"For the Kremlin, it is important to show to its own audience that Western artists are still ready to travel to Moscow and play as if nothing is going on and Russia is not isolated" Various Western DJs have been criticised for playing at Outline Festival in Russia, with many saying they are “normalising war”. The festival took place from July 18 to 22 and saw over 110 acts on the line-up, which included DJs and musicians from France, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, the US and more. Outline Festival is one of Russia’s biggest techno and experimental fests and was held near the Kremlin, from which Russia ordered the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Many Western musicians have cancelled any planned gigs in the country in solidarity with Ukraine and as a protest against Russia’s aggression. Shot of a large crowd at a music concert, enjoying a music festival event, with blue stage lights, sea of hands. Credit: zoramn via GETTY Speaking to The Guardian , Ukrainian activist Maya Baklanova said: “All Western artists who perform there are normalising the war and the Russian regime.
” Baklanova – who worked in the Kyiv music scene for years – added: “For the Kremlin, it is important to show to its own audience that Western artists are still ready to travel to Moscow and play as if nothing is going on and Russia is not isolated.” She also added that the participation of the artists helps fund the Russian economy, leading them to contribute to the country’s military budg.