18 Methods You Can Assist or Donate to the Ukraine Disaster With Music
The outpouring of assist and help to the Ukraine since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded in late February has been really astonishing to date, each in Europe and overseas. With round the clock asylum facilities arrange in Poland, Bulgaria, Czechia and Romania, donation facilities for meals, garments, private merchandise et cetera trucking provides into Ukraine each day and hundreds of residents opening their houses to asylum seekers in neighboring international locations, everybody has shifted into assist mode as shortly as potential.
There have even been tales of individuals renting AirB&Bs in Ukraine with no intention to go to simply so the house owners might use the cash and others sending Cryptocurrency to buddies to transform in each Ukraine and Russia as banks and monetary establishments like Visa and Mastercard degree financial sanctions on the space. However should you’re a bit farther away or don’t have as many assets to present, how can one assist the hassle? The reply, as is so typically the case, is music.
Musicians within the EDM and bass music scenes stepped as much as hold the entire world entertained throughout COVID and likewise raised large quantities of cash for charities who have been making an attempt to assist these in want in the course of the disaster. Whereas we’re simply on the cusp of that nightmare ending, artists have stepped up as soon as once more, even these within the embattled areas and who’ve already misplaced every little thing to shelling from Putin’s forces in their very own cities or have been conscripted into navy service, to make music and donate the proceeds to assist. It’s really inspiring, so the least us followers can do is to hear, go to occasions and buy stated music, no? Fortunately, there’s no scarcity of artists who’re doing charity releases for Ukraine and likewise those that are quietly donating all their proceeds to charity. There’s virtually no finish to the alternative ways we because the EDM neighborhood might help. The next checklist is only a few of them.
Ukraine Help Compilation Albums
Proper now that is in all probability the preferred strategy to give to numerous charities supporting the Ukraine; a great deal of labels, promo corporations and even particular person individuals are placing collectively bit comps with massive names and elevating massive bucks. Right here’s a number of we like, however verify your favourite label or artist and likelihood is they’ll be concerned in considered one of these:
ШЩЦ/SHITS Numerous Artists 01
ШЩЦ actually interprets to “Shits” and is a brand new label out of Ukraine who determined to dedicate their first compilation album, initially launched in 2019, to the protection effort in Ukraine, doing a income match program and thus 200% of proceeds going to the Ukraine Civil Protection Fund. The restricted version DVD is at present offered out however these wanting to assist should purchase the streaming album, which options tracks from 23 Ukraine-based artists of various genres from hip hop to experimental electronica. The label can also be promoting t-shirts whose proceeds may also go to the identical fund. The acquisition choice on the ШЩЦ Bandcamp web page is title your personal worth, so that you can provide actually any quantity and get some sick music in return. The label additionally lists their e-mail on the location so should you’re excited about inquiring after the DVD or different methods to assist, they are often contacted there.
Collectively With Ukraine
That is probably one of many largest drum & bass compilations ever, with a whopping 136 tracks from 149 artists and that includes some cheeky alt bass music from acts like Subp Yao, Modestep and Om Unit, this extremely inventive and numerous album got here collectively extremely quick. This hyperspeed coordination was spearheaded by two promoters: Rhys Bainham and Vlad Baremchuk and the mega-album launched lower than per week after the primary invasion. It has already raised over 100,000 {dollars} and all proceeds right here go on to the Ukrainian Crimson Cross Society, which desperately wants all the assistance it might probably get tending to wounded and displaced households. When bought on the Collectively With Ukraine Bandcamp web page, the digital album comes with mp3 or wav downloads and 30 items of authentic cowl artwork from undertaking artwork director Uno. The entire thing’s solely £12, so greater than value it.
Fundraiser V/A – We Are Invincible
Ukrainian dance music label Hall Audio have put collectively a compilation album made up completely of tracks from Ukrainian artists. Launched simply earlier than the primary Russian invasion, the label determined to re-brand the comp and dedicate all proceeds to serving to households and charities affected by the struggle. Principally home and straight beat-based, this compilation showcases the extraordinary expertise of Ukrainian artist with a great deal of minimal, experimental and techno type that many EDM followers exterior of Ukraine and Jap Europe will not be aware about. This compilation additionally appears to be very purposefully organized, telling a narrative and taking the listener on a sonic journey, a’la all one of the best experimental-tinged electronica albums. Now it additionally tells the story of the Ukrainian peoples resilience and the significance of saving the valuable artwork of this nation. The 24-track album could be bought on Hall’s Bandcamp web page.
