In Los Angeles a unique record of Ukrainian music from the 1970s to the 1990s was presented

The record, titled “Even The Forest Hums”, serves as a remarkable archive of Ukrainian music spanning the years 1971–1996. The project took five years to complete, and now Ukrainian melodies are available to listeners in the United States. This initiative provides an opportunity for Ukrainians in the U.S. and worldwide to support their native culture while discovering its depth and uniqueness.

This was reported by Voice of America.

The collection features 18 unique tracks, including experimental musical compositions, remixes of folk melodies, and acoustic music with elements of medieval Slavic motifs. It is the first of its kind, showcasing how Ukrainian artists of the late 20th century sought to balance Western trends with their distinct sound.

This compilation is the first comprehensive collection of Ukrainian music recorded both before and shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The record includes tracks from bands such as Kobza, Shapoval Sextet, Vodohrai, and The Hostynia. Among the featured songs are "Play The Violin Play" performed by Kyrylo Stetsenko featuring Tetiana Kocherhina, "Dance" by Vadym Khrapachov, and "Breath Of Night Kyiv" among others.

The album was released by the American label Light in the Attic Records in collaboration with the Ukrainian archival music label Shukai.

"Music is like water: it always finds its way. Even under conditions of repression and censorship, art and music break through, becoming a voice of freedom and resilience”, said Mark Frosty McNeill, co-producer of the collection.

A unique feature of the album is its design: the cover is adorned with works by the legendary Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko.

Notably, a portion of the proceeds from album sales will be donated to the volunteer organization Livyi Bereh in Kyiv, which focuses on restoring regions affected by the war.

The "Even The Forest Hums" record is available not only on vinyl, but also on streaming platforms. Additionally, the CD comes with a book detailing the history of Ukrainian music.