ago, but they are very relevant now.
Nikita Klepets:
Lately, I’ve also been diving into rock music, particularly some Ukrainian rock bands that blend emotional depth with powerful instrumentation. One of my favorites is Okean Elzy, a band that has shaped the modern Ukrainian music scene. Their songs are combining rock with folk influences, and the lyrics resonate with themes of love, longing, and the human experience.
Another Ukrainian rock band I listen to is Kozak System. Their music is filled with energy, merging rock with traditional Ukrainian sounds, and it has a rebellious, yet grounded spirit. Songs like “Pisnia pro nezlamnykh” inspire me because of their raw, powerful lyrics and fighting for freedom. The way their music uses folk motifs mixed with electric guitar riffs creates a sound that’s both modern and deeply connected to Ukrainian heritage.
Rock music, especially the Ukrainian bands I listen to, often stirs a mix of emotions—sometimes nostalgia, sometimes motivation. It makes me feel connected to something greater, and it reminds me of how music can express both personal and collective experiences.
Maria Borshchenko:
Music is truly an amazing tool that can be used both to calm yourself down for meditation and to energize yourself to do things. For me personally, music has become an essential part of my life. Among the genres, I especially like rap and pop music. Rap appeals to me with its energy, fast pace, and strong beat, while pop music often inspires with its catchy tunes and positive lyrics. I particularly love foreign artists, mainly from America. For example, I enjoy the work of artists like Future, Isabel La Rosa, The Weeknd, and many others. Today, I listened to pop music. Its melodic rhythms and positive vibe created a light and pleasant atmosphere.
Music in general evokes a wide range of emotions and thoughts in me. When I listen to happy songs, I feel joy and upliftment, and when I choose more relaxed compositions, they help me unwind and delve into my thoughts. It’s important to note that I usually don’t listen to Ukrainian songs. Of course, there are some old songs that I heard in childhood, and when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic, I might put them on. But most of the time, I prefer foreign music. I’m not a fan of classical music or jazz. As for music that calms me down, it’s often melodic and smooth compositions from modern genres.
It’s also worth mentioning that I try to listen mainly to happy or calm, but not sad songs. Sad music can negatively affect my mood and even my achievements because we often unconsciously project the lyrics of songs onto our lives. Therefore, you need to choose music carefully so that it supports a positive state and inspires, rather than the other way around. Modern music with its variety of genres and styles always resonates with my soul, helping me experience every moment of life more vividly. It’s great that you can pick any song to match your mood, the weather, or how you’re feeling, and you’ll experience that song in a completely different way each time.
Diana Yasha:
Today I listen to different music. Usually on the road, or when I’m in a good mood. I prefer the music of Ukrainian and foreign artists – usually Americans. As a Ukrainian, I refuse to listen to Russian music.
Music helps me relax and start the day in a good mood. When I feel stressed or tired, I like to listen to pop music. These are mostly songs by Isabel LaRosa, Adele, Lana Del Rey, The Weeknd, Nikow or Boombox. Their songs have pleasant melodies that make me calm and put me in a good mood. For example, the songs Favorite, I’m yours, Eyes don’t lie, Older, Closer by Isabelle LaRosa are my favorites. From Nikov – Moments, So sweet, Addiction. Also love the Devil Eyes track by Hippie Sabotage and Summertime Sadness track by Lana Del Rey. I listen to these songs in moments of joy and in moments of sadness. It’s just that when I’m happy, I don’t listen to the words, but only enjoy the sound, while in sad moments, on the contrary, I listen to the text.
Music helps me feel many emotions. It helps me think about life, dreams and hope. It distracts a lot from everyday life and problems. She reminds that in everyday you can find something good and enjoy life.
Maria Shchavinska:
Music is very important to me. I once heard a saying: “Nothing preserves memory like perfume and music”. This is really true. I associate every period of my life with music, a particular song. Some people from my environment now or in the past are also associated with certain songs. Since the start of the full-scale war, I don’t listen to Russian music or to those artists who sing in Russian or have ties to Russia. I really love good Ukrainian music, and now it’s developing rapidly, with many new cool artists and new songs.
