Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Los Colorados

Los Colorados is a polka-punk formed in 2006 in , known for their energetic fusion of , , and , often featuring humorous covers of international pop and rock hits reinterpreted in a lively style. The band's name originates from the term for the , a reference to the cluttered state of their early rehearsal space, with the article "Los" added to give it an exotic flair. Emerging from informal jam sessions among friends working in a local photo , the group—initially consisting of core members Sergii, Ruslan, and Rostyslav, later joined by drummer Sasha and Oleksandr "Lesyk" Drachuk—quickly developed a signature sound blending traditions with riffs, influences, and upbeat rhythms, sometimes dubbed "alco-rock" for its festive, irreverent vibe. Los Colorados rose to prominence through viral videos starting in the late 2000s, particularly their 2009 cover of Katy Perry's "," which captivated global audiences with its accordion-driven energy and theatrical performance, leading to widespread online acclaim and media coverage. Other notable covers include Rammstein's "" and Kings of Leon's "," alongside original tracks and adaptations, earning them a dedicated following in and despite limited mainstream success in . By the , they were performing regular gigs, including international tours in and , and continued to release music that celebrates their while pushing boundaries. Following Russia's full-scale of in , the band has continued performing and initiated fundraising campaigns, such as the "Musicians Defend " fund, to support soldiers.

History

Formation and Early Years

Los Colorados was formed in 2006 in , , by core members including Ruslan Prystupa and others as a casual group of friends engaging in jam sessions. The band originated from informal gatherings among individuals with shared musical interests, initially focused on creating music for enjoyment without formal commitments. Drawing from local combined with rock elements, the group's early influences reflected their Western Ukrainian roots and exposure to , , and traditions. These sessions evolved into initial performances at regional events and small venues in , where they began building a following through energetic live shows. By 2007, the band had developed their first original songs, including an early version of "Pomidory," which emphasized a polka-punk fusion style blending traditional rhythms with energy. They self-recorded the track and produced 100 CDs distributed as gifts to friends, marking their initial foray into original material. Through the pre-2009 period, Los Colorados gained local popularity in the area via consistent live performances at festivals and venues, alongside sharing self-recorded demos, all without involvement from major labels.

Breakthrough and International Recognition

Los Colorados achieved their breakthrough in early 2009 with a polka-style cover of 's "," uploaded to in March, which quickly amassed millions of views and drew widespread international attention. This viral success marked the band's transition from local performances to global recognition, highlighting their unique fusion of folk elements with contemporary pop. Building on this momentum, the band expanded their repertoire of covers, releasing high-profile interpretations that further amplified their online presence. Their 2012 cover of Rammstein's "" garnered over 11 million views on , solidifying their appeal to diverse audiences with its energetic accordion-driven arrangement. Similarly, a live rendition of ' "" showcased their ability to adapt rock anthems into lively folk performances, contributing to their growing fanbase across genres. In 2012, Los Colorados marked a significant milestone with their first major international collaboration, creating a high-energy version of "" as the official promotional song for German broadcaster during the tournament in . The track, featuring upbeat rhythms, was broadcast extensively and helped elevate the band's profile in media. The viral covers propelled Los Colorados into early international tours, with performances across starting around 2009–2010, allowing the band to connect with live audiences beyond and build a foundation for sustained global engagement.

Later Career and Developments

Following the success of their Euro 2012 appearances, Los Colorados released the album Move It! in June , a collection of 12 polka-infused cover tracks recorded in . The album captured the band's humorous take on international hits, building on their viral momentum from earlier covers. In the years after Move It!, Los Colorados maintained an active touring schedule, including a nationwide tour across in 2014 and their first performance in with a full in in 2013. They incorporated more original compositions into their repertoire, such as the folk-rock track "Рілля в ілюмінаторі" (Arable Land in the ), alongside continued covers like their 2012 rendition of Kings of Leon's "." The in 2022 profoundly impacted the band, prompting them to co-found the Musicians Defend Ukraine fund to provide equipment and aid to musicians serving on the front lines. In response, they re-released covers like "" to raise funds and awareness, while continuing performances abroad to support relief efforts for their homeland. As of 2025, Los Colorados sustain their online presence through platforms like YouTube, where they share rehearsal clips and archival live footage, and Spotify, where they exceed 26,000 monthly listeners driven by enduring streams of their catalog. The band has hinted at future projects amid ongoing global challenges, though no new album has been formally announced.

