Articles - The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

Exiled Electronic Duo AIGEL Crashes the Dancefloor With ‘Killer Qız’

On their first album in five years, AIGEL channels exile, existential reckoning and rebirth into a club-ready soundscape.

Crowds Swarm Moscow Church to Mourn Rapper Pasha Technique

Pasha Technique died at the age of 40 on Saturday after being hospitalized in a medically induced coma with severe lung damage.

Russian-Tatar Composer Sofia Gubaidulina Dies at 93

A nonconformist who endured Soviet censorship before emigrating to the West, Gubaidulina spent years in obscurity before gaining recognition as one of...

Putin Doesn’t Want You to Hear This: Nogu Svelo!’s Defiant New Single

The popular Russian rock band's new song “Formy Zhizni” (Lifeforms) confronts war, propaganda, and the transformation of society under oppression.

Ukraine Calls Russian Pop Song ‘Sigma Boy’ a Weapon in Moscow’s ‘Information War’

Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation claimed the song is part of Moscow’s broader efforts to “cement its narratives and cultural influence...

Putin Signs Decree Creating Russian Eurovision Alternative

The competition, called Intervision, is set to take place in Moscow and the surrounding region later this year.

Russian Pop Song ‘Sigma Boy’ Becomes a Viral Hit While Sparking Controversy

The earworm-filled track, which has 66 million views on YouTube, has drawn criticism in both Russia and Europe.

Russia Issues Arrest Warrant for Exiled Rapper Morgenshtern

Police issued the arrest warrant for the popular rapper for allegedly violating the country’s “foreign agent” law, state media reported.

Pro-War Singers to Tour Russian Schools With ‘Patriotic Music Lessons’

The school tours are part of a State Duma initiative to compile a list of patriotic songs that would be taught in music classes.

Can Music Mobilize the Russian Diaspora? These Anti-War Artists Are Betting On It

The INOI rock festival, whose lineup features a range of popular exiled Russian musicians, seeks to speak truth to power through art.

'We Couldn't Write About Anything Else': Exiled Russian Rappers Kasta on Banned Anti-War Album

The group's new album — a collection of anti-war tracks — was swiftly blocked in Russia upon its release.

Russian Rapper Ligalize Releases New Anti-War Song After Being Branded ‘Foreign Agent’

The new release also features other prominent Russian artists, including the rap group Kasta and the rock band Nogu Svelo.

Renowned Musicians Pay Tribute to Late Anti-War Pianist Pavel Kushnir

In addition to a benefit concert, about 60 renowned conductors, composers and pianists signed an open letter supporting artists facing political repression...

Russian Court Orders Rammstein Frontman to Pay $670K for Canceled Tver Concert

The dispute stems from a planned performance in August 2021 as part of the “McLarin for the Motherland” festival.

opinion David Junk

It's Said 'Hip Hop Can Save the World.' Can it Save Russia?

The genre has long been able to capture the attention of young people. It's no coincidence that the Kremlin is cracking down on rappers.

Russian Pop Star Shaman Seeks ‘Ya Russky’ Trademark for Vodka, Sex Toys

“Ya Russky” has become Shaman’s calling card after he emerged from relative obscurity with patriotic pop songs in the wake of Russia’s invasion...

Beyonce, Lana Del Rey, Metallica ‘Blacklisted’ in Russia – Vyorstka

Ad agencies and event organizers are strongly urged to exclude the artists’ songs from their ads and to avoid playing them at public events.

Russian Cities Cancel Pro-War Singer Shaman’s Shows Amid Low Ticket Sales – Agentstvo

Shaman kicked off his 100-city tour on Red Square last month, with plans to perform in Ukrainian cities occupied since Russia’s invasion.

Russia Charges Singer Monetochka for Breaking ‘Foreign Agents’ Law

Investigators accused the singer of failing to label her online posts as required by law, an offense that carries a penalty of up to two years in prison...

Pro-War Singer Shaman Performs for Soldiers and Evacuating Children in Kursk Region

Shaman sang his popular song “Ya Russkiy” (I’m Russian), which has become an unofficial anthem among some pro-war Russians.

View more articles