The COMMENT: Nightlife – Eastern Europe
Matt Unicomb on how the world’s electronic-music scenes are organizing against Russian aggression.
In March 2022, the electronic music scene echoed a powerful response to global events, marking a pivotal moment in cultural solidarity as artists worldwide reacted against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While streaming giants like Disney and Netflix suspended operations in Russia, a dynamic movement was emerging within nightclubs and raves. Renowned DJs such as Swedish House Mafia and Jauz voiced their opposition, and ravers in cities from London to Los Angeles packed dance floors, raising funds for Ukrainian refugees and the Red Cross.
A Call to Action in Eastern Europe
As the war unfolded, Eastern Europe’s nightlife, particularly in former Soviet states, took a definitive stance. Bassiani, a celebrated techno club in Tbilisi, Georgia, boldly proclaimed, “This is our war too.” The atmosphere at Bassiani became charged with political sentiments, especially after reports that Russian patrons were turned away at the door. Sasha Diskoteka, a Russian resident in Tbilisi, shared her experience of being denied entry, highlighting the impacts of geopolitical tensions on personal interactions. “They didn’t say anything except, ‘Sorry, you can’t come in,’” she recalled.
This emerging stance is not isolated. An open letter from around 90 signatories in Kyiv’s nightlife community called for a complete boycott of Russian artists and venues that did not vocally oppose the invasion. The close ties previously shared between Russian and Ukrainian club scenes have frayed, with many Ukrainian artists expressing feelings of betrayal over the silence from many of their Russian counterparts.
Standing United Against Silence
Alisa Mullen, a press officer for several Kyiv nightlife organizations, emphasized the need for solidarity amid ignorance. “I know some DJs from Russia who went to protests, and I respect them so much. But that’s just 1 percent of them,” she stated. This collective action mirrors the electronic music scene’s historically progressive ideals, rooted in black and LGBTQ+ cultures, extending to Eastern Europe where nightclubs often serve as safe spaces for marginalized communities.
Elena Natale, co-founder of the renowned Estonian club Hall, articulated the role clubs have played in bridging divides. “Our club was a place where you could feel post-Soviet trauma healing,” she noted. However, she observed a disturbing trend of renewed hostility towards Russians in wider Estonian society since the invasion.
The Evolution of Nightlife Connections
Before the war, cities like Kyiv and Tbilisi were cultural hubs attracting “techno tourists” who flocked to experience vibrant nightlife. Clubs like Bassiani and Kyiv’s Closer, housed in a repurposed ribbon factory, became emblems of a youthful culture striving to redefine identity. This cultural flourishing wasn’t just about music—it also incorporated local politics, as Bassiani supported vital movements such as drug decriminalization and LGBTQ+ rights.
However, the decision to shut out Russian patrons raises complex questions about inclusivity and community. Natale pointed out the unique mix of Estonian, Russian, and Ukrainian employees at her club, a microcosm that reflects the broader societal challenges. “It feels as though we are back in the 1990s,” she lamented, observing how current sentiments echo past conflicts. Yet, she remains hopeful that music can still foster unity.
Navigating New Realities in Eastern Europe
The evolving landscape of electronic music is preparing to adapt to challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. While venues in Kyiv and Tbilisi are taking bold stances, the necessity for safe spaces remains paramount. The mix of patrons and staff highlights the complexities of identity and belonging, particularly as ethnic tensions come to the fore.
As Eastern European nightlife grapples with these issues, voices from the community continue to advocate for a more inclusive, compassionate approach to healing and celebration. The music scene, with its innate ability to connect people, stands at a crossroads—bridging divides while navigating the intricacies of contemporary geopolitics, revealing how deeply interconnected cultures can reforge their bonds through rhythm and community.
