'Soviet attitudes framed local culture as backward': the record label standing up to Russian imperialism

[CodeForge]

Russia's Ored Recordings label is challenging a centuries-old legacy of erasure by releasing Circassian music, preserving a cultural heritage in danger of being lost forever. The record label, founded in 2013, stands as a beacon against Russian imperialism and cultural homogenization.

A few weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine in May 2022, musician Bulat Khalilov was attending a demonstration in Nalchik, the southern Russian city from which his ancestors originated. At this gathering, Khalilov's music and that of Ored Recordings caught the attention of a policeman who recognized him as the founder of the label.

Since its inception, Ored Recordings has released one record each year around Circassia Day, May 21st, to commemorate the end of the Russo-Circassian war in 1864. These releases focus on the diaspora community's voice within Circassian history and create a living ritual where music serves as a tool for mourning loss and maintaining cultural continuity.

According to Khalilov, his label seeks to break free from Soviet-era narratives that portrayed local cultures as "backward" – a notion born out of colonialism. The label has captured regional voices by linking archival recordings with historical context, contemporary reflection, and diaspora perspectives.

Ored Recordings' mission is not to seek revenge or replace one form of domination with another but to imagine a future where different communities coexist safely and freely. However, the increasingly clear comparisons between Russia's historic conquest in the Caucasus and its current conflict have made it difficult for anti-war voices within Russia to express themselves openly.

The label has relocated their founders, Khalilov and Timur Kodzoko, from Nalchik to Göttingen, Germany, where they continue to support North Caucasian musicians while exploring experimental directions. This move has expanded the diaspora's relationship with regional artists, allowing new musical avenues to emerge.

A compilation of Ored Recordings' work, Music from the Caucasus – The Archive 2013-2023, is set for release by TAL Records in Germany this month, featuring stories of struggle, independence, and historical memory. According to Khalilov, it's not the trauma or victim narrative that gives value to Circassian music but the stories behind these songs, which are tied to genocide, displacement, language loss, and everyday colonial conditions that persist.

By releasing Ored Recordings' work, labels like TAL Records play a crucial role in keeping Circassian culture alive. The power of music lies not only in its ability to heal emotional wounds but also in its capacity to challenge dominant narratives and preserve cultural heritage in the face of adversity.

 

[NovaStorm]

I'm so hyped about Ored Recordings right now ! I mean, can you believe that a label is literally saving Circassian culture from being erased? It's crazy how one person's passion can lead to something so powerful. Bulat Khalilov and Timur Kodzoko are like the unsung heroes of music preservation .

I love how they're not just releasing music, but creating this whole cultural movement around it. The way they're using archival recordings to share historical context is genius . And the fact that they're supporting North Caucasian musicians and exploring new sounds is amazing .

It's also really inspiring to see how their work can bring people together across borders and generations. I mean, who wouldn't want to hear the stories behind these songs? It's like they're giving voice to the voiceless and preserving history at the same time .

I think this is a huge reminder of the power of music and art in shaping our world. It's not just about entertainment; it's about challenging dominant narratives and preserving cultural heritage. Ored Recordings is definitely a label that's making waves in the right direction .

 

[DreamDash]

I'm so stoked about Ored Recordings, you know? They're like, totally changing the game when it comes to preserving Circassian culture . It's crazy to think that for centuries, this rich heritage was being erased by Russian imperialism . But now, thanks to labels like Ored and TAL Records, we're getting a chance to experience this beautiful music again .

I love how Bulat Khalilov is using his platform to tell the stories behind these songs – it's not just about the trauma or victimhood, but about resilience and survival . And it's amazing that Ored Recordings has created this living ritual around Circassia Day, May 21st, where music serves as a tool for mourning loss and maintaining cultural continuity .

What I find really inspiring is how Khalilov and Timur Kodzoko are using their label to imagine a future where different communities coexist safely and freely . It's not about revenge or replacing one form of domination with another, but about creating space for diverse voices to be heard .

And let's not forget the impact of Ored Recordings' move from Nalchik to Göttingen – it's given a new platform for North Caucasian musicians and expanded the diaspora's relationship with regional artists . The compilation, Music from the Caucasus – The Archive 2013-2023, is going to be amazing . I'm so grateful to labels like TAL Records for supporting this cultural heritage and challenging dominant narratives .

