Zoloto in Astana

ZOLOTO is Vladimir Zolotukhin - the author behind every song, frontman, and multi-instrumentalist of the project.

ZOLOTO performs a luxurious take on pop - in its old-school meaning. Think of the era when TV screens glowed with Soviet "VIA" bands, and music lovers hunted for rare vinyls on the black market. His music channels that golden age, yet sounds futuristic and bold today.

In a world where modern pop culture is a never-ending party, Zolotukhin is that one guy standing thoughtfully in the corner - and that’s exactly what draws you in. People come to a ZOLOTO concert to hear songs they already know, but they end up in a space where shared references turn the audience into a true cultural club. Where else will you hear poetic nods to Gubin, Shura, Zemfira - or even black cumin oil?

One-third of the concert is devoted to an acoustic set, whispered and intimate - it offers a catharsis rarely felt at pop shows. ZOLOTO’s music, both live and in recordings, evokes a sense of inner freedom. As if you’ve touched something greater. Maybe that feeling is best called by one simple word: love.

ZOLOTO has four albums: «Ne Perezhivay» (Don’t Worry), «8 Months in Vegas», «Everything Will Return», and «To Transform».

«Ne Perezhivay» is a blend of indie-pop that could've belonged to the 80s, the 2000s - or a decade from now. Timeless.

«8 Months in Vegas» marks a turning point in sound. Delicate guitar fingerpicking, brass and strings - the music matures, while referencing the likes of Gubin and Zemfira.

«Everything Will Return» is a grand nostalgic game, mixing musical quotes and ballads in a crescendo of emotion. Its title track is a bold reimagining of a Shura classic - a longing for time lost, and a wish to reclaim it.

«To Transform», released in 2024, has remained in global top charts for over a year. Vladimir says:

«I’ve long wanted to record a cohesive album with a unified sound. And I think we finally did it. It was important for me that every sound be created by hand - so I limited myself to vintage guitars and excluded synths and sample libraries. This is a fully guitar-driven album. In a way, it brings me back to where I started. And unlike past albums where I played every part myself, this one features the incredible musicians you now see on stage with us.»

ZOLOTO’s singles have taken TikTok by storm. «Sad at the Afterparty» - a playful track with sharp punches, a tale as old as time. «Didn’t Happen» - a reflection on global events told through a love story. «About the Future» - a retro-styled tune and soundtrack for the TV series «Ballet».

ZOLOTO’s band is a powerhouse of talent: German Tigai (bass), Daniil Morozov (drums), and Igor Gribov (guitar & keys). The lineup might seem simple, but anyone who’s been to a ZOLOTO concert knows - the sound stays with you long after the lights go out.