Dima, also known as BADWOR7H, is a Kyiv-based producer who has been navigating life in Ukraine amidst Russia’s full-scale invasion. He originally found solace in music production as a form of escapism from anxiety, leading him to pursue a career in the underground genre of Hard Bass. However, during the pandemic, he experienced an artistic crisis and grew disillusioned with the genre, prompting him to collaborate with a friend on the EP KYIVENERGO. The lyrics were initially in Russian but were changed to Ukrainian following the invasion, as Dima no longer wanted to speak the ‘aggressor’s’ language.
On the day of the full-scale invasion, Dima woke up to explosions and eventually made the decision to leave Kyiv due to the lack of reliable information and his mother’s anxiety. While his mother fled the country after three weeks, Dima stayed behind as men aged 18 to 60 are currently barred from leaving Ukraine under martial law. Despite the challenges, he continued working on music with his friend Chocollab and released the EP KYIVENERGO, which was positively received at a festival in August 2022. They also played at charity gigs to support communities affected by the war.
Dima discusses the concept of ‘relative safety’ during the war, noting that adapting to negative emotions and circumstances motivates him to create music. Despite the war influencing his emotions and music, he finds a sense of normalcy by returning to Kyiv and fully embracing life, rather than living in fear. The constant sound of air raid sirens has become a common experience for many Ukrainians, with Dima observing how the sirens have even made their way into electronic music. He believes that creating music helps him cope with anxiety and navigate life amidst the ongoing conflict.
As Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Dima faces challenges in staying productive as a producer. With the threat of rolling blackouts, he must prioritize charging his phone and preserving electricity for essential tasks, limiting his ability to create music. Despite these challenges, Dima remains rooted in Kyiv due to his deep connections and sense of belonging in the city. He also offers music production courses and aims for Ukrainian electronic music to be recognized for its quality across various genres.
As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, Dima reflects on the potential for Kyiv to become the next site of atrocities like the Bucha massacre. He expresses fear of joining the army but acknowledges the bravery of soldiers who confront Russian forces on the front lines. The ongoing war has instilled a sense of urgency and determination in Dima, as he contemplates the risks and sacrifices involved in defending his country. Amidst the uncertainty and challenges, he remains committed to staying in Ukraine and contributing to the country’s cultural and musical landscape.