РАЗОМ ЗА УКРАЇНУ/Collectively for Ukraine
To not be confused with Collectively With Ukraine, this compilation is one other big one put collectively shortly from Kiev-based label Customary Deviation and the considerably clandestine “Chernobyl-based” imprint, Mystictrax. Whereas it’s unlikely this Mystictrax is definitely working out of a “closed scientific laboratory in Chernobyl” and “finding out the paranmal audio exercise across the phenomenon of black holes,” loads of the music on this comp actually sounds prefer it comes from someplace equally chaotic and dystopian. Given the state of affairs across the space in the mean time, it’s virtually plausible.
In Collectively for Ukraine, we get our first tastes of the erstwhile gabber style, extra loopy experimental east-of-Urals funk and a few actually magical home tracks. Along with that, with this compilation we see our first lively donations to LGBT causes in Ukraine. If Russia wins this combat, the LGBT neighborhood in Ukraine will probably be below critical risk, so it’s nice to see Customary Deviation and Mystictrax coming with this degree of foresight. Income from this and different releases by each labels will go to The ‘Return Alive’ Fund, serving to on the Ukrainian entrance, Nationwide Financial institution of Ukraine Fundraising Account for Humanitarian Help, ‘Ukraine Satisfaction’ Fund for LGBTQIA+ troopers and LGBTQIA+ folks affected by the struggle and ‘Голос Дітей’ Fund, serving to kids affected by the struggle. The album is purchasable on Customary Deviation’s Bandcamp web page.
EXHALE: Collectively for Ukraine!
For an providing a little bit extra recognizable to US followers, rave techno goddess and Exhale Information label head Amelie Lens rallied her troops to drop EXHALE: Collectively for Ukraine! Simply a few weeks in the past. Proceeds right here go on to the Ukranian Ministry of Social Coverage, the federal government physique channeling as many funds a assets as they will to essentially the most affected areas of the battle. This album, like all Lens’s work, is unsurprisingly and unapologetically ravey and techno-tinged, that includes tracks from herself, Ahl Iver, Sarah Landry, Nico Moreno and Frazi,er, to call only a few. This album additionally took the time to actually conscript tracks that have been impressed by the heavy vitality of this battle, so no punches pulled right here. Simply uncooked, rave techno and an intention to assist in one of the best ways musicians like Lens understand how. EXHALE: Collectively for Ukraine! could be bought on Bandcamp or Soundcloud, the place there’s additionally a hyperlink to donate on to the fund.
Particular person Artists Supporting Ukrainian Charities
Whereas the massive compilation albums are getting loads of press and elevating a great deal of cash for the hassle of serving to Ukranian residents, there’s a great deal of particular person artists who’re making an attempt to champion the trigger in their very own methods as nicely. Each little bit counts, as they are saying, and within the case of those bits, we are able to uncover some cool new music whereas serving to out. As soon as once more, there are too many to checklist, however listed here are 5 cool artists donating money and time to the humanitarian effort in Ukraine and you’ll too, simply by listening.
Rezz and Subtronics – Puzzle Field
Guess you didn’t know that each these EDM monsters are Ukrainian. Terror techno queen Rezz and Cyclops label head Subtronics teamed up for this observe to boost consciousness and funds for the charity Voices of Youngsters Ukraine. The observe was launched as a joint effort on Cyclops and Deadbeats in early March together with a restricted version t-shirt on the Deadbeats web site (at present offered out). Rezz and Subtronics apparently teased the collab previous to the invasion of Ukraine however shortly made it an announcement piece for the battle, and its creepy, surreal, Noticed-like vibes appear to suit completely with the surreal nature of the scenario within the embattled EU state. Hyperlink for the t-shirt is listed above in case Deadbeats determine to do a second run, and followers can get the observe right here or donate on to Voices of Youngsters right here.
Rido – Can You See Me Respiration
The Czech D&B producer, composer and renaissance man referred to as Rido tends to march to the beat of his personal very well-crafted and syncopated drums, so he’s deigned to launch his charity observe on his personal Bandcamp so he could be positive the funds go to the place he feels they’re wanted most. “Can You See Me Respiration” is a heart-wrenchingly lovely, classical violin-laced observe Rido whipped up proper after the primary invasion. Buy proceeds go to the Czech group Člověk v tísni – SOS Ukraine and the observe is listed for €2 euros on Rido’s Bandcamp, so it’s a really inexpensive donation as nicely.
