In the last several days, people worldwide have been shocked and appalled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Many, from politicians to celebrities to everyday public members, have been looking for ways to show their support for the Ukrainian people.
Social media has been flooded with yellow and blue flags, and indeed, many stars of the EDM world, and the wider music industry in general, have been quick to take a public stance against the war. Artists like Gareth Emery, Swedish House Mafia, Layton Giordani, and many more have taken to Twitter to clarify their feelings.
Electronic dance artist Jauz wrote “Praying for Ukraine. Absolutely horrifying. What a sad day for the world. I’m Russian by blood, but today I stand with my Ukrainian brothers and sisters. At a loss for words.”
Many musicians, such as Alison Swing, Lola Palmer, Young Marco, and DJ Bone, have even taken a step further, taking part in live-streamed sets to raise funds to support Ukrainian organizations such as The Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund, the International Fund, and the Ukrainian Red Cross
Of course, many Ukrainian musicians are also affected by the invasion. Much of Ukraine’s economy, and thus its music industry, has been put at a standstill, and the result is that many musicians are not sure what lies ahead.
Speaking with Rolling Stone Magazine, guitarist Kyrylo Brener said, “I hope this thing will somehow be ended and we will be able to play, but right now we can’t make plans, even for the next day.” Unfortunately, his experience is representative of many people in Ukraine. Rich or poor, Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes and head for the border or join up and fight.
In other developments from the music world, the Eurovision song contest has followed in the footsteps of the International Olympic Committee, Fifa, and Uefa, in banning Russia from entering the competition. The European Broadcasting Union released a statement on the 25th of February stating that “no Russian act will participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest”
Although the organization is officially apolitical, the statement claims to reflect a “concern that, in the light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s Contest would bring the competition into disrepute.”
That being said, several Russian musicians have openly come out against the war online. Russian singer, and former Eurovision performer, Sergey Lazarev has also spoken out against the war. In a post on Instagram, Lazarev wrote:
“Sit down at the negotiating table! Let the people live! Nobody supports the war! I want my children to live in peace!”
