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Dublin Shoegaze Psych Force Sun Mahshene Surge Forward With ā€œWavesā€

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Dublin shoegaze and psych juggernauts Sun Mahshene return with their high-octane new single ā€œWaves,ā€ a towering blast of atmosphere and emotional charge. The five-piece have built serious heat, delivering electrifying opening sets for The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Underground Youth, alongside appearances at Vantastival and The Crowbar Terrace. Momentum carried through the release of ā€œLife Is Joy,ā€ which closed out a defining year with national support.

Their debut album ā€œA Place We’ve Never Beenā€ launched them to national prominence in 2024, earning exclusive support slots with The Brian Jonestown Massacre at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre and Belfast’s Ulster Hall. Recorded at Trackmix Studio in Dublin with Michael Richards and mixed and mastered by James Aparicio, ā€œWavesā€ drives deeper into their wall of sound. The band state: ā€œā€˜Waves’ captures the tension of reaching an age where life is supposed to make sense—only to find the plan unraveling.ā€ The result is expansive, immersive, and built for volume.

LA Indie Pop Artist BEL Joins The Happy Fits On ā€œLovesick Tour 2026ā€ With ‘Holy Grail’

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LA-based indie pop artist BEL, born Isabel Whelan, joins The Happy Fits as direct support on the nationwide ā€œLovesick Tour 2026,ā€ bringing her debut album ‘Holy Grail’ to stages across the country. The run marks a major step forward as BEL builds momentum following the release of her long-awaited full-length via Nettwerk. The road stretches coast to coast, and BEL steps into it with a record built for connection.

Produced by Jason Vance Harris (Role Model, Juliet Ivy), ‘Holy Grail’ unfolds as a cinematic, emotionally charged collection rooted in shimmer and self-reflection. BEL moves between magic, melancholy, and hope with diaristic precision. Onstage, those songs expand into a dynamic live set powered by warmth and presence.

ā€œI started writing my debut album two years ago when I wrote the title track ā€˜Holy Grail.’ At the time, I wanted so many things for my life and career that all seemed so out of reach. Every song on the album is an archive of my hopes, dreams, joys, sorrows, and self-reflections in my quest for the Holy Grail. Everything is paired to a visual world that references my childhood dreams. ā€˜Holy Grail’ gives a window into what it feels like to go all in on your dreams and surrender to the unknown.ā€

The Happy Fits – Lovesick Tour 2026:
March 13 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Ballroom
March 14 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
March 15 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City
March 17 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
March 18 – Indianapolis, IN – Old National Center
March 20 – Lansing, MI – Grewal Hall
March 21 – Madison, WI – Majestic
March 23 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
March 24 – Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s
March 26 – Omaha, NE – The Slowdown
March 28 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater
March 31 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
April 1 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
April 2 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater
April 4 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park
April 5 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
April 7 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theater
April 8 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
April 10 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater
April 11 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theater
April 14 – Tampa, FL – Jannus Live
April 15 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE
April 17 – Gainesville, FL – Heartwood Stage
April 18 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall
April 20 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theater
April 21 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
April 23 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel
April 24 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
April 25 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27
April 27 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater
April 29 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live
May 1 – Baltimore, MD – The Recher
May 2 – Providence, RI – Fete Music Hall
May 3 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place

Grace Jones, Candi Staton and UB40 Lead Electric Paradise, the UK’s New Disco, Funk and Soul Festival

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A brand new UK festival is arriving with serious ambition and an even more serious lineup. Electric Paradise lands at the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday, August 8, bringing up to 50,000 people into one of the country’s most iconic outdoor concert venues for a full-day celebration of disco, funk, soul, and house music. Promoted by JBM Music, the festival spreads across multiple stages with a cross-generational lineup that reaches from the genre’s founding architects to its contemporary torchbearers.

