CHEKA — I am trying to be a very skilled Ukrainian DJ — Interview with the bRAVEs

Sometimes parents sacrifice themselves for the sake of their children and make some radical decisions. This sacrifice does not always bring real benefits, because change is always a risk. the bRAVEs Berlin spoke (first published Apr 7, 2024) with Cheka — a rising DJ, resident of Kyiv Laboratorium events and who recently released her first songs — whose mother adviced her to go to Berlin for a couple of months after russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And now, two years later, Cheka is still in Berlin, but already with experience of performing at famous parties and clubs not only in the german capital, but also in Brussels, Paris, Prague and other European cities and played her first set at ∄ (K41) earlier this year.

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the bRAVEs: You’ve been living in Berlin for two years now. How are you doing here? What do you like, what do you hate?

Cheka:

Berlin is a city of opportunities,

a city that loves people, recreation, DJs, music, creativity, but without any stability if you are a refugee or immigrant.

the bRAVEs: Have you already found a favorite club?

Cheka: I guess — ://about blank, RSO, Tresor (dreaming to play there) and Berghain ofc.

the bRAVEs: How did you feel about Berlin when you moved? Have you been here before?

Cheka: I have been here in 2019 just for visiting. I am still thinking that Berlin is not my city, probably, it is hard to live here.

the bRAVEs: It was a very chaotic time in Berlin, back in 2022. What was it like for you with all the bureaucracy, applying for a residence permit, etc.?

Cheka: Luckily I have friends here who helped me a lot when I just moved with all of this document stuff and the bureaucracy. Germany is helping refugees a lot, but it is not so clear cut and there are many questions. The world is definitely changing, and we will never be as calm as we used to be. This is not just about the Ukraine or about the countries where there are wars going on. That’s how I feel.

the bRAVEs: When did you realize that you had to leave Kyiv?

Cheka: Everyone was so scared without any thoughts about the future and how this war will turn out in the end. It was not my decision actually. My mom told me that I was going to Berlin for just 1–2 months. But in the end — I am here for 2 years.

the bRAVEs: How was the departure for you?

Cheka: Stressful, obviously. I got a COVID in Warsaw and got stuck there for 2 weeks, then my close friend ALIS. (Si apre in una nuova finestra) hosted me at her place in Berlin and slowly step by step I was trying to find my place here (still didn’t find inside).

the bRAVEs: Do you often manage to go back to Ukraine?

Cheka: Because of the reason that I was not prepared for moving and it was a quick decision, I wanted to go back there always, I have my family there, my friends and my partner. So I am trying to get there once every few months, which is not that easy.

the bRAVEs: On January 27 (Si apre in una nuova finestra) you had your debut at Kyiv’s K41 (Si apre in una nuova finestra) together with two other Berlin residents Setaoc Mass (Si apre in una nuova finestra) and Yonti (Si apre in una nuova finestra). How was it for you?

Cheka: It was like a dream, still processing it. Exactly before the war 30.01.2022 I have partied there at a Pornceptual event (Si apre in una nuova finestra). I didn’t even think that in 2 years I will make an opening there :)) I liked the crew of K41, the vibe in this club, the soundsystem, and the people who are visiting this venue. It was awesome and I can not wait to be back.

the bRAVEs: In your opinion, is the audience in Berlin and Kyiv different? And if so, in what way?

Cheka: The techno industry in Berlin has existed for many years, while in Ukraine we are just building our scene. Speaking about the scene today, people in Ukraine are trying to live their lives and party like it’s their last party, which I found so obvious because the WAR ISN’T OVER. I’m very happy that there is a techno culture even during the war. In addition, I would like to say that

Ukrainian audience is more about quality and not about mainstream,

which I find so nice nowadays.

the bRAVEs: You have many gigs coming up and have already played at events such as Slave to the Rave and Stimulation at Club Ost, the RSO in-house series RFLXN, Expeditions at ://about blank, Four Play at KitKat, but also at Brussels Fuse, C12 and other European cities. Do you do everything by yourself?

