A new record store opened in Kyiv. This would not have been unusual 30 years ago: at that time significantly more LPs and above all CDs, i.e. physical sound carriers, were sold, broadband internet and streaming were still a dream of the future. After all, vinyl sales have been rising again for years, and the CD is still not dead 40 years after its invention. But nothing else is the same in Kyiv either: war has been raging in Ukraine since the beginning of the year due to the attack by Russia.
Apparently, and fortunately, culture is finding a way anyway: about a month ago, friends Amir Hanani, Borys Stepanenko and Oleh Baranovskyi opened their business “Abo Records” in a disused liquor factory on Kudryavska Street. Resident Advisor reportsthat the musical spectrum there includes ambient, downtempo, breaks, trance, house and techno.
The founders had had the idea for a long time. Now that all the clubs are closed because of the war, they have seized the opportunity. “Abo Records” is intended to be an alternative place where DJs and Kiev’s electronic music scene should network. “We live in truly dark times,” say the founders. “We try to stay optimistic and are happy about people who visit us and sometimes browse our records for hours.” Of course, because of the war, fewer visitors are expected compared to more peaceful times. You are aware that many musicians have also fled Ukraine, others even fought at the front. They don’t expect tourists either. Even sending mail abroad is becoming more difficult due to increased costs and interrupted logistics chains. Despite this, or precisely because of this, they want to stick to their business. Part of the proceeds will also benefit an organization that supports Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers.
“Abo Records” will be open three afternoons a week.
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