Musical Style

Genre Characteristics

Los Colorados' primary genre is a polka-punk , defined by fast tempos, accordion-driven melodies, and humorous, energetic arrangements that blend folk traditions with rock's raw intensity. This style emerged from the band's roots in , , where they incorporate polka's rhythmic bounce and 's rebellious edge to create a distinctive sound often described as "agri-alco-rock" due to its playful nod to rural life and revelry. The draws from a wide spectrum, including , , and influences, allowing for experimental compositions that prioritize catchiness and high energy. Central to their folk influences are Ukrainian traditional rhythms and lyrics, particularly in original compositions that evoke village culture and social customs, standing in contrast to their adaptations of Western pop and rock tracks. These elements ground the band's music in authentic Ukrainian heritage, using native language and motifs to infuse covers—like their polka-infused take on Katy Perry's "Hot n Cold"—with a local flavor that highlights cultural satire. The result is a hybrid sound where traditional folk structures meet modern genres, fostering a sense of joyful irreverence. Over time, Los Colorados evolved from an emphasis on parody covers in their early years to a greater focus on hybrid originals by the , while consistently maintaining a high-energy approach suited to live performances. Initially formed in through casual jam sessions featuring mostly covers, the band shifted toward self-composed material, which allowed deeper exploration of their polka-punk framework. This progression reflects their growing confidence in blending influences, as noted by frontman Rostyslav Fook: "It’s a of everything from to ." Thematically, their songs often feature playful, satirical takes on love, party culture, and social issues within a context, using humor to comment on everyday life in rural settings. Tracks like "Pomidory" exemplify this approach, poking fun at agricultural and festive traditions, while broader lyrics draw from village to critique or celebrate societal norms. This satirical lens, rooted in the band's name—derived from the "Colorado beetle," a agricultural —adds a layer of witty cultural commentary to their energetic polka-punk delivery.

Instrumentation and Performance

Los Colorados' core instrumentation centers on the , a type of that provides the lead melodies and infuses their -punk sound with traditional elements. This is complemented by electric and acoustic guitars for rhythmic drive and harmonic layering, for foundational grooves, and drums to propel the high-energy polka dance rhythms characteristic of their genre. The ensemble's setup allows for versatile arrangements that blend traditions with and influences, enabling both intimate acoustic interpretations and fuller electric performances. In live settings, the band delivers high-energy performances marked by dynamic stage presence and direct audience interaction, often encouraging participation through recognizable cover songs and upbeat tempos that inspire dancing. Their shows typically feature a lively, communal atmosphere, with the musicians engaging crowds via harmonized vocals and improvisational flair during sets that mix originals with popular covers. This approach fosters an immersive experience, emphasizing the rhythmic pulse of to create memorable, participatory events. The band's recording approach began with informal, DIY efforts in their early years, such as quickly producing additional tracks for appearances to expand their . By , this evolved into more professional , as evidenced by their album The Party Goes On!, which incorporated layered folk-rock arrangements with polished audio engineering to capture their eclectic style. These recordings highlight a focus on blending acoustic warmth with electric intensity, often featuring multiple vocal overlays for a fuller sound. To amplify their reach, Los Colorados incorporates multimedia elements in their video productions, particularly for cover songs, where humorous visuals and exaggerated folk aesthetics enhance the comedic appeal of tracks like Rammstein's "Du Hast" or Katy Perry's "Hot n Cold." These videos, shared on platforms like YouTube, employ playful staging and cultural motifs to drive viral sharing, transforming simple recordings into engaging, shareable content that underscores their polka-punk identity.

