Kyiv is Ukraine’s largest and most populous city that serves as a focal point for the majority of the nation’s cultural, scientific, social, and artistic achievements. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the capital has become a center of resistance against the russian aggressor and a place of unity for most active and decisive contemporary public figures. At times of war, these people dedicate their activities to supporting the Armed Forces, countering the military opponent, and preserving the cultural identity of the nation.
The underground scene plays a significant role in promoting a contemporary vision of culture, persisting in its efforts under unusual circumstances while it encounters numerous obstacles in event organization. Conditions such as curfews, air raid alerts, power cuts due to damaged energy infrastructure, and shelling are just part of the challenging environment in which Ukrainian promoters and artists work. Despite these factors, the local electronic scene continues to evolve and present the music community with new formations, festivals, names, and visions of music as a relevant and important part of culture.
Currently, the most active participants in the electronic community include Kyiv’s club ∄, also known as K41, and the club Closer with festivals Strichka and Brave! Factory. The label Polygon hosts festivals Brudnyi Pes (Dirty Dog in English) and Art is a Weapon!, along with formations like Laboratorium, the queer community Stezhka, and venues such as Brukxt and Abo. Kyiv’s underground scene is complemented by cultural initiatives in other Ukrainian cities, including Construction festival in Dnipro and Faine Misto festival in Lviv. To explore how and by what means the Ukrainian scene currently thrives and how large-scale events continue to be executed amidst wartime conditions, we spoke with some of its most active representatives.
Kyiv’s “Nightlife” During the War
russia’s full-scale invasion has posed a threat to Ukrainian culture in all its dimensions, including music. This has impacted the activities of the aforementioned formations, but importantly, it has not halted them. Furthermore, we are currently witnessing significant progress in the development of the local music scene, which not only continues to evolve known projects but also gives rise to new ones.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, events that once aimed to attract large crowds have changed their course. Now, their primary objectives are to raise funds for military needs and to position Ukraine as a strong player on the international music scene.
One of the major events now happening in Kyiv is Brudnyi Pes festival, which was established at the beginning of the full-scale invasion and initiated by the Polygon collective and SVYST promo group. This event explores the concept of the most contemporary Ukrainian identity and its boundless manifestations in diverse music and street cultures. The festival’s organizers are driven by a clear mission to enrich Ukrainian culture and imbue it with Ukrainian content. This, of course, prompts a pertinent question: why is there a need to promote Ukrainian culture in Ukraine?
“If we look deeper into our history, we can observe a continual expansion of russian culture throughout the history of our relations. The period following gaining independence in 1991 was no exception. For 33 years of independence, russia consistently integrated into the Ukrainian cultural landscape. This is why we observed Spotify playlists and other streaming services being dominated by russian or russian-language content. We understood that simply posting angry demands ‘DON’T LISTEN TO RUSSIAN CONTENT’ would not be effective. The only way forward is to enhance the quantity and quality of Ukrainian music,” shares Garik Pledov, a co-organizer of Brudnyi Pes festival.
Indeed, over two years of full-scale invasion, Ukrainian music has reached a new level. Festival stages are seeing an influx of new Ukrainian artists, improved sound quality, and consequently, a growing audience and appreciation. People are eager to explore new faces and intriguing projects, particularly those born in Ukraine.
The topic of hosting parties and festivals during the war has sparked considerable debate, as they were predominantly viewed as leisure activities before. Now, attending these events isn’t just about “where to go on the weekend”; it represents a deliberate choice by each attendee to make a contribution towards victory. This shift in the Ukrainian consumer’s perspective has reshaped the approach of organizations that have been hosting their events with charitable objectives for two years. The institution ∄ (or K41) plays a pivotal role in this community dynamic. In October 2022, it resumed its regular event programming in a smaller venue on the Ground Floor. The venue is known for its constant collaboration with world-famous artists and promoters, a modern approach to creating a comfortable and safer space for self-expression, and since the onset of the full-scale invasion, its vigorous fundraising efforts for the Ukrainian military and significant contributions to the evolution of new Ukrainian culture.
“We introduced a “free donation” model for entry, directing all profits to support the Ukrainian army. Since that time (October 15, 2022), we have successfully raised about 20 million hryvnias (around 500,000 euros). We work closely with several brigades, providing them with essential items such as DJI Mavic drones and pickups, which are used for evacuating the wounded and for reconnaissance missions,” says Anna Lukash, the club’s communications manager.
Interaction with the community has also been an important factor in the revival of the institution’s activities. The organizers felt a responsibility towards the community for whom K41 has been and remains a place where support can be found.
