If you work in independent music and want to get a job done in Russia, you need to speak to Soyuz Music.
The company, run by Alexey Aliaev, works with the who’s who of our industry – from Beggars to Cooking Vinyl, Domino, earMusic/EDEL and, oh yes, [PIAS].
Since being founded in Moscow in 2001, Soyuz Music has released over 4,000 albums from the likes of Motorhead, Blackmore’s Night, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Adele, The Prodigy, White Stripes, Radiohead, Tindersticks, The Libertines, The Who, Marilyn Manson and many more.
We caught up with their team to ask about working at a business which so many of us rely upon…
Alexey Aliaev, Managing Director
* What’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to you at Soyuz Music?
Many! Standing in the audience and singing along with the people at White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, The Fall, Legendary Pink Dots & many other shows – knowing that Soyuz Music had released all these great albums in Russia, thus helping to spread the vibe and the word. Communicating and hanging out with the artists – from the western acts to local heroes. Releasing cult albums of Soviet rock underground on CDs & vinyl. But the main thing is being the part of the process, doing the job you really love to do.
* What does Soyuz Music mean to you and why are you proud to work there?
Soyuz Music is the big part of my life & the team is my second family. I like our attitude towards life, our jokes & fun we have every day. I’m really proud that we had released so many great albums since 2001 – The Prodigy, Adele, Motorhead, Morcheeba, Mogwai, Current 93, Swans, Psychic TV, Arctic Monkeys, Placebo, Residents, Marilyn Manson, Helloween… Thank you to all our label partners and artists for the trust and confidence in Soyuz Music. Within years we had built solid roster of local Russian acts as well – from stadium ones to developing punk bands. In 2016 we are 15 years old – not bad ;)
* What do you hope to achieve at Soyuz Music in the future?
25% of each and every chart in Russia to be filled with Soyuz Music tracks & albums. I’d like to feel the changes of legislation in copyright protection, feel the benefits of internet platforms legalization (VK first of all) – then we can pay our partners more royalties.
Yep, that’s what I really want – a stable climate for business in Russia, working legislation and good cheques going to our labels and artists. And I hope people will listen to more good music in Russia. Music is to be heard!!!
Slava Zashchitin – Head of imports
* What’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to you at Soyuz Music?
Damn hard to choose… but maybe the day I spent with Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet as a guide to Moscow’s best record shops.
* What does Soyuz Music mean to you and why are you proud to work there?
Just think about it – the biggest independent record label in Russia, releasing the best acts, delivering the best music from all over the world…and you are a part of
it! What more could you wish for?
* What do you hope to achieve at Soyuz Music in the future?
The rise and rise of Soyuz Music. My main goal is still the same – to help our team make it all happen.
Max Bylkin – PR Director
* What’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to you at Soyuz Music?
Meetings with Rudi Protrudi, Sparks, Gypie Mayo, Franz Ferdinand, Madness, Editors, Placebo. And JIM JONES REVUE! We had great party after their concert in Moscow in 2011. Had a cool chat with them about old rock from the sixties and seventies. They are real rock’n’rollers! I miss them.
* What does Soyuz Music mean to you and why are you proud to work there?
We’ve known each other for a very long time. Soyuz Music is already like a second family. Everybody is proud of his family!
I’m really proud to work with The Prodigy – they are very talented and inventive. When they work on new album they change several concepts and designs. And each such concept can [influence] new electronic acts. Like with every Bowie album, unexpected tricks are very likely!
* What do you hope to achieve at Soyuz Music in the future?
It would be great to open a big Soyuz store again! With a vast assortment, in-house radio, bar & press conference zone/concert/presentation zone. A kind of mixture of the store, Soyuz Music promo office & club…
Natasha Varenik – contracts
* What’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to you at Soyuz Music?
The best people, the best music! It’s just very cool to work with nice people that are so passionate about music and what they do, and to meet artists I’ve genuinely loved and respect.
* What does Soyuz Music mean to you and why are you proud to work there?
Why? Because we are the coolest team ever!
* What do you hope to achieve at Soyuz Music in the future?
There is absolutely no limit to what you can achieve. We will try to make success with licensing activity even greater and provide even better services to our artists.
Ernest Kopanev – production
* What’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to you at Soyuz Music?
New year’s parties; some cool performances organized by Soyuz Music.
* What does Soyuz Music mean to you and why are you proud to work there?
I’m proud to work here in Soyuz Music because we are bringing great music to the people. Music makes this world better!
* What do you hope to achieve at Soyuz Music in the future?
I hope that Soyuz Music will continue to stand as one of the biggest music companies in Russia and we can bring more music!
Max Orlov – Head of sales
* What’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to you at Soyuz Music?
Many cool things, starting from the time when I first come to the office and ending joint live gigs.
My employment at Soyuz Music was a happy accident – I had come to get a different job at a different company but mixed up the doors and stayed at Soyuz Music. And I don’t regret it!
* What does Soyuz Music mean to you and why are you proud to work there?
For me is first of all a group of like-minded people. A friendly team of people driven by love of music with good taste.
And of course a great sense of humor helps to overcome all the daily messes.
* What do you hope to achieve at Soyuz Music in the future?
Success & plenty of great releases!!!!