Personnel

Current Members

Los Colorados' current lineup, stable since 2016 as of 2024, consists of four core members who blend , , and influences in their performances and recordings. Ruslan Prystupa serves as the band's founder, , and accordionist (), while also acting as the primary songwriter for their original compositions that draw on rural themes and humor. He co-founded the group in 2006 alongside two others and has remained a constant creative force, contributing lyrics and music to tracks like "My Sweet Mila" and "Indie Boy." Rostyslav Fook plays guitar and provides backing vocals, infusing rock elements into the band's -driven arrangements to create their signature agro-folk-rock sound. As an original member since 2006, his guitar work adds energetic riffs and structure to both covers and originals. Serhiy Masyk handles and backing vocals, laying the rhythmic foundation essential for the band's beats and overall groove. Joining at the band's inception in 2006, his bass lines support the fusion of traditional folk rhythms with modern twists. Oleg Petryshyn has been the drummer and since 2016, propelling the band's energetic live performances with dynamic percussion that enhances their high-tempo sets. His addition stabilized , enabling consistent touring and recordings.

Former Members

Alexander Drachuk, known as , served as the original drummer for Los Colorados from the band's formation in 2006 until shortly thereafter, contributing percussion and backing vocals during the initial jam sessions and early performances in . He departed early in the band's history to join another group and was replaced by his relative, Oleksandr "Lesyk" Drachuk, who joined in 2008. Oleksandr "Lesyk" Drachuk – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2008–2016). Other early contributors included Oleksandr "Guns" Davosyr on drums and an individual known as , who participated in the band's nascent stages and helped record their first single before leaving the group around 2008. These initial members brought folk influences to the lineup, supporting the founders' experimentation with polka-punk arrangements. Following these departures, the band's lineup achieved significant stability after 2012, with the core group—comprising vocalist Ruslan Prystupa, guitarist Rostyslav Fook, bassist Serhiy Masyk, and drummer Oleksandr "Lesyk" Drachuk—remaining intact until 2016, through periods of international touring and viral success, allowing for consistent development of their signature sound. The early personnel shifts facilitated the band's evolution from informal folk-heavy sessions to a more defined rock-oriented ensemble, enabling focused genre blending as they gained recognition abroad.

Discography

Studio Albums

Los Colorados released their debut studio , Move It!, on June 1, 2012, through Motor Entertainment in collaboration with . Recorded in , , following the band's rising international popularity from cover performances, the album features 12 tracks with a total runtime of 37:58 and emphasizes a polka-infused style blending covers of popular hits with original elements. Key tracks include adaptations of "Hot N Cold" by , "I Like to Move It" by , and "Du Hast" by , capturing the band's energetic live performance vibe in a studio setting. In the same year, the band issued Шміраки (Shmiraky, translating to "Scamps"), an expanded Ukrainian-language counterpart to their international debut, released via the independent label Nash Format. This 2012 album contains 13 audio tracks plus a bonus video, running approximately 45:00, and incorporates upgraded production from the Berlin sessions while adding localized adaptations and originals like "Тілько Ві Львові" (Only in Lviv). The release marked a shift toward balancing international exposure with domestic appeal, maintaining the group's focus on high-energy polka arrangements of both global pop covers and Ukrainian folk influences. No additional full-length studio albums have been released by Los Colorados as of 2025, though the band has continued producing singles and live recordings in the intervening years.

