Yuko (band)
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2016-12-16 in Kyiv, Ukraine |
| Defunct | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Kyiv , Ukraine |
Area served | Europe, Ukraine |
Key people | Yulia Yurina (lead vocalist), Stas Koroliov (multi-instrumentalist) |
| Products | Music albums: DITCH (2017), DURA (2018) |
| Parent | Masterskaya record label |
YUKO was a Ukrainian ensemble originating in Kyiv on December 16, 2016, known for blending traditional folk elements with modern music styles.
Career
The band was affiliated with the Masterskaya record label. In 2018, YUKO broadened their reach across Europe, appearing at music festivals in Poland and Hungary. The following year, they participated in the Ukrainian National Eurovision selection with the song Galyna guliala, advancing to the final round.
Prior to Eurovision 2019, Ukrainian press highlighted that lead vocalist Yulia Yurina held Russian citizenship, having relocated to Ukraine seven years prior but maintaining her Russian nationality; she only secured permanent residency in Ukraine as of December 2018. Although the group had performed concerts in Russia previously, they confirmed a hiatus from playing there for over a year. Yurina’s requests for Ukrainian citizenship were declined. In February 2025, she submitted an appeal to the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine seeking designation as a "strategically important person for Ukraine" under the country's nationality regulations.
YUKO ceased activities in 2020. After the disbandment, Yulia Yurina embarked on a solo career and released a live album titled Gvara.
Members
- Yulia Yurina – lead vocalist and trained folklorist, holds Russian citizenship.
- Stas Koroliov – multi-instrumentalist with experience from previous solo projects.
Discography
- DITCH (2017)
- DURA (2018)