In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, life has become difficult for Russian immigrants around the world. They may have nothing to do with Vladimir Putin’s war back home but that hasn’t stopped some of them from being targeted through association.
It’s happening in the music community too. As first reported by Resident Advisor, the Russian owners of the L.A. record store Stellar Remnant recently took to social media to reveal that they’d been hit with a 30-day eviction notice by their landlord. The reason why, to them, was pretty evident.
“As the violence escalates in Ukraine so is hatred towards Russian-speaking immigrants around the globe, we believe we became a targeted individuals and businesses, the store’s owners wrote. “With our cry out for love we still receive threats and hate and people asking us to take down and not to sell any Russian artists regardless of their political views, just by simply being or associated with Russia.”
The owners ended the post by revealing their last day will be March 31st, although they added “we are going to fight it.” In the comments section, the store – which specialises in electronic music – received strong support. “That’s so ridiculous, what’s the hell war has to do with music?” questioned someone. “I thought Russophobia was already bad but it’s dialled up to 11 now,” insisted another.
“Growing up in Soviet Union I would never have imagined the war between our Ukrainian brothers and sisters,” stated a post from March 4th. “We do not support the bloodshed in Ukraine and do not support Putin or any totalitarian warmongering policies of any government,” stated another post four days later. “I think we all agree that this war and all wars on this beautiful planet must STOP.”
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