Alina Pash, Apashe - Kyiv

Kyiv comes from an EP put out by Canadian artist Apashe and Ukrainian artist Alina Pash. The EP - Hymn of Resilience - is a collection of 3 songs that heavily reference the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. It’s a very aptly named title for the project, as the songs invoke the tenacity that is displayed in the ongoing resistance, but also mourning for those who have been lost. 

Kyiv itself demonstrates this dual feeling perfectly. Including a choir for the vocals adds to the emotion of the song, even more so knowing that those in the choir are Ukrainian artists who are directly impacted by the war. And to add an even deeper layer, the music video was actually shot in Kyiv itself, in between the bomb blasts that frequently go off throughout the city. It leaves you with a despondent feeling, one of emptiness and despair. 

It’s a grim reminder of just how much war impacts so many aspects of life. Of course there is the obvious tragedy of those who are killed, displaced, and have had their lives upended by the conflict. But there are also effects like the ability to create art stolen away, or made nearly impossible. But I think that’s what makes the song and the video give the flip side of also restoring hope. Because even in the face of an impossible situation, artists have come together to still create and share their music with the world.