In a country at war, the simple club night has become a symbol of resistance, a source of mental rejuvenation and even a way to help bring victory closer.
Violence often visits the capital Kyiv, in short bursts maybe once or twice a week in the form of cruise missiles and kamikaze drones that send people running to shelters awaiting the all clear.
Yet for the majority of the time, life goes on as best it can in the face of Russian aggression – shops sell their wares, cafés serve drinks, and music venues welcome those looking for an escape.
“The capital’s electronic scene is trying to function between air raids, blackouts, missile attacks, and even prejudice from the public,” says Alexander Klimtsov, who plays under the name DJ Mr Sunny.
“Some people believe that DJing is all about fun and drunk dancing people only. This is one of the stereotypes the electronic music community had to break.
“Most Ukrainian DJs have proven their public benefit and, since it became possible to hold parties, many DJs have performed at charity events and participated in volunteer activities.”
One of the most striking examples of the melding of music with public service is the “clean-up rave” – the clearing of debris from sites of Russian attacks with an on-site DJ providing a motivational backing track.
Yet the standard city centre club night in the context of a country at war has become a public service in itself – one that provides and contributes far more than they could ever do in a country at peace.“It is impossible to forget about the war because it does not forget about us,” Alina tells Kyiv Post at a Friday night music event in the capital. “But you need to live life.”
This desire to be able to indulge in pre-war pastimes like clubbing is far removed from the purely hedonistic nights out in Europe’s other major cities on any given night, and almost all involve some form of fundraising either for reconstruction or Ukraine’s armed forces.
“It is necessary to combine assistance to the country, the army together with everyday life,” Alina adds. “After all, if everyone gets hung up on events and ‘just goes home’, then we will not have enough strength to endure for a long time. Mental health problems significantly affect performance and overall physical health. Therefore, sometimes you need to unload, give yourself a rest in order to return to life with new strength. After all, ‘a strong rear equals a strong army.’”
Kyiv’s music scene also provides a crucial escape for those serving on the frontlines when they have the opportunity to take leave.
“I rarely attend parties because I am a military man of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Danylo tells the Kyiv Post. “But when I have weekends – which happens quite rarely – I want to do something that will remind me of the past carefree life.”
Reflecting on his visits to Kyiv’s clubs, Danylo’s mood becomes more sombre: “I come to parties when I have the opportunity because subconsciously I want to feel the same sensations as before. I don’t feel them. I want to, but I can’t. It’s like it’s not the same. I do not know if I will ever be able to experience the same serenity. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the war is not over yet, or perhaps this is already an imprint on my psyche.”
Putting on a successful club night is a tricky endeavour at the best of times, but a war zone presents a whole other level of challenges.