Grace Jones, Candi Staton, and UB40 headline a bill that also includes Cameo, Earth Wind & Fire By Al McKay, Kool & The Gang, and Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge on the main stage. Armand Van Helden, Dimitri From Paris, Roger Sanchez, and Graeme Park bring house and electronic weight to the lineup, while Alison Limerick, Shalamar, Jocelyn Brown, and Heather Small hold down the Big Love Stage. The depth here is extraordinary, and every corner of the program delivers.

The Glitterbox Stage leans deep into house and disco culture with Fat Tony, Barbara Tucker, Julie McKnight, and Colleen Cosmo Murphy. The Fool’s Paradise Stage covers timeless house in all its styles, from Mark Knight, Todd Terry, Dave Lee, and Michael Gray to soul selections from Norman Jay and a set from Fleetmac Wood. The Clockwork Orange Stage delivers classic dance heritage through Danny Rampling, Baby D, K-Klass ft. Bobbi, Livin Joy ft. Luzuahnn, Rozalla, and Andy Manston & Danny Clockwork.

Rounding out the program, the Data Transmission and Disco Infiltrators Stage brings Ron Mexico, Hobbs, Carlos Van D, Slick Pete Flash, Oh! L’Amour, The Goddess Music, and Lizzie Curious. JBM Music describes Electric Paradise as “a long-term festival concept that will become an essential date on the annual festival calendar for years to come,” and the ambition behind the debut edition makes that case convincingly. The Natural Bowl’s high-spec production, premium sound, and large-scale staging set the stage for something built to last.

First-release tickets start at £59.50, with VIP packages from £150. General on sale opens Friday, February 27 at 9am. Electric Paradise takes place Saturday, August 8 at the Milton Keynes National Bowl.

UK Indie Rockers VILLANELLE Reflect On Definitely Maybe Tour And ‘Measly Means’

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UK indie rock band VILLANELLE sit down with Dan O’Connell to unpack a milestone moment, stepping onto the stage during the Definitely Maybe tour. Gene Gallagher and Ben Taylor describe the nerves, the rush, and the weight of the room as they brought their songs to a crowd tuned to Britpop history. It was a high-stakes set, loud, immediate, and charged with adrenaline.

The conversation moves fast, from tour stories to their growing bond with Miles Kane, now firmly in their orbit, and into the DNA of their new EP ‘Measly Means’. The band outline what drives the record, tight songwriting, sharp edges, and momentum built for the stage. This is a group leaning forward, moving with speed, and speaking with confidence about what comes next.

DOC: ā€œI mean, I guess the Definitely Maybe tour was probably the baptism of fire. Did it feel different in terms of pressure between the Miles Kane tour and Definitely Maybe?ā€

GG: ā€œI was more locked in for Miles than Definitely Maybe. Definitely Maybe, like, I didn’t even know what I was doing. I didn’t even know what a tour was, or, like, how to do it!ā€

BT: ā€œI mean, Definitely Maybe was as far as being thrown into the deep end as you could possibly be. I’d say even now we wouldn’t be ready for a tour that big.ā€

GG: ā€œI don’t think anyone ever really is.ā€

BT: ā€œYeah. But it was one of those where we were as ready as we could have ever been. But in terms of the Miles tour, we went in with, I think, a lot more conviction. Because the EP is done, we know what we are as a band far more than we ever did on the Definitely Maybe tour. As amazing as that was, but I think we had a lot more purpose on this tour.ā€

DOC: ā€œNot that it matters what I think at all, but I would say I couldn’t tell that that was the case, if that’s how you felt going out on stage.ā€

GG: ā€œWhat, for Definitely Maybe?ā€

DOC: ā€œThe Definitely Maybe tour.ā€

GG: ā€œI couldn’t sleep the night before. I was, I didn’t, because I was, like, what was so unknown to me? Yeah, because I was like… It was so unknown to me. I put on a brave face.ā€

Alt-Pop Auteur Joji Takes ‘Piss In The Wind’ to Arenas Worldwide on the “Solaris Tour”

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Joji is taking his biggest album to the biggest stages of his career. The Japanese-born, alt-pop singer and producer has announced the “Solaris Tour,” a global arena run spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand beginning June 16 in Newark, New Jersey. Live Nation promotes the tour, which features an all-new production built around a fully immersive experience. Tickets go on general sale Friday, March 6 at 10am local time.

