MEU November 24 newsletter

MEU November 24 newsletter

Blog

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl amplifies Ukrainian music globally with 440 tracks from local artists, while four standout acts — Carpetman, Postman, DONBASGRL, and Aircraft — gear up to showcase Ukraine’s musical diversity at ESNS 2025.

 

This highly anticipated title from GSC Game World S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl has already captured global attention with millions of players around the world, being released on November 20, and making the waves not only for its immersive gameplay and post-apocalyptic setting but also for its celebration of Ukrainian culture through music. The game’s soundtrack features a remarkable 440 tracks from Ukrainian artists, showcasing genres ranging from indie rock to folk and electronic.

Prominent names like Okean Elzy, DakhaBrakha, The Hardkiss, TNMK, Jerry Heil, and MELOVIN are included, alongside rising stars such as Zwyntar, Palindrome, and Disappeared Completely. These songs create a rich auditory experience that complements the eerie atmosphere of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.

Dedicated playlists, available on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Deezer, allow fans to dive deeper into the music that defines the game. As S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 continues to receive critical acclaim, the inclusion of Ukrainian music amplifies the country’s cultural voice on a global stage​. Some of the artists have seen x10 rise (!) in the number of streams and monthly listeners because of the game, so we are looking forward to seeing the progress and success further!

Four outstanding Ukrainian acts are set to perform at the prestigious Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) showcase in January 2025. Known for launching careers across Europe, ESNS is a prime platform for emerging artists, and this year’s Ukrainian delegation is stronger than ever.

  • Carpetman: A rising indie star blending intricate lyrics with lo-fi soundscapes.

  • Postman: Kostiantyn Pochtar, known for his signature "city folk" style, offers a unique mix of acoustic guitar and electronic beats, as heard in his latest album, Still Life​.

  • DONBASGRL: An avant-pop artist merging deep bass and Ukrainian folklore, born in Donbas and now collaborating with Berlin-based producers. Her music, like the song Zbroya, tells powerful stories of resilience and identity​.

  • Aircraft: his minimalist music is created using only a drum machine, guitar and vocals. The lo-fi sound is combined with soft vocals, sometimes reminiscent of early Depeche Mode, warm and brooding guitar motifs and the classic sound of drum machines and synthesisers of yesteryear, reminiscent of Cocteau Twins and A.R. Kane. 

This lineup exemplifies the diversity and creativity of Ukraine’s contemporary music scene. Their performances at ESNS will highlight their unique talents while offering international audiences a glimpse into the vibrancy of Ukraine’s cultural landscape. Don’t miss their showcases in Groningen this January!​

🎤 Ukrainian artist NFNR and Dutch artist Laguna release six-minute emotional IDM 'Screens' about fading friendships.

 Earlier this year, Ukrainian, Kyiv-based, electronic musician Olesia Onykiienko (NFNR) and Dutch, Leeuwarden-based, songwriter Bente Hout (Laguna) participated in a songwriting residency at the Lake Woozoo Studios in Leeuwarden. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, they released the emotional song 'Screens' they wrote together. 'Screens' begins subdued and then slowly unfolds into a climax of dreamy synths, demanding beats and angelic vocals. The song is about fading friendships in a digital age. A theme in which the two artists quickly found each other.

Bente: ‘For me, this theme is relevant because I'm in my thirties and my friends are starting their own family lives and their focus is slowly turning away from friendships. A development that sometimes causes loneliness, when your own life runs differently, or when you - like many artists - choose a different focus. At the same time, it is also a normal development at this stage of life.

It should be the same for Olesia, but in her case, she lives in a country at war, causing many of her friends to flee abroad. As a result, she is now often limited to only digital contact, with people she was close to before. This fact inspired me to write the lyrics. Olesia then managed to capture that same atmosphere so beautifully instrumentally.’

The collaboration between NFNR and Laguna is made possible by Music Export Ukraine and Popfabryk. Listen to the track HERE.

 

🔥 Also, mark your calendars and don’t miss the chance to catch Ukrainian artists live near you this December and January!

  • Jamala – Stops include Paris on December 15 and Brussels on December 18, as part of her European tour celebrating Ukrainian music​

  • DakhaBrakha – Performing in Chicago (December 10), Los Angeles (December 15), and Toronto (December 20) during their global tour​

  • Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra – Scheduled to perform in Vienna and Berlin in mid-December, showcasing classical Ukrainian compositions​

  • Space of Variations – Starting their December leg with performances in Germany and Poland, offering their signature blend of metalcore and experimental sound.

  • Onuka – Electronic-folk concerts in Prague (January 10) and Warsaw (January 13), as part of the "Echo of Ukraine" series.

  • Ellen Kent Productions featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv – Touring the UK with Carmen and Madama Butterfly, beginning in January and running into spring​

  • Kalush Orchestra – Scheduled to perform in New York City (January 20) and follow up with Canadian dates

💙 And last but not least, check out our monthly collaborative playlist! Our team has curated the freshest tracks from Ukraine’s music scene. Grab your headphones and discover your new favourite artists.