03.10.2010
The following Library entry is meant to quickly introduce you to the modern Russian music scene. We provide this information with the following warning: music is not known for always being grammatically or politically correct. If you are easily offended, avoid the genres that will likely offend you. At the top of each listing, there are three links - 1) the band's (or a fan) site, 2) a streaming audio sample, and 3) an online record store with delivery in America. change
This page was compiled and written by SRAS Contributing Writer Olga Dmitraschenko, SRAS Asst. Director Josh Wilson, and others as indicated. Thanks to all! Contact the authors
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Color Code: Red links are to sites only in Russian.
Gray links have English available. What is "The Library?"
Pop Soloists report an error back to top
Yulia Savicheva Sample Hit: Высоко Listen More and Buy!
Her big break came when she was cast in the lead for the New Year's play at Christ the Savior Cathedral in 2002. In 2003 she won a place in "Star Factory," a popular Russian TV show similar to "Star Search." Her simple, heartfelt songs which center on themes of freedom and flight, as well as her versatile looks, which shift easily between girl-next-door and vixen have captured the Russian pop market. For another taste of Yulia, try her more recent hit "Привет."
 Glu'koza Sample Hit: Ой-ой Listen More and Buy!
Glu'koza is sometimes classed as electro-pop-retro-punk. She effectively blends her traditional talents with electronic elements, including having a computer animated counterpart that stars in several videos and sometimes even sits in for her in interviews. In this same vein, her striking good looks are accented by fun punk fashion that reminds one of Cindy Lauper in the 80s. For a quick look at her range, try her slow, jazzy rendition of the Russian classic Москва.
Valeria Sample Hit: Нежность моя Listen More and Buy
With charming and captivating vocals and lyrics that radiant kindness and "express the female Russian soul," Valeria is widely popular. Outside of her talent, she is perhaps even better known for her personal life. Her wealthy husband, who also served as her manager and promoter, abused her for years until she finally left him and told her story to the media. She gave this interview to Amnesty International and now campaigns against domestic abuse.
 Dima Bilan Sample Hit: Ночной хулиган Listen More and Buy!
Dima is one of the most popular Russian artists today, thanks in large part to a sultry voice, wholesome good looks, charisma, and well-funded PR. Dima Bilan represented Russia in 2006 in Eurovision, a vastly popular annual competition of European pop. Bilan took second place leading one politician to dub him "the pride of Russia."
Alsou Sample Hit: Все равно Listen More and Buy
Alsou's father is a senator in Tatarstan, an independent republic within the Russian Federation and is an ethnic Tatar. She attended several years of college in London and sings (beautifully) in English and Russian. In addition to the hit above, we strongly recommend "You're My #1," a duet with Enrique Iglesias in which she sings in Russian and he in English.
Zhenya Milkovski Sample Hit: Станция туман
By the age of 10, Zhenya was already playing the piano, signing, and even holding small concerts in his hometown of Krasnoarmeysk, in western Ukraine. At age 14, he was picked to be on the first season of the talent/reality show «Фабрика звёзд» ("Star Factory") and subsequently to live in a house with other aspiring young musicians on the spin-off show «Звездный дом» ("Star House.") Young Zhenya couldn’' quite relate to the drama and backstabbing antics of his housemates and returned home to finish school. That didn't stop his musical ambitions, however. Now 19, Zhenya has turned to playing guitar and writes almost all of his own songs.
MakSim Sample Hit: На радиоволнах Listen More and Buy
The pop singerэs real name is Marina Maksimova. The nickname Maksim came from her older brother, with whom she spent much of her time growing up in Kazan, Russia. Her brother and friends would gather in their apartment buildingэs courtyard to play guitar together and sing and she credits him with a great deal of her musical inspiration.
Maksim Leonidov Sample Hit: Письмо Listen More and Buy
Maksim was considered somewhat of a 1980s heartthrob in his first musical group Secrets, but after the fall of the Soviet Union, he moved to Israel. There, he continued to develop his many talents as a singer but also as an actor – he appeared in movies, theater, and television shows in Israel. He returned to Russia in 2003 and formed a new group, Hippoband, which has a retro rock-n-roll style and upbeat, pop-infused songs.
Boy Bands report an error back to top
Korni Sample Hit: 25 этаж Listen More and Buy
When on December, 26th, 2002 they were declared winners of the first "Star Factory" series, the Olympic Center in Moscow shuddered with the enthusiastic squeal of several thousand girls. Defying critics who claimed they would not outlast their TV fame, Korni is still a staple on Russian radio, and will likely be around for a long time to come.
Diskoteka Avariya Sample Hit: Если хочешь остаться Listen More and Buy
 These three cheerful guys from Ivanovo (a Moscow suburb) are regularly named "best pop group" in industry and fan ratings. They are known for fun, catchy, humorous songs popular in dance clubs. They have recently appeared in Pepsi ads as well. When the group was first starting out, they couldn't afford musical instruments so they often emceed at local clubs to earn money. One club they performed in, Elektron, was in such a bad state of disrepair, they dubbed it "Diskoteka Avaria" or "Disaster Disco," and later used that as the name of their group.
