Yulia Yurina
Full name – Yulia Eduardivna Yurina
Date of birth – May 20, 1994
Place of birth – Anapa (Krasnodar Krai)
Language – Ukrainian
Occupation – singer, folklorist, teacher
Genre – pop, folk music, folktronica, electronic music
The Artist's Journey
Yulia Yurina is a Ukrainian singer working in the genres of folk and contemporary music. She describes herself as a radical Ukrainian who promotes Ukrainian folklore. The future star of the music scene was born in the Kuban region. From early childhood, however, she was immersed in Ukrainian culture. At the age of three, she began singing folk songs and studying Ukrainian traditions. At the age of 11, her talent and charisma helped Yulia become the lead soloist of the children's folk Cossack song ensemble «Soloveiko».
At the age of 18, Yurina chose a profession that naturally continued her interest in folk art. She consciously moved to Ukraine permanently and enrolled at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. She studied at the Department of Folklore and Folk Song Art. Three years later, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Folklore Studies. The artist's deep connection with Ukraine also has family roots, as Yulia's great-grandfather was originally from Dnipro.
Creative Path
After moving to Ukraine, Yulia Yurina began actively working toward recognition among audiences who appreciate folk music. The performer joined the Kyiv-based folk ensemble «Kralytsia». As part of the ensemble, she continued promoting the Ukrainian folk song tradition. In 2016, Yurina became a contestant on the vocal show «Holos Krainy». The 21-year-old singer joined a team that also included Stas Koroliov. After the project ended, the musicians decided to join forces and create their own band. This is how the group Yuko was formed, led by Yulia and Stas.
The duo stood out for its unique combination of folklore and electronic music. During its existence, Yuko released two albums: DITCH (2017) and DURA (2018). The records featured original reinterpretations of lyrical and ritual Ukrainian compositions. In 2019, the band took part in the Ukrainian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with the track «Halyna Was Walking». The group finished in fifth place among sixteen contestants. However, in 2020, the Yuko project came to an end.
Solo Career
In March 2021, Yulia Yurina began a new chapter in her creative career. The singer launched a solo project called YuYu. The new format was created in collaboration with the Masterskaya production center. The debut release was the EP «Onlyfan». The mini-album marked an experimental and bold direction for her future musical exploration.
In March 2023, the artist returned to her native language and to the folktronica aesthetic that had characterized her work since the Yuko era. Performing under her own name, she released the single «The Stonecutters». In May, Yulia presented the track «Black Cloud». The composition is an angry and emotional address to the Russian invaders and the entire Russian nation.
In July of the same year, the singer released her first live album, «Gvara». The release captured the live energy of Yulia Yurina's performances and highlighted the artist's musical identity.
The Artist's Musical Style
Yulia Yurina defines her musical style as «dark electro-folk». It is a genre that combines ancient folk motifs, contemporary electronic sound, and bold, sometimes provocative lyrics. Her professional education in the field of folklore allows the artist not only to deeply understand traditional culture but also to transform it through her own style. Thanks to this, Yulia creates unique musical imagery that remains true to the spirit of Ukrainian authenticity while sounding contemporary.
Singer's Discography (Studio Albums):
- «Reflection» (2023);
- «House of Lying Mirrors» (2024);
- «Doll (Kralia)» (2025).
Social Activity
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Yulia Yurina has been actively involved in volunteer work together with the team of the Masterskaya production center. The volunteer initiative provides assistance to people affected by the war. Yulia personally delivered humanitarian aid to de-occupied villages and spoke 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 of folklore, teaches authentic singing to anyone interested, and promotes Ukrainian cultural heritage.
As is well known, Yulia Yurina has been trying for more than two years to renounce her Russian citizenship and obtain a Ukrainian passport. However, due to certain restrictions imposed under martial law, she has encountered difficulties in doing so.
