From Ukrainian artists taking over Tomorrowland to Faine Misto Festival drawing 25,000 fans in Lviv, this edition of our newsletter captures a Ukrainian music scene that refuses to stand still — touring Europe, making global headlines, and inspiring the world.
Noise Revolutionary: the Ukrainian artist building instruments from electronic waste
From the underground shadows of post-Soviet gloom to cutting-edge electronic industrial sound — this Ukrainian artist not only turns electronic waste into powerful music, but donates his earnings to support medical aid in his war-torn homeland.
This three-part series was produced with the support of Music Export Ukraine, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, and the Aid for Artists Committee.
Miss Monique, Sanina, Korolova and ARTBAT at Tomorrowland 2025
This summer's Tomorrowland Festival welcomed an impressive lineup of Ukrainian artists — Miss Monique, Sanina, Korolova, and ARTBAT — performing for a crowd of around 400,000 people. One of the world's most iconic electronic dance music festivals, Tomorrowland is held annually in Boom, Antwerp, Belgium, and continues to be a landmark stage for artists across the globe. Ukrainian talent was very much part of that story this year.
Full sets are now available on YouTube, the Tomorrowland App, and Apple Music.
Japanese rock band Heavenphetamine went on tour across Ukraine
Heavenphetamine is a Japanese rock duo of Hiroki and Sara, formed in 2018, known for synthesizing experimental sound by blending expressive kraut-rock elements with melodic contrast. After beginning their journey in Tokyo and touring across Europe, the duo found a deep emotional connection in Ukraine — recording an album here during the full-scale war as an act of solidarity, tenderness, and strength. This August, they returned for a mini-tour across Ukrainian cities, continuing that bond and bringing more experimental music to Ukrainian audiences.
Faine Misto Festival 2025 gathered around 25,000 people in Lviv
This summer, one of Ukraine's biggest open-air festivals, Faine Misto, once again brought thousands of fans together in Lviv. The three-day event featured powerful live performances — proving that music in Ukraine continues to thrive even in the most challenging of times.
Among the highlights, Ukrainian hip-hop group Kurgan and Agregat delivered an explosive main stage set. The festival also drew international acts, including Donagh Ramseyer, Irish frontman of Swiss thrash-metal band Xonor, who spoke candidly about the misconceptions people abroad have about life in Ukraine during wartime: "They expect people to not enjoy the time they do have, even though there's a war going on."
Open Music Podcast: what Ukraine's music scene is dealing with during wartime
In the third episode of the Open Music Europe Podcast, host Mark Adam Harold speaks with Alona Dmukhovska from Music Export Ukraine about the extraordinary resilience of Ukraine's music industry during wartime. Alona shares how Ukrainian artists are building international bridges, navigating live events under the threat of air raids, and redefining what it means to thrive through streaming and cultural advocacy. Well worth a listen.
Kyiv-based cultural institution "∄ (K41)" nominated as Club of the Week by Resident Advisor
Housed in a former brewery and open since 2019, ∄ (K41) hosts a wide range of programming — from club nights and concerts to its Community Café, the IN SYNC public education initiative, and artist residencies including Disturbed Ground, a collaboration with CTM Festival. In response to the Russian war against Ukraine, ∄ established the K41 Community Fund to provide financial, humanitarian, and transportation support to members of the local cultural community. A well-deserved recognition for a venue that goes far beyond music.
Upcoming tours 🌍
Ziferblat — Following their appearance at Eurovision 2025 and the release of their English-language album Of Us, Ziferblat are heading out on a European tour across 7 countries. If you have the chance to catch them live, don't miss it!
KOLA — Ukrainian pop artist KOLA is embarking on her first European tour this autumn. Known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, KOLA has quickly become one of the most-streamed Ukrainian artists in recent years.
MEU playlist 🌟
Looking for your next favorite track from Ukraine? 🎧 Music Export Ukraine has a playlist featuring the freshest releases from the Ukrainian music scene.