The tour follows the release of ‘Piss In The Wind,’ a twenty-one track record out now via Palace Creek that lands Joji squarely in arena-sized territory. It debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Top 200, hitting #1 on Current Alternative Albums, Current Pop Albums, and Indie Store Album Sales simultaneously. Internationally, it charted Top Ten in Australia, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, with new peak positions in each. Collaborators include Giveon, 4batz, Yeat, and Don Toliver.

The record has already drawn serious attention. CLASH calls Joji “one of the most interesting artists in the alternative, anti-pop sphere,” and Hypebeast says he’s “answering his true calling.” ‘Piss In The Wind’ balances brooding, melancholic songwriting with gritty atmospheric production, landing somewhere between quiet and overwhelming in the best possible way. The “Solaris Tour” marks the first time these songs get performed live.

North American dates run June through July, with support from Nate Sib and Corbin. The European and Australia/New Zealand legs feature Tommy Richman as support. Stops include Scotiabank Arena in Toronto (June 19), Barclays Center in Brooklyn (June 26), Intuit Dome in Los Angeles (July 11), The O2 in London (August 13), and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (November 17), among many others.

The setlist draws from across Joji’s catalog, including “Glimpse of Us” and “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK,” alongside new material from ‘Piss In The Wind.’ Artist presale registration is open now at jojimusic.com, with presales beginning Wednesday, March 4 at 10am local time. General on sale opens Friday, March 6. Full tour routing below.

Tuesday, June 16 — Newark, New Jersey — Prudential Center

Friday, June 19 — Toronto, Ontario — Scotiabank Arena

Saturday, June 20 — Montreal, Quebec — Bell Centre

Tuesday, June 23 — Chicago, Illinois — United Center

Thursday, June 25 — Boston, Massachusetts — TD Garden

Friday, June 26 — Brooklyn, New York — Barclays Center

Monday, June 29 — Charlotte, North Carolina — Spectrum Center

Wednesday, July 1 — Orlando, Florida — Kia Center

Thursday, July 2 — Atlanta, Georgia — State Farm Arena

Monday, July 6 — Austin, Texas — Moody Center

Wednesday, July 8 — Dallas, Texas — American Airlines Center

Friday, July 10 — Phoenix, Arizona — Mortgage Matchup Center

Saturday, July 11 — Los Angeles, California — Intuit Dome

Tuesday, July 14 — San Francisco, California — Chase Center

Saturday, July 18 — Portland, Oregon — Moda Center

Sunday, July 19 — Seattle, Washington — Climate Pledge Arena

Tuesday, July 21 — Salt Lake City, Utah — Maverik Center

Thursday, July 23 — Denver, Colorado — Ball Arena

Tuesday, August 11 — Dublin, Ireland — 3Arena

Thursday, August 13 — London, United Kingdom — The O2

Sunday, August 16 — Manchester, United Kingdom — Co-Op Live

Wednesday, August 19 — Cologne, Germany — Lanxess Arena

Friday, August 21 — Copenhagen, Denmark — Royal Arena

Sunday, August 23 — Warsaw, Poland — COS Torwar

Tuesday, August 25 — Amsterdam, Netherlands — Ziggo Dome

Thursday, August 27 — Brussels, Belgium — Forest National

Saturday, August 29 — Berlin, Germany — Velodrom

Monday, August 31 — Zurich, Switzerland — Hallenstadion

Tuesday, September 1 — Paris, France — adidas arena

Thursday, September 3 — Milan, Italy — Unipol Forum

Wednesday, November 11 — Brisbane, Australia — Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Saturday, November 14 — Sydney, Australia — Qudos Bank Arena