This sense of responsibility also drove the organizers of the Kyiv techno-rave series, Laboratorium. Since the start of the full-scale war, the events have been held with the aim of charitable fundraising, primarily featuring lineups of mostly local, young artists.
“People have always inspired us, so even in such difficult times, we want to energize them with positive energy, give them genuine smiles, support them, and help them,” explains Mykhailo Maliarchuk, co-founder of Laboratorium.
The community remains a vital force in driving and developing the aforementioned festivals and formations, even under challenging conditions such as missile attacks, power outages, and curfews. The energy people bring to dance floors, their support for local initiatives, and their need for cultural enrichment are what inspire promoters and artists to continue their activities and surprise people with new initiatives.
Indeed, Strichka festival, which this year celebrated its 10-year anniversary, serves primarily as a place for Ukrainian unity, a sense of freedom, and closeness. Unfortunately, this philosophy is influenced by the events of 2014 when russia first violated Ukrainian borders and occupied territories. Nonetheless, the festival’s genesis at that time and its ongoing activities today highlight a focus on human-centered values, emphasizing support for the community and culture.
“In 2022, when russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, naturally, there was no possibility of holding a festival — the facility was dedicated to vital volunteer efforts, and that was our primary focus. However, as the second year of the war progressed, it became clear that both our guests and us needed to be reminded of what we are fighting for — the sense of freedom and unity. Strichka during war is therapy for everyone: it’s a place of rest and rejuvenation for the military, a source of inspiration for people, a boost for Ukrainian culture, and a demonstration of Ukrainian resilience to foreign guests who still choose to visit,” shares Alisa Mullen, PR Director of Closer.
The danger that has been a constant companion to event organization for the past two years is just one of the challenges that the modern music scene has had to overcome. Every aspect of organization has been affected by the war, which has simultaneously spurred new solutions and implementations. For instance, night parties have shifted to daytime formats due to curfew regulations. This change has influenced both the development dynamics and the overall atmosphere during any event.
russian shelling of Ukraine’s energy system has caused blackouts and unpredictable power outages during events. But even under such difficult conditions, events continue to be held, and people continue to attend them.
“What you have worked on and invested many resources in can be canceled at any time. However, this is not an obstacle but a necessary measure and a new reality that we are adapting to. There have been instances when the power went out during a performance because russia was attacking critical infrastructure. But we turned on a generator and continued the event. It’s not the curfew or the blackout that prevent events from happening, it’s russia trying to destroy us,” explains Anna Lukash.
These Ukrainian realities and the prevailing instability have unquestionably impacted various aspects of event execution. Specifically, the situation in the country has made it more challenging to book foreign artists.
“It has become much harder to bring in artists from abroad, as many refuse. Sometimes it’s not even because of the war in our country, but because enduring a 30-hour journey from Europe is very difficult. Currently, we are trying to involve young artists to perform on the big stage, so we always strive to allocate a slot for a DJ who is still unknown but promising, in our opinion,” emphasizes Mykhailo Maliarchuk.
“The hardest part is that there is no longer a queue of foreign artists eager to come and perform in Ukraine, as the country is at war and the concerns are understandable. However, what has been truly impossible for us to comprehend is that at the same time, many artists choose to tour in russia, a country waging a brutal war against its neighbor. These are the same artists who, not long ago, performed at Closer and our festivals. This is something we still haven’t been able to come to terms with, and we doubt we ever will,” says Alisa Mullen.
The continual and significant turnover in the audience, combined with the uncontrollable and unpredictable events due to the war, is another factor that festival and party organizers must consider when planning future events. Many people have either left or, conversely, returned to their hometowns. For instance, the audience for Brudnyi Pes changed almost completely between the first and second editions. The organizers had to build the audience anew, which, as they say, is like creating a festival from scratch.
Wartime conditions have significantly impacted the financial stability of Ukrainians, reducing people’s purchasing power as prices increase. The music industry finds itself caught between these factors, acting as a buffer. Organizers are in a tough spot as they can’t adjust ticket prices to keep pace with soaring operational costs like electricity and equipment rental, which leaves them unable to effectively manage these escalating expenses.
The drive to develop local culture and gather people on the dance floors still prevails, leading formations to actively seek sponsors and grant opportunities. Fortunately, companies recognize the value of Ukrainian culture and financially support these initiatives.
