Recommended Russian artists: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters
Russia is a country that enjoys overwhelming support in classical and metal music.
In Japan, there isn’t much of a culture of listening to foreign music other than English and Korean, so many people may not be familiar with it, but the Russian music scene actually boasts world-class quality.
This time, I’ve picked out some artists and bands that are active in Russia.
I’ve selected songs from a wide range of genres, so please try finding a favorite artist.
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Recommended Russian artists: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters (41–50)
НЕ ГРОЗИ СЕВЕРНОМУ КАВКАЗУАдлер Коцба
Adler Kotsba, who gives off the vibe of an earnest, wholesome young man, is a musician born in 1991 from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic.
He reportedly started rapping during his student days under the influence of the legendary rapper 50 Cent, and was already creating tracks at the time.
After serving in the military and returning to his studies to earn a degree, Adler began his full-fledged music career in 2013.
In 2018, he released his debut album, and its title track has racked up over 78 million views on YouTube.
His style—rapping sweet, romantic lyrics over catchy tracks—has made him especially popular among young women.
Recommended Russian Artists: Popular International Singers and Singer-Songwriters (51–60)
Wolf huntingВладимир Высоцкий
Vladimir Vysotsky was a Soviet singer-songwriter who was also active as an actor.
His songs were critical of the regime and were not recorded during his lifetime.
“Wolf Hunt” is one of his signature songs.
ПотрачуЕгор Крид
If you like the kind of classic, stylish hip-hop represented in Japan by AKLO, I recommend the Russian rapper Igor Krid.
Many people associate rappers with a rough image, but he’s different: he studied music seriously at a conservatory.
He didn’t graduate because he became successful as a rapper while still in school, but thanks to that background his compositions are highly sophisticated, and every release boasts an exceptional level of polish.
Лучшая ночьМакSим
If you’re looking to listen to classic Russian pop music, Maxim is highly recommended.
Many people associate Russian pop with darker melodies.
While her music does incorporate some of those elements, it’s fundamentally rooted in bright, country-style sounds, making it very easy to listen to.
If you’re not a fan of the darker tones common in Russian pop, be sure to give her a try.
Пустошь СмаугаЭпидемия
Those who searched using the Russian spelling “Эпидемия” may have been surprised to see a Russian TV drama come up in the results.
Written as “Epidemia” in English, they are a veteran Russian power metal band active since the 1990s and a source of national pride.
With grand symphonic elements, guitar lines packed with gloriously cheesy phrases, and passionate high-register vocals sung in their native language, they’re beloved not only in Russia but also by power metal fans in Japan and beyond.
They even performed in Japan in 2019, which is likely when many people first discovered them.
While their core is classic power metal, they’ve also released story-driven rock opera works; their songs boast exceptional quality thanks to solid songwriting and a finely tuned band ensemble.
If you’ve recently gotten interested in metal from non-English-speaking countries, their melodies—tailor-made to appeal to Japanese tastes—are irresistibly uplifting!
DARKSIDEAKADO
Akado is a rock band with an impressive style that blends elements of electronic music into glam rock and gothic metal.
Russia is famous for its highly developed rock scene, and among it, Akado is a particularly popular band.
While many people might feel that gothic metal and glam rock can be a bit intimidating, their style is very close to what VAMPS represents in Japan, so you might find it surprisingly easy to listen to!
Grupa KrowiKeno
Kino was a band that was active before the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Viktor Tsoi, the vocalist who passed away at the young age of 28, is known by the nickname “the God of Rock.” “Gruppa Krovi (Группа крови)” is one of their signature songs.