As we step into the new year, the rhythm of Ukrainian music continues to pulse with energy and creativity. Today we are sharing some fresh news from the first month of 2024, celebrating successes of Ukrainian artists, discovering the latest updates, vibrant projects, and ways you can contribute to support Ukraine.
This January Ukrainian artists and the Music Export Ukraine delegation took part in Eurosonic Noorderslag 2024 representing our country both during the conference panels and on stage! Ukrainian musicians showcased completely different facets of music - from mysterious electronics by NFNR to melodic metal by IGNEA. And the punchline of the programme for sure was Kalush Orchestra, the winners of Eurovision 2022. Our co-founder Alona Dmukhovska had the pleasure of talking at the conference panel about the export opportunities and potential of Eastern European markets. Along with that, Vlad Yaremchuk from Music Saves UA and Helle from IGNEA highlighted important points about sphere development in the context of the war.
The first month of 2024 was a truly thriving time for Ukrainian artists. Let's briefly highlight the brightest moments in supporting the Ukrainian music scene last month:
-
As an echo of 2023, earlier in January Beehype published the list of the best albums released last year, among which «Qirim» by Jamala has been mentioned.
-
«Africa», a jazz album by Ukrainian singer Laura Marti, got in the list of 25 best albums on Polish webzine Jazzsoul!
- Ukrainian Kharkiv-based band TYSK was mentioned as Europavox community’s choice for January, inspiringly described as «a melting pot of relevant electro, breakbeat, grime and hip-hop».
We are extremely grateful to a Portuguese-Canadian musician Neil Leyton who dedicated new song "These Seeds" to Ukraine. Artist mentioned that all proceeds from the song go to support Music Export Ukraine! «These Seeds» serves as a poignant reflection on the geopolitical challenges faced by Ukraine and the world at large nowadays. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Leyton explains what forced him to create this track: «I wrote and recorded ‘Seeds’ back in 2022, shocked and appalled that this sort of thing could happen again in the 21st century. The lyrics were inspired by the words of a courageous Ukrainian lady in Kherson, who walked up to a russian soldier and asked vehemently: "Who are you? What are you doing here? Take these seeds and put them in your pockets, so at least sunflowers will grow when you all lie down here».
Mark your calendars, and don’t miss a chance to listen to talented Ukrainian artists near you! Live performances of Ukrainian artists abroad in February: singer-sognwriter Postman will present his new album “Still Life” in Poland. Electronic post-punk band Ragapop takes the Stage in Nantes & Berlin. Contemporary jazz band Hyphen Dash will perform at well-known MENT Ljubljana. KRUTЬ continues her first Canadian tour. One of the most impressive singers and musicians of the European jazz GANNA will perform in Germany.
-
Postman (gigs in Poland) Link
-
Ragapop (gigs in France, Germany) Link
-
Hyphen Dash (gig in Ljubljana at MENT, Slovenia) Link
-
KRUTЬ (gigs across Canada) Link
-
Heinali (gigs in Germany) Link
-
GANNA (gig in Germany) Link
Please don't forget to support Ukraine. Remember that the war is still ongoing. The bank details of reliable organisations supported by our fellow colleagues can be found below:
Music Saves UA - NGO delivering prompt humanitarian help to those currently in urgent need in Ukraine.
Musicians Defend Ukraine - NGO supporting Ukrainian artists and industry representatives involved in the Ukrainian army or volunteering.