Ivanushki INTERNATIONAL Sample Hit: Подожди меня Listen More and Buy
These three guys use elements from traditional Russian music arranged into smooth ballads, heavy on the synthesized backbeat. Their style is extremely popular in Russia and this band, in fact, is the creation of one of Russia's most successful producers, Igor Matvienko.
 Otpetye Moshenniki Sample Hit: Лето-это Listen More and Buy
"Incorrigible Rascals" are the bad boys of Russian boy bands. Their music and has been described as a "cultural mess" and "little criminal-chaos ditties." They mix rap with traditional Russian folk into hot stage performances. They have built an image of themselves as cultured hooligans who are not only street-savvy, but industry savvy. They must be, as they've been promoting scandal in the music biz since 1996.
Prime Minister Sample Hit: Девочка с севера Listen More and Buy
Born of successful pop producer Evgeniya Fridlyanda, this 5-member squeaky-clean band (known for wearing all-white suits at concerts) has gone through several replacement singers. However, they remain very popular, perhaps because they have retained one of Russia's best sound engineers, Kim Breidburg, and one of its most successful song writers, Konstantin Arcenev, both of whom work with many other pop singers and groups.
 Girl Bands report an error back to top
Propaganda Sample Hit: Мелом Listen More and Buy
These four girls are known for living a life that reflects their music and singing music that reflects their lives: independent and capricious. The songs are marked by impeccable harmony and diverse, original tunes - but not all songs are fun and games. The video for the above hit deals with problems facing homeless Russian youths. The song itself is highly abstract, but works well with the issue. They are also better known for the more straight-forward girl-power hit Super детка.
VIA Gra Sample Hit: Биология Listen More and Buy
VIA Gra is a Ukrainian pop group popular across the FSU – particularly on video channels. As their name implies, their music focuses on the flamboyant sexuality of the girls. However, the simple arrangements and vocal parts are well constructed, fun, and catchy.
Blestyaschie Sample Hit: Апельсиновая песня Listen More and Buy
"The Bright Ones," were one of the first girl bands in Russia - in early photos they look a bit like a young TLC. They are now known mostly for cheerful dance songs that couple four harmonious voices with youthful, often moody electronic beats.
 t.A.T.u Sample Hit: Я сошла с ума Listen More and Buy
t.A.T.u is one Russian group many Americans recognize. The young duo was marketed as a lesbian couple while they themselves denied it - and regularly French-kissed onstage. They quickly became international stars. Later, on Russian television, they announced the relationship was a marketing strategy devised by former manager Ivan Shapovalov - and since have announced they are bi-sexual. The above song ran on American radio as "All the Things She Said."
Fabrika Sample Hit: Не виноватая я Listen More and Buy
Russia has more than 141,000 industrial enterprises and an industrial workforce of about 16,000,000. "Fabrika," or "Factory" in Russian, sports only 3 young ladies. "We make songs in our Factory," say the girls. Critics would agree the songs are factory-pressed, but they are a lot of fun and good for a night on the dance floor. Fabrika's name hearkens back to the band's beginnings on Fabrika Zvezd, where they first appeared in 2003.
Dance/House/Techno report an error back to top
For more info see: HousePlanet.ru
Delphin Sample Hit: Любовь Listen More and Buy
Delphin dives into ordinary life and brings up pure human pleasure and grief. His music is highly experimental in both melodies and lyrics and is sometimes described as "dreams given the power to converse." Compare the rawness of the better known hit listed above with lonely lyricalness of "Vesna," which appears on the same album.
Ruslana Sample Hit: Дики танци Listen More and Buy
After winning "Eurovision 2004" this singer from Lviv, Ukraine was wildly popular in Russia. Her latest effort, "Wild Dances" fuses native  music from around the world with ultramodern dance rhythms. Her stage image is of a rough-hewn mystic goddess, but she also has a more down-to-earth side. She served as an Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Youth Affairs, was one of several pop stars to lend support to Viktor Yushchenko after the disputed 2004 Ukrainian elections and, in 2006, won a seat in Parliment under Yushchenko's "Our Ukraine" party. Her stuff is great!
Russkii razmer Sample Hit: Юаю Listen More and Buy
This party band named after a vodka brand dishes up true house music. Two of its members, Viktor Bondaryuk and Dmitrii Kopotilov, were born in Kazakhstan. The third, the glamorous Eleonora Markova, is a St. Petersburg native. They have been known for music since 1993, though more recently they've been known for scandal and in-fighting, as members have split and fought over the rights to the band's name.
Ruki vverkh Sample Hit: Наташа Listen More and Buy
Sergei Zhukov and Alexei Potekhin met in 1993 in the Russian city of Samara. By 1996, they had developed a unique sound blending high-energy electronic riffs, sampling, and various world music influences. Their name "Ruki Vverkh" is the common-place call of DJs for dancers to "get their hands in the air." Their music is so well known for its energy that the sportswear company Adidas once employed them as official spokesmen. Known for love songs, they often blur the line between boy band and techno.