“Now, sponsors are finally starting to resume support of cultural initiatives in Ukraine. We have great respect for the companies that understand the significance of culture and music and are willing to invest in them. This year, we received support from the Ukrainian online taxi service Uklon. The company has shown itself to be a brand with a modern and effective approach to integration. For this year’s festival promo video, we involved five Ukrainian directors to create five different promo clips. Each director brought an authentic expression and unique vision to the various musical styles featured at this year’s Brudnyi Pes. Therefore, alongside Uklon, we also supported the film production industry,” says Garik Pledov.
The Ukrainian underground has adapted to the existing obstacles and conditions. Today, the primary value for every local is, evidently, life. While it may be difficult to provide people with a complete sense of safety, which is obviously lacking in Ukraine, musical initiatives strive to do their utmost. New conditions have given rise to new rules, which affect everyone.
The Ukrainian scene ensures that attendees are informed about the nearest shelter locations, conducts security checks for weapons or explosives, and employs a large number of security personnel. The war has significantly impacted people’s mental health — every Ukrainian experiences some level of post-traumatic stress disorder, manifesting in different ways and to varying extents. Promoters take this into consideration and, by caring for each attendee, actively communicate with the community about sensitive audiovisual elements that might be present at events, providing first aid when needed. During the war, artificial fog, strobe lights, and sudden loud sounds have become triggers for many. This information is also shared with foreign artists, advising them against using siren sounds during their performances.
The pace of life during the war has also significantly accelerated, making event planning a particularly daunting task. Yet, even under such conditions, the Ukrainian underground has learned to make quick decisions and act even faster. The ongoing challenges have accompanied the organization of festivals and parties every day for two years now. However, instead of stalling, the cultural sector in Ukraine has been driven to push forward towards change and growth. These changes are evident in the diversification of cultural event formats and a heightened emphasis on the local scene.
“The traumatic experience we are currently living through requires curation of new formats that are relevant for the community. That is why we work on offering useful and supporting event formats, such as film screenings, experimental electronic music concerts, educational projects, and more. We are fostering a dialogue with the community and aim to engage everyone,” says Anna Lukash.
“About 80% of the local scene has been refreshed, as many artists have left. Our goal is to nurture new talent, so in addition to hosting festivals, we have a label that releases local artists. We also invite foreign artists to exchange experiences, share audiences, and attract attention. Despite the long journey, today’s Kyiv is safe enough for foreign artists to visit. On our side, we implement all possible safety measures and we are truly grateful to the artists who choose to come and support us by performing, giving workshops, and helping with fundraising activities.”, says Garik Pledov.
Despite the dangers and obstacles the community faces, Ukrainian culture evidently experiences a renaissance. Air raid alerts, shelling, power outages, and curfews remind its members of what is worth fighting for and the purpose that motivates them to keep moving forward.
What’s happening in other cities
Ukrainian culture is evolving not only in Kyiv but also in other cities. Festivals like Faine Misto in Lviv and Construction in Dnipro are showcasing the active development of contemporary Ukrainian art.
Faine Misto was born in 2013 in Ternopil, a small city in western Ukraine. Over the past decade, it has evolved from a small local event into a major phenomenon with its own history, culture, and traditions.
Today Faine Misto is one of the largest and most popular festivals in Ukraine. The primary goal of this year’s event is to raise 5 million hryvnias (around 120.000 euros) to support a military brigade with which the organizers have collaborated since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Last year, they successfully raised over 3.7 million (around 100.000 euros) hryvnias.
The project not only supports the military but also promotes local musicians and bands by giving them the opportunity to share the stage with international stars. The festival connects attendees through a rich mix of music genres and cultural activities, celebrating diversity and unity.
“While attending the festival, one can notice that it brings together people of different ages, social statuses, and interests. It is here that an exchange of music, ideas, and art takes place, which in turn promotes cultural diversity and mutual understanding,” assures the festival’s press secretary, Viktoria Troyanchuk.
Construction festival of audiovisual art and new media also gathers a large crowd in Dnipro, a city relatively close to the front line. Its goal is to rethink the functions of public spaces in the city and foster dialogue between diverse cultures and experiences. A significant challenge in realizing its vision is the frequent air raid alarms, which occur around 10 times a day, as well as the refusal of many musicians and artists to participate due to safety concerns.
“Sometimes, we don’t fully grasp the difficult conditions we are in; we do everything with enthusiasm because we simply can’t stop. We feel it’s crucial to be here and to nurture the city’s culture, because if not us, then who? We see that people appreciate this, they look forward to the festival and actively participate. The russians want us to lose hope, to stop fighting, celebrating, and dancing, but that won’t happen. Despite two years of full-scale war exhausting everyone, we must continue doing what we find meaningful and what we do best. Abandoning it all seems impossible,” emphasizes festival co-founder Andriy Palash.