Notable Singles and Covers

Los Colorados' debut single "Pomidory," released in 2007, marked the band's entry into recording with a playful track centered on the theme of tomatoes, reflecting everyday Ukrainian rural life and humor. The song's lighthearted folk-polka style garnered modest attention, accumulating approximately 44,000 views on YouTube by 2025. Another original single, "Рілля в ілюмінаторі" (Arable Land in the Porthole), released in 2008, explores themes of Ukrainian agricultural heritage and the view of fields from a train window, evoking nostalgia for the countryside. This track achieved greater viral reach, with over 208,000 YouTube views as of 2025, highlighting the band's ability to blend traditional motifs with modern accessibility. In 2012, Los Colorados released "" as a non-album single tied to , selected by German broadcaster as its official football anthem; the upbeat adaptation of the hit emphasized energetic performance for sports events.) The single's official video amassed 2.6 million views by 2025, while streams reached 1.4 million, underscoring its international appeal during the tournament. The band's covers of Western pop and rock hits, often in a distinctive polka-folk , propelled their online popularity. Their 2009 rendition of Katy Perry's "," featured on the album Move It!, went viral shortly after upload, appearing on and accumulating 596,000 views by 2025. The 2012 cover of Rammstein's "" became their most streamed track, with 2.3 million plays and 11 million views as of 2025, praised for transforming the song into a lively staple. Later that year, their take on Kings of Leon's "" was released as a digital single, gaining traction on streaming platforms with its rhythmic reinterpretation, though specific view and stream metrics remained lower at around 53,000 views by 2025. These covers, shared primarily via , drove the band's global recognition without traditional chart success.

Reception

Critical Response

Los Colorados garnered early critical praise for their energetic polka-punk covers, particularly the 2009 rendition of Katy Perry's "," which blended folk traditions with Western pop in a humorous, accordion-driven style. The Guardian's music blog highlighted the band's innovative , noting how the precise and folk instrumentation transformed the pop into a playful, culturally fused piece that captured online attention. The cover's viral appeal, amassing millions of YouTube views and featuring on , was celebrated for its comic value and infectious energy, with herself calling it "inspiring" in recognition of the band's creative reinterpretation. music press, including coverage tied to their 2012 football tournament-related "" for , lauded the humor and live performance dynamism, describing the polka-punk mix as a fresh of heritage and global hits that appealed across audiences. In , the band has received limited recognition despite composing mostly original songs, with fame primarily from covers abroad.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Los Colorados has significantly influenced the global appreciation of through their innovative polka-punk covers, which have gone on platforms like , amassing over 64,000 subscribers (as of 2023) and millions of views for renditions such as their 2009 take on Katy Perry's "." This cover, blending accordion-driven with pop elements, not only drew praise from herself but also sparked interest in similar genre fusions, contributing to a trend of Eastern European bands reinterpreting Western hits in styles. Their approach has helped popularize traditions abroad, introducing audiences in and beyond to the vibrant sounds of Ternopil's local scene. As a band hailing from , Los Colorados has bolstered the regional music by performing at local venues and festivals, fostering in amid limited national recognition. Their international success has enhanced diaspora , particularly through fundraising efforts supporting since the 2022 Russian invasion, including the "Musicians Defend Ukraine" initiative that aids medical and military needs via donations to established charities. These activities have strengthened ties and highlighted on a global stage. The band's legacy lies in pioneering a folk-rock fusion that merges Ukrainian polka with punk, rock, and international pop, influencing broader trends in world music by showcasing how traditional elements can revitalize contemporary genres. This experimental style has left a lasting mark on the global folk scene, encouraging cross-cultural collaborations and elevating Ukrainian sounds in Western markets. Their broader impact extends to media crossovers, including a high-profile performance of "I Like to Move It" as the official ZDF football song during , which aired across and boosted their European visibility, alongside appearances on TV channels like TV-4. This exposure has driven fanbase growth, with monthly listeners exceeding 26,000 on (as of November 2025) and a dedicated following in the U.S. and Europe through viral videos and concert tours.

