Yulia Yurina
Full name – Yulia Eduardovna Yurina
Date of birth – May 20, 1994
Place of birth – Anapa (Krasnodar Krai)
Language – Ukrainian
Activity – singer, folklorist, teacher
Genre – pop, folk music, folktronics, electronic music
History of the artist
Yulia Yurina is a Ukrainian singer who works in the genres of folk and contemporary music. She calls herself a radical Ukrainian who popularizes Ukrainian folklore. The future star of the music scene was born in the Kuban. But from early childhood she was immersed in Ukrainian culture. She began singing folk songs and studying Ukrainian traditions at the age of three. At the age of 11, talent and charisma helped Yulia become the leading soloist of the children's folk ensemble of Cossack songs "Soloveyko".
At the age of 18, Yurina chose a profession that naturally continued her interest in folk art. The girl consciously moved to Ukraine forever and entered the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. She studied at the Department of Folklore and Folk Song Art. Three years later, she received a bachelor's degree in folklore studies. The artist's deep connection with Ukraine also has a family background. After all, Yulia's great-grandfather was from the Dnipro.
Creative path
After moving to Ukraine, Yulia Yurina began an active movement towards recognition among the audience of fans of folk art. The performer joined the capital's folklore collective "Kralytsia". As part of the ensemble, she continued to popularize the Ukrainian song tradition. In 2016, Yurina became a participant in the vocal show “Voice of the Country”. The 21-year-old singer joined the team, which also included Stas Korolev. After the project was completed, the musicians decided to join forces and create their own group. This is how the Yuko group appeared, led by Yulia and Stas.
The duet was distinguished by its unique combination of folklore and electronics. During its existence, Yuko presented its fans with two albums: DITCH (2017) and DURA (2018). The albums contained the author's reinterpretation of lyrical and ritual Ukrainian compositions. In 2019, the group took part in the national selection for Eurovision with the track “Galyna gulyala”. The team took fifth place among sixteen contestants. But already in 2020, the Yuko project ceased to exist.
Solo career
In March 2021, Yulia Yurina began a new page in her creative work. The singer founded a solo project called YuYu. The new format was launched in collaboration with the Masterskaya production center. The debut release was the EP “Onlifan”. The mini-album marked an experimental and bold direction for further musical searches.
In March 2023, the artist returns to her native language and the folktronica aesthetic inherent to her since the Yuko era. Already under her own name, she releases the single “Kamenyari”. And in May, Yulia presents the track “Chornya Khmara”. The composition is an angry and emotional appeal to the Russian invaders and the entire Russian people.
In July of the same year, the singer’s first live album “Gvara” was released. The release captured the vibrant energy of Yulia Yurina's live performances and emphasized the performer's musical identity.
Artist's creative style
Yulia Yurina defines her creative style as "dark electro-folk." This is a genre that combines ancient folklore motifs, modern electronic sound, and bold, sometimes provocative lyrics. Professional education in the field of folklore allows the author not only to deeply understand traditional culture, but also to transform it in her own style. Thanks to this, Yulia manages to create unique musical images that remain true to the spirit of Ukrainian authenticity and at the same time sound relevant.
The singer's discography (studio albums):
- “Reflection” (2023);
- “House of False Mirrors” (2024);
- “King” (2025).
Social activity
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Yulia Yurina has been actively involved in volunteer activities together with the team of the Masterskaya production center. The volunteer movement provides assistance to those affected by the war. Yulia personally delivered humanitarian cargo to de-occupied villages and told the truth about the war in Ukrainian and international media.
In addition, the singer holds charity concerts in support of Ukrainians and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The artist also launched her own educational course “Gvara” dedicated to Ukrainian folk songs. Through this project, Yulia shares her knowledge in the field of folklore, teaches authentic singing to those who want to, and popularizes Ukrainian cultural heritage.
As is known, Yulia Yurina has been trying to get rid of her Russian citizenship and obtain a Ukrainian passport for over 2 years. However, due to certain restrictions during martial law, problems arose with this.
