This episode raises questions. There’s the ongoing war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, which we devoutly hope will end — urgently, justly, and soon. But there’s a second, deeper question: What do we mean when we say ‘Russia’? In this episode we collect music made by and in association with Russian people — but even that is a complicated and transnational proposition, crossing boundaries, blending into other identities in a diverse global society. We venture to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vyborg, but also further afield, finding connections to Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the United States, and, yes, even Ukraine. These disparate expressions are unified by an underlying ecological awareness. These songs and compositions all celebrate life on Earth. #EndAllWars
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Photo by Erik Assadourian, courtesy of the Gaian Way
“Russian Echoes” explores ecological awareness through Slavic musical traditions and contemporary interpretations. Host Bart Everson opens with Knyazhaya Pustyn’s ambient neofolk piece “Zarev. Zhnets” (August. The Reaper) depicting the beginning of harvest season, followed by Unelma’s ethereal “Na vetru” (In the Wind)—a lyricless yoik capturing Nordic natural forces from Russia’s Finnish borderlands. The journey continues with Nicholas Buc’s ballet composition honoring Ukraine’s Kupala Night summer solstice traditions, Ummagma’s “Kiev” remixed by Russian artist Sounds of Sputnik, Mecizand’s bell-flower inspired “Kolokol’chik,” and brief natural sounds from a Ural Owl. The first set concludes with CLV’s dreamy “Slumber Tide,” bridging Russian vaporwave with aquatic themes. After the break, Moscow-based North Hive offers “Gaia,” incorporating dolphin researcher John C. Lilly’s spoken reflections on consciousness. The program culminates with “один” (One)—an experimental cross-cultural collaboration released on a Russian label that blends field recordings with improvisational elements, symbolizing our fundamental unity with Earth. Throughout, Bart reminds listeners that despite geopolitical tensions, these artists share a profound reverence for our planet.