Shnurov, Sobchak and the Leningrad Collaboration Saga
At a media event tied to the release of a new music project, Sergei Shnurov, the frontman of the group Leningrad, spoke about journalist Ksenia Sobchak in blunt terms. The remarks came as part of a wide interview with Passion, where the musician reflected on public life and the pressures that accompany fame. The exchange painted a picture of a scene where personalities from different corners of Russian public life intersect with a rock band known for its provocative style. Shnurov did not mince words about Sobchak, describing her in uncompromising terms while keeping the focus on the music and the evolving relationships within the scene.
During the premiere of videos supporting the group’s latest album, titled Blue Goddess, Shnurov faced questions from reporters and revisited Sobchak’s public statements. He noted that meeting Olga Abramova had marked a turning point in his career, a moment that forced him to reassess his own path and the reception he enjoys from audiences and critics alike. The event served as a stage for two overlapping narratives: a confrontation with a well-known media figure and a personal reckoning that influenced his artistic trajectory.
Shnurov did not hold back when addressing Sobchak’s remarks. He stated plainly that the journalist had said a lot of nonsense, and he added that he preferred not to engage with every comment from public figures. The response underscored a stance he often adopts in interviews: speak clearly, then let the music speak for itself. In this moment, the focus remained on the music and the reactions of fans who have followed his career through the highs and lows.
Journalists present at the premiere noted that Sobchak appeared interested and planned to listen to the new album, suggesting a nuanced reception rather than outright rejection. The nuance reflected how public figures can influence the narrative around a release even when tensions are in the air. Fans watched closely as the band balanced controversy with art, hoping the music would carry its own weight beyond the headlines.
In a later exchange, the musician clarified his stance with a mix of irony and clarity. He indicated that Sobchak should not read too much into the new material and that his relationship with the journalist did not hinge on personal affection. The message, delivered in a firm and almost wry tone, emphasized a separation between public discourse and artistic output while underscoring the complex web of public opinion that surrounds a band famed for its blunt, unapologetic voice.
October brought a significant development when Instasamka, whose real name is Daria Zoteeva, recorded a joint album with Leningrad and its leader Sergei Shnurov. In the weeks that followed, reports circulated that Shnurov was negotiating with Instasamka’s team to bring the singer into their ongoing collaboration for future projects, signaling a potential expansion of the group’s creative dynamic. The partnership promised cross-genre experimentation and a broader audience reach, reinforcing the idea that Leningrad remains open to fresh energy and bold ideas from newer artists.
In November, Shnurov clarified that Zoteeva would not yet become a permanent soloist of the group. He explained that Leningrad had limited the collaboration to a single mini-album, while emphasizing that working with Instasamka had been easy and fun. This clarification helped manage fan expectations and highlighted a pragmatic approach to collaboration, where experimentation is welcomed but sustained commitments are measured and deliberate.
Beyond these specific events, Shnurov has previously spoken about the Russian music industry, offering his perspective on the challenges and opportunities that artists navigate in the current climate. The episode illustrates how public discourse, media personalities, and creative partnerships continue shaping the fortunes of a band known for its raw energy and willingness to push boundaries, all while remaining deeply connected to the pulse of contemporary Russian culture.