VovKING – Futurist Drum & Bass Pattern Pack
This one’s for the producers! Ukraine- primarily based D&B producer and one half of the melodic and dancy RAM, Viper and Unhealthy Style duo Tapolsky and VovKING has determined to donate all proceeds of his newest royalty-free pattern pack to charities serving to humanitarian efforts within the Ukraine. His promo firm even waived their charges to ensure as a lot cash goes to assist as potential. Since going solo, VovKING’s stuff has develop into an increasing number of experimental and futuristic, so this massive pack of pattern stems guarantees countless prospects. Get it right here.
Sally C – Massive Saldo’s Chunkers 002 EP
Berlin-based home artist Sally C was on the point of launch the second installment of her Massive Saldo’s Chunkers collection of EPs when the battle in Ukraine started. The primary one in 2020 was a large success, to Sally C determined one of the best ways she might assist was to donate proceeds to charity from this second instalment, which releases this month on April 22. With the vinyl and CD copies already offered out three weeks earlier than the drop, it appears she was proper that this launch would generate loads of support cash. Proceeds from this funky home EP will go to the neighborhood fund being raised by her favourite Kiev membership, ∄ and to Bridges Over Berlin, a charity in Germany serving to LGBTQIA+, BiPOC and different marginalized asylum seekers from Ukraine. Pre-order the digital Massive Saldo’s Chunkers 002 on her Bandcamp web page.
Erica Synths Donating from {Hardware} Purchases
There are virtually countless labels and artists donating their proceeds to the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, however Latvian premium synth producer Eric Synths has heeded the decision as nicely, having generated over $50,000 for support organizations as of the tip of March. If you happen to’re searching for some new gear, Erica occurs to be top-of-the-line synth corporations for EDM on the market, and what a bonus to have the ability to donate on the similar time. If that weren’t sufficient, Erica’s efforts are partnered by Noise Engineering, so should you’re a producer you possibly can doubtlessly donate twice: as soon as along with your gear and as soon as should you use Noize as you engineers. Discuss an environment friendly use of assets these of us within the music trade would use anyway. Noise and Erica’s efforts are half of a bigger undertaking known as Musicians for Peace, which is sending donations to Stand With Ukraine although the Latvian web site ziedot.lv and contains various modules on the Erica web site. Noise will probably be matching donations as much as $10,000.
Purchase Ukrainan (or Russian)
If you happen to’re like loads of us and need to attempt to get as a lot assist instantly into the arms of Ukrainian artists who could also be caught within the battle, a few of whom, while nonetheless making an attempt to gig and produce, are actually actively enlisted within the navy. Some are nonetheless making an attempt to help their households who’ve fled to neighboring international locations and a few have even misplaced houses and family members to bombing.
It’s that actual for a few of our favourite EDM artists proper now, and issues are additionally fairly dire for Russian artists. At this level with all of the propaganda and misinformation ways firing on either side, it’s exhausting to make heads or tails of who helps Putin’s agenda, however many Russian artists don’t, and since corporations like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, main banks and even smaller cash switch companies like Smart and Revolut have pulled their enterprise out of Russia as a type or financial sanction, artists who don’t have anything to do with Putin’s agenda are actually locked out of their very own cash and so they can’t instantly ask for assist as a result of present controls on free speech by which, in response to one Russian artist residing exterior of Russia, one can’t even say the phrase “struggle” with out probably being in hassle.
The next checklist contains some methods to get funds to each Ukranian and Russian artists who’re struggling within the battle by buying or supporting their music, nonetheless on the Russian aspect, we suggest not contacting artists who’re residing in Russia instantly on platforms like Instagram or TikTok for their very own security and the protection of their households. For the Ukrainian artists and labels we’re listed, many of those are additionally within the class above of donating funds to charities, so should you’d prefer to know what you’re supporting, reaching out on social media or their Patreons is okay.
Enormous Spreadsheet
Just about because the battle started, Bandcamp arrange an open GoogleDocs spreadsheet of all of the Ukranian artists who’ve on-line releases and assets that followers can donate to or buy. That is one of the best place to hearken to new music of all genres and purchase Ukranian. Additionally anybody who is aware of of artists who want a hand is invited so as to add names and emails to the checklist. There’s some fairly cool stuff on right here, each EDM and in any other case, and the admins of the spreadsheet are monitoring for authenticity. Verify the entire checklist right here. We’ve included a observe beneath from considered one of our favorites on the checklist, experimental breakbeat/jungle/multigenre artist €omfortle$$.