Tuesday, November 17 — Melbourne, Australia — Rod Laver Arena

Thursday, November 19 — Auckland, New Zealand — Spark Arena

Saturday, November 21 — Singapore — Venue TBA

Sunday, November 22 — Singapore — Venue TBA

Tuesday, November 24 — Bangkok — Venue TBA

Friday, November 27 — Hong Kong — Venue TBA

Sunday, November 29 — Kaohsiung — Venue TBA

Korean Post-Apocalyptic MMO Project DNA Unleashes Unreal Engine 5 Power

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The year is 2046. Earth is shattered. From underground bunkers, survivors rewrite biology and reengineer the human race. Project DNA, the new post-apocalyptic action MMORPG from Korean studio Supervoid, arrives with its first gameplay trailer and a premise built on genetic evolution, psychic warfare, and transplanted consciousness.

The cinematic opening sets the tone with a stark question. ā€œA cultivated shell. Transplanted memories. Am I still human? Is immortality a blessing or a curse? Without death, does life still matter? Now, I’ll find the answer.ā€ The scale is immediate. The stakes are existential. The world feels unstable and urgent.

Built in Unreal Engine 5, the footage reveals fast-paced, non-targeting combat driven by precision and strategy. Dodge. Block. Strike. Massive bosses tower over scorched landscapes. Fire consumes the horizon. Combat flows with momentum and weight, demanding movement and timing over static rotations.

At the core sits the Evolution System. Genetic algorithms reshape your character as humanity continues centuries of artificial breeding and consciousness transfer. The mission is direct: reclaim the surface. Project DNA heads to PC via Steam, and its first reveal positions it as a bold entry into the next generation of action MMOs.

AviaGames at GDC 2026: Advancing Innovation and Scalable Growth in Skill-Based Mobile Gaming

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By Mitch Rice

As AviaGames celebrates its 10th anniversary, the company is stepping onto the global stage at GDC 2026 to share its forward-looking vision for skill-based gaming — rooted in responsibility, fair systems, and player trust. This milestone highlights a decade of steady growth, product innovation, and a long-term commitment to building competitive casual experiences designed with integrity at their core.

From March 9–13 in San Francisco, GDC attendees can visit AviaGames at Booth #656, located near Tencent Games and Keywords Studios. The space is designed to be more than a traditional exhibit. It will serve as an interactive hub for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and industry exchange. Visitors can explore the company’s expanding portfolio, meet team members across product and leadership, and engage in discussions around partnerships, business development, employer branding, and career opportunities.

In addition to its presence on the show floor, AviaGames will take part in two featured panel sessions. One session, presented alongside PayPal, will explore how payments innovation strengthens player confidence. The second, hosted by Meta, will examine how integrated brand and performance strategies drive measurable growth. Together, these sessions outline a practical framework for partnership-driven expansion within today’s evolving gaming ecosystem.

For professionals attending GDC 2026, Booth #656 offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, explore collaboration potential, and gain insight into how competitive casual gaming continues to advance.

About AviaGames

AviaGames is a female-founded mobile gaming company headquartered in the Bay Area. Its portfolio features recognized titles such as Solitaire Clash, Bingo Tour, 8 Ball Strike, and Pocket7Games. Across more than 15 connected games, the company delivers accessible skill-based entertainment designed for players of varying experience levels.

With over 60 million downloads and more than 450 million tournaments hosted each month, AviaGames consistently ranks among the leading titles on the iOS App Store. The company’s mission centers on fostering an inclusive environment where competitive experiences are built on fairness, transparency, and continuous innovation.

Leadership Spotlight: CEO Vickie Chen’s Platform Vision

AviaGames was founded by CEO Vickie Chen, a Finalist for the 2025 StevieĀ® Women in Business Awards and a featured leader in Women-Led Games. Under CEO Vickie Chen’s guidance, the company has developed a player-focused ecosystem that blends engaging gameplay with disciplined, long-term strategy.