DJ Smash Sample Hit: Между небом и землей (Remix) Listen More and Buy
Real name Andrei Shirman, DJ Smash spent his childhood years in the recording studio watching his father, who was a professional musician. He claims to have gotten his stage name from opening a Russian-English dictionary and picking random words until he found something he liked. By remixing retro 80s hits with a techno-house flavor, DJ Smash has created his own style of dance music he calls “retrohouse.”
Bards report an error back to top
For more info see: Bards.ru
Bards were (mostly) late Soviet dissidents. They sang poetic songs they themselves had written, usually to the accompaniment of a single musical instrument they played themselves. They remain popular even with listeners born after the bards themselves had died.
SRAS thanks Brian Horne for writing and contributing most of this section. Brian is a former SRAS student now studying the bards at the University of Chicago as a dissertation subject.
Bulat Okudzhava Sample hit: Песенка об Арбате Listen More and Buy
 Half Georgian and half Armenian, Bulat Okudzhava is considered by many to be the "father" of Russian bardic music (бардовская песня). He began performing his poems to the accompaniment of a seven-stringed Russian guitar in the late 1950s. In the 60s, as the first reel-to-reel tape recorders became available, unofficial recordings of Okudzhava's songs and the music of other bards (барды) were illegally copied, traded, and widely circulated. Okudzhava is also often recognized as the most literary and poetic of the first generation of Russian bards. A monument now stands to him on Old Arbat St. in Moscow, the subject of his best-known song.
Aleksandr Galich Sample hit: Когда я вернусь Listen More and Buy
Born Alexander Ginzburg (Galich is actually a pseudonym composed from his last name, first name, and patronymic: Ginzburg + ALeksander + ArkadievICH), this bard also worked as a poet, screenwriter and playwright in the 1950s and 60s. His songs explored subjects ranging from everyday life to war and concentration camps, and drew great official criticism. When he loudly expelled from the Soviet Writer's Union in the 70s, this non-compliance and his "Jewishness" were sited as reasons (which was one reason that he invented and used the pseudonym in the first place). He was eventually forced to emigrate from the USSR in 1974 and died in France not long thereafter.
Vladimir Vysotsky Sample hit: Банька по-белому Listen More and Buy
 An acclaimed stage, television, and film actor, Vysotsky was already a celebrity before he took up the guitar and sang his poetry with a remarkably distinctive, rough, and passionate voice that many singers still imitate. He composed over 600 songs, and achieved a lasting fame in Russia comparable to that of the Beatles or Elvis in the West. When Vysotsky died of heart failure in 1980 while Moscow was hosting the Olympic Games, thousands left the stadiums to pay their respects at his funeral at the Taganka Theatre, where he had frequently performed (later estimates place the number at over one million). Every year, on July 25th, the day Vystosky died, large crowds still gather at his grave in Vagankovskoye Cemetery and at his statue near Pushkinskaya metro to sing his songs and remember his life.
Aleksandr Rozenbaum Sample hit: Гоп-Стоп Listen More and Buy
A graduate of Pavlov Medical School, Rozenbaum began writing songs for student plays in the late 60s. His professional musical career began in the early 1980s, writing songs for rock groups under the pen-name "Ayarov" (largely because the name "Rozenbaum" marked him as Jewish and thus negatively influenced his career). Many of his songs are written in the style of so-called "criminal songs" (блатные песни), such as the hit above, a comedic song about two gangsters.
Paperny T.A..M… Sample hit: Пых-пых-пых Listen More and Buy
This modern day, multimember band is generally recognized as carrying on the bardic traditions. Their lyrics are narrative and figurative (like the bards' often were) and the lead singer's vocal style is obviously heavily influenced by his predecessors'. The band also draws on Rock, Reggae, and Cuban music influences. They are also worth mentioning as they are the founders of Jao Da, one of Moscow's most successful music clubs.
Shanson report an error back to top
For more info see: Chanson.ru
Mikhail Krug Sample Hit: Владимирский централ Listen More and Buy!
Influenced heavily by bardic singer V. Vysotsky (see above), Krug began publishing songs after serving in the Russian army, where he was trained as an auto mechanic. His star rose after he participated in the 1996 "Russian Shanson" festival in Moscow (the festival is still held annually). Like many Shanson artists, many of songs are considered highly offensive. On at least one occasion, production was stopped on one of his music videos because no station would air it. Krug was murdered in his home in Tver in 2002 and the case has never been solved. It is still a lively topic of conversation amongst his fans and "Prospect TV," a cable channel, produced a documentary about it in 2006.
Irina Krug Sample Hit: Тебе, моя последняя любовь Listen More and Buy!
 Irina Krug is the young widow of Mikhail Krug and one of the youngest rising stars in the world of Russian Shanson. Born in 1976 to a military family in Chelyabinsk, she dreamed of becoming an actress and so studied singing and acting at the local cultural center there. She met Mikhail about the time she gradated from high school and married him about a year later. She produced her lastest album in memory of her late husband with the participation of many more famous singers in the world of Russian Shanson. Mikhail also left behind a young son, Alexander, who still lives with Irina.
