YAKTAK: The Band Inspiring Millions with Honest, Heartfelt Pop

In an era dominated by complex production and genre-blending experimentation, YAKTAK - the Ukrainian pop band - stands out for their emotional honesty, lyrical simplicity, and raw connection with audiences. Their music offers a breath of fresh air, blending youth, joy, and introspection into powerful anthems that resonate deeply with millions across Ukraine and beyond.

From Small Town Roots to International Recognition

The story of YAKTAK begins in the small village of Stara Vyzhivka in the Volyn region, where the band’s frontman and lead vocalist, Yaroslav Karpuk, was born. Music runs deep in his family - his grandparents were professional music and vocal teachers - and Yaroslav himself has been singing since the age of four. From a young age, he actively participated in competitions and talent shows, including Ukraine’s "The Voice" in 2019, where he reached the superfinal and secured second place, just five votes shy of victory.

This national exposure ignited a spark that would eventually lead to the formation of YAKTAK, the band, with Hlib Parkhomenko, Viktor Tsapenko, and Alisa Klishchuk by 2020, and later joined by Danilo Tsimko and Oleksandr Voloshyn. By 2022, the group began writing and performing original songs, with Yaroslav composing both lyrics and melodies. Their music is marked by sincerity, emotional clarity, and a contemporary sound that blends seamlessly with Ukraine’s evolving pop landscape.

Rise to Stardom

In February 2022, YAKTAK officially launched as a musical project based in Kyiv. Despite its recent origins, the band quickly rose to fame. Their breakout single “Pohlyad” (“The Look”), a collaboration with SOBOL, topped the Apple Music charts in Ukraine and held the No. 1 spot for several weeks. Their other tracks, including “Endorphin,” “Don’t Be Silent,” and “10 Floors,” gained millions of views and streams, propelling them into YouTube trends and major radio rotations.

The band’s success is built not just on studio recordings, but on live performance and artistic collaborations. YAKTAK has performed alongside top Ukrainian artists, including Jerry Heil (“In an Empty Room”), KOLA (“Redcurrant”), Golubenko (“You Dance Alone,” “Cold Spring”), and music icon Sviatoslav Vakarchuk (“In the Night Sky”).

To date, their collaborative releases have surpassed 25 million views. In 2023, YAKTAK won the MUZVAR AWARD for “Best New Pop Group” and followed up with a studio album titled Pid Hitaru (“By the Guitar”) in 2024, featuring eight new songs.

The Band has toured over a dozen European cities, as well as Canada, attracting diverse audiences across continents, and has showcased at multiple Music Festivals across Europe.

A Band Built on Dreams and Grit

In interviews, YAKTAK’s frontman often speaks about the band’s journey with humility and focus:

“I’ve been working toward this for a long time. Music is what I live for. Everything we do is real, and that’s exactly who we are.”

He emphasizes the importance of believing in your vision, even when the world doesn’t yet hear your voice.

“Just two years ago, we were writing songs no one knew. Today, millions are singing along. Believe in yourself. Keep going. Never stop.”

The Meaning Behind YAKTAK

The name “YAKTAK” emerged during a brainstorming session between the band’s lead and his creative team. It’s a play on the frontman’s first and last initials: “Ya” from Yaroslav and “K” from Karpuk. Together, they formed “YAK,” and with a touch of creative flair, “YAKTAK” was born - now a name recognized across the music scene.

What’s Next

YAKTAK continues to evolve musically, with aspirations to incorporate more ethnic motifs and broaden their stylistic range. Despite their swift rise, the band remains grounded, focused on creating honest music that captures real emotions and connects across generations.

Their latest release with KOLA - a sun-soaked summer track - embodies that mission.

“This song is filled with the warmth and joy of summer,” said the band’s frontman. “It’s about happy memories, carefree days, and the soundtrack to our lives.”

From small-town beginnings to the top of the charts, YAKTAK’s story is one of authenticity, resilience, and the power of dreaming big. And for their growing legion of fans, this is only the beginning.