Zemfira at The Wiltern

The indie rock scene of Russia is dominated by prolific artists who found their niche strengths and authenticity. Russian rock is different from that commonly heard in other Western countries. For them, rock is less driven, utilizes other instruments, has a different rhythmic structure, and emphasizes the lyrics more. Many names have contributed to such a sound; Zemfira is among those who continue to subvert genre expectations.

Zemfira Talgatovna Ramazanova is among the most prominent names among female rock artists in Russia. She continues the power of female rockers like Zhanna Aguzarova, Yanka Dyagileva, and Nastia Poleva. However, she sticks out from this group and in the rock scene because of her distinct sound reminiscent of Bjork and Kate Bush. Like these two icons, her style can be considered odd, and she has nailed the formula to reign the mainstream with uniqueness. Her prowess is thanks to years of experience as a sound engineer.

She broke out of the scene in 1999 with a self-titled debut album. This release was considered revolutionary then and a favorite among radio stations. A year after the debut's success, she immediately worked on her follow-up. The sophomore "Forgive Me My Love" was an international hit and is known as her best album of all time. "Хочешь?" (Do You Want?) and "Прости Меня Моя Любовь" (Forgive Me My Love) were the songs that took off, becoming her most memorable singles. Not stopping her momentum, she broke through again in 2002 with her Radiohead-inspired album "14 Weeks of Silence."

After all of these prolific records, she brought other artists' flavors into her next album, "Vendetta." Many big names in the Russian rock scene collaborated with her to create a critically acclaimed album. By this time, Zemfira has realized that her music is starting to lean more towards negative themes. She decided to change things up on her next album, "Thank You," which is upbeat and optimistic.

As the 2010s and 2020s came, she released two more albums entitled "Live in Your Head" in 2013 and her most recent "Borderline."

After seven years, Zemfira returns to Los Angeles to perform at The Wiltern on April 20. Book tickets for this concert now if you want some refresher on her spectacular music!