Faine Misto and Construction prove that culture and music are an integral part of society’s life even in the toughest times. Wartime music festivals help people unite, take a break from the hectic routine, and ultimately support psychological well-being. It is in these moments that the realization dawns — life goes on!
The Nature of the Modern Ukrainian Electronic Scene
The Ukrainian scene is a phenomenon of our times and a demonstration of resilience and unity in conditions where everything can end in an instant. One of the key goals that motivates Ukrainian promoters to continue is the preservation of Ukrainian cultural identity. Music events serve as a form of cultural resistance against the enemy, of defending authentic national interests, preserving inherited heritage, and creating new legacies.
“Ukrainian electronic scene is an integral part of rich and diverse Ukrainian culture. The very existence of our culture is a protest against russia’s bloody imperialist ambitions, which seek to eradicate everything associated with us. As cultural figures, our duty is to continue nurturing our culture even in times of war. The quality of it defines the country we are fighting for now and how we envision it after the war,” emphasizes Anna Lukash.
“Culture, in essence, is what shapes a nation as a distinct entity. Throughout our history with russia, they have attempted to appropriate or eradicate our historical and cultural heritage. They have rewritten the works of our musicians, writers, poets, and artists, promoting the idea that russia created Ukraine, not the other way around. russians clearly understand that culture and cultural heritage are the primary targets, and once these are taken, territorial conquest is only a matter of time,” asserts Garik Pledov.
Another important pillar of modern Ukrainian culture is the community. All events are created with the aim of uniting proactive, caring people in a shared, comfortable space for communication, support, relaxation, and finding meaning and strength to keep moving forward. This is done to collectively achieve the necessary goals for future victory and to support those who are directly defending the country in the ranks of the Armed Forces. Electronic music events in Ukraine serve as mass therapy, a retreat, social marketing, and charitable fundraising all in one space.
“Music is what inspires and transforms. Music festivals provide people with a breath of fresh air. We feel enormous support from the audience. Visitors thank us for what we do, offer us warm words, and always say that our events are all about love,” says Mykhailo Maliarchuk.
“During these times, it is especially evident that music is not just entertainment; it is a therapeutic process. Even when someone can’t overcome the internal block to dance at a party, they still attend events to listen to the music and to themselves. On the other hand, some have only now begun to dance because life feels more fragile and fleeting. If not now, then when?” says Alisa Mullen.
“We focus on our understanding of the importance of these events, where the outcome is not only the creation of new culture but also the mental shelter for both – civilians and militaries. Many members of the music scene and the cultural sector are currently on the front lines. We provide them not only with free entrances but also hold the places in the line-ups. It is very important to us that these individuals do not forget that they are artists, musicians, and painters first and foremost,” says Garik Pledov.
“We feel strong support from the community because we consistently raise funds to help military brigades at our events. The scale of this assistance is truly significant, and we communicate this regularly. Visitors are aware of this, which is why they actively support us and our events. This, in turn, motivates us to keep moving forward and to do more for the community and the military,” says Anna Lukash.
What’s next? In conditions of constant instability and the absence of a sense of security in Ukraine, promoters are not engaging in precise future planning. Instead, they aim for continuous development and scaling of events, adapting to the ever-evolving situation in the country. Understanding the necessity of such events, the needs of the community, and the realities of the front lines, members of the Ukrainian scene are uniting their efforts to sustain both the industry and the community as a whole.
“Task number one is to survive… both physically and as a phenomenon,” says Garik Pledov. “Task number two is to continue growing and developing the scene. The only advice is not to give up and to cooperate more with each other. To think first and foremost about the scene and culture.”
“We are currently living in conditions where we can only dream about growth. Nowadays, it’s about survival: as people and as initiatives. We don’t want to lose what we have already built — that’s why we continue,” emphasizes Andriy Palash.
Written by Olha Kryzhanovska and Olena Pobochii
Translated from Ukrainian by Valeriia Holoskevych (Polygon PR)
Please note that the article uses mentions of “russian”, “russia” in lowercase due to a widespread Ukrainian practice of cultural and linguistic resistance against oppressors.
Photos by @oly_prykhodko @tania.horbatiuk @tymychrom
Thanks to
@brud_pes_brud_fest
@k41community.fund
@laboratorium
@closer.ua
@polygon_ua
@brud_pes_brud_fest
@fainemistofest/
