A round up of artists, labels and releases helping raise funds to support the people of Ukraine
On Thursday, 24th February, a full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched by Russia’s president following weeks of mounting tension and build up of troops on the country’s border.
A situation which has now seen over three million Ukrainians displaced from their homes and forced to relocate, or leave the country.
In response to the war and the huge humanitarian crisis which has followed. The most effective means to help is donating money directly to a suitable humanitarian charity or organisation, who are working on the ground:
- www.dec.org.uk
- www.ukraine.savethechildren.net
- www.donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
- www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donate-now-to-protect-children-in-ukraine
- www.wck.org
However, nobody should be forced to make such a binary choice.
If you can afford to donate or simply prefer to help by making a cultural purchase – brilliant.
Many of us feel helpless in the face of such a terrible situation as it has unfolded before our eyes. Thankfully, a lot of people from across the creative communities have been coming together, to share ways in which those affected can be directly supported.
Support artists directly
The simple act of purchasing music directly from Ukrainian artists and labels is a fantastic way of offering direct financial support to individuals who are directly affected by this crisis.
If you wish to do so, check out this recently shared open source spreadsheet dedicated to Ukrainian artists and labels, including genre tags and Bandcamp links.
Buy a fundraising compilation
Over the last few weeks, a huge selection of releases have come out and are online, to help raise funds for humanitarian organisations working directly on the ground in Ukraine.
We’ve done our best to keep tabs on what is what, so that we can provide a small round up / selection of purchases that have really gone above and beyond to curate a brilliant palette of music, which you may wish to consider:
The Sound Of Now / Music For Ukraine
Those excellent folk at Test Pressing have put together this lovely selection of Balearic beats and deep treats, drawn from their top drawer roster of friends and family. All sales are being split between the Red Cross and Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).
Dove
A compilation of music donated by artists who are part of the legendary Freerotation festival, to help raise money for The International Committee of the Red Cross. 100% of all the proceeds will go to the charity.
First Aid For Ukraine
Berlin based Guerrilla Bizarre have brought together this whopping selection of House, Techno and Electro from a range of talents. All proceeds will be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross on a weekly basis.
Check their social media pages to see how much will be given.
A Permanent Vacation Dance Therapy – Fundraiser For Ukraine
The mighty Munich machine that is Permanent Vacation have called on their roster of artists to donate a whole lot of House and Electronic chuggers, to help us to raise money for the people in the Ukraine. All proceeds will go to unitedhelpukraine.org
Around the Tree of Peace
Deep electronic sounds emanating from Norway’s very own Monument label as they invite contributions from in over ten different countries – spanning from Scotland to Georgia, and Finland to Spain – reflecting the uniting power music can have beyond borders. The release’s sound palette ranges from introspective ambient pieces to dark and broken beats as well as more hopeful timbres with all funds raised going to the Norwegian Refugee Council.
4UKRAINE
Italian maestro Marco Shuttle drops this cracking 4 track EP, with all money raised going to The Voices for the Children – a foundation that has been helping children affected by the war since 2015 providing psychological and psychosocial support.
Natural Selection: In Aid Of Ukraine
London based record label and events collective Natural Selection take a firm stand and show their solidarity with Ukraine with this colossal 33-track V/A fundraiser compilation, by which 100% of proceeds will be donated to Ukrainian charity foundation “Come Back Alive”.
Club Unity
Welsh label and club night Haŵs assemble a diverse feast of artists that inspire their vibe. Most importantly, all proceeds will go to the incredible platform ‘WithUkraine’, which consolidates international efforts in raising funds to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine and its people.
Music For Freedom: A Fundraiser For Ukraine
As you’d expect, Music from Memory have pooled together for a sterling selection of music from their wonderful pool of musical talent, with all profits being donated to Red Cross Ukraine.
