IMPALA opposes the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The European independent music community stands together with the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian music community. 

Since the start, IMPALA has been encouraging support for the Ukrainian culture sector alongside other associations concerned about the impact of the invasion on civil society and Russia’s restriction of news and culture. You can sign the petition here. Over the past decade IMPALA and other European associations have developed deep ties with counterpart organisations in Ukraine, as well as Russia.

As in other sectors, IMPALA members are concerned about isolation of the cultural sector in both Ukraine and Russia. IMPALA supports independent music companies taking decisions about how they should respond, whether it’s cutting trade with Russia or other forms of support for Ukraine. 

We also express our solidarity with those in Russia who oppose the actions of Vladimir Putin. 

Russia has decided to block intellectual property payments to the EU and other jurisdictions dubbed as “enemy countries”, a move we oppose as tantamount to piracy. 

Ways in which IMPALA can provide support are being looked at. In the meantime we are grouping together a list of initiatives across Europe for members to consider and we also welcome all moves by members to support national programmes already launched in different countries (see below).  

Please also support the Ukrainian music scene directly by: 

• Sharing music from Ukraine
• Urging local radio stations to play Ukrainian music 
• Creating playlists of Ukrainian artists and sharing them as much as possible.  
• Supporting organisations such as the Ukrainian Music Export Office – check their list of resources and information on how the music industry can help the people of Ukraine fight back and defend their freedom.

MUSIC INDUSTRY INITIATIVES

• Compilation by Epitaph and Anti- Records with 100% of the album proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders
• “MeMusician: Stand With Ukraine“ initiative: This MeMusician initiative is designed to support artists working creatively and building sustainable revenue streams on MeMusic by providing special offerings such as: Content Creation Fund of 10,000 USD, Free Artist-Tailored NFT Project, Artist Token Issuance, Marketing & PR Support, and more. More info here.