Artist Patreons
That is one strategy to circumnavigate a few of the difficult financial pratfalls of donating to struggling artists on either side of Putin’s traces, as Patreon normally deposits instantly into financial institution accounts, PayPals and even Crypto accounts. If you happen to’ve been pondering of supporting a Ukranian or Russian artist’s Patreon, now’s the time to do it. Under are a number of we all know might use the assistance.
Teddy Killerz – Everybody’s favourite murderous plushie neuro trio is comprised of two members from Russia and one from Ukraine, so that they’re in a really distinctive place however doing amazingly nicely at maintaining with gigs and content material. They’re additionally working to assist their different Ukrainian and Russian artist brethren as a lot as they will. If you happen to’re a neurohead and need nice content material or merch, subscribe to one of many TK Patreon tiers right here. Additionally be sure you try their new album and podcast on Eatbrain.
Ukraine Dancing – It is a Patreon account that posts unique mixes, tracks and tutorials from a wealth of Ukranian dance artists and which has pledged to assist deliver consciousness and donate proceeds to humanitarian efforts. Podcasts and different information property are additionally on this account, so it’s an excellent place to get information from the entrance instantly from a Ukranian supply. Related to the worldwide KissFm radio present and podcast. Subscribe right here.
Agressor Bunx – Gotta go neuro as soon as once more, and it’s no shock, actually. Neuro has at all times had a stronghold in Jap Europe and Russia and naturally the Ukranian brothers Agressor Bunx are amongst neuro followers’ faves. The AG boys have a novel characteristic on their web page the place they’ll supply suggestions and assist to aspiring producers on WIPs in addition to unique mixes and a great deal of different goodies. Subscribe right here and take a look at their most up-to-date album beneath.
Crowdsourcing – That is the place connecting with artists on social media is perhaps one thing extra actively-thinking followers can do. See in case your favourite label is doing something to assist artists within the Ukraine or if artists have one thing up for themselves, and if not, anybody can begin a GoFundMe. Listed here are a pair we discovered serving to artists affected by or conscripted into the battle:
Peace for Ukraine, a collective of musicians elevating cash for the charity Distasters Emergency Committee, primarily based out of the UK. Learn extra and donate right here.
Assist Help Misplaced Ukranian Musicians, began by a classical pianist in Europe. Learn extra and donate right here.
Occasions and Livestreams
After all as soon as of essentially the most enjoyable methods to assist with the humanitarian wants in Ukraine and different affected areas is to go to occasions that are donating to the trigger. There have already been various fairly profitable occasions held by the likes of DJ Magazine in London Complete Pageant in Berlin and Musicians United in Portland. Numerous artists, labels and promotions corporations are additionally placing on livestreams so followers can donate instantly whereas the livestream is occurring, whereas Bandcamp and Beatport are gearing up for extra low cost donation days. These are only a few occasions world wide, however be sure you verify what’s taking place in your metropolis and hold a watch out for extra livestreams arising out of your favourite artists and labels.
Collectively With Ukraine, April 15:
Organized by the identical promoters who put collectively the compilation album, the day-long Collectively With Ukraine occasion will characteristic artists from stated album suck as London Elektricty, SCAR, Halogenix, Jumpin Jack Frost and Makoto, amongst others. Proceeds will probably be break up between the Ukranian Crimson Cross Society and Music Saves UA charities. Tickets are fairly affordable for such an enormous lineup and could be bought at EventBrite.
Stand Up for Ukraine – International Social Media Rally, April 8 and 9 The worldwide support and consciousness group International Citizen has conscripted the assistance of music and social media’s brightest stars like Billie Eilish, The Weekend, U2 and Madonna for a worldwide pledging drive. Totally different than a livestream or in-person occasion, followers will probably be handled to pop-up and impromptu performances, giveaways and different treats from the taking part artists in a push to get as many pledges as potential to assist. Be taught extra right here.
Although there have been murmurings about stop fireplace talks, the battle between Vladimir Putin’s forces in Russia and the Ukraine nonetheless appears to be very a lot lively. Even when there have been a cease-fire at the moment, the necessity for reduction and rebuilding will probably go on for months after the battle ends. These are only a few methods to assist by music, however please additionally contemplate donating to your favourite charity or volunteering for reduction organizations. For much more artists, labels and music to find and assist, try the huge checklist DJ Magazine has going as nicely and watch your favourite artists and labels for after they name for assist. Right here’s hoping for a fast finish to the battle and extra organizations, promoters, labels, et al to step up.