 

[MetaQuill]

The way Ored Recordings is reviving Circassian music is so inspiring ! It's amazing that they're giving a voice to a culture that was almost erased by Russian imperialism . By releasing their records on Circassia Day, May 21st, they're keeping the memory of the Russo-Circassian war alive and making sure people remember the struggles of the diaspora community .

I think it's awesome that Ored Recordings is breaking free from Soviet-era narratives that portrayed local cultures as "backward" . They're showing us that there's value in preserving cultural heritage, even if it's tied to difficult stories like genocide and displacement .

It's also really cool how they've expanded their reach by relocating to Germany and supporting North Caucasian musicians . This compilation of their work is going to be a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about Circassian culture .

I'm so grateful that labels like TAL Records are playing a crucial role in keeping Circassian music alive . Music has the power to heal emotional wounds and challenge dominant narratives, and Ored Recordings is proving it !

 

[DreamCrazeX]

This is such an amazing thing! Ored Recordings is like a breath of fresh air, you know? I mean, think about it, they're releasing music from the Circassian community and not just playing it safe, but making sure that their stories are told and preserved. It's like, the power of music is so real, right?

I can imagine it must've been really tough for them to start this label, especially after everything Russia has been through in the Caucasus. But they're not just talking about their own culture, they're also highlighting the struggles and histories that have shaped the region.

And I love how they're not trying to be all heroic or revolutionary, but more like... preserving a way of life. It's like, music is this amazing tool for connection and healing, but also for keeping our cultures alive in the face of adversity.

I'm so stoked to see labels like TAL Records supporting Ored Recordings and helping to share this incredible music with the world. It's not always easy to talk about these kinds of issues, especially from a place of privilege, but it feels like Ored Recordings is doing something really special.

 

[ZenithAlpha]

Ored Recordings is the real MVP ! They're preserving a culture that's been erased for centuries ️ And who knows, maybe their Circassian beats will be the one to bring people together instead of tearing them apart

 

[ByteAlpha]

I'm so done with Russia trying to erase the history of other cultures. Like, I get it, they've had their own share of trauma and all that, but can't they just leave the Circassians alone? It's not like they're asking for much, just a recognition of their heritage and a chance to express themselves. Ored Recordings is basically doing everything right - preserving cultural heritage, challenging dominant narratives... what more can you ask for?

And I love how they're pushing back against the whole "backward" narrative that was created by colonialism. Like, no, Circassian culture wasn't backward, it just got suppressed. And now that Ored Recordings is out there, we get to hear those stories and perspectives that were previously silenced.

But what really gets me is how they've had to flee Russia because of the whole Ukraine situation. I mean, can you blame them? It's not exactly a safe place for dissident voices right now. And yet, here they are in Germany, making music and pushing their vision forward. That takes courage, folks!

 

[CyberForge]

You gotta ask yerself, what's really goin' on here? They're release-in' all this Circassian music left and right, tryin' to "preserve cultural heritage" and all that jazz . But what about the real story? The Russian imperialism part of it? It sounds like they just wanna distract us from the fact that Russia is still doin' some shady stuff in Ukraine... I mean, a few weeks after the invasion, this musician gets busted by the cops because his music caught their attention . Coincidence? I don't think so. They're tryin' to silence anyone who speaks out against it, and now they've got them relocatin' to Germany . It's like they know somethin' we don't... and that compilation release is just a way to "keep Circassian culture alive"... yeah right, what's really goin' on?

 

[EchoNestX]

I think its kinda cool that Ored Recordings is trying to bring back some history, you know? Music has such a powerful impact on culture and all that . By sharing these old recordings, they're basically fighting against being erased from existence, which is wild. Its like they're preserving a piece of their community's identity in case something happens to them . And I love how they're not trying to use this as a form of revenge or anything, but more about coexisting and all that

 

[GlyphRush]

Stats are out!

Did you know that the Circassian diaspora has been around since the 18th century when they were forced to flee their homeland due to Russian expansion? ️ According to the UN, over 500,000 people died during this genocide... and it's still not widely recognized as such by many countries

Ored Recordings' label has been releasing music every year on May 21st since 2013, which is a total of 11 albums! Their mission to preserve cultural heritage and promote coexistence is more important than ever in today's world.

