“Boombox” is a Ukrainian band formed in 2004 in Kyiv. The group became a landmark phenomenon in contemporary Ukrainian culture, blending funk, hip-hop, rock, soul and pop into a vivid, instantly recognizable sound.
Their songs combine honest lyrics, street philosophy and strong melodies, while the charisma of frontman Andrii Khlyvniuk has made the band a cult act across the post-Soviet space.
Formation and Early Years
The band was formed in the spring of 2004, when three musicians — Andrii Khlyvniuk, Andrii “Mukha” Samoilo and Valentyn Matiyuk (DJ Valik) — gathered at Khlyvniuk’s apartment and recorded several demo tracks.
This is how “Boombox” was born — a name symbolizing street culture, vinyl aesthetics and musical freedom.
Original Lineup:
- Andrii Khlyvniuk — vocals, lyricist
- Andrii “Mukha” Samoilo — guitar
- Valentyn Matiyuk (DJ Valik) — DJ, scratching, samples
Later they were joined by:
- Oleksandr Lyulyakin — drums (since 2010)
- Denys Levchenko — bass (since 2010)
Band Members
Andrii Khlyvniuk
Born on 14 December 1979 in Cherkasy.
Graduated from a music school with a focus on choral singing. Took his first professional steps with the band “Mandarynovyi Rai”, with whom he won the “Perlyny sezonu” festival in 2001.
After moving to Kyiv, he worked with the project Tartak, where he met DJ Valik.
Khlyvniuk is the author of most Boombox lyrics. His writing combines colloquial simplicity with emotional depth.
In 2022, he became one of the symbols of Ukrainian musical resistance after performing “Oi u luzi chervona kalyna” in military gear on the streets of Kyiv. This performance was later used by Pink Floyd in their track “Hey Hey Rise Up”.
Andrii “Mukha” Samoilo
Born in Lutsk, he started out in the band “Mukhy v chaye” (“Flies in Tea”).
Known for his signature melodic guitar style — a fusion of funk riffs and blues phrasing.
He is the author of many Boombox arrangements and also works as a producer for other artists.
Valentyn Matiyuk (DJ Valik)
Originally from Novovolynsk.
Before Boombox, he performed as a DJ and worked with Tartak.
He is responsible for the trademark scratching, sampling and hip-hop aesthetics in the band’s sound.
Thanks to Valentyn, Boombox gained its unique blend of analog groove and urban atmosphere.
Oleksandr Lyulyakin
Joined the band in 2010.
Previously a drummer for the cult band Tabula Rasa, he also played with Vopli Vidopliassova.
Known for tight timing and powerful live energy, his arrival refreshed Boombox’s concert sound.
Denys Levchenko
Bass player, joined in 2010.
His groove became an integral part of the live shows. He is also involved in sound engineering and production.
Discography and Creative Evolution
2005 — “Melomaniia”
Debut album that spread “hand to hand”.
Tracks like “Super-Puper”, “Diahnos” and “Emeliia” became their first radio hits.
The sound: smooth funk with elements of hip-hop and acoustic vibes.
2006 — “Family Biznes”
Breakthrough release. Hits “Vakhtaram” and “Khottabych” were recorded in Russian.
These songs brought the band wide recognition beyond Ukraine.
The album introduced a more “electronic” touch while preserving the emotional sincerity of the lyrics.
2008 — “Ш (Troika)”
An album marked by rhythmic and stylistic experimentation.
The songs became more socially aware and introspective.
A remix compilation “Blends, Mixes and Other Musical Parodies” was released alongside it.
2010 — “Vse vkliucheno” (“All Inclusive”)
Recorded with the updated lineup.
Received wide acclaim for its richer live sound and hits like “Naodintsi” and “Koly vona”.
2017 — “Holyi Korol” (EP)
EP featuring five tracks, including “Kolyshnia” and “Liudy”.
The music became more mature, emotional and philosophical.
2019 — “Taiemnyi Kod: Rubikon”
One of the band’s most accomplished works, structured as two parts — “Taiemnyi Kod” and “Rubikon”.
Themes include coming of age, inner search, love and social change.
Style and Musical Identity
Boombox’s sound is a balance of soulful acoustics and street funk, where hip-hop coexists with blues, and pop blends with rock elements.
Key features:
- live instruments instead of backing tracks;
- lyrics with a poetic structure and vivid imagery;
- the unique tone and delivery of Andrii Khlyvniuk’s voice;
- use of both Ukrainian and Russian in early releases;
- improvisations, jams, acoustic sets.
International Recognition
Boombox became one of the first Ukrainian bands to gain notable international attention without the support of major Western labels.
They have performed in the USA, Canada, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
In 2022, global media covered Khlyvniuk’s collaboration with Pink Floyd, which became a historic milestone for Ukrainian music.
The track “Hey Hey Rise Up” entered international charts and became a musical symbol of support for Ukraine.
Interesting Facts
- The name “Boombox” symbolizes the era of cassette players, street dancing and raw live sound.
- The band never uses playback at concerts.
- The hit “Vakhtaram” was recorded spontaneously in just two takes, without heavy studio polishing.
- The video for “Naodintsi” features real fans of the band.
- Andrii Khlyvniuk served in Kyiv’s Territorial Defense Forces while continuing to perform and support Ukraine through music.
- In 2019, Boombox headlined the Atlas Weekend festival.
- The band has taken part in numerous charity tours, raising millions of hryvnias to support the Ukrainian army.
Impact and Legacy
Boombox has had a tremendous influence on the development of modern Ukrainian music.
Their style became a reference point for a new generation of artists — from The Hardkiss to Monatik.
Their songs helped bridge generations and proved that Ukrainian-language music can be modern, relevant and globally appealing.
Conclusion
Boombox is more than a band — it is a symbol of Ukrainian identity, integrity and humanity in music.
Their songs are heard at festivals, in headphones, at rallies and on the front line — reminding us that music can be a weapon of light.
For over 20 years, the band has preserved its sincerity, live energy and the respect of its listeners, earning its place as a true legend of the Ukrainian scene.
