SXSW review: Sasha of Ukrainian band KAZKA played benefit with Austin acts

Back in 2016, I began following a band called Hinds, an all female group from Madrid. I had been introduced to the band during one of my first SXSW events. Later that year, they released a cover of Spanish punk rock band Los Nastys’ ‘Holograma’. Hinds had been told that if they were going to make it in the music industry, they would need to release English tracks. Since moving to Austin, music has been a unifying element no matter what language the songs are sung in. With the Russian – Ukrainian war in effect, Oleksandra Zaritska of KAZKA came to SXSW to use her band’s music to deliver a message of hope and unify SXSW goers as all eyes are on her besieged country. 

Zaritska, better known as Sasha, was the only member of Ukrainian band KAZKA to make it for SXSW. Her bandmates were either obligated by Ukrainian law to serve in the war against Russia or volunteered.Back in 2020, KAZKA had plans to perform their first SXSW show, but unfortunately plans were thwarted due to COVID-19. This year, however, Sasha felt obliged to perform and represent her country during the Russian invasion. SXSW swiftly coordinated “Austin Stands with Ukraine” featuring headliner Zaritska and Austin-based acts Jackie Venson, The Ghost Wolves, and Chief Cleopatra which took place Friday at Speakeasy.

Sasha delivered a message of hope: “We have bravery. While Ukrainian people are in Ukraine, there are boys, girls, there are mothers, there are children, there are men, there are old men, old women. They all stand for Ukraine. And I think we will make it. I think we will be alright.”

 

Zaritska started her performance with the Ukrainian anthem, joined from the crowd, echoing up to the second floor balcony of downtown Austin club, Speakeasy. KAZKA infuses folk music from their Ukrainian roots with modern pop music. The nationalism was palpable as a blue and yellow flag was draped over the second floor banister. Sasha performed a stripped down version of “PLAKALA” and hit “ПЛАКАЛА” dancing around the stage of the Speakeasy in a flowing black coat over her dress. KAZKA released an album late 2021, available on Spotify.

Zaritska was joined by guitarist Charlie Sexton for a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War” to close out her set. Sexton famously toured and recorded with Dylan for several years. The song choice aptly delivered an aggressive message to Putin. Dylan’s timeless lyrics fiercely combating the current Russian dictator as Zaritska punched through each note:

“I think you will find

When your death takes its toll

All your money will never buy back your soul

I hope that you die

And your death will come soon

I’ll follow your casket 

By the pale afternoon”

The singer urged the local music community to support Ukraine by “using your voice”, writing to the government, and attending protests. Protests against the Russian War will be happening on the following days at the Texas State Capitol, led by resident Ukrainians now living in Austin and around Texas: 

March 23 at 4 PM

March 24th at 4 PM

March 26th at 4 PM

March 27th at 12 PM