Alexander Novikov Sample Hit: Вези меня, извозчик Listen More and Buy!
In the late 70's Alexander Novikov was working as a rock musician performing in Moscow restaurants. He went on to found a record label and then made a name for himself performing on self-made electronic instruments. He produced his first Shanson album in 1984. The album was an instant hit and circulated widely within underground circles. Novikov was soon arrested by the KGB who charged that the album was libelous against the state. Public reaction came out in favor of Novikov and the charges were changed to "manufacture and sale of electronic equipment," a crime under communist law. He was sentenced to 10 years of hard labor but released in 1990 when a court under glastnost found that there was no evidence he had committed any crime. Due to the prison sentence, the influence of Shanson on his style was solidified as was his popularity with its fans. He is still producing music and giving concerts.
Grigory Leps Sample Hit: Натали Listen More and Buy!
Grigory Leps is best known for his unique, masculine voice and on-stage charisma and humor. His has also been a romantic existence, though differing from others on this short list of artists. Born in Sochi, he began his career there, singing in restaurants. Encouraged by Moscow producers vactioning there, he moved to the capital to find fame, but quickly found drugs and alcohol first. By the time his first hit, Natali, scaled the charts he was lying in the hospital with an alcoholism related illness and not expected to live. He pulled through, however, and has spent the past 10 years sober and making more hits. His last album, Labyrinth, was released in 2006.
Mikhail Shufutinsky Sample Hit: Дороги в небо Listen More and Buy!
 Mikhail Shufutinsky was born to an educated Jewish family and received classical training on the accordion, the bayan (gypsy accordion), and the piano. His musical career began playing in orchestras in Moscow. However, just before President Nixon’s visit to Moscow in 1972 he was one of several artists that were advised by the KGB to leave Moscow. He moved to the Russian city of Magadane, where he took up Shanson. He emigrated in 1981, moving first to Austria and then to Italy, but always dreaming of going to America. He believed that "only there would a Russian-language singer have the opportunity to resume his career." He moved to New York shortly thereafter. There, he built up a reputation among Russian immigrants, eventually becoming so well known that he was invited to perform in Russia after the fall of the fall of the USSR. He now works mostly in Russia, but still counts America as his home and his family is permanently based there. In what might be seen as twist of irony, Shufutinsky derives his popularity from the fact that he sings "pure" Russian Shanson – only in Russian – and with little sign of foreign influence.
Katerina Golitsyna Sample Hit: Невозвращенка Listen More and Buy!
Katerina Golitsyna was born Katerina Yakovlevoi and started her musical career singing pop music in Moscow’s restaurants. In the 1990's she left the pop genre and began experimenting with folk music, including with American country influences, which she was exposed to during a stay in the US. In 2002, in what was apparently a flash of inspiration, she changed her name to Golitsyna and her genre to Shanson. Her first Shanson album was an instant hit. She is known for the strength of her voice, lyrics, and personality by fans that are usually very discerning of who they will accept as "genuine." She is one of the genre’s most prodigious artists.
 Classic Pop report an error back to top
Alla Pugacheva Sample hit: Миллион Алых Роз Listen More and Buy
While still in college, she produced her first hit in 1965. She then participated in a slew of popular bands (including "The Jolly Fellows," with whom she cut her first album) and recorded a number of popular songs for Soviet films. Much of her time now is taken up by tv appearances and her duties as part of Russia's Public Chamber (a legislative advisory organ). Although she is still popular enough to have fan clubs across Russia, she is also hated by many as a diva and a relic of the Soviet past that the current government continues to support.
Valerii Leontev Sample hit: Если ты уйдешь Listen More and Buy
Valerii Leontev was a darling of Soviet pop. Born to family of deer herders in the small village of Ust-Usa in the far north of Russia, he went on to study music under the "All-Soviet Masters of Popular Art," and rise to stardom after he won first prize in the "All-Soviet Contest for the Best Executed Song of the Nations of Socialist Brotherhood." He later studied theatre at the Leningrad Institute for Culture and stared in several movies in the 1980s, including two documentaries about himself. He is still producing music (including singing many songs written by Krutoi (above) some of his recent more songs seem to be harkening back to native melodies he must have heard in his childhood. See, for example, Падаю в небеса.
Larisa Dolina Sample hit: Оттепель Listen More and Buy
Larisa Dolina was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, but moved to Odessa, Ukraine when she was three. The began singing professionally in 1971 for orchestras and operatic productions. By 1985 she had garnered enough fame to begin a series of solo performances and in 1991 was invited to Paris to perform. Known for her styling of a wide range of music (which includes American blues and show tunes), she couldn’t have been wholly popular with the Soviet authorities. Judging from the fact that in 1992 she gave a concert entitled “I sing what I want,” (Что хочу, то и пою) she likely didn’t wholly care for them either. She continues to perform and release albums.