Today, AviaGames serves millions of players and has earned industry recognition for innovation, leadership, and its commitment to building inclusive teams. As the company moves into its second decade, it remains focused on redefining what competitive casual gaming can accomplish at scale.

Why Visit AviaGames at GDC 2026?

At GDC 2026, Booth #656 will function as a central meeting point for live product demonstrations, strategic conversations, partnership exploration, and recruiting discussions. Attendees can experience the competitive casual portfolio firsthand, including Solitaire Clash, while learning more about fair-match systems and secure transaction processes. The team will also be available to discuss collaboration opportunities across payments, marketing, and platform development.

Session #1: Strengthening Player Confidence Through Payments

On Wednesday, March 11, from 2:50–3:20 PM in Room 2009 (West Hall), AviaGames and PayPal will examine how payment and payout systems influence player confidence. In skill-based gaming environments, clarity, speed, and operational transparency are essential. Reducing friction between gameplay and receiving funds plays a significant role in sustaining engagement.

CEO Vickie Chen will join payments leaders to discuss Express Checkout solutions, faster payout infrastructure, fraud prevention safeguards, and structured risk management frameworks that support secure transactions. This session offers practical insights for developers, operators, and payments professionals building trusted digital ecosystems.

Session #2: Partnership-Driven Growth — The Avia Playbook

On Thursday, March 12, from 2:00–2:30 PM in Room 2024 (West Hall), AviaGames and Meta will present a collaborative approach that aligns brand storytelling with performance marketing. The discussion will explore how cross-functional teams synchronize objectives, co-develop campaign strategies, and apply structured testing cycles to generate measurable results.

Attendees will leave with actionable guidance for improving team alignment, accelerating experimentation, and strengthening marketing effectiveness in competitive mobile environments.

Discover the Future of Competitive Casual Gaming

GDC represents more than an annual gathering; it serves as a platform for shaping the industry’s direction. By attending AviaGames’ sessions and visiting Booth #656, professionals can explore advancements in secure payments, learn how integrated marketing partnerships fuel sustainable growth, and connect with leaders driving innovation.

As AviaGames enters its second decade, its mission remains clear: to create competitive casual experiences that players trust and enjoy. For those attending GDC 2026, Booth #656 offers a front-row look at how the next chapter of skill-based gaming is taking shape.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Backstreet Boys Extend ā€œInto The Millenniumā€ Las Vegas Residency With Six New Summer Dates

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The Backstreet Boys have added six additional summer 2026 dates to their ā€œInto the Millenniumā€ residency at Sphere in Las Vegas. These new performances are scheduled for July 30, July 31, and August 1, 6, 7, and 8. The announcement follows the previous release of twelve dates throughout July. Since launching last year as the first pop act to headline the venue, the group has performed for over 575,000 fans across 35 sold-out shows. These performances utilize the venue’s immersive technology, including 360-degree visuals and choreography.

The residency features a specific production moment where the band members fly through the venue’s interior space. Attendees frequently participate in a themed dress code, wearing all white as a tribute to the group’s 1999 album, ‘Millennium’. Alongside the concert, the BSB Terminal fan activation returns to The Venetian Resort. This airport-themed experience recently received a Clio Music Award Silver for excellence in music marketing and fan engagement. Developed with Vibee, the activation serves as a physical extension of the residency’s visual themes.

Tickets for the newly added dates go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 27, at 9:00 AM PT. Fans who registered for the Artist presale gain access tomorrow, Wednesday, February 25, starting at 11:00 AM local time. Vibee Concert and VIP Hotel Experience Packages are available immediately. The residency remains a central production for Live Nation in Las Vegas, combining legacy pop hits with modern technical capabilities. This summer expansion provides more opportunities for international audiences to attend the high-impact event.

The BSB Terminal remains open to the public, with specialized perks reserved for Vibee VIP pass holders. This activation deepens the connection between the band’s history and the current residency through interactive displays. The continued sell-out status of the residency highlights the demand for the group’s signature live performances in this specific venue format. The August dates represent the latest chapter in this ongoing Vegas engagement.

