Ukrainian musical culture has witnessed a surge in global popularity in recent years. Before the Russian war in February 2022, the New York Times had called Kyiv the “New Berlin”, but while the understanding of Ukrainian music is limited outside the region, the rhythms and melodies associated with the sound are addictive.
The vibrant Kyiv underground music scene, now famous for its raves and hard techno parties, is fast influencing the global music landscape. In this piece, we’ll explore the current landscape of experimental music in Ukraine along with its challenges and future opportunities.
At different times in the past century, Ukrainian art and music have taken several different directions. Before 1950, musical numbers were primarily composed in commemoration of revolution anniversaries, birthdays of leaders, and significant events in the communist party. Following the collapse of the USSR and independence of Ukraine, Ukrainian music gained Western influence.
Folklore and traditionalist music gradually faded into the background as new young Ukrainian composers exposed themselves to different styles from around to create their own. The Orange Revolution of the early 2000s had a big impact on the musical culture, resulting in the development of experimental electronic music, a genre now widely represented by Ukrainian composers. Among the long list of musicians in the experimental electronic scene, Zavoloka, a sound artist from Kyiv, is one of those with a huge influence.
Since the Russian invasion, Ukrainian musical culture has experienced another renaissance. Artists are adding a new layer to the modern musical scene by singing/composing only in Ukrainian, and going as far as re-recording old Russian-written music in Ukrainian. The emotional performance by Kalush Orchestra and Pink Floyd’s duet with Andriy Khlyvniuk, has also contributed in creating a mood symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian populace amidst war.
The year 2022 is one of the most prolific and creative years ever witnessed in Ukrainian music. There was a creative upsurge that acted as a catalyst for eliminating all ties to Russian culture and solidifying the country’s unique identity. Within the war’s first days, local experimental electronic music producer Timur Dzhafarov joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but not before releasing the Life compilation, featuring tracks he’d worked on previously.
Timur was just one of many emerging artists using experimental music to create a combined sense of patriotism among Ukrainians. In May of 2022, Shum.Rave has released the ‘Друзі’ (‘Friends’) charity compilation, featuring tracks that were written during the war. Also, the independent record label, Dnipropop, has toured all of Ukraine, releasing tons of new records and organizing concerts like the Vokzalna Station rave.
The underground music scenes in Ukraine’s major cities, Lviv and Kyiv, are experiencing a vibrancy never before seen. Many young Ukrainians have begun to appreciate music differently since the beginning of the war. As a new generation of DJs and bands continuously grace the scene, the infusion of sounds and war experiences into music is creating a new subgenre.
As the war continues, an increasing percentage of Ukrainian composers and musicians are either already serving in the army or about to be drafted. The inclusion of war sounds in contemporary Ukrainian music, while innovative, has its unique challenges. Although many may have gotten used to living with these sounds, Eugene of Bedroom Talks believes that many Ukrainian composers of the current era will require psychological support in the future.
On the positive side, the collaboration between musicians and artists from Ukraine has brought a sense of camaraderie and openness. The war is also being fought on the cultural front against imperialism and disinformation. A lot of artists are also trying to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine by going to play acoustic concerts for them.
Artists and organizers are fully taking on the opportunity to promote Ukrainian culture through festivals that showcase contemporary Ukrainian music and art. Through hitmakers like Daniel Otuonye and Thekomakoma, the worldwide music industry is paying more attention to Ukrainian music, opening the doors for more collaboration as witnessed with Ed Sheeran and Antytila.
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Ukraine’s experimental and electronic music scene is more vibrant than it’s ever been today. The war which would normally break a people’s spirit has become a source of inspiration to Ukrainian artists in the effort to bring about unity and strength. These positive effects are a convincing evidence of why experimental electronic music needs to be supported and celebrated.
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