Hyphen Dash is a Kyiv-based trio featuring Myshko Birchenko (drums), Yevhen Puhachov (guitar, bass), Polina Maiboroda (keys) and Dmytro Startsev (keys, FX). Their music blends hip-hop, jazz, electronica, and prog-rock, offering a fresh take on instrumental sound. With a focus on experimentation, they aim to redefine existing music genres.

This band won the Ukrainian Jazz Award, which was presented for the first time in 2026 (I was a member of the jury). As a result, they’ll be performing at the General Assembly of the European Jazz Network (EJN) and a few additional concerts, such as on the 23rd at P&B or the following day at the Unterfahrt in Munich. Check that out! CH

“The international jury of the Ukrainian Jazz Prize is pleased to announce that the Grand Prix for Best Ukrainian Jazz Band 2025 is awarded to HYPHEN DASH. The trio impressed the jury with their adventurous musical language, and strong artistic identity, combining complex structures with a sense of playfulness, dance, and humor. Their performance stands out for its originality and bold approach to improvisation, revealing a young ensemble with significant international potential. The jury also acknowledges the band’s growing visibility on the European scene, marking them as an exciting act to watch in the coming years.”