Ukrainian folk music includes a number of varieties of ethnic (traditional), folkloric, folk inspired popular and folk inspired classical traditions.

In the 20th century numerous ethnographic and folkloric ensembles were established in Ukraine and gained popularity.
During the Soviet era, music was tightly controlled commodity and was used as a tool for the ideological shaping of the population.

As a result the repertoire of Ukrainian folk music performers and ensembles was tightly controlled and restricted. Ukrainians, particularly in the Eastern Ukraine have fostered a peculiar style of singing which they call "bilyj holos" (literally - "white voice").

This type of singing primarily exploits the chest register and is akin to controlled screaming. The vocal range is restrictive and in a lower tessitura.

In recent times vocal courses have been established to study this particular form of singing. Among the most popular exponents of traditional Ukrainian folk singing in the modern era are Nina Matvienko and Raissa Kyrychenko.

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