As politicians and commentators around the world weigh in on Russia's launch of a "full scale invasion" of Ukraine, God Is An Astronaut's Torsten Kinsella has reflected on his own experiences of playing in both countries.

Widely celebrated as one of world's most iconic experimental post-rock bands, God Is An Astronaut was founded by twin brothers Torsten and Niels Kinsella back in 2002. Over the course of their career, which has seen them release ten studio albums – including their most recent, 2021's Ghost Tapes #10 – the group have built up fanbases around the world.

"We have always been honoured and excited to play our music in both Russia and Ukraine," says Torsten. "We have always been welcomed onstage and off in both these very appreciative lands. We played the exact same programme in all our European venues on a particular tour."

He goes on to note that "music is a universal balm" – and as God Is An Astronaut's music doesn't use lyrics "it is open to 2,000 individual interpretations" when played in front of a 2,000-strong audience.

"If music can indeed heal then let us all hope that it will," Torsten resumes. "Plato said, 'Music is seen as a means of restoring the soul, to the harmonic proportions that it shares with the world soul of the cosmos.' I strongly believe in what we have been trying to do for the past 20 years. In that time I’ve met and discussed the role of music in conflict in our own land and our own past troubles.

"I have never doubted music’s part in healing wounds in all cultures, but realise that it comes way down the list, especially when it comes to life or death urgency."

Irish folk metal band Cruachan – who have also gigged extensively in Russia and Ukraine – shared a statement of their own today.

"We have  so many fans and friends in Ukraine, we've toured there so many times over the years," remarked lead singer Keith Fay. "Our thoughts are with you all during this horrendous time. I hope this utter disgraceful insanity stops immediately."

Ukrainian folk group DakhaBrakha – who have performed on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series and KEXP, as well as clocking up millions of Spotify streams – have also shared a message online.

"Our dearest Ukrainians and friends all over the world, what we were afraid of, but were ready for, is happening," they write. "Vladimir Putin, Hitler of the twenty-first century, decided to conquer our land. Ukrainian cities and the military come under fire. However, we believe in our victory, the victory of good over evil, light over Russian darkness, which wants to destroy the whole world. We believe in international support, and most of all, in the Ukrainian army!

"It is clear that in such circumstances we are canceling the upcoming concerts, hoping to play them in the near future. We will win! Glory to Ukraine!"

 

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