The weekly overview of the Ukrainian independent music space from Artillery presents a selection of releases that have appeared in Ukraine over the last two weeks. This issue focuses on Marina Krut, Phil It, Kurgan and MUR, as well as a number of collaborative projects that expand the contemporary Ukrainian indie ecosystem.
Readers’ attention is focused on various directions: ethn-electronic albums, film soundtracks, and other releases from Ukrainian performers. The list collects collaborative works by ЩукаРиба and Buhnt, melodic and emotive lines by Pilikayu, the mystical single by Kurgan, and material from future projects, including soundtracks by Leya and Sam Slater, compilations and other releases that attest to the richness of Ukrainian indie music.
Overview of releases
ЩукаРиба & Buhnt – Luxury-Will (LP)
In this duo, Buhnt deftly adds folk hues to electronics, while ЩукаРиба keeps the listener’s attention with a minimalist sound. This combination creates a sense that folk motifs have always stood beside the spinning wheel, the synthesizer, and the sampler in every Ukrainian home.
Pilikayu – Please, don’t force me into selling my music (LP)
This archival album by Pavlo Olefirenko reveals the themes of commercialization and societal expectations. With simple synth melodies, repeating bass lines, and a light guitar hum, it creatively reflects the idea of laziness that reveals its own ambitions.
МУР – Rebellion [1991] (LP)
On the eve of Independence Day the band presents a new album and a stage performance dedicated to rebuilding the country. The sound remains majestic and march-like, with emphasis on monumentality and historical grounding.
Лея – Mavchin Easter (Original Soundtrack) (LP)
In a recent interview, Лея said that she created the main song for the soundtrack of the independent film “Mavchin Easter” and became the film’s full-fledged composer. The soundtrack is available on major streaming platforms.
Sam Slater – 2000 Meters to Andriivka (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (LP)
The Ukrainian Film Forum has selected the national film Мстислава Чернова “2000 meters to Andriivka.” Composer Sam Slater, known for scores for “Chernobyl” and “Joker,” can help this film gain international recognition.
На її основі – Camp 2.0 (Compilation)
The platform «На її основі» presents a collection of tracks created by participants of a five-day residency in the Cherkasy region, with invited artists and mentors. Details – in our news wrap-up about the project.
Смик. Весна (Compilation)
A compilation of live recordings from the festival «Смик. Весна»: tracks by Volodary, Gnizda Vyvilhy, Parking Spot and the band «Шум’я» with Terrikon convey the atmosphere of a live performance.
Si Process – For Me (EP)
Stanislav Ivashchenko, known as the “drama-machine” man, releases a new mini-album. For Me fuses nostalgia with jingles from the noughties, entangling the listener in his own memories. This is the soundtrack to my states. The sounds of a person in the modern world, who balances between its turbulence and his own reflections. During the creation I allowed myself to stray from stylistic borders and simply recorded my feelings
“This is the soundtrack to my states. The sounds of a person in the modern world, who balances between its turbulence and his own reflections. During the creation I allowed myself to stray from stylistic borders and simply recorded my feelings”
Popil – A Year Without Sleep (EP)
The mini-album brings together all the latest singles and adds a new track with Vasyl Richter. The combination of gentle acoustic motifs with the distinctive gwid-hop sound creates a light and intimate atmosphere for home listening.
Kurgan – Kiik-Koba
The new track by Kurgan explores identity and human nature through a more aggressive sound and vivid lyrics. The title refers to the oldest Neanderthal settlement on the territory of present-day Ukraine.
Raja, Jamala – Zorya
Jamala continues experimenting with electronics in collaboration with DJ Raja: the track Zorya blends melodic techno with folk motifs.
“For me the symbol of a star is a symbol of hope. The light that pushes back the darkness and holds on when strength is at the limit. It may be that events escalate, pull you down, and it seems there is no salvation. But suddenly – this light appears, illuminating the path. It dispels the shadows, warms the heart and saves all who look up”
Kola – Ask
Kola emphasizes the importance of living here and now and inclusivity, inviting sign-language translator Yana Mazurash to shoot. The video piece creates a sense of an intimate photoshoot with expressive imagery.
Selo Blyznykiv, Pleroma – The One
The duets have merged into dream-pop with added grunge hues, where vocal lines gain more depth and heft.
Provulok, Anastimosa – Boku no atama no naka de wa
A Japanese influence resonates in the lo-fi composition, which pays homage to the classics of Japanese rock music in the original language.
Марина Круть, Phil It – Bashtany
A summer track with the signature of pumpkin imagery and the vibe of summer. In the video the protagonists drive a car, savoring watermelons right at the wheel – a blend of gentleness and parodic humor.
O.Torvald – Antibiotics
The song that became a hit even before its official release after live performances at Atlas United and Faine Misto. Frontman Yevhen Galych explains: the song is about dependence on feelings that both wound and heal – sometimes you want to rid yourself of it, sometimes allow yourself to dive into it headlong.
Molodi – Benches Remember
A track with simple courtyard benches as a soundtrack to life stories; acoustic guitar and a concise chorus create a warm homey atmosphere for evening listening.
Klavdia Petrivna – Sorrow
The new track by Klavdiya Petrivna cuts through radio-formatting and leaves behind a distinct musical imprint with a more noticeable authorial glow.
Grabar, Yuvi – Real Estate / In the Style of You
A diptych about walls between people and their breakdowns: a rasping rap with soft guitar minimalism gives way to a livelier trip-hop track. A video for the songs was shot by Illya Dudtsyk-Capit.
Khudbudynok – Introduction
The story of returning to Kharkiv and the trials of migrant life: themes of addiction, domestic violence, and fear of the future are reflected in a moody rap with a contrasting beat.
Sextur, Guber – I Don’t Want
Pop-punk with rap verses – music for skateboard trips and feelings of freedom.
Shugar – Berry
Stylistically expressive irony about fixed gender roles with a catchy chorus – the release adds a distinctive atmosphere to the entire release list.
This week once again underscores the diversity of the Ukrainian indie scene: from ethno-electronica to soundtracks and experimental collaborations that shape the country’s contemporary sound.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source mezha.net ’