Mikhail Boyarskii Sample hit: Зеленоглазое такси Listen More and Buy
 Born of famous Soviet actors, Boyarskii seemed destined for fame. He got his start as an actor of stage and screen in the 1970s, wining wide praise for his role as d'Artagnon in the Soviet film The Three Musketeers. He became known as a singer in the 80s with slow ballads and is now best known as a television personality on variety shows and something of a sex symbol among older Russians. As a bit of trivia we can add that he is also known for his trademark hat, which he wears at all events and which helps hide the fact that he nearly completely bald.
Igor Krutoi Sample hit: Печальный ангел Listen More and Buy
His work was mostly academic until 1989 and glasnost allowed him to found ARS, which is still a highly successful musical production company. He writes songs for others and is also famous for performing his own music, much of which is instrumental. He packs some of Russia's (and the world’s) most prestigious concert halls and, in 1996, was named a "People's Artist of Russia" for his achievements in music.
Classic Rock report an error back to top
for more info see: RockMusic.ru
Mashina vremeni Sample hit: Поворот Listen More and Buy
Mashina Vremeni formed in the late sixties and continue to produce new music today. The group started out singing American folk tunes in English, but quickly switched gears after being inspired by the Beatles. They are known primarily for their versatility and creativity, adding orchestral or folk instruments to rock or blues songs. Despite running afoul of the Soviet authorities several times, their music was featured in many Soviet movies and almost always widely performed and maintained a high production of new music.
Voskresenie Sample hit: Кто виноват Listen More and Buy
Voskresenie began producing music in 1979. Like many bands of that time, they were looking for new sounds and new ideas to place in their music – a whole new concept of rock. Their sound is highly versatile, but their style can be generally described as something like the vocals from the late Beatles mixed with the guitars of early Pink Floyd. Some tracks are pure American blues. They have gone through several break ups and reorganizations, but remain today a staple of Russian classic rock.
Kino Sample hit: Песня без слов Listen More and Buy
 Kino formed in 1981 in Leningrad. Their songs focus on issues of freedom and tell of the beauty and mediocrity that permeated everyday soviet life. Due to censorship, early songs were heard only by small, private audiences, and thier tapes were copied and circulated illegally by fans. A few songs even made it to the US, released on a compellation CD called "Red Wave." After 1988, as censorship fell, they had two years of unbridled fame until lead singer Victor Tsoi died in a car accident. The band, whose music is reminiscent of The Cure or sometimes The Doors, retains its following even today. We also recommend the much rougher "Электричка," about how much we all hate work and the daily commute.
Krematorii Sample hit: Сексуальная кошка Listen More and Buy
After running through several names including "The Lady Killers" and "Black Sunday," the group finally decided on "Crematorium." With such a morbid name, it's not surprising that much of their lyrics are also quite dark – and they mix violins and renaissance instruments in for dissonance. The group themselves are also apparently quite moody and were often marked by arguments between front man Armen Grigoryan and co founder Viktor Troegubov. Troegubov eventually left the band and formed another group called "Smoke."
Agata Kristi Sample hit: Красная Шапочка Listen More and Buy
Agata Kristi, named for the mystery novelist, is very late soviet rock. Formed in 1988, the band could be classed within the grunge genre that was gaining popularity at that time (even in the USSR). However, they are usually classed with the classic rock bands – whose mixing of rock and orchestral instruments and styles was a staple of the 1980s. Known for dark, purposefully enigmatic and slightly twisted songs, they live up to their name-sakes. Fans of the Brat films may recognize Секрет from Brat II.
Rock report an error back to top
For more info see: Rock.ru
Zveri Sample Hit: Для тебя Listen More and Buy
The "Wild Animals" blend strong rock arrangements with often figurative narratives in their lyrics. Their lead singer, Roman Bilyk (who goes by Roman Zveri) is a quiet, unassuming looking lad who comes off surprisingly strong as both a lead singer and a band spokesman. Based largely on his personality, the band has quickly achieved fame across the FSU with songs that mostly explore various forms of love and relationships.
Bratya Grim Sample Hit: Кустурица Listen More and Buy
 Identical twin brothers Borya and Kostya Grim are from Samara, in southern Russia. They started producing music in 1999 but would wait several years before their demo was given to producer Leonid Burlakov, who moved the group to Moscow where they would become stars. Their lyrics are more ethereal than anything – blending words and images to bring out the beauty of the sound of the language, rather than build narrative or even attempt to make sense. The arrangements are traditional rock, driven by strong guitar and percussion.
Pilot Sample Hit: Карелия Listen More and Buy
Pilot has been popular for almost a decade, one of a wave of bands to come out of the St. Petersburg music scene. Their music is popular with both critics and the larger mass public, entering heavy rotation in radio broadcasts and earning the lead singer/song writer (known as Ilya Chert) such titles in music reviews as "a successor to the traditions of the Russian soul." The Russian soul has apparently learned heavy guitar riffs and drum solos.
