Across Russia, singing is a common hobby. A survey by the Voice service, summarized by socialbites.ca, shows that a substantial portion of people sing several times a week, with 27% singing every day and 43% doing so multiple times weekly. The act of singing appears to be a familiar, everyday activity for many households rather than a rare performance in a studio or concert hall.
When asked about the emotional impact, about one in three respondents (32%) linked singing to joy and pleasure. Another 17% said it helps them unwind from work, while 8% use singing as a way to escape routine and daily concerns. Interestingly, only a small share, 4%, reported that singing actually improves their vocal abilities.
The home emerges as the most popular setting for singing, with half of respondents (50%) choosing it as their primary space. For 33%, the location itself is not important, and 28% prefer singing while driving and listening to their favorite tunes in the car. An additional 14% sing during visits, and 8% regularly sing in the shower. The study notes some unusual venues, including beauty salons (23%) and office meeting rooms (22%), while supermarket checkout lines and bus stops attract the least interest, each below 1%.
Another striking detail concerns audience perception. For 36% of participants, it does not matter whether strangers can hear them; they simply enjoy the act. In contrast, 17% value the attention of others, and the same number feel embarrassed singing in front of people they don’t know.
Imaginative moments occur when participants pretend they are on stage with a microphone. To simulate this, they reach for everyday objects: combs and hair dryers are used by 13% of people each, television remotes by 12%, toothbrushes by 10%, and even mops by 8%. These small, playful rituals reveal a shared creativity in how people engage with music in private spaces.
Public karaoke also has a clear profile. About 64% of Russians take part in karaoke from time to time, while 7% go on holidays or special occasions. Social dynamics shape the experience: 46% prefer going with friends, 17% with partners, and 11% with coworkers after work. A smaller but notable portion, 10%, sing with their parents, and 9% do not rely on friends to participate. Popular choices range from pop and rock to classic ballads and group tribute songs, with favorites spanning a mix of contemporary hits and enduring anthems from groups like Ruki Vverkh, King and the Jester, Aria, and tracks by Grigory Leps. The karaoke culture reflects a blend of sociability, nostalgia, and shared entertainment that transcends generations.
Genre preferences show a clear tilt toward contemporary pop, with 48% favoring pop tunes, 15% leaning toward rock, and 14% appreciating chanson. More niche categories, such as lullabies and Latin music, are least favored, each drawing around 2% of respondents. Linguistic choices also reveal a strong preference for singing in Russian, with 71% sticking to their native language. A sizable minority can perform in English (20%), while smaller segments sing in other languages, including Chinese (10%), French (8%), and German (7%).
Beyond entertainment, the data hints at mental health considerations. Some respondents report that singing serves as a therapeutic outlet, helping manage stress and emotional well-being. The act of making music, whether in private or in social settings, appears to foster a sense of relief and personal connection, contributing to overall mood and resilience. In this light, singing can be seen as a practical, accessible activity that supports mental balance and social belonging for many people across the country.