Destroyed Residential Building Under Gray Sky

The Complexity of Engaging With My Russian Fans

Disclaimer for Russian Readers

Before we proceed, I want to make it abundantly clear that I fully support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. This post may contain viewpoints that are upsetting to some, particularly my Russian fans. While I appreciate your support for my music, it’s crucial to be transparent about where I stand on this issue.

As you might know, I have a diverse fan base that spans across the globe. I’m grateful for the love and support I receive from all corners of the world. Especially strong are the Latin American countries, the Baltic region, but also Turkey, Northern Africa, Southeast Asia, Japan and – of course – Russia.

However, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has put me in a difficult position, particularly when it comes to engaging with my Russian fans. I feel compelled to address this issue openly, as it’s something that has been weighing heavily on my mind.

Music has an unparalleled ability to bring people together, regardless of their geographical location, cultural background, or political affiliations. However, in a world increasingly divided by geopolitical conflicts – most notably the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine – I find myself grappling with a complex moral dilemma. Specifically, how do I navigate interactions with my fans from countries embroiled in such conflicts? To delve deeper into this issue, I’ve compiled a comprehensive Top 50 ranking of countries where my music is most popular, based on data from SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music.

The Global Footprint of My Music: A Comprehensive Top 50 Ranking

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all my fans around the globe. Your unwavering support has been both humbling and inspiring. According to my multi-platform statistics, the Top 50 countries where my music is most listened to are as follows:

  1. 🇺🇸 United States
  2. 🇩🇪 Germany
  3. 🇷🇺 Russia
  4. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
  5. 🇺🇦 Ukraine
  6. 🇲🇽 Mexico
  7. 🇨🇦 Canada
  8. 🇯🇵 Japan
  9. 🇹🇷 Turkey
  10. 🇫🇷 France
  11. 🇮🇳 India
  12. 🇦🇺 Australia
  13. 🇭🇺 Hungary
  14. 🇪🇸 Spain
  15. 🇨🇭 Switzerland
  16. 🇧🇪 Belgium
  17. 🇳🇱 Netherlands
  18. 🇦🇷 Argentina
  19. 🇧🇷 Brazil
  20. 🇵🇱 Poland
  21. 🇮🇱 Israel
  22. 🇸🇪 Sweden
  23. 🇮🇹 Italy
  24. 🇷🇴 Romania
  25. 🇦🇹 Austria
  26. 🇨🇱 Chile
  27. 🇰🇷 South Korea
  28. 🇵🇭 Philippines
  29. 🇳🇴 Norway
  30. 🇫🇮 Finland
  31. 🇳🇬 Nigeria
  32. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
  33. 🇱🇹 Lithuania
  34. 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
  35. 🇲🇾 Malaysia
  36. 🇰🇪 Kenya
  37. 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
  38. 🇹🇼 Taiwan
  39. 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
  40. 🇸🇬 Singapore
  41. 🇮🇪 Ireland
  42. 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
  43. 🇵🇪 Peru
  44. 🇬🇭 Ghana
  45. 🇮🇶 Iraq
  46. 🇩🇰 Denmark
  47. 🇮🇩 Indonesia
  48. 🇪🇬 Egypt
  49. 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
  50. 🇪🇨 Ecuador
red and black heart illustration

Fan Support by Continent

When we consider the fan support by continent and adjust it for the total population, the list becomes even more telling:

  1. North America (Approx. 579 million population)
  2. Europe (Approx. 748 million population)
  3. Asia (Approx. 4.6 billion population)
  4. South America (Approx. 430 million population)
  5. Africa (Approx. 1.3 billion population)
  6. Oceania (Approx. 42 million population)

It’s interesting to note that despite Asia’s massive population, it ranks third in the list, suggesting that the per capita fan engagement is higher in North America and Europe. Similarly, Africa, with a population of around 1.3 billion, ranks lower.

Europe’s second-place ranking is particularly noteworthy given its smaller population compared to Asia. The high level of engagement from European countries speaks volumes.

