Believe highlights 10 Russian and Ukrainian women artists

Music company BELIEVE has announced a focus on ten Russian and Ukrainian women artists, aiming to bring attention to the region's unique musical landscape and its growing international presence.

While global pop has been reshaped by influences like K-Pop and Afrobeat, Russia's music scene has developed a distinct sound. This includes a lesser emphasis on Latin rhythms and a more subdued, 'cold' melodic style, diverging from Western rock and disco. Many artists have shifted to singing in Russian, drawing inspiration from post-Soviet punk and 1990s dance music.

International platforms such as TikTok, Spotify, and Apple Music are increasingly amplifying Russian music globally. Belarusian post-punk band Molchat Doma gained viral traction on TikTok with their track "Sudno," and Russian pop star Klava Coca was featured in Spotify's EQUAL program.

This trend suggests Russian music may be poised for broader international recognition, echoing the success of acts like t.A.T.u. in the early 2000s. BELIEVE's initiative aims to support this emerging talent.

Among the artists highlighted is pop singer Klava Coca, who rose to prominence after appearing on the "Main Stage" talent show in 2015. She has since amassed over 20 million followers across social networks. Her music blends pop sensibilities with 1980s-inspired rock beats, exemplified in her collaboration "Crash" with Niletto.