Instead of Cash, This Ukrainian Band Was Paid in Buckwheat for Their Shows

The Story of the Band Lisapetnyi Battalion

According to Главком: In the early days of their career, the Ukrainian band Lisapetnyi Battalion received payment for performances in the form of food rather than money. Lead singer Nataliia Falion recently recalled in an interview with the Teshcha Gordona channel how the group's compensation has evolved over time. Starting out with concerts on collective farms, they were often paid with sacks of buckwheat-a payment the musicians found both amusing and humbling for professional artists.

'Our first gigs were on collective farms. We'd go there to sing and say, "Give us something. Even a sack of buckwheat." We'd split it up-five kilograms of buckwheat for each of us, and we were so happy. Back then, we earned maybe 50 hryvnias, then 100. Later, when they invited us to perform, I said, "Okay, but only if you sew us concert shoes, because we don't have any." And they did,' Nataliia Falion shared.

Modern Times and Charity Work

Today, Lisapetnyi Battalion continues to hold charity concerts, though they now spend money on logistics and event organization. The band does not have a fixed price list for performances, as costs vary depending on the client and audience. 'We have to do charity shows-completely free ones. But when oligarchs invite us, we can charge more to make sure everyone gets covered. We hustle however we can. You have to earn something from it, because this is your job, you're an artist,' Falion explained.

Lisapetnyi Battalion is known for its unique fanbase, which, according to the lead singer, has never been 'wealthy.' She emphasized that when the band performs in villages, ticket prices cannot be high because locals cannot afford them. During the first solo concert of singer Dmytro Volkanov at the Palace Ukraine, Nataliia Falion lifted the artist onto her shoulders on stage-a memorable highlight of the event. Volkanov is originally from the temporarily occupied city of Berdiansk.

Thus, Lisapetnyi Battalion continues to preserve its uniqueness, blending traditions of the past with the modern realities of the music industry.

Changes in the band's financial conditions reflect broader trends in the Ukrainian music industry, where artists adapt to new economic realities and societal needs. By maintaining their authenticity, Lisapetnyi Battalion actively engages in charity work, underscoring their social responsibility and connection with their audience. This approach helps the band stay relevant and foster cultural dialogue amid contemporary challenges.