UNZIP is a media project by Public Broadcasting, immersing listeners in the world of archival Ukrainian music, rare recordings, and cultural layers that have shaped the nation’s musical identity. The episodes combine music, history, and conversation, making UNZIP not just an entertainment format, but a true art project with a deep emotional resonance.
One of the most prominent features of the podcast is the charisma of its host, Albert Tsukrenko, a musician and member of the band “Khamerman Znyshchuye Virusy.” His voice, intonations, approach to dialogue, and subtle musical taste give UNZIP a unique flavor. He’s not just a host, but a researcher and interlocutor who gently guides the listener through the archives, revealing long-forgotten recordings, commenting on their context, and linking them to historical eras. This style makes the podcast feel like a live musical journey.
In 2025, UNZIP gained recognition and received the “Slyshno” award in the categories “Podcast about Culture and Arts” and “Historical Podcast.” This confirmed the high quality and originality of the project.
The podcast regularly releases fascinating episodes that do not just broadcast music, but uncover cultural and historical contexts, lesser-known facts, artist biographies, and the influence of various eras on music. Each episode combines archival music, historical narratives, and discussions with guests. The topics include music from the 60s to the 80s, rare recordings from Ukrainian Radio archives, analysis of music genres and styles, individual artist stories, and the cultural contexts of specific eras.
Listeners often note that UNZIP has a “cozy atmosphere”—it feels like you’re sitting next to the host as they hand you a CD or an old vinyl record, play a song, and then discuss it. It’s a unique “entry into the music archives”, showing how emotions and history are embodied in sounds and lyrics.
Topics covered in the podcast
- Ukrainian music from the 60s to the 80s
- Rare recordings from Ukrainian Radio archives
- Music genres and styles: influences and evolution
- Biographies of Ukrainian musicians and artists
- Political and cultural context in music
- The influence of different eras on music and society
- Music recordings and studio life in the Soviet era
- Legendary albums and tracks that changed Ukrainian culture
- Relationships between musicians and the state
- Music creation in conditions of limited resources
- The influence of Western culture on Ukrainian music
- Socio-political changes and their reflection in music
UNZIP is a podcast that not only reproduces music but also explores the depth of how that music was created and how it reflected the realities of its time. It’s a journey through time via sounds and words, where each episode opens up new horizons.
Thanks to the charismatic host and high-quality content, UNZIP has become an important part of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, helping listeners dive into the archives of Ukrainian music and understand how our musical culture influenced society. The recognition of the “Slyshno” award only reinforces the podcast’s value in the Ukrainian media space.