Australian band counts missiles as they gear up to play Kyiv's major music festival

In the heart of Kyiv, amidst one of the most severe missile bombardments since the outbreak of conflict, Australian band breathe. found themselves sheltering underground in their hotel as they awaited their landmark performance at the Atlas music festival. Despite the ongoing war and the threat of air raids, the Sydney-based group remained resolute, preparing to take the stage as the event's sole international headliner.

breathe., whose blend of electronic and soul music has unexpectedly garnered a substantial following in Eastern Europe, especially Ukraine, have become a unique cultural bridge during turbulent times. Their engagement with Ukrainian audiences is notable considering their modest profile in Australia. The band's co-founders, Andrew Grant and Sean Walker, initially shared their music online seven years ago, attracting millions of listeners in Ukraine, Moldova, and Turkey. This overseas audience now constitutes roughly 20% of their YouTube views.

The band's connection to Ukraine deepened significantly after Russia's 2022 invasion. Fans living amid conflict reached out through social media, sharing poignant moments such as a piano player performing under drone strikes. These interactions revealed to the band the role their music played in offering solace and a sense of normalcy amid chaos.

Atlas Festival, traditionally drawing hundreds of thousands over a multi-day schedule before the war, has adapted to wartime realities. The event was scaled down to a three-day format in 2024 and relocated to a Kyiv mall where an underground car park doubles as a bomb shelter. This setup ensures rapid evacuation during air raid alarms, a circumstance the band and audience faced firsthand.

Festival organizers have also incorporated the conflict into the program, using the platform to raise awareness and support for the war effort. Military brigades and NGOs operate informational stalls, offering insights into recruitment, tactical training, and the challenges faced by those with disabilities resulting from the war. These additions reflect the evolving role of the festival as a community and fundraising hub under extraordinary conditions.

breathe.'s participation was confirmed with the inclusion of Dylan Wright, a collaborator and the 2024 Australian Idol winner, who joined them on their journey to Kyiv. The band committed to donating profits from their performances to local initiatives, including a children's hospital damaged by bombing, a music school project, and organizations supporting drone defense.

The night before their headline set, the band endured repeated missile strikes, retreating multiple times to the bomb shelter. Despite fatigue and the psychological toll of the attacks, thousands of festival-goers gathered for the final day, demonstrating remarkable resilience and eagerness to experience live music.

Just before breathe. took the stage, an air raid siren prompted a swift evacuation, interrupting the preceding act after only two songs. However, unlike earlier in the night, the missile threat subsided, allowing breathe. to perform to an enthusiastic crowd emerging from the shelter. Their songs echoed through the venue, resonating deeply with an audience intimately acquainted with loss and hardship.

Witnessing the war's impact firsthand left a profound impression on the band members. Before departing Kyiv, they visited areas affected by recent bombings, an experience that underscored the stark contrast between their Australian home and the realities faced by their Ukrainian fans. This encounter reinforced their commitment to supporting Ukraine through their music and charitable efforts.

The presence of breathe. at Atlas Festival symbolizes more than a musical performance; it represents solidarity and the sustaining power of art amid conflict. Their journey highlights how music transcends borders and can provide comfort and connection during the darkest times, a narrative abc.net.au has documented through interviews and on-site reporting.