Dmitry Spirin’s “Lapti” Music Video is Full of Meaning (and Risks)
All the propaganda cliches that the state itself uses are ridiculed. That “If you’re Russian, you should take care of your lapti.”
ukraine
Songs Not Bombs: A Russian Punk Singer’s Fight for Ukraine
Exiled Russian punk singer Dima risks everything to stand with Ukraine. His “Songs Not Bombs” tour echoes far beyond music. A story of courage and exile.
Smells Like Punk Rock – Amyl and the Sniffers in NYC
I discovered them about ten months ago in a bar in Kyiv, Ukraine, just before the mandatory curfew. I was chatting with new friends, fellow journalists from France, and some local Ukrainian youth when one of Amyl and the Sniffers’ videos appeared on the video jukebox TV and sound system.
Russian Musicians Stands Strong Against Russia’s Putin
This is not just Putin’s war, but it is Russia’s Putin; therefore, it is the Russian people’s war on Ukraine. Most of them are just as responsible for the atrocities being committed as Putin. This war wouldn’t have been possible without their apathy, willful ignorance, and deafening silence… or in some cases, as demonstrated by […]
Hanging with an “Enemy of the State – Foreign Agent”
When the Grim Reaper comes calling, hopefully, many years hence, I think I’ll most be thankful for the opportunity to meet amazing and courageous people from all over the globe, like Dmitry Spirin, founder and frontman singer of Russian punk band Tarakany (Cockroaches). I met Dima in 2010, during my one and likely only trip […]
Raw Travel’s “My Summer in Ukraine” Documentary Streaming Now
In the summer of 2023, Raw Travel producer and host Robert G. Rose embarks on a poignant and inspiring journey to Ukraine.
Refugees and Exiles Need a Place to Call Home
My pal, Dima, lead singer of the Russian band Tarakany (Cockroach), and his wife have been exiled from their home in Russia since December 2021 due to their anti-war, pro-Ukraine stance. It’s a reminder that while some suffer more than others (and none certainly more than Ukrainians), the breadth and width of suffering is immense […]
Russian Exile Dima of Tarakany! Releases Anti-War Solo Single
Dima is doing his part. His first single, “I Will be With You,” as a solo artist, is aptly anti-war and more strongly worded now that he has shed the shackles of Putin’s repressive censorship.
Scream of My Blood: A Gogol Bordello Story
I recently attended the documentary film screening of “Scream of My Blood: A Gogol Bordello Story” at the National Arts Club in Gramercy of New York City. The film produced by Vice News drew me. Still, I was further incentivized by the fact that Eugene Hutz and a couple of members of G.B. would be there […]
Hey Aaron Lewis (Staind) – Can you hear Putin now?
REUTERS: Ukraine accuses Russian Snipers of Child Abuse & Gang Rape Ukraine accuses Russian snipers of abusing child, gang raping mother Apologies for the jarring headline, but we do no one, especially ourselves, justice when we choose to look away. This was reported early in the war soon after it occurred. Russian propagandists, apologists, and […]
Gotta Go Go Go to a Gogol Bordello Show
I finally got to go, go, go… to a Gogol Bordello show and it did not disappoint. After years of traveling Eastern Europe and soaking in the folkloric-inspired sounds of gypsy (Roma) punk rock, I was thrilled to hear that Gogol Bordello was playing three nights at Brooklyn Bowl in, you guessed it, Brooklyn, NYC […]
Raw Travel Visits Ukraine in Wartime
Dear Aaaron Lewis & Staind – Listen to this
Interrupting the Misery…
I was severely jetlagged from an arduous trip to France, Poland, and finally, Ukraine. The latter was under attack from a relentless lunatic, and I’d had to run to a bomb shelter more than once (in actuality, just a parking garage beneath my hotel/apartment). I was dealing with days of lost luggage from said trip […]
Hey Aaron Lewis – Listen to Dima, NOT Putin!
Former Staind frontman and now solo country artist (and possible Qanon nutbag) Aaron Lewis disgustingly asked his audience to “listen to what Putin has to say” at a concert down south back in March. What does this have to do with Dima, the lead singer of Tarakany! Well, first, let me give you a brief […]
Ixnay on the Heyday – Offspring in NYC
The Offspring are no longer in their heyday, but you wouldn’t know it by the crowd at Pier 17 in NYC On Tuesday. Maybe it was the beautiful May weather, the gorgeous sunset, or just a bunch of 90s nostalgia. However, fans young and old (myself included in the latter) filed onto the rooftop venue to hear hit after […]
Ukraine’s DakhaBrakha’s Emotional NYC Return
When I first heard DakhaBrakha from Ukraine, I was in Los Angeles, driving in my car and listening to NPR (National Public Radio). I was mesmerized by the ethereal, folkloric, timeless sound of their music, even more so because I had visited Ukraine in 2012. Later, in 2019, I’d revisit Ukraine to film. I’d meet and film […]
Raw Travel’s Season 8 to Feature a Plethora of Punk
Season 8 of Raw Travel premieres October 2020 and despite the pandemic will feature all-new, all-original content from around the world. I’m happy to add, we’ll be showcasing a lot of music from bands such as legendary punk rockers “Marjinal” of Jakarta, Indonesia, gypsy-folk punk sensations “Dakha Brakha” and their sister band “Dakh Daughters” of […]
Ukraine. Are We There (N)yet?
Kiev, Ukraine. Site of the big Ukrabilly rockabilly festival. Home to EXCELLENT Ukrainian rockabilly band the Wise Guyz. So we traveled thousands of kilometers (and miles) just to visit Kiev and get a little glimpse of their punk, psychobilly & rockabilly subcultures. Despite our best efforts to interview the organizers of Ukrabilly rockabilly festival in Ukraine, […]
Insane in Da U-Kraine!
Fear is a funny thing. It has you thinking things you normally don’t think and thus behaving in ways you normally wouldn’t behave. I arrived in Kiev (or Kyiv City), Ukraine with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. Higher than average for a new travel destination. I know from experience to be careful when traveling. […]
Hungary for Some Travel – Eastern Europe Here We Come!
I’ve done no research. I have the guidebook but haven’t read it. I’m ill prepared and that’s the way I like it. It’s time to go on the road.