Bi-2 Sample Hit: Последний герой Listen More and Buy
Originally formed in Minsk, Belorussia in 1985, Bi-2 went through various incarnations before subduing all Russia with their aggressive rock arrangements and often epic, often romantic lyrics and vocals. The lead singer has developed an image and reputation as "the hero of maiden dreams," (romantic, heroic, but often sad). The above hit was featured as the theme song to a television show of the same name (Russia's answer to "Survivor").
Splean Sample Hit: Выхода нет Listen More and Buy
Splean was one of the first Russian rock groups to emerge after the fall of the USSR. They are still wildly popular, singing unusual but addictive songs with sad words and unusual melodies. The group's name means depression in Russian and they insist on its transliteration being spelled with –ea rather than –i, which is a nod to the spelling of the Beatles. According to one Russian critic, "Splean opens doors to the consciousness and what door to enter, where to stay, depends on the decision of your heart." We are also fans of their song "Пыльная быль," which was one of their first big hits in the 90's.
Okean El’zi Sample Hit: Я так хочу
The group was founded in 1994 in Lvov, in eastern Ukraine and hit it big after moving to the capital Kiev in 1998. Shortly thereafter, the band began touring in Russia where they found they already had a large following of fans. Their songs are sung in Ukrainian by frontman Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, who became an official UN Ambassador of Ukrainian Culture in 2003.
 Alt Rock report an error back to top
Uma2rman Sample Hit: Прасковья Listen More and Buy
Yes, they are actually named for the actress Uma Thurman. They say that as huge fans of the actress, they hoped producing music dedicated to her would mean they would some day meet her, which they did, when Kill Bill 2 made its Moscow primer. Apparently Uma even likes the music. The band, composed of brothers Vova and Sergei Kristovsky, is known for lyrical Caribbean-influenced songs about love and modern culture. According to one Russian critic, "some songs amaze as peals of a thunder, some bewitch as a flight of leaves."
Gorod 312 Sample Hit: Вне зоны доступа Listen More and Buy
Their powerful lead singer belts lyrics about experiences familiar to everyone. Mixing this with haunting, often funky and slightly gritty melodies, the band has developed a wide fan base. The song above was featured on the PiterFM soundtrack, a popular movie that capitalized on St. Petersburg's reputation for romance and art-house music. Сокол is another favorite!
Smyslovye Gallyutsinatsii Sample Hit: Бездна Listen More and Buy
Formed in 1989 in Ekaterinsburg, they are primarily known for mixing electronic and acoustic elements. Their name means "Meaningful Hallucinations," but they are usually simply known as "Glyuki," a slang term that means roughly "Brain Glitch." They rose to super-stardom when their song "Вечно молодой" was prominently featured on the soundtrack of the cult action film Brat.
Zemfira Sample Hit: Трафик Listen More and Buy
 Zemfira formed in 1998 and released thier first album in 1999. They were immediately recognized for the uniqueness of their songs. The group, which actually consists of four members, is named for the charismatic lead singer, whose name, in turn, hails from her Tatar heritage. Originally from Ufa, she is now a student of philosophy at Moscow State University in addition to being one of Russia's most cutting-edge singers. Her surreal, intellectual lyrics are complimented by an unusual but very confident musical style. She has become a cult idol, with millions who love her songs and a nearly equal number who "don't get it."
Night Snipers Sample Hit: Кошка Московская Listen More and Buy
Night Snipers formed in 1993 and quickly became favorites of the Saint Petersburg music clubs. Their early songs were an odd but pleasing mix of Rock, Jazz, Soviet, and Japanese influences. Their later releases are less distinctive, especially after they brought Zemfira's music engineer on board. Try listening to "Jazz" or the haunting repetitions of "На границе."
Butch Sample Hit: Чувства-на волю Listen More and Buy
Butch is often more criticized for its members' personal lives than its music. Lead singer Elena Pogrebizhskaya, who is known as "Butch," looks her name – short hair, strong features, and (usually) masculine dress. Their music and Elena's new book Diary of an Artist (she is a journalist by education) have become anthems of Russia's small gay movement. Despite the controversy, they are regularly credited as one of Russia's best groups.
Mumiy Troll Sample Hit: Девочка Listen More and Buy
Formed in last years of the Soviet Union in Vladivostok, this band self-published their first album on cassette to avoid bureaucracy and censorship. After the fall, the band broke up when lead singer Ilya Lagutenko, who speaks both English and Mandarin Chinese fluently, left to work abroad. When he returned a few years later, the band reunited and produced its first successful official album, Morskaya. Their music is full of industrial electronic riffs and Ilya is a delightfully whimsical and distinctive singer. The band is also known for its work campaigning for AIDS awareness and prevention programs.
 Punk report an error back to top
For more info see: Punk.ru
Leningrad Sample Hit: Я - твой ковбой Listen More and Buy
Leningrad is a postmodernist mix of folk, rock, punk, ska, and shanson (prison songs). Known for politically infused and rebellious lyrics, they are favorites of the artistic/intellectual crowd of Russia's two capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg. The band is also remarkable for its size – 13 members playing instruments as diverse as the tuba and harmonica. The band is banned from playing live in Moscow - their crowds tend to get a bit rowdy.