References

  1. [1]
    Ukranian Band Los Colorados Covers Katy Perry - IANYAN Magazine
    Aug 3, 2009 · ... Ukrainian has wowed audiences, as evidenced by the comments left on their video. “Why are these men not famous? WHY”one commenter wrote ...
  2. [2]
    Los Colorados: Interview with Rostyslav Fook - Groundcast
    Jun 16, 2013 · Thus we decided to name the band Los Colorados ( in Ukrainian “colorado beetle” stands for potato beetle). We added the Spanish article “Los” in ...
  3. [3]
    Los Colorados: Famous abroad, unnoticed at home - Medium
    Jul 17, 2015 · The “Ukrainian band with a Spanish name, performing polka”, as they call themselves, is from Ternopil, a Western-Ukrainian city, which is about ...
  4. [4]
    KATY PERRY "Hot'n'cold" Ukrainian Polka band - YouTube
    Mar 24, 2009 · KATY PERRY "Hot'n'cold" Ukrainian Polka band. 1.8M views · 16 years ... Los Colorados - Du Hast (Official Rammstein Cover).Missing: 2009 | Show results with:2009
  5. [5]
    Los Colorados - Du Hast (Official Rammstein Cover) - YouTube
    May 24, 2012 · Los Colorados - Du Hast (Official Rammstein Cover) · Comments. 12K. Ukranian band with spanish name covers german song. 15:43 · Go to channel ...
  6. [6]
    Los Colorados - Seven Nation Army ( The White Stripes live cover)
    Mar 22, 2018 · Los Colorados - Seven Nation Army ( The White Stripes live cover) · Comments. 381. where were you my whole life? 7:50. Go to channel · LOS ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Los Colorados - I Like To Move It (Official ZDF Football Song)
    May 10, 2012 · Los Colorados - I Like To Move It (Official ZDF Football Song). 2.6M views · 13 years ago ...more. Motor Entertainment. 3.61K. Subscribe.
  8. [8]
    Los Colorados - Move It!
    - **Album Details:**
  9. [9]
    Los Colorados [Complete concert] @ Золотий Клен First ... - YouTube
    Jun 25, 2013 · Los Colorados [Complete concert] @ Золотий Клен ♫ First Time in North America / Canada. 63K views · 12 years ago ...more. LightOnTheDarkness.Missing: 2009-2012 Europe
  10. [10]
    Rilja v Iljyminatori - Los Colorados - YouTube
    Mar 19, 2009 · Los Colorados - Rilja v Iljyminatori. 11K views · 16 years ago ...more. oltsya. 2.24K. Subscribe. 78. Share.Missing: Рілля song
  11. [11]
    Sex On Fire - song and lyrics by Los Colorados - Spotify
    Listen to Sex On Fire on Spotify. Song · Los Colorados · 2012.
  12. [12]
    Los Colorados - Sex on Fire (Kings of Leon cover) - YouTube
    May 10, 2022 · https://shpytal.com/musicians-defend-ukraine/ Hi everyone! We started a fund Musicians Defend Ukraine. If you want to help - please donate!
  13. [13]
    These Musicians are Supplying Ukraine With Drones - Rolling Stone
    Feb 22, 2023 · The new fund Musicians Defend Ukraine is sending supplies to musicians on the front lines of the war with Russia.
  14. [14]
    Los Colorados | Spotify
    Listen to Los Colorados on Spotify. Artist · 26.8K monthly listeners.
  15. [15]
    Los Colorados - YouTube
    Los Colorados /At rehearsals/ #loscolorados #shorts #music #файнемістотернопіль. 2.9K views · LOS COLORADOS - Рілля #shorts. 706 views · LOS COLORADOS - Intro ...
  16. [16]
    Los Colorados - Songs, Events and Music Stats | Viberate.com
    Ukrainian-born Los Colorados performs European polka music. The band's members are renowned for their upbeat live performances and distinctive sound, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Los Colorados - Тернопільщина