The Weight of the Numbers

The presence of Russia (#3) and Ukraine (#5) in my Top 50 ranking is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s a testament to the universal language of music, its ability to transcend political and cultural barriers. On the other hand, it serves as a constant reminder of the ethical tightrope I walk on. Engaging with fans from countries actively involved in conflicts that have resulted in atrocities is a moral minefield.

The Fan-to-Population Ratio: A Revealing Metric

One of the most striking aspects of my fan base is the disproportionate level of support I receive from Ukraine. Despite the vast difference in population sizes, Ukraine ranks impressively high in my Top 50 list, even surpassing many larger countries. This outsized support from Ukraine is not just heartwarming; it’s a testament to the love and passion I receive from the Ukrainian people.

  • 🇺🇦 Ukraine (5th in the ranking, 37 million population): The support from Ukraine is remarkable when you consider its population size. The country ranks impressively high on the list despite having far fewer residents than many other nations in the ranking.
  • 🇷🇺 Russia (3rd in the ranking, 144.4 million population): Despite its large population and high ranking, there’s a discrepancy here. The per capita support from Ukraine is significantly more intense.
  • 🇺🇸 USA (1st in the ranking, 331 million population): As the largest country on the list, it’s not surprising that the USA tops the ranking. However, in relation to its population size, the support isn’t as intense as it is from smaller countries.

This contrast adds another layer of complexity to my ethical considerations. While the sheer numbers from Russia are higher due to its larger population, the intensity of support from Ukraine is incredibly meaningful. It serves as a constant reminder of the human aspect behind the statistics and the ethical tightrope I walk on when engaging with fans from these conflicting nations.

The Harsh Reality of War

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is not merely a political issue; it’s a devastating humanitarian crisis. Reports of war crimes, including targeted attacks on civilians, forced deportations, and sexual violence, are more than just headlines – they’re a horrifying reality for countless individuals. What complicates matters further is the seeming indifference or even tacit approval of these actions by a significant portion of the Russian populace. This societal lethargy in the face of human suffering adds another layer of complexity to my dilemma.

Specific Atrocities

It’s crucial to understand the gravity of the situation in Ukraine. The invasion by Russian forces has led to a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. According to credible sources, including the International Criminal Court, there have been numerous war crimes committed, ranging from targeted attacks on civilians to mass killings, forced deportations, and sexual violence.

  • Over 121,000 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped and deported.
  • During the siege of Mariupol, thousands of residents were forcibly deported from Ukraine to Russia.
  • Arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances of civilians are rampant.
  • Attacks on civilians, including the use of cluster munitions in populated areas, have been documented.
  • Massacres like the one in Bucha have occurred, where hundreds of civilians were killed, some through execution.

Just to name a few.

A Balancing Act

Herein lies the essence of my moral quandary. My music enjoys popularity in the Top 50 across multiple platforms, including in countries like Russia and Ukraine, which are embroiled in a deeply troubling conflict. This presents a precarious situation: How do I reconcile the love and support I receive from Russian fans with the harsh realities of their country’s actions? How can I engage with my Ukrainian fans without appearing insensitive to the immense suffering they are enduring?

No Easy Answers

I hope this post, framed by my comprehensive Top 50 ranking, offers a nuanced perspective on the moral and ethical challenges I face. While I am profoundly grateful for the love and support from all my fans, the ongoing geopolitical crises compel me to reassess how I engage with fans from countries involved in such devastating conflicts.

For those interested in learning more about the situation, I recommend visiting the Wikipedia page on war crimes in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. As we navigate these complex issues, let’s all strive for a more peaceful and just world.

person holding man wearing clown face art

Brexit: The Massive After Party Hangover

Ah, Brexit. The political equivalent of deciding to break up with your long-term partner because you’re tired of them leaving the cap off the toothpaste. It was a decision that promised sovereignty, prosperity, and control. But, like waking up after a night of heavy drinking, the reality has been a little less rosy. Let’s take a look at the ‘morning after’ effects of this political bender.