Tarakani Sample Hit: Украл? Выпил?! В тюрьму!!! Listen More and Buy
"The Cockroaches" formed in 1996, when the band members were just sixteen years old. Within four years, they were touring Europe as punk rock stars. They are known for socially conscious lyrics, which attempt to tackle some of Russia's biggest problems: alcoholism, drug abuse, extremism, and racism. These industry savvy gents have also managed punk festivals, often assist new talent in getting exposure, and have even toured with Marky Ramone of the Ramones. They were formally known as Chetyre Tarakana - some record stores haven't figured out that it's the same band.
Korol i Shut Sample Hit: Король и шут Listen More and Buy
King and Jester is another veteran group, formed in 1988. Their style blends punk music with the epic stylings and black humor of their apparently vampire-obsessed lead singer Mikhail "Gorshok" (Jug) Gorshenev. ) The group’s songs often have horror story or fairy tale themes. The members cite many Western punk bands as influences and often perform wearing Misfits-style make-up onstage. The band holds a devoted cult following and their albums almost instantly top the charts after release.
NAIV Sample Hit: Dehumanized Listen More and Buy
Naiv (Naïve) is anything but. These guys deliver hard-hitting, politically charged industrial-techno-punk. The lead singer screams against fascism and oppression while his band backs him up with brain-rattling distortions, clangs, and riffs. Not for the faint-at-heart!
Folk Punk report an error back to top
Folk Punk blends traditional elements with punk music. It often focuses on traditional themes and the bands often play full folk songs with accordions, guitars, and traditional instruments. They just speed it up, make it simpler, and in general, wail.
Gogol Bordello Sample Hit: When the Trickster... Listen More and Buy
 This Ukrainian "Gypsy Punk" group speaks about problems common to their region and explores cultural misunderstandings between various groups. They do this with intelligence, sarcasm, Kerouac-style ramblings, and purposefully comic English. Highly recommended, at your own risk! The lead singer has also appeared in movies which approach the same issues in the same style. These include a wonderful release called Everything is Illuminated with Elijah Wood as a mono-lingual American who travels to Ukraine to reconnect with his Ukrainian-Jewish heritage.
Sektor Gaza Sample Hit: Колхозный панк Listen More and Buy
Sektor Gaza is named for a highly contaminated Soviet industrial zone near Voronezh, the town where the band was formed in 1987. They would not perform publicly until after the fall, as the authorities had banned their music, but performed privately and gathered quite a following. When perestroika hit, the band hit the charts. The lead singer, Yuri Klinskikh (whose stage name we will refrain from printing here) died of sudden heart failure in 2000. His fans still remember him as the "Russian Johnny Rotten."
Babslei Sample Hit: Пташечка Listen More and Buy
Babslei were one of the first successful folk-punk groups in Russia. As nearly all good punk did, the all-woman group got together as a bit of a joke. They all liked folk music but, they said, but could not play it properly – so they played it punk, with simpler cords and just for fun. Their sound is very rough, and is definitely for those who truely love garange-band punk. While the band officially does not exist any more (many members joined Iva Nova, which has a much more mature sound) their music is still available and still recommended.
 Iva Nova Sample Hit: Была не была Listen More and Buy
This all-girl punk band from St. Petersburg is another we count among our favorites. Blurring the bounds of genre, they sing mostly Slavic folk tunes or songs inspired by Slavic folk. In their mouths and hands, the tempos are drastically sped up and undercut with punk riffs. As with most punk bands everywhere, thier membership has been a little unstable. We were especially sorry to see Lena Zhorik (right), their accordion player and formerly their strongest stage presence, leave the band to pursue personal interests.
Ska report an error back to top
For more info see: Ska.ru
ELIZIUM Sample Hit: Как Ван Гог Listen More and Buy
The group ELIZIUM, created in 1995 in Nizhni Novgorod, takes its name from Greek mythology; the Elysium Gardens was a place where absolute freedom and happiness reigned. The band, likewise, sings fun-loving, experimental songs that sometimes defy classification in genre or even ideology.
Male Factors Sample Hit: Водочка Listen More and Buy
The group formed in 1998, and is now composed of six guys who go by names like "Skanker" and "El Gordito." Much of their music is influenced by Shanson tradition, with many, many songs about criminals and drinking. In 2000, they were signed to Hobgoblin Records, a label owned by a former hacker who made oodles of cash by producing spoof translations of Hollywood hits and selling them on the black market. He has since turned legit. 
Distemper Sample Hit: Троллейбус 27 Listen More and Buy
Distemper, appropriately enough, bears a cartoon mascot of a mad dog. They formed in 1989 as a hard-core punk band, but gradually integrated horns and developed a ska style. Their songs combine optimism, humor, guitars and horns with a gravely and charismatic lead singer. The band is known across Europe (especially in Germany) and has started their own record label: Distemper Records.