    Feb 12, 2021 · Учасники: Rostyslav Fook, Руслан Приступа, Сергій Масик, Oleksandr Drachuk. Альбоми: Move It, Los Colorados. Перший виступ гурту відбувся 24 ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  18. [18]
    My Sweet Mila – Song by Los Colorados - Apple Music
    Jun 1, 2012 · Listen to My Sweet Mila by Los Colorados on Apple Music. 2012. Duration: 3 ... Ruslan Prystupa. Composer, Lyrics. Rostyslav Fuk. Composer, Lyrics.
  19. [19]
    Indie Boy – Song by Los Colorados - Apple Music
    Jun 1, 2012 · Listen to Indie Boy by Los Colorados on Apple Music. 2012. Duration: 2 ... Ruslan Prystupa. Composer, Lyrics. Rostyslav Fuk. Composer, Lyrics.
  20. [20]
    Los Colorados biography - Last.fm
    Mar 3, 2015 · Los Colorados (formed in Ternopil, Ukraine; active since 2006) is a Ukrainian folk / rock / funk band which has become famous thanks to their parody covers.
  21. [21]
    https://music.apple.com/gb/song/indie-boy/527916271
  22. [22]
    Los Colorados. Shmiraky. (Scamps) // www.UMKA.com.ua
    You now see the second album by the group – or rather the upgraded, expanded Ukrainian version of the debut album. The differences are that there are now ...
  23. [23]
    Los Colorados - Шміраки
    ### Album Details
  24. [24]
    Los Colorados
    **Summary:**
  25. [25]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/8197235-Los-Colorados-%D0%A8%D0%BC%D1%96%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B8
  26. [26]
    Los Colorados - Рілля в ілюмінаторі - YouTube
    Mar 24, 2008 · Los Colorados - Рілля в ілюмінаторі. 208K views · 17 years ago ...more. oltsya. 2.24K. Subscribe. 1.2K. Share.
  27. [27]
    I Like to Move It | Chartmetric
    I Like to Move It ; 1.4M · Spotify Streams ; 2.9M · YouTube Views ; 6.8K · TikTok Likes ...<|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Katy Perry's 'Hot N Cold' but it's a Ukrainian polka cover | Sampleface
    May 1, 2021 · Back in 2009, a Ukrainian band called Los Colorados performed Katy Perry's 'Hot N Cold' and the filmed video went on YouTube. It went viral ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Los Colorados - Hot'n'Cold (Official Katy Perry Cover) - YouTube
    Aug 3, 2012 · Los Colorados - Hot'n'Cold (Official Katy Perry Cover) · Comments. 323. God, the accent makes it 10 times better. 7:50 · Go ...
  30. [30]
    Katy Perry gets a Ukrainian makeover | Pop and rock | The Guardian
    Katy Perry gets a Ukrainian makeover ... For some reason, Katy Perry's song Hot N Cold didn't seem to capture the public's imagination quite like her Sapphic ...
  31. [31]
    Mit Katy Perrys Hilfe zum Wiesn-Hit - Oktoberfest
    Dass sogar Miss Katy Perry herself das Video posten und es als „inspiring ... Es ist die Mischung aus Frechheit und Verbeugung, die die Los Colorados-Version so ...
  32. [32]
    LosColoradosBand - YouTube
    Los Colorados - Sex on Fire (Kings of Leon cover). 53K views. 3 years ago · 3:11. Los Colorados - The Trooper (Iron Maiden cover live). 295K views.
  33. [33]
    Sound of Ukrainian soul, singers of free generation and more in ...
    Oct 27, 2016 · Los Colorados: the sound of Ukrainian soul. los ... I Like To Move It – was the logo for the German channel ZDF during Euro 2012 matches.Missing: UEFA | Show results with:UEFA
  34. [34]
    https://www.youtube.com/user/LosColoradosBand
  35. [35]
    Los Colorados : I Like To Move It / ZDF-MorgenMagazin - YouTube
    Apr 18, 2012 · If you like what we do and want to see some more stuff in future, please support us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/LosColorados ...