In our last newsletter, we hoped to announce the long-awaited victory of Ukraine soon. And actually, we had what to celebrate in May, but now we know we need to be more specific with our wishes. 3 months as the full-scale war has started, but we keep fighting and continue to support Ukraine. Here are the latest news from the Ukrainian music industry not to miss.
Seems like Eurovision was the only thing people were talking about last month, wasn’t it? On May 14 in Turin, the Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra won the song contest "Eurovision-2022". Support from Europe was unbelievable! The rap-folk band was pushed to the top by the public vote and earned first place with 631 points.
Their track Stefania entered lots of music charts and doesn’t stop raising to the highest positions. If you missed it, here is the powerful and emotional official music video of “Stefaniya” that was released straight after their victory.
The Kalush Orchestra sold the prize of the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 at a charity auction for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Besides this, the band mentioned they had plans for a European tour soon to raise money for the army. Follow them on instagram not to miss the announcement and opportunity to listen to “Stefania” live.
Summer is already here with it the festival season. After 2 years of Covid, and lots of postponed or canceled shows, it’s hard to believe it’s actually happening. Two Ukrainian acts are going to perform at the legendary Glastonbury festival.
Earlier in May, Ukraine’s 2021 Eurovision entry Go-A self-confirmed themselves for a slot on the John Peel Stage. And this week, Ukrainian folk quartet DakhaBrakha has joined Pyramid Stage line-up. The band will play on the festival’s main stage, on June 26 to deliver an anti-war message.
On June 17 at the Rock For People festival in the Czech Republic, there will be an opportunity to visit the Ukrainian stage from the Atlas Festival and the All-Ukrainian Association of Music Events (VAMP).
There are other Ukrainian bands with charity tours around Europe that we recommend checking: charming indie band Odyn v Kanoe, indie rock & psychedelic pop Love’n’Joy, Postman who has been touring since February to raise money for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Gapochka as support act on Lucie summer tour.
A little reminder about MEU support program!
Recently, we have provided financial help to the music community in Ukraine. In May, we paid out the first round of scholarships to 10 MEU artists. These scholarships are going to be a regular help to Ukrainian bands. So feel free to join and support with donations Ukrainian artists. Find more details at our website — musicexportukraine.com/
‼ Also, if you're in Hamburg, Germany, join us for the series of events 'Art Meetings', organized by Brakula and Music Export Ukraine: every two weeks from June to August, there will be film screenings on Thursdays and acoustic concerts by emerging Ukrainian artists* on Fridays.
Much appreciated for all the help so far! Enjoy summer and be safe. Glory to Ukraine and its friends!