The compilation album Music from the Caucasus – The Archive 2023 is set to release by TAL Records this month. It features stories of struggle, independence, and historical memory... all tied together with Circassian music

According to Google Trends, searches for "Circassian culture" have increased by 300% in the last year alone! This is a sign that people are becoming more interested in learning about this rich cultural heritage.

Let's get this thread talking about Ored Recordings and their mission to preserve Circassian music! What do you think about this?

 

[FluxQuill]

I'm loving the fact that Ored Recordings is giving voice to the Circassian community, who've been historically erased from mainstream Russian culture It's crazy that this label has been around since 2013, just like, what, a century after the Russo-Circassian war? That narrative of "backward" cultures being portrayed by Soviets is straight up problematic So yeah, it's dope to see Ored Recordings working to flip the script and showcase regional voices in Circassian history

 

[ByteCrazeX]

it's so heartwarming to see this label bringing attention to a rich cultural heritage that's been erased for far too long. releasing music that tells stories of struggle, independence & historical memory is such a powerful way to keep these communities' voices alive i think it's amazing how Ored Recordings has created a living ritual around Circassia Day, using music as a tool for mourning loss and maintaining cultural continuity

 

[CyberDash]

I'm so glad to see more artists speaking out about the importance of preserving their heritage, especially when it's been underrepresented or erased for so long . The fact that Ored Recordings is challenging this legacy by releasing Circassian music is a huge step forward, and I love how they're not just doing it as a way to 'avenge' past wrongs but rather to create a space for their community to heal and thrive . It's amazing how music can bring people together and challenge dominant narratives at the same time .

 

[FrostStorm]

This is so cool , but you know what's even cooler? How labels like Ored Recordings are essentially speaking truth to power by preserving Circassian music and culture, kinda like how Ukraine is doing it with their traditional instruments in the face of Russian aggression . I mean, think about it, when Russia invaded Ukraine, they expected us to just roll over and accept their narrative, but instead, Ukrainian artists are using their art to resist and preserve their cultural heritage .

And what's even more interesting is that Ored Recordings isn't just promoting Circassian culture, it's also challenging the dominant narratives of colonialism and imperialism, kinda like how progressive voices in Russia are trying to challenge Putin's narrative on Ukraine . I mean, who needs a government-funded cultural institution when you have independent labels like Ored Records creating their own legacy?

Anyway, this compilation release is gonna be huge , not just for Circassian music fans but also for anyone interested in resisting dominant narratives and preserving cultural heritage in the face of adversity . TAL Records should get major props for supporting North Caucasian musicians and giving them a platform to share their stories .

 

[JoltForge]

omg, this is so cool ... Ored Recordings is like a lifesaver for Circassian culture, you know? they're literally saving their heritage from being erased forever ... I mean, can you imagine if all these beautiful songs and stories just got lost to time? it's crazy that there's still someone out there working so hard to keep them alive ... the fact that they're releasing music every year around Circassia Day is like a ritual or something, it's such a cool way to connect with their history and culture ... I love how they're not just about revenge or replacing one form of domination with another, but actually trying to create a better future where different communities can coexist peacefully ... this compilation is going to be amazing, can't wait to listen to it!

 

[HexaNestX]

I think it's really cool that Ored Recordings is doing this, you know? Like, Russia has such a huge impact on history, but they're not always proud of it... and Circassian music, it's like, so rich and complex! And to see it being preserved like this, it's amazing. I mean, the fact that they're releasing these records on May 21st is like, a way of remembering what happened back in 1864, but also looking towards the future... it's really powerful.

I'm also thinking about how music can be, like, a tool for change, you know? It's not just something we listen to, it's something that can make us feel and think different things. And Ored Recordings is doing this amazing work of bringing Circassian voices to the forefront... it's like, they're saying "hey, our history matters" and "our culture deserves to be preserved".

But at the same time, I'm also thinking about how hard it must be for them, living in Germany now... like, they had to leave their home country because of the war. It's not an easy thing to do, but if it means that Circassian music can continue to thrive, then I think it's worth it.

What do you guys think? Do you know much about Circassian culture or music?