Ruslan Mays— About tolerance and open perception— Interview with the bRAVEs

If you are interested in techno from Ukraine, you cannot pass by Ruslan Mays (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) - a pioneer of Ukraine’s underground scene, renowned for his hardgroove and hypnotic techno sets. Beginning his career in the early 2000s, he was among the first DJs to bring techno to clubs and festivals across the country. Originally from Odessa, he captivated audiences with his deep musical knowledge, impeccable selection, and dedication to the craft, eventually becoming a resident at Veselka Kyiv. Now based in Berlin, Ruslan continues to embody the Ukrainian spirit through his talent and passion for techno.

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the bRAVEs: You have 25 years of DJ experience. Did you start with electronic music right away?

Mays: When I started, there was 10 times less music being released than there is today. Any electronic music I could get my hands on was through curiosity. It could be jungle, hardcore, electro, trance, break beat... in general I liked many things, but special attention was always to techno and house.

To raise money for DJ equipment I played pop dance hits at student discos :)

the bRAVEs: What equipment did you start playing on in the beginning?

Mays: I grew up at the crossroads of two musical eras: analog and digital. In my childhood I was surrounded by vinyl and cassettes, in my youth by compact disks and mp3s. So when I started DJing, I used everything that could be played: vinyl, CDs and even tapes. The first professional devices were CD decks, Gemini Anti Shock, and a little later I bought a pair of Pioneer CDJ 100S with Technics 1210 turntables.

the bRAVEs: How did you find music in the late 90s and early 2000s in Ukraine?

Mays: In the 90s, searching for music was limited to a few local music stores. And with the advent of the internet in the early 2000s, online vinyl retailers like Juno and MusicHead emerged. At the same time, I spent a few sleepless nights in "internet clubs" downloading about 12 tracks from the pirate service AudioGalaxy and burning them to CD in the morning.

the bRAVEs: If you compare the atmosphere of Rave the Planet in Berlin today and Kazantip in the 2000s, are there any parallels?

Mays: These are completely different events in their format, both in time and in locations. I think if we compare the early Love Parade and Kazantip, they were united by a sense of freedom, unity and love for the electronic dance scene.

the bRAVEs: What was your most special performance?

Mays: Basically, every event brings something unique. But from the recent ones it was a 7 hour set at RSO. It was an unforgettable challenge for me to play all night for a full dance floor.

the bRAVEs: You have been a resident of VESELKA KYIV for almost 6 years now. How did this happen?

Mays: I think it was a perfect match, both musically and conceptually. I've been very close to the concept of tolerance and open perception since Kazantip. Of course music also played a role and the interest of the organizers. After my performance at Veselka Coven in 2019, I was offered a residency.

the bRAVEs: You have been living in Berlin for several years now. What do you like about the city?

Mays: The city's cultural diversity is surprising. There's always something happening, even on weekdays. This diversity is reflected in the people. Berlin has an abundance of great DJs and musicians. It's the norm here. Against this backdrop, you realize that the Berlin scene is interested in your individuality. You gain a better understanding of your own background, experiences, and the people and events around you.

the bRAVEs: How can ordinary Berliners and Europeans in general help the people of Ukraine today?

Mays: Support and understanding of what is happening is important. Remember that this is not a conflict but the protection of cultural heritage and the existence of the country.

the bRAVEs: What helps you not to give up, to keep moving forward and not to get depressed?

Mays: Love for music, understanding of loved ones and support of friends. I am very grateful to everyone who is close to me, both real and virtual. It gives me the opportunity to move forward.

Interview was first published (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) on June 3, 2025

PHOTOS by
Alexander Weigandt (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)

INTERVIEW by
vdm.berlin (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)

RUSLAN MAYS
Instagram (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) I Soundcloud (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) I RA.co (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)

the bRAVEs — Electronic Music Berlin
linktr.ee (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) I Instagram (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) I Telegram (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) I Facebook (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) I Soundcloud (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)