Nastia pulls out of Awakenings, says she will not play with “Russians who didn’t take a side”
The DJ has pulled out of the Awakenings Festival line-up.
Nastia has cancelled her show at the Dutch festival, stating that she will not “play in the same line-up with Russians who are tolerant to war in Ukraine” [sic]. The selector has shared a statement online, saying she is a Ukrainian citizen with a “clear position”.
“My position is much stronger and important than my business and career, so I will go to the end until the war is over,” Nastia wrote. “I truly believe that proud Ukrainian artist can not perform with Russians who didn’t take a side at the same events. I feel simply uncomfortable doing it. We live in time when you must take a side.”
She added: “If you are against war – you say that you are against war. If you are silent or pretend that you are stupid and just love the music, then you are for it. Every artist is a public person. Every public person has responsibility and must clarify his/her position.” Artists have not been named in her statement, which you can read in full below.
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The Kyiv-based DJ has launched a fundraiser, with all proceeds going towards the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. Awakenings Festival is set to take place at Amsterdam’s Gashouder on 29-31 July 2022.
Nina Kraviz has recently been criticised for not denouncing the war in Ukraine. Clone Records cut their ties with the Russian DJ, alleging that she had expressed “pro-Putin” views. Last month, Kraviz stated that she’s “against all forms of violence”. She wrote: “I am a musician and was never involved in supporting the politicians or political parties, and I am not planning to do it in the future.”
Buttechno later voiced his support for Clone Records, and said: “As a Russian artist who was born and worked in Russia I think that Russian artists, especially the ones with a big audience, should publicly speak out against the war, show their solidarity with Ukraine and protest against fascist Russian regime.” [sic]
In March, we launched Loops for Ukraine. Donate what you can to access a bank of loops from artists including VTSS, Ploy, Mount Kimbie and object blue. We’ve also compiled a resource list of charities, organisations and fundraisers helping to support the people of Ukraine.
