Music of Russia

Russia is a large and extremely culturally diverse country, with dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own forms of folk music. During the period of Soviet domination, music was highly scrutinized and kept within certain boundaries of content and innovation. After the fall of the USSR, western-style rock and pop music became the most popular musical forms in Russia. Some native artists broke through, especially Tatu.

Soviet-era Russia

During the 1960s, a group of musicians called bards arose. Generally ignored by the state, bards like Vladimir Vysotsky[?] helped lead a popular return to traditional music.

United States country music has long had a devoted following in Russia.

Tuva Tuvan throat singing, or xoomii, is famous world-wide, primarily for its novelty. The style is highly unusual and foreign to most listeners, who typically find it inaccessible and amelodic.