Skalpel Sample Hit: Праздник Listen More and Buy
Skalpel formed in 1997 with the philosophy that anyone with a microphone could sing and anyone with guitar could play. However, as the band’s hilarious English language website states, "this happened to be a problem." It took four years of adjustments – and learning their instruments before they began appearing in festivals. Now, they are occasionally joined by members of big-name bands such as Distemper when they cut albums.
Rap/Hip Hop report an error back to top
Bad Balance Sample Hit: Московский Old School Listen More and Buy
This is the Run DMC of Russia – they pioneered hip-hop and rap in the Soviet music scene in the 80s and 90s. Their music was considered politically subversive and they did not produce a record until the early 1990s. They participated in the first rap music festival in Russia, "Kolobok," which was held in Nizhniy Novgorod. After that, they produced a slew of popular records. At times, their music feels like it is reaching in all directions at once, to rock, jazz, rap, and hip hop. They are remembered by some as a silly early prototype and by others as pioneers affectionately called "Bad B." They remain influential in the hip hop and rap scene in Russia.
Mnogotochie Sample Hit: В жизни так бывает Listen More and Buy
 Mnogotochie is a Russian literary term meaning "argument:" the premises and evidence that prove a conclusion. The band is quite opinionated on social issues and politics and packaged in sophisticated and melodious hip hop. Originally from the small resort town of Essentuki in the Caucus mountains, they are now the front men for Dots Family Records, a Moscow label that markets itself as a collection of like-minded artists working to advance their own and each other's interests. One Moscow listener said, "Mnogotochie speaks about what is hidden behind the depths of consciousness, behind that lie and ordering of the world we live in."
DeTSl Sample Hit: Вечеринка у ДеЦла Listen More and Buy
Detsl is about as controversial in Russia as Vanilla Ice in America. One of Russia's youngest rap artists, his rise to stardom was largely powered by the heavy support he received from hip-hop legends Bad Balance. Despite the criticism, his records do sell well and he has been signed by Universal Records Russia which also supports names like t.A.T.u and Alsou.
Kasta Sample Hit: Ревность Listen More and Buy
 Kasta is a group of young rappers originally from Rostov-na-Danu. Having developed a small, local following, they landed a place in the festival "Rap Music 99" and eventually were signed to Respect Productions by producer Arkadiya Slutskovskogo. In 2002, the group achieved super-stardom when "Горячее время" was featured on the big-budget Russian action flick AntiKiller. The next year they were nominated "Best Russian Band" at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
Ligalize Sample Hit: Будущие мамы Listen More and Buy
Ligalize is the bad boy of Russian rap – and as rap goes, that's really saying something. He developed his style after living for year in Congo and learning from French artists there. When he returned to Russia, he introduced rap to the Russian music mainstream, or so his site claims, in 1996. Whether or not this is true, it is certainly his boisterous and confident presence and music that has made him what he is.
 Serega Sample Hit: Возле дома твоего Listen More and Buy
Serega skillfully intertwines rap and the folklore traditions of shanson, a music associated with prisons. He has developed an image of himself as an under-world gangster, about whom little is known except that he must have a lot of money and connections. One thing he is known for is a constant saying: "My main objective is to entertain." He certainly does that.
Centr Sample Hit: Легко ли быть молодым Listen More and Buy
Centr is a rap group formed in 2004 by three Muscovites, known as Guf, Slim, and Птаха (Little Bird). While each also performs separately and release solo albums, their success as a group has been far greater. They released their debut album «Калечи» ("Cripples") in 2007 and the video for their single «Город Дорог» ("City of Roads") became an instant hit, being played heavily in Russia and the CIS. The group's videos have been popular on MTV ever since with their latest hit, «Легко ли быть молодым» ("Is It Really Easy Being Young") from the group's second album, «Ефир в норме» ("Normalized Broadcasting.")
Want More? report an error back to top
We will be adding to this resource as we can. Planned additions include: Jazz, Blues, World/Fusion, Hard Rock, and Heavy Metal. A future Library entry will cover labels, producers, clubs, concerts, etc. in more detail. To be alerted of updates, subscribe to the SRAS newsletter by sending an email with "Subscribe" in the subject field to jwilson@sras.org.
In addition, there is a new Yahoo! Group devoted to Russian popular music. Join it here.
What's currently popular in Russia? TopHit.ru has the latest info as well as archives! Or see MTV's Russian charts.
Russian Music Videos is a blog featuring a number of YouTubed Russian language music videos.
Russmus.net offers incredibly professional Podcasts that give detailed band histories and music samples.
Ukiemusic is completely devoted to Ukrainian music.
Far from Moscow provides news on modern Russian bands and sound clips from their latest releases.
Russia-ic.com has lots of history about Russian folk, classical, vocal, rock, and authorial music.
Russian Language Podcasts is a weekly service from UCLA bringing modern popular Russian music to your iPod (or computer).
Samsung Russia sponsors a legal MP3 website with relatively cheap downloads of a lot of Russian music. If you have a Samsung player, you get 250 MB free!
Also see Zvuki.ru, which has lots of free MP3 tracks.
Want to come to Russia to experience modern Russian culture for yourself?
See the programs at the School of Russian and Asian Studies!
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