Cheka: When I moved to Berlin, my journey started from scratch, as I didn’t know any clubs or promoters. My friend Andy from Kalte Liebe (Si apre in una nuova finestra) invited me to the agency, he was my first booker ever and helped me from the start. Then I met Alejandro who is my current agent and we are working a lot together with promotion and getting gigs for. We are really nice friends and support each other not only in booking and management stuff. It was hard to find gigs by myself.

In 2022, supporting Ukrainian DJs seemed to be mainstream,

which both encouraged and frustrated me at the same time. Promoters should reserve artists for their skills, but at the same time, it’s really cool when they support you and your country. It’s a pity that people are now forgetting about the war and not paying attention to the fact that Ukraine is still worth supporting, as well as Ukrainian artists.

So now I am trying to be a very skilled Ukrainian DJ :)))

the bRAVEs: How did the residency at Laboratorium (Si apre in una nuova finestra) come about? How long have you known each other, when did you play at the party for the first time?

Cheka: We have known each other for 5 years. We started our cooperation with my video editing career (I am video editor as well) and then they booked me a lot in 2021 for a tour across Ukraine as a DJ. Now I am working with them in organizing events, running the label and have a residency.

the bRAVEs: After some B2Bs you played, for example with Alis. (Si apre in una nuova finestra) or Zoanthropiia (Si apre in una nuova finestra), is there a special B2B wish you would like to fulfill?

Cheka: B2B are very nice to play when you feel your partner’s music and you share the decks together. For me, every b2b is special, but with Zoanthropiia I felt like we merge into one stream of music creativity and enjoy the action.

the bRAVEs: You also produce and have already released your tracks on the Ukrainian Laboratorium Records (Si apre in una nuova finestra) and the German Roove (Si apre in una nuova finestra). Are you planning an EP soon?

Cheka: Yeah, I am currently working on it and hopefully will release it by the end of the year. EP or LP maybe is going to be very special to me and includes different genres but in one mood with a big concept :)

the bRAVEs: What hardware and software do you use for productions?

Cheka: Ableton

the bRAVEs: You have a partner, who still lives in Ukraine. You are both DJs and make music in a similar genre. How do you support each other in the creative process?

Cheka: We are in contact always, we produce together and give some tips with creating arrangements, sharing some music and trying to support each other even when we have 1200 km in between.

the bRAVEs: So it’s a long distance relationship. Are you okay with that? How difficult is that, especially when it comes to the reason?

Cheka: No, of course I am not okay with that and it makes me so sad. It’s so difficult that

at some point I want to give up everything and go back.

It’s an ordeal I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Not to mention the fact that my whole family is under missile threat from russia every day.

the bRAVEs: Ukraine will soon win this hideous war. Have you thought about what will happen to you after this?

Cheka: The main mentally problem of Ukrainians — is an unknown future. So I can only assume how we will live further, where, with what values and goals. Hopefully we will rebuild our economy and build good relationships with other countries, who support us now and will live our lives without any horrible and aggressive neighbor.

the bRAVEs: And if we’re looking at 2024, what else can we expect from you?

Cheka: I can not be sure what will happen to me as I said before: most ukrainians don’t know what is going to happen in the following weeks, so basically I hope I will continue to make and release some music, playing at my favorite clubs, build my life and try to be alive :)

the bRAVEs: And lastly, please recommend an organization, or a current fundraiser.

Cheka: Polygon Oboron Prom (Si apre in una nuova finestra)

Also my friend ALIS. (Si apre in una nuova finestra) will make a big fundraiser soon, as well, I regularly post a lot in my instagram stories, my own fundraisers or my friends.

the bRAVEs: Thank you for your time!

Cheka: ❤

POLYGON OBORON PROM
Instagram (Si apre in una nuova finestra) I PayPal (Si apre in una nuova finestra) I Monobank (Si apre in una nuova finestra)

CHEKA
Instagram (Si apre in una nuova finestra) I Linktr.ee (Si apre in una nuova finestra)

the bRAVEs — Electronic Music Berlin
linktr.ee (Si apre in una nuova finestra) I Instagram (Si apre in una nuova finestra) I Telegram (Si apre in una nuova finestra) I Facebook (Si apre in una nuova finestra) I Soundcloud (Si apre in una nuova finestra)