The popular musical project Schmalgauzen has faced a severe internal crisis that has escalated into an open public conflict. Band leaders Vlad Michalchuk and Mykhailo Matiukhin have officially announced the complete termination of cooperation with producer Valentyn Belokon and director Andriy Shyrko, accusing former partners of asset seizure and financial malpractice. According to the artists, the rupture of working relations was accompanied by a loss of control over key digital tools of the group, including official social media pages and streaming platform accounts. ()
Background and core of the conflict
In their five-minute video address, recorded in their characteristic theatrical aesthetics, the musicians openly stated that the team could not withstand the test of power and money. The project members emphasized that the former management appropriated not only their virtual networks and funds, but also blocked any healthy communication. The situation was aggravated by the fact that the Schmalgauzen trademark was registered to a third party without the musicians' knowledge, and in the spring of this year, the ex-management applied for the registration of three more related brands. ()
Legal framework and cancelled European tour
Against the backdrop of the fallout, fans are particularly concerned about the fate of the disrupted European tour, which was cancelled on August 9, 2026. The artists assure that they intend to return funds to the audience and have already involved a professional team of lawyers and financial consultants. All disputes regarding copyright, trademarks, and access to media resources have been transferred to the legal plane, and relevant administrative and judicial processes are currently being initiated to restore justice.
Contradictory data
While Vlad Michalchuk and Mykhailo Matiukhin insist on a unilateral seizure of power and complete ignoring of communication by the management since May, the position of the opposite party differs in details. Director Andriy Shyrko confirmed the termination of years of cooperation, describing the finale of the relationship as "low and ironic," but denied claims of a complete halt in dialogue. According to Shyrko, professional communication between the lawyers of both parties continued uninterrupted, including on the day the scandalous video was published on October 2, 2026.
Expert assessments and prospects
Music experts note that such conflicts between independent artists and production centers often arise due to the legal unresolvedness of intellectual property issues at the initial stages of project creation. For Schmalgauzen, this crisis means starting media life from scratch, which is complicated by litigation. Nevertheless, high audience loyalty and bringing the case to the legal field give the band a chance to defend their rights to the brand and accumulated assets.
