Hello to the survivors of Spring of 2020. These three months were challenging, relaxing, boring, stressful, undefined, full of new experiences. But a crisis always creates new opportunities. For the last month we got closer to the usual life, so let’s look what Ukrainian music industry presented this May.
We are very proud to announce that Music Export Ukraine has become a member of the European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE) - the association that works to support musicians, music companies and professionals from 24 European countries in their export strategies. EMEE unites well-established music offices such as the French LE BUREAU EXPORT or the Dutch Buma Kultuur, as well as independent associations. Music Export Ukraine became the first organisation from the Eastern Partnership countries to join this European network. We are ambitious to transform this membership into boosted export interests of the Ukrainian music market that will find its implementation in myriads of co-projects with other export offices, institutions and initiatives, as well as awarded nominations of Ukrainian artists with the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards.
Aliens were shocked: a fleshmob in support of the cultural industry took place in major cities in Ukraine with hundreds of spotlights directed to the sky. Expecting the ease of the quarantine restrictions for the non-essential stores, restaurants and public transportation relaunch, members of Ukrainian creative industries were concerned with the absence of government’s plans regarding them. With the slogan “If we aren’t heard - shall be seen”, the key players of the event and entertainment industries installed myriads of stage lightning next to popular sightseeing places to be seen in all corners of the country and attract public attention to the problem of uncertainty within the industry. Needless to say how beautiful the protest was itself. Check out for more information here.
Despite the quarantine being the major topic of the music community, Ukrainian musicians released a manifesto of tolerance to LGBT community launching Rizni.Rivni media campaign to show that there are LGBT-tolerant people in Ukraine and give them a voice. Alina Pash, Constantine, KRUTЬ, Gurt [O], YUKO, Latexfauna and indie musicians recorded the first part of the song, while everyone can record a 10 second video that will become a part of the unique song to download and spread throughout social media in support of the LGBT community. That will also contribute to the interactive map of tolerant people of Ukraine available via QR-code on the website of the project.
What else?
- Our local rap/hip-hop sensation Alyona Alyona and rap-vlogger Kyivstoner shot a body-positive video to save us from bitter feelings from gained weight during the quarantine
- Dream-pop band Gurt [O] released the video and EP devoted to their love to Kyiv on the day of celebration Ukraine’s capital city
- American-Ukrainian electroclash / psychedelic rock / brit-pop band Piel presented a new video "Feel This Awe" to embrace you with love during these tough times
- Authentic experimentalist Batacat and his debut mini-album "Nylon and Bleach" created his own techno / new beat / ebm sound recording altogether live instruments without the use of computers
- Sarcastic Zhadan released Lyric Video for the song Cocaine laughing at Ukrainian politicians
- Fantastic musical landscapes creator Koloah released EP Borderlines and presented a video for the title single Elysium knowing that you probably need a couple minutes for audio-visual meditation
- Postman’s second studio album "City Freak" is out now on vinyl to perfect your collection with some piece of good music. Now you finally know who's that guy on the cover of our newsletter :)