Filling the Silence:

The Soundtrack of Solidarity for Ukraine

2022-2025

Acknowledgements

Against the war.
And for my family and dearest friends, my teachers,
And every treasured help along the writing way,
Music included.

Abstract

In turmoil, when words might fail, music could instead prevail. Scholars from the fields of musicology and history have long explored the role of music during wartime. A less studied case, however, is the recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the musical responses it gave rise to since 2022. Considering the previous years of war, I argue that the solidarity movement for Ukraine has a soundtrack of itself—one that not only expresses support, but also actively shapes collective memory and protest. Be it through charity concerts, songs on social media, or anti-war demonstrations where people started singing the National Anthem of Ukraine, music fills the silence left by loss, death, and destruction. 

Focusing on key case studies—the Ukrainian National Anthem, “Stefania” by Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine’s 2022 Eurovision entry), and “Another Love” by Tom Odell—I analyze the functions of music in the solidarity movement for Ukraine. My research draws on a close analysis of online content, including videos of protest songs, recordings of charity concerts, and data from music analytics tools such as Soundcharts. Ukraine’s National Anthem has been performed in concert halls and public spaces worldwide. Kalush Orchestra’s “Stefania,” which surged in popularity after February 24, 2022, won the Eurovision contest that same year. Tom Odell’s “Another Love” became a viral anthem of solidarity on TikTok. These songs do more than provide comfort—they rally voices and funds at charity concerts, create hopeful spaces in listeners’ imaginations, and unite collectives under a shared cause.

However, there are also dangers to the narratives conveyed through musical expressions of solidarity. Often one-sided, they evoke powerful emotions while potentially simplifying the complexities of war. Regardless of these limitations, music remains a force that both reflects and shapes collective memory and protest. By examining the ways in which songs function as tools of solidarity, I contribute to broader discussions on the intersection of music, war, and memory.

Keywords: music in solidarity, Ukraine, Russian invasion, national anthem, Eurovision

The contents of this paper are currently unavailable, as I am updating and editing my work in preparation for a conference presentation.

The results will be published by May 2025.

Thank you for your understanding!