In the Ukraine, any youth, creative and cultural movement can be deemed political. It has become the lifeblood of all aspects of youth culture: from electronic music to fashion. One day I hope to explore Kiev’s electronic scene: to one day become a part of the skateparks-turned-rave-dens, and abandoned warehouses. Nothing that seems more exciting to me than immersive heavy techno raves in the depths of Kiev, where everyone’s wearing 80s and 90s sports gear and speed racer sunglasses.
Cxema
Cxema (pronounced “schemaÛ) is deemed the epicenter of the Ukrainian techno/house music scene. An events collective that throws illegal parties in abandoned factories and warehouses, the vision and acclaim of Cxema has been covered by the edgiest music publications from Vice, to i-D, to Metal Magazine and more.
Perhaps Cxema became so revered by Ukrainians because those warehouse parties showed up just at the right time- during extremely difficult political and economic chaos in Ukraine, the Maidan revolution. Cxema represents the new wave of underground rave culture for Ukrainian youth. Despite political instability, these passionate young people are able to connect with others through their love for music. I find that there’s something so freeing and immersive when it comes to glitchy, drone-like techno.
Metal Magazine spoke to the creator of Cxema, who explained that, “a post-revolutionary economic crisis and the threat of the real war both led to the common confusion and vacuum in Kiev’s cultural and nightlife landscape. Along with other progressive initiatives, we decided to fill this vacuum according to our preferences: spacious dance floors, best local musicians and DJs, quality sound. No wonder it has attracted so much attention, since it’s not the first time rave culture gains popularity and goes viral during crisis of different nature. It has happened in ’80s Western Europe, then in ’90s post-Soviet society, etc.” Slava Lepsheev (DJ and promoter) is the creator of Cxema.
Stanislav Tolkachev
Stanislav Tolkachev is one of my favorite Ukrainian producers. I especially love his mix for Addicted Podcast. Tolkachev is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in Ukrainian techno, and he’s already done his gig at Berghain – Berlin’s internationally-recognized venue.
I love exploring the soundcloud for Addicted, which features many of Ukraine’s well-known techno artists. It becomes a rabbit hole of obscure and glitchy techno that I could lose myself in for hours. Addicted is one of Kiev’s leading techno and house events companies that has been bringing top-notch international guests to Kiev since 2010. They have a few resident DJs, which include Dego, Igor Glushko, Roman K, Skaz and Stan Laev. Their monthly podcast is the perfect showcase for Ukrainian electronic music.
Listen to his releases on Soundcloud.
Lollibou
Kiev’s bad child — Nastia Vogan is a techno producer who goes by the moniker Lollibou. She creates sharply desolate techno tracks that really help you envision the palpable energy of post-revolution Ukraine. There’s something about her techno releases that have a punk sensibility.
Voin Oruwu
Voin Oruwu describes himself on Soundcloud as “Sound of jungle with drone foundation / Space influenced synthesizer music.” I’m not 100% sure what that’s supposed to mean, but I like it. His podcast for Cxema is incredible, you can listen to it here:
Listen to his other releases on Soundcloud.
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To explore some more of Kiev’s artists, check out The Calvert Journal’s list of Ten Rising Stars from Ukraine.