Lita Ford And Dio Disciples To Headline ā€œRock For Ronnieā€ Benefit In Griffith Park

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The annual ā€œRock for Ronnie Concert in the Parkā€ returns to Griffith Park on Sunday, May 31, 2026, to benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. This year’s lineup features a headline performance from Lita Ford along with sets from tribute acts Led Zepagain and Whole Lot of Rosies. The bill also includes Dio Disciples, Jason Charles Miller, and British hard rock veterans Legs Diamond. Los Angeles up-and-comers Saints of Sinners will round out the day’s music. Eddie Trunk hosts the event, which runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the South Lawn of the Autry Museum.

A highlight of the afternoon is the closing set by Eddie Trunk’s All-Star Band. While specific players for the 2026 jam will be announced shortly, past participants have included noted musicians such as Dave Grohl, Adrian Vandenberg, and Ricky Warwick. The event functions as a family-friendly gathering featuring live rock music, food trucks, and craft vendors. Attendees can participate in both silent and live auctions featuring rare rock collectibles between artist performances. The ā€œGarden of Hopeā€ installation also returns to provide a dedicated space to celebrate cancer victims and survivors.

Net proceeds from the concert are donated directly to the Dio Cancer Fund to support prevention, education, and research. This year marks the organization’s 16th year of raising awareness within the rock community. General admission tickets are currently available at an Early Bird price of $25 through February 28. Prices increase to $35 on March 1 and will be $50 at the door on the day of the show. A limited quantity of VIP seating tickets is also available for $95. This outdoor concert offers ample free parking adjacent to the LA Zoo for all ticket holders.

The Autry Museum’s South Lawn provides an expansive setting for the day’s activities, which include artist meet-and-greets and professional merchandise sales. One hundred percent of the event’s net profit goes toward the fund’s mission of early detection and research for a cure. Following this May concert, the organization will host its annual Bowl for Ronnie Celebrity Bowling Party on November 12. Fans and supporters can secure tickets online now to ensure their place at this significant community milestone.

U2 Releases ā€œYours Eternallyā€ Short Film Documenting Ukrainian Front Line Resistance In Kharkiv

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U2 has released a four-and-a-half minute documentary film to accompany ā€œYours Eternallyā€, a track featured on the ā€˜Days of Ash EP’ released last week. Directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Ilya Mikhaylus and produced by Pyotr Verzilov, the film coincides with the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. The production captures the daily lives of soldiers within the 40,000-strong Khartiya Corps on the front lines of the Kharkiv region. This short film serves as a focused excerpt from a full-scale documentary scheduled for release at the end of 2026.

The footage features appearances by Ed Sheeran and Taras Topalia alongside the soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine. Ilya Mikhaylus and his crew embedded with the unit in December 2025 to document the specific experiences of individuals like Alina and her fellow defenders. Mikhaylus describes the project as an attempt to show the human heart of those defending their homeland and the sacrifices made for freedom. The film presents an immersive look at the environment of the Kharkiv front. Every frame highlights the reality of the ongoing resistance.

The production was made possible through the cooperation of Khartiya Corps Commander Colonel Ihor Obolenskiy and Vsevolod Kozhemyako. The documentary follows Verzilov’s history of socially significant production work with entities such as Pussy Riot and Media Zona. By centering the narrative on the second Khartiya Corps, the film provides a direct perspective on the personnel involved in the defense of Ukraine. The collaboration between the filmmakers and the military unit ensures a documented level of authenticity. This release functions as a significant cultural contribution to the anniversary of the conflict.

The ā€˜Days of Ash EP’ remains the primary musical context for this visual release. The song “Yours Eternally” provides the sonic foundation for the documentary’s exploration of struggle and survival. This project marks a meaningful intersection of global music figures and the direct reality of the Ukrainian front lines. As a precursor to the 2026 feature film, this short establishes the thematic and visual tone of the larger documentary. The film is available now as a visual companion to the recent EP release.