04.03.22
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After weeks of mounting tension, on 24 February, Russia declared war – a “special military operation” – against Ukraine.

In a speech addressed to his nation, Putin said: “A hostile anti-Russia is being created on our historic lands.” He claimed that the attack was for the “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine, a statement that echoes Kremlin propaganda.

On the first day, Russia launched a full-scale military offense, bombing Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The devastating impact on Ukrainian people has since continued to escalate at a rapid speed. There are reports of people fleeing in search of safety, waiting in long queues for food and mounting casualties. Some are staying behind to fight for, and defend, their homeland. Putin’s actions have been condemned worldwide.

Across the music industry, artists, platforms and labels are finding ways to support the people of Ukraine. Below is a list of resources, organisations, charities and fundraisers to engage with. If you know of other resources that we should add to this list, please email crack@crackmagazine.net.

Bandcamp 

This open-source Google Sheet spotlights Ukrainian artists and labels you can support via Bandcamp. Today is Bandcamp Friday, so the full profits of any sales these artists and labels make today will go directly to them. Please consider showing your support.

A new charity compilation curated by Kyiv club ∄ label Standard Deviation and Mystictrax – a Ukrainian label run by Lostlojic – was announced today. Together for Ukraine is exclusive to Bandcamp and features 65 Ukrainian and international artists, and the artwork was designed by Wolfgang Tillmans. Profits will be split between four charitable funds.

Buttechno is donating all Bandcamp proceeds for his own work and his Psy X label to the Ukrainian cause.

Hyperdub is donating 50 percent (the label’s share) of Bandcamp Friday sales made today (4 March) to a Ukrainian charity.

Ostgut Ton | A-TON | underton is donating all profits from digital product proceeds purchased on Bandcamp between 4-21 March to “various causes and charities, with a focus on LGBTQIA+ and BIPoC”.

Halogenix is releasing a run of Stand With Ukraine tees. Proceeds will be split between the Ukrainian Red Cross and organisations helping minority groups get safely across the border. Pre-order here.

 

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Skee Mask has dropped a new project entitled A comprised of previously unreleased tracks that were made between 2015 and 2019, all unmastered. All proceeds will be donated to Ukraine relief organisations. “If you don’t like these tracks, please consider donating to an organisation of choice anyway.”

Sheffield post-rock band 65 Days of Static are donating Bandcamp Friday proceeds to the Ukrainian cause. (Exact organisation TBC)

Three compilations of black metal, metal and alternative music to raise funds for British Ukrainian Aid, released this Bandcamp Friday.

Gold Flake Paint are donating all proceeds of their journals to a variety of organisations working in Ukraine.

Lithuanian labels Why People Dance and Ledotmat Musique have released two volumes in aid of Ukraine entitled WhyPeopleWar. Proceeds from the compilations will be donated to Red Cross Ukraine.

Ukrainian label Muscut has released Fundraiser Compilation: ВОЛЯ, donating “100% of sales to ““Razom” initiative’s partners and our friends-volunteers who are fighting back the occupier in different Ukrainian cities.”

eastbloc sound alliance have shared We Stand With Ukraine compilation with all proceeds going to humanitarian aid and queer feminist networks in Ukraine. Funds from the release will be split between БІЛКІС, Chuffed, GenderZ and FIGHT FOR RIGHT.

Ukrainian artist Koloah has released his new ambient album Serenity with profits going to support the Ukrainian Refugee Support Fund. Having evacuated his home in Kyiv, Koloah finished this album he’d begun working on before the war and hopes that it “should serve as a kind of therapy for people who are personally experiencing or watching all the nightmare that is happening in Ukraine.”

Kate NV has shared new release bouquet in collaboration with Andy Bressonov via RVNG Intl. Proceeds from the album will be donated to Helping To Leave.

More fundraising releases

Swedish label Northern Electronics has released a fundraising compilation entitled A Dove Has Spread Her Wings: Relief for Ukraine. The 34-track compilation features Donato Dozzy, Dasha Rush, Claudio PRC and more. All proceeds from the sale of the comp will go to UNICEF Ukraine.

Marco Shuttle’s 4UKRAINE LP

Dark Entries is donating and matching 100 percent of all sales of its test pressings to Sphere, based in Kharkiv. 

Russian imprint Gost Zvuk has released a compilation entitled Stop The War! featuring the likes of Perila, Flaty and Kedr Livanskiy. All proceeds will be donated to humanitarian funds helping those in need.

Ukrainian record label ШЩЦ shares hour-long fundraiser mix raising awareness and money for Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. The mix spotlights Ukrainian artists.

A techno-driven fundraising comp from Brussels label U4E. It features Ben Klock, Tommy Four Seven, Marcel Dettmann and more.

Charities, organisations and appeals you can support

Stand for Ukraine

Choose Love: Ukraine Crisis Fundraiser

A list of organisations accepting donations

Global Giving

Save The Children

Sunflower of Peace

OutReach Action International

UNICEF

Red Cross

UNFPA Ukraine

United Help Ukraine

The Kyiv Independent: Support independent journalism

∄ Ukrainian creative community fund

A new fundraising initiative entitled Underground4Ukraine has been launched by a group of dance music promoters, artists, label managers and venue owners. The likes of Waking Life Festival, Refuge Worldwide and Horst Arts and Music are involved, however anyone can take part. Head to the site for further information.

Additional resources

How to support marginalised people in Ukraine (via Trippin)

How you can help Ukraine (via Mayor of London)

25 meaningful ways you can help Ukraine (via Global Citizen)

Nearest demos against Russian military invasion

A list of ways to support Ukraine and Ukrainians (via the Ukrainian Institute London)

How to help the Ukrainian army (via Nastia)

Real ways you can help Ukraine as a foreigner

A literary guide to understanding Ukraine, past and present

Open platform Creatives for Ukraine, a resource of images to “give a face” to the war.

Club events fundraising for Ukraine

5 March: Centre Point (Ireland)

5 March: Whole Festival (Berlin)

7 March: Ransom Note + Netil Radio 14 hour stream (online)

9 March: Worldwide FM x Keep Hush (London)

9 March: Culture Box (Copenhagen)

9 March: Night for Ukraine at the Roundhouse (London)

10 and 13 March: Pickle Factory (London)

11 March: R3 Soundsystem (London)

11 March: Space 289 (London)

13 March: Drop Beats Not Bombs (Brighton)

14 April: Hidden (Manchester)

5-12 May: Boiler Room 4:3 Ukraine Film Festival

7 May: Chernobyl live concert at Kraftwerk Berlin