Ukraine

Patriotism in its Best Form

Although Ukraine’s independence only dates back to the early nineties, the Eastern European country has a rich musical history. 

Many traditional Ukrainian folk songs include instruments such as the bandura (a lute-like string instrument), the violin and the sopilka (a duct flute). Many musical ensembles are made up of three instrumentalists and usually include some type of vocals. 

The music of Ukraine as well as the dances make up a large part of the country’s history and culture. Each region of Ukraine is accompanied by a specific style of music and dance. For example, a dance referred to as the Kolomeyka originated in the small western Ukrainian town, Kolomyia. The Hopak is another traditional Ukrainian dance and is often considered the national dance of Ukraine. 

Along with being known for lively dance tunes, Ukraine’s music can also be very melancholy. Many male singers are distinguished for their deep bass vocals, while the women typically shine with tremendous vocal ranges. 

It is no secret that Ukraine’s national history has been tumultuous. Under cruel Russian dictatorship for many years, the people of Ukraine delved into many art forms and found comfort and pride in their nationalistic forms of music, dance and even poetry. Therefore, many traditional songs include a large sense of patriotism.

Ruslana

Ruslana Lyzhychko is currently the most prominent symbol of Ukrainian pop music today. The singer is best known for winning the Eurovision Song Contest of 2004 as well as her status as People’s Artist of Ukraine. 

The musician who is originally from Lviv, Ukraine began her career as the winner of a song competition and was awarded Music Video of the Year in 1996.

She released her first full-length album, Myt Vesny - Dzvinkyi Viter (A Moment of Spring - Wind Bells), in 1998, receiving high praise. 

Ruslana’s most popular project to date is the powerful and inspiring album, Dyki Tansi (Wild Dances). The album was released in June 2003, and it was the first five-time platinum and best-selling album ever in Ukraine.

The concept album is greatly inspired by Ukraine’s traditional folk music sounds. For example, the album is focused around a Hutsul music sound. The Hutsul region of western Ukraine, where Ruslana’s father was raised, has a more distinct culture from the rest of Ukraine. The music is dominated by powerful drum beats and a rich and structured sound. 

The majority of Ruslana’s album is dominated by this style in combination with more modern dance rhythms.

Ruslana has released seven Ukrainian albums and four English studio albums. Another factor that supplements her popularity is her energetic and entertaining dance moves on the stage as well as her artistic music videos that she produces herself.