The Best Modern Popular Bands in Russia

Russian popular music today is getting well accepted by audiences from America, Japan and France. And the bands are making some astonishing music singing mostly in English. Many people in the UK or America would be hard pushed to name a Russian band, perhaps apart from Pussy Riot and that is only because they hit the political headlines. But that is not to say that current Russian pop music is not any good, in fact there are several artists that are making a name for themselves internationally, and here are some of the best.

Pompeya

Pompeya are a Moscow electro-pop band that have migrated to the U.S. Now based in Los Angeles, their music is crossing over into more mainstream American pop music and they are getting much wider critical acclaim. Popeya came together twelve years ago and had a faithful, almost cult-like following in Moscow. But since their move to America, their music has targeted more Western audiences and they are now delivering a far more laid back sound. Pompeya constantly tour around North America and Europe, and they have fans all over the world.

Tesla Boy

This popular pop band has signed with a British label called Mullet Records. And recently they have acted as the support band to such acts as Hurts and Placebo. They have also just been featured in the highly popular Q Magazine. Tesla Boy released their debut album, entitled The Universe Made of Darkness, and it went straight to the top of the Russian charts. Their musical style replicates the synth music of the ‘80s, and most of their songs deal with issues such as love and relationships. Each member of the band is classically trained and have diplomas in music.

Little Big

St. Petersburg has always been a hot bed of creativity be it music, poetry, or art. And Little Big are continuing this tradition with their brand of trash-rave. The band loves to attack the old traditions of Russian culture and they are demanding change. Mostly only really known in Russia, Little Big are hoping to get more international fame in the future with their radical style.

On-the-Go

This highly popular indie band are frequently seen in London, so much that many fans think that they are actually British. Comparisons of their style have been made to Woodkid and Alt-J, and they have frequently performed with Keane in concerts. To date, the band has released four albums that have found critical acclaim both in Russia and the UK. Although their music was once dubbed as Russian Melancholy, their musical direction has taken a far more upbeat tone which fits in more with British audiences.

Jack Wood

Jack Wood have been incredibly popular and musically speaking they have made some great achievements. Notably, in 2015 they appeared at Glastonbury, being the first ever Russian band to do this. They even produced the soundtrack for the top American TV series House of Cards. Their pedigree in concert is just as strong performing alongside bands such as The Yeah Yeahs, and The Raconteurs. These are just some of the new wave of Russian bands that are making appearances on the international music scene, and others such as Therr Maitz and Motorama are also putting Russia firmly on the international music map.

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