In this insightful podcast episode, Brian is joined by the musical duo Alex and Nika from Chase The Comet who offer a candid and in-depth look into their personal and artistic journey from their native Russia to the United States. They begin by sharing the complex web of legal issues that they navigated in order to emigrate, including the lengthy and uncertain visa application process, and the financial struggles that came with self-funding their move and establishing themselves in a new country.The conversation takes a sombre turn as they delve into the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine on the Russian artistic community. They describe a climate of fear and oppression, where artists who dare to oppose the war face severe repercussions, such as being blacklisted from performing or being pressured into publicly supporting the regime's actions, leading to what they describe as a cultural regression within Russia.Despite the risks, Alex and Nika speak out boldly against the current Russian regime. They share their belief in the power of music as a force for change and justice, and how they have channelled their convictions into their craft. They introduce their latest project, "Ill.U.Me.Nation. Part I: Inception," an album that is both a reflection on the tumultuous state of current world events and a beacon of hope. The album is designed to uplift listeners and foster a sense of solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity.Throughout the episode, the duo emphasizes their unwavering passion for music and their commitment to their audience. They discuss how they strive to connect with listeners on an emotional level, creating powerful performances and producing meaningful music that resonates with people's experiences and aspirations. Despite the hardships they have faced, Alex and Nika's dedication to their art shines through, as they continue to inspire and entertain their fans around the world.Find Chase The Comet here: https://chasethecomet.com/Find CTMU hereLinktreeNewsletter: https://concertsthatmadeus.aweb.page/p/f065707b-2e34-4268-8e73-94f12bd2e938Save 10% on Band Builder Academy membership by following this link https://bandbuilderacademy.com/Brian_Concerts/join and using promo code "concerts" at signup Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/concerts-that-made-us.

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