My favourite songs are most of those by Khrystyna Soloviy. My favourite is “Who else but you?”. The music of this artist conveys the beauty of Ukrainian music, Lemko songs, Ukrainian folklore.
I also listen to the music of SadSvit. It is associated with a full-scale war and incredible people from my environment. This music motivates me. My favourites are “Sky”, “Youth”, “Remember Your Home”, and “The Last Day”. For me, the music of Volodymyr Ivasyuk is a classic of Ukrainian music. This is the music I’ve been listening to since childhood, I grew up with this music. Some of my favourite songs are “Stozhary” and “Song will be among us”.
In addition to Ukrainian music, I love Italian music, and in my opinion, the classics of Italian music are the songs of Toto Cutugno. My favourite songs are “Il Tempo Se Ne Va” and “Confessa”. This is the music of my childhood, because my parents listen to this music all the time. I also prefer the music of the band Maneskin. It’s driving music.
Also, as for foreign music, it is French music, namely: “Qué vendrá” and “Je Veux”.
Music is a very important part of my life, because music can “heal”, motivate, and relax.
Andrii Nozdratenko:
I’m entirely dependent on music. I have it playing every day, in every situation: driving, going to university, at home, while cleaning, and even when I run to the nearest store. My life would be incomplete without music.
If you ask me about my favourite kind of music, I won’t answer because I enjoy all. My musical tastes are so broad that I can’t choose a favorite genre.
Today I listened to a mix of modern music that really made me reflect and feel deeply. One of the songs that calms me down is “Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi — its soft melody and emotional lyrics help me relax and think clearly. It feels like the music understands my emotions, especially during quiet moments. To find inspiration, I rely on Sia’s “Unstoppable,” as it provides me with a powerful dose of confidence and energy. Her powerful voice and lyrics remind me that I can overcome any challenge. Music often helps me connect to my feelings, bringing peace or strength depending on the moment.
A popular kind of music today is electro-pop, with artists like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo becoming global stars. Their songs are not only catchy, but they also speak about real emotions — love, sadness, hope, and change. I believe that the power of today’s music comes from its ability to merge compelling rhythms with deeply personal experiences.
But lately, I’ve also been listening to modern Ukrainian music, which touches my heart in a special way. One of the songs that inspires me is “Stefania” by Kalush Orchestra — it’s not just a beautiful blend of folk and rap, but also a tribute to mothers and Ukrainian identity. It makes me feel proud and emotional.
Another artist who makes me think and feel deeply is Alyona Alyona. Her powerful lyrics talk about real life, inner strength, and believing in yourself. She’s a voice of the new generation in Ukraine. Also, Khrystyna Soloviy sings beautiful, emotional songs like “Trymai” and “Ya tvoya zbroya”, which mix poetry and deep feelings — they calm me and make me reflect on love and inner peace. Ukrainian music now carries a strong sense of meaning and a powerful spirit.
In short, music is more than entertainment for me — it’s a way to feel, to understand myself better, and to stay inspired.
Maksim Demkiv:
In fact, I probably don’t have a specific favourite genre. Quite often I listen to Ukrainian-language hookah rap or pop music. In the morning, before studying or working, on the way in the car, I listen to definitely positive songs, which sometimes don’t make sense, but they lift my mood and motivation, in the evening after a difficult day, I listen to measured, calm music to just relax. As for songs that inspire, I can say this, during the war, moral fatigue from the situation, I am definitely inspired by songs by guys who, in the style of hookah rap, express their thoughts about the war and see the positive, who raise deep questions of patriotism and devotion to their country. During the working day, when laziness takes its toll, I often turn on energetic music that increases the pace and makes me do work faster and more productively. I can’t even name specific songs because they are different every time, they depend on the Apple Music mood.
