Who am I and Why Am I Raising Funds for Ukrainian Musicians?
My name is Liam McArdle and I’m a Canadian musician living in Berlin performing under the name Beachtown Exile. My goal is to raise 5000 Euros for a Ukrainian musician named Ira Lobanok, who makes electronic music and raises funds and awareness of Ukraine's situation by going on tour abroad.
Over the last year I’ve gotten to know a lot of people from the region and it’s an honour to know them. I am humbled by their courage and their faith in a peaceful, democratic future for Ukraine. I also believe that art is essential to people’s lives, particularly in a time of conflict. Ukrainian musicians are doing a lot for their country.
Some of them have been going on tour to raise money, others have picked up arms to defend their borders. This is an unimaginably difficult position and that’s why I want to help. Raising funds and awareness is what I think I can do to be a friend to Ukraine.
Transparency/What We Need
Once I receive the funds, I will transfer them to Ira via PayPal. Ira will distribute the funds locally to Ukrainian musicians who need to rent rehearsal spaces, buy musical equipment, and spend time in recording studios.
The Impact
Your contributions will make a difference in the lives of countless Ukrainians. By providing artists with the tools they need to continue to make music, you are directly helping Ukrainian musicians develop their art form and therefore develop modern Ukrainian culture. Art can make a real impact in times of war!