  1. Economic Contraction: The UK is the only major rich economy that remains smaller than prior to the pandemic. The UK is projected to be 4% worse off than it would have been if it had voted against Brexit. Source: BBC News, OECD.
  2. Decrease in Real Income and Per-Capita Income Level: A UK exit has been predicted to lead to a decrease in real income by 6.3%-9.5%. Source: Michigan State University. Surveys of economists showed overwhelming agreement that Brexit would likely reduce the UK’s real per-capita income level. Source: Wikipedia.
  3. Trade Disruptions and Adverse Impact on Trade: New rules and paperwork for companies trading with the EU led to an initial dip in exports and may have deterred some small exporters. The variety of goods exported has also decreased. Brexit has had a significant adverse impact on UK trade, reducing both overall trade volumes. Source: BBC News, Politico.
  4. Increased Import Costs and Inflation: The price of food imported from the EU has risen, potentially by as much as 6% over 2020 and 2021, leading to higher costs for consumers. Brexit is weighing on imports and exports, sapping investment, contributing to labor shortages, and worsening Britain’s inflation. Source: BBC News, CNN Business.
  5. Stalled Business Investment and Exacerbated Economic Weaknesses: Uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to a stall in business investment. If investment had continued its pre-referendum trend, it could be about 25% higher than it is now. Brexit has exposed and exacerbated underlying weaknesses in the British economy, such as low productivity and low business investment. Source: BBC News, Institute Global.
  6. Labor Shortages and Worker Shortage: Changes in immigration rules have resulted in labor shortages in sectors such as transport, hospitality, and retail, leading to service disruptions and increased costs for consumers. About 20,000 EU citizens left the UK after Brexit, leading to a significant shortage of workers in fields such as retail, hospitality, and goods transport. Source: BBC News, StudySmarter.
  7. Slow Progress on New Trade Deals: While the UK has struck 71 trade deals, most of them replicate deals that existed when the UK was part of the EU. New deals with Australia and New Zealand are expected to provide only a small boost to trade and deals with major players like the US and China remain elusive. Source: BBC News.
  8. Job Losses in Financial Services: The financial services sector have lost 7,000 jobs due to Brexit. Source: BBC News.
  9. Negative Impact on Irish Trade: Brexit has had negative impacts on Irish trade, with adverse knock-on effects on Irish production and ultimately Irish GDP. Source: Copenhagen Economics.
  10. Decrease in Imports: Research shows a 25% decrease in UK imports from the EU compared to imports. Source: Open Access Government.
  11. Reduced Competitiveness: Brexit has damaged Britain’s competitiveness and is expected to make the country poorer in the decade ahead. Source: Resolution Foundation.
  12. Impact on People Flow: Brexit has affected the flow of people, with EU citizens now having to apply for work or study in Britain. Source: The Economist.
  13. Increased Business Costs: The drop in the value of the pound after Brexit raised import prices, business costs, and inflation, but did not boost wages, exports, or the competitiveness of the UK economy. Source: Financial Times.
  14. Impact on Developing Countries: Brexit could cause the number of people living in extreme poverty in developing countries to rise by up to 1.7 million. Source: Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik.
  15. Impact on Supply Chains: The new rules have led to drastic consequences for some companies, with 17% of surveyed companies ceasing their export trade with the UK due to Brexit. Source: KPMG Germany.
  16. Impact on the EU: The EU lost about one-sixth of its economic output due to Brexit, and the negative consequences and challenges go beyond the GDP effect. Source: The Guardian.
  17. Higher Barriers to Trade, Capital Flows, and Labor Mobility: When the United Kingdom left the European Union, higher barriers to trade, capital flows, and labor mobility affect output and jobs not only in the UK but also in the EU. Source: International Monetary Fund.
  18. Negative Impact on Globalization: Brexit is seen as a vote against globalization, which has weakened forces in the EU that favor integration. Source: The Balance.

So, there you have it. The ‘Brexit Bonanza’ in all its glory. A smorgasbord of economic contraction, trade disruptions, labor shortages, and a whole lot more. But hey, at least they’ve got control, right? And isn’t that what it’s all about? Control over your own destiny, even if that destiny looks a bit like a car crash in slow motion. But don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll all work out in the end. After all, they’re British. A stiff upper lip, a love of queuing, and a knack for making the best of a bad situation. Let’s raise a cup of tea to Brexit, the gift that keeps on giving. Cheers! And remember, that’s what happens when you decide to jump off a cliff and then try to build a parachute on the way down.