Music of a wonderful world

Recommended Russian artists: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!
lightercatnap
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

Russia is a country that enjoys overwhelming support in classical and metal music.

Because there isn’t much of a culture in Japan of listening to overseas music other than English and Korean, many people may not be familiar with it, but in fact, the Russian music scene boasts world-class quality.

This time, I’ve picked out some artists and bands who are active in Russia.

We’ve selected songs from a wide range of genres, so try searching for your favorite artists.

Also, the war between Russia and Ukraine is ongoing.

If you would like to help even a little, why not make use of this donation site?

Japan Committee for UNICEF “Ukraine Emergency Fundraising”

Recommended Russian Artists: Popular International Singers and Singer-Songwriters (51–60)

Пустошь СмаугаЭпидемия

Эпидемия – Пустошь Смауга (The Desolation of Smaug) official video 2022

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!

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DARKSIDEAKADO

AKADO – DARKSIDE (Official Music Video) 5K

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!

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ГЛЮК’ОZANOSTRAГлюкозa

Глюк`ozа – Nostra

ГЛЮК'ОZANOSTRAГлюкозa

Natasha Ionova is a Russian singer who also worked as a child actor.

The band centered around her is called Glukoza, and this name is also used for her solo activities.

“ГЛЮК’ОZANOSTRA” is the title track of an album released in 2004.

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ПОЧЕМУ?MORGENSHTERN

MORGENSHTERN – ПОЧЕМУ? (Official Video, 2022)

ПОЧЕМУ?MORGENSHTERN

While more and more artists are starting out as YouTubers and later making it big as musicians, Russia appears to be no exception.

Born in 1998, Morgenstern, who began as a YouTuber and is now active as a rapper and singer-songwriter, creates melodious trap that resonates with Gen Z artists in the West.

He continues to build a global presence—collaborating, for example, with fellow Gen Z rapper Lil Pump from the U.

S.

, who was born in 2000.

If you’re interested in non-English-language music, or if you’ve only ever listened to American-made trap, now’s the time to check out Morgenstern, an artist poised to expand his reach even further.

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Recommended Russian artists. Popular international singers and singer-songwriters (61–70)

UntitledНиколай Носков

Николай Носков БЕЗ НАЗВАНИЯ

Untitled Nikolai Noskov

Nikolai Noskov is a singer who was active as the vocalist of Gorky Park.

“Untitled (Без названия)” is included on the 2012 album “Honey (Мёд).” The recording was done in Germany.

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ResuRectionPPK

PPK – Resurrection (full version).mp4

ResuRectionPPK

A group I recommend for those who want to listen to Russian trance music is PPK, which was formed in 1998.

Their single ‘ResuRection,’ released in 2001, reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.

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In conclusion

Listening to Russian tracks this time, many of you might have felt a sense of cohesion, right? The Russian music scene tends to have a lot of darker songs overall, and it seems that, compared to other countries, even dark tracks are more likely to become hits.

If you like pieces with a gothic atmosphere or somber melodies, definitely dive deeper into the Russian music scene!