Open source spreadsheet of Ukrainian artists and labels shared as direct support avenue
An open source spreadsheet has been shared widely on social media, collating ways to purchase music directly from, and support, Ukrainian musicians and record labels amid Russia’s invasion of the country. Access the spreadsheet here.
On Thursday, 24th February, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. In response to this act of war, and an ensuing humanitarian crisis that has seen many Ukrainians displaced and forced to relocate to other cities or leave the country entirely, people have been coming together to share ways in which those affected can be best directly supported.
The spreadsheet includes an extensive list of Ukrainian musicians and labels, as well as Bandcamp links and a genre guide. Those behind the spreadsheet have also encouraged people to continue to donate where possible to national and international humanitarian aid organisations as a main priority, as they work to help people affected within the country. Links to organisations such as Humanitarian Aid, UA Hospitals and Votstok SOS are includes as examples of those working to help people right now.
In addition to the creation of the spreadsheet, figures from across the dance music scene are also coming together to find other ways to support people in Ukraine. A number of DJ livestreams aiming to raise money for organisations that are working to help people in the country took place last weekend.
Ukrainian label ШЩЦ has also released an hour-long mix of Ukrainian music with the intention of raising awareness and funds for civilians, soldiers and volunteers, via Stand For Ukraine. All money raised through the label’s Bandcamp is also being donated to volunteers.
US label Dark Entries is matching and donating 100% of all sales of label test pressings to Kharkiv-based organisation Sphere, which it says is “actively engaged in queer organising in the region and across Ukraine”. Find out more here.
Ukrainian label Standard Deviation is directing all of its profits back into its community of artists and launching a number of donation projects. Find out more about the label’s plans via its Instagram post.
Russian label Gost Zvuk has released a name-your-price compilation, ‘STOP THE WAR!’, via Bandcamp, featuring 32 tracks by affiliated artists. In a note alongside the release, Gost Zvuk said: “War is a crime against humanity. We stand with the people of Ukraine and demand an immediate end to war. We condemn the actions of the Russian government. 100% of all proceeds will be sent to humanitarian funds helping those in need.”
You can find a list of organisations accepting donations here. You can find your nearest demonstration against the Russian invasion of Ukraine here.