Go_A is a folktronica band from Ukraine. While the group was formed in 2012 by keyboardist and percussionist Taras Shevchenko and folk singer Kateryna Pavlenko, they didn't really hit the international scene until they appeared in the 2021 Eurovision competition with their entry "Shum, opens a new window," based on a Ukrainian folksong that is about a Spring ritual (check out Katerna's dress in the Eurovision performance, opens a new window of the song!). The song got them the number five spot in the Eurovision competition that year, and it found a spot in the Billboard Global 200 listings, the first band from Ukraine to do so. They had actually entered the 2020 Eurovision competition with their entry "Solovey" ("Nightingale") but the competition ended up being cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The song was the first time Ukraine had an entry for the competition sung in their own national language.
Since then, the has released several singles. "Rusalochki, opens a new window," about the mythical creature the Rusalka, opens a new window, is an especially striking music video.
The folk music of Ukraine has been seeing a revival in Ukraine , opens a new windowand elsewhere like New York City, opens a new window. The distinctive vocal style is known as the "White voice," which uses the heavier chest voice of the singer (as opposed to the lighter head voice), and it's been compared to "controlled yelling." It's common to find vocal ensembles with three and four part harmonies being sung. Ukraine has a wealth of folk instruments. Lots of different types of drums and other percussion instruments, stringed instruments like the bandura, a zither played with the fingers, and many whistles and flutes. For some suggestions of other folk music from Ukraine to listen to, check out this list that includes several folk recordings.
Throughout 2024, the Boston Public Library is highlighting revolutionary musicians throughout history. In October we are highlighting Go_A, a Ukrainian electrofolk/ folktronica band, whose folk vocals and striking visuals evoke the feeling of a dark fairytale. These titles may be available in other formats or languages. Check our catalog for availability.
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