The spring is gaining momentum, and brings not only unusually warm days, but also a plethora of exciting news from the Ukrainian music scene. It is not surprising that the music industry is accelerating before the start of the summer season, but what's impressive is the fact that during the war in Ukraine, musicians can fill concert halls with 10000 attendees, music festivals take place, and promoters of European festivals come to Ukraine.
We are extremely happy to announce a new project "Jazz Kontakt" in collaboration with XJAZZ. This is an initiative to share Ukraine's vibrant young instrumental movement with the world. In the context of Ukraine's transition from wartime to post-war reconstruction, this project takes on a unique identity, addressing the musical journey and the broader social norms and communities affected by the aftermath of conflict.
On May 7, Ukrainian folk collective ShchukaRyba, electronic producer Bunht, and contemporary jazz duo from Kyiv jazz community FUSIONJAMS Yevhen Puhachov and Helldrummy are going to perform their album "Shcho i svyatoye…" and some new unreleased music as part of XJAZZ! FESTIVAL in Berlin. This is music imbued with unique Ukrainian folklore found in archival sources and superimposed on sophisticated arrangements using jazz melodies and electronic music. The album is currently available for listening on streaming services, as well as on Bandcamp, where 100% of the proceeds will be transferred to charity fund Shields Ukraine.
In the last days of March, the Music Ambassadors Tour organized by Всеукраїнська Асоціація Музичних Подій UAME and their initiative Music Saves UA took place in Ukraine. 12 guests from 11 European countries came to Kyiv, representing Sziget Festival Official, Das Fest, Yourope - The European Festival Association, Pohoda Festival, Within Temptation, Provinssi, Positivus Festival, OpenAir St.Gallen - official, DIY Magazine.
Tour participants visited Borodyanka of Kyiv region, Chernihiv – the cities that suffered from shelling, where they held meetings with civilians, media, cultural workers and the rehabilitation center. On the 5th day of the visit, a discussion panel moderated by our project manager Marianna Tanska was held, where the guests shared their impressions and told how they would contribute to the support of Ukraine in their countries.
If you are not yet ready for such trips, we recommend immersing yourself in the life of southern Ukrainian cities through the perspectives of local musicians who represent the industrial and dark folk scenes (Kadaitcha, Akhluth, Fogscape, Starless, Wiseword.Nidaros, CasaUkrania). Ukrainian journalist Kseniia Yanus from neformat.com.ua collected their stories and created a wonderful essay for Drowned in Sound. The next editions of DIS promise to be no less interesting. Sean Adams, the lecturer of our flagship project Eastern European Music Academy, initiated a series of guest articles by local music journalists who will share their experiences, shedding light on life in Ukraine following the full-scale invasion.
Amidst the backdrop of war, the events in the Ukrainian scene are undeniably impressive. We have highlighted some fresh ones:
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pop artist Artem Pyvovarov selling out three consecutive shows with 10 thousand spectators each at the Kyiv Sports Palace, biggest local arena
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the KharkivMusicFest, featuring the renowned Spanish conductor Roc Fargas, bravely taking place in Kharkiv – a border town with daily shelling
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the upcoming third edition of the multi-genre festival Брудний Пес in Kyiv this June, promising a dynamic showcase with 100 musicians spanning Ukrainian rap, rock, fusion, electronic, and experimental genres.
We're also delighted to announce the return of the British band The Tiger Lillies to Ukraine. Their uniquely captivating performances, described as "Brilliantly twisted" by The Guardian, will grace the stages of Kyiv and Lviv at the end of May.
It's remarkable to see Ukrainian music gaining more prominence in the global scene, with increasing coverage in world music media columns and inclusion in playlists curated by respected music organizations:
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The Danish jazz media ZEUTUNG bestowed an exceptionally high praise upon DZ'OB, the band from Dnipro, for their performance at Jazzahead: “Ukraine not only has a lavish abundance of highly talented, highly trained musicians; Its own music scene also shows the rest of the world where to go when it comes to creativity”.
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Impala - Independent Music Companies Association included Ziferblat, Disappeared Completely, and Structure of Happiness to 100 Artists to Watch 2024 edition in collaboration with YouTube.
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The Coachella-2024 music festival has just ended in the American state of California, where the Ukrainian DJ Miss Monique performed. She became known in the electronic music world due to the creation of the YouTube channels called "Mind Games" and "MiMo Weekly", as well as her releases on labels such as Black Hole Recordings or Bonzai Progressive.
The urban folk performer Postman was recognized by Europavox as the band of April and is already packing his bags for Lithuania at the Europavox Festival Vilnius 2024 and Europavox Clermont Ferrand.
Lastly, for the first time ever, Music Export Ukraine is bringing the vibrant sounds of Ukrainian music to FOCUS Wales! Do not miss the opportunity to meet and have a chat with our team members – co-founder Datrsya Tarkovska and project manager Inna Lytovka at the Ukrainian reception and listen to stunning Ukrainian musicians at the showcase on May 9th at Hope Street Church. Lineup presented by Indie band AKINE, Neosoul artist Ratmir Bilodid and Electronic musician NFNR.
And that's not all! Meet incredible Ukrainian artists at concerts across Europe:
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DakhaBrakha touring in Netherlands, Greece & Germany 👉 link
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Dakh Daughters tour dates in Germany 👉 link
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ONUKA European tour 👉 link
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Love`n`Joy in Paris/ Europe Day @ Europavox & Eupen/ Belgium 👉 link
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Postman performing @ Europavox in Lithuania 👉 link
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GO_A touring across Europe
