Many people know the band from their song “Three Stripes,” while others discovered Animal ДжаZ through their acoustic concerts or the Zero People project. For over twenty years now, the band has remained one of the most prominent acts on the Russian alternative music scene. The musicians have never limited themselves to a single genre, so their work organically blends alternative rock, post-grunge, art rock, indie, and elements of punk.
Animal ДжаZ’s songs were regularly played on rock radio stations, and many of their tracks became hits for several generations of listeners. The band is especially appreciated by fans of sincere lyrics, where personal experiences are combined with philosophical reflections.
The band’s leader played a key role in their success. Alexander Krasovitsky, the lead vocalist of Animal ДжаZ, not only performs the songs but also writes most of the lyrics and a significant portion of the music. It is his emotional style of performance that has become one of the band’s hallmarks.
The Band’s Formation in 2000
The band’s story began in the fall of 2000. After participating in several musical projects, Alexander Krasovitsky decided to form his own band, where he could freely combine heavy guitar riffs, melodic elements, and lyrical lyrics. He was joined by like-minded musicians who shared his desire to play modern rock without strict genre restrictions.
A creative concept took shape almost immediately. The name itself reflected the idea of combining opposites. The word “Animal” symbolized natural energy and instincts, while “Jazz” was used not so much as a reference to a musical genre as a hint at the blending of various styles and creative freedom.
The first rehearsals showed that the musicians quickly found common ground. Even during the early stages of their work, they created material for several songs that later formed the basis of their concert program.
St. Petersburg as a Place of Creative Beginnings
The northern capital, with its rich rock tradition—from Kino to DDT—became the environment in which these young musicians sought their own voice. It is no coincidence that the band’s leader, Alexander Krasovitsky, described the group’s work using a phrase by Dovlatov—“the pinnacle of St. Petersburg’s underbelly”—emphasizing their connection to the local underground culture. It was in St. Petersburg that the first lineup took shape, consisting of Alexander Krasovitsky (vocals), Igor Bulygin (bass guitar), and musicians playing keyboards and drums.
First Steps on the Music Scene
The band’s first performance took place on December 22, 2000, at the “Klim Voroshilov” club in St. Petersburg. Just a few months later, the musicians took part in the “Proryv” festival at the Yubileiny Sports Palace—sharing the stage with the masters of Russian rock. For a fledgling band, this was a powerful start.
In the early 2000s, the band “Animal Jazz” began performing at major festivals (“Maxidrom,” “Nasheствие,” “Krylya,” “Megahouse,” and “Kubana”) and shared the stage with artists such as Rollins Band, Garbage, Clawfinger, The Rasmus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Linkin Park.
Animal Jazz’s Debut Recordings and Original Lineup
Their first official releases came out as early as 2002: the maxi-single “Intermission,” the live album “OrangeZ,” and their first full-length studio album “Animalism,” released on November 24 of that same year.
At that time, the band’s lineup consisted of Alexander Krasovitsky (vocals), Igor Bulygin (bass), Evgeny Ryakhovsky (guitar), Sergey Egorov (drums, 2000–2004), and Boris Golodets (keyboards, 2000–2004). It was this lineup that recorded the band’s early material and shaped Animal ДжаZ’s distinctive sound.
These were the years when their distinctive sound took shape—heavy, guitar-driven, with elements of electronic music and symphonic ambitions.
In the spring of 2002, the live album *OranjaZ* was released, compiled from recordings of early performances. Although it was a live release, it introduced the band’s work to a wider audience and became an important step in its development.
Later that same year, their debut studio album, *Animalism*, was released. On it, the musicians included not only powerful live tracks but also high-quality studio material. The album included songs that already featured “catchy” melodies, emotional delivery, and profound lyrics.
Breakthrough and Recognition in Russian Rock
True recognition came gradually, with each new album. In 2004, two albums were released simultaneously—“Stereolubov” and “Like People”—which solidified the band’s position on the scene. But 2007 marked their true breakthrough.
The Album That Brought Them Fame
The album *Shag Vdokh* (2007) became a landmark for the band. It included the song “Three Stripes,” which became the hit of the year and earned Alexander Krasovitsky a prestigious music award.
Following this release, Animal ДжаZ firmly established itself among the leading bands of the Russian alternative scene. In 2009, the album *Egoist*, featuring thirteen tracks, was released; its launch took place at the Luzhniki Stadium, confirming the band’s ability to draw large crowds.
The Band’s Unique Style
Animal ДжаZ’s style is hard to pin down to a single category, and that’s part of what makes them so appealing to listeners. The musicians deliberately avoid genre purity, combining heavy guitar riffs with melodic, almost ballad-like verses, and punk energy with symphonic arrangements.
At the heart of their music are powerful guitar parts, Alexander Krasovitsky’s expressive vocals, and lyrics that touch on personal experiences, relationships, inner conflicts, and the search for one’s place in life. That is precisely why entire families come to Animal ДжаZ concerts today—the children of those who listened to the band in the 2000s are now bringing their own children to the shows.
Another distinctive feature of the band is their ability to sound equally compelling in both electric and acoustic performances. Over the years, the band has repeatedly released special acoustic versions of well-known songs, allowing listeners to hear familiar tracks in a new light.
A Mix of Punk and Alternative
Although Animal ДжаZ is most often classified as alternative rock, the band’s style extends far beyond a single musical genre. Their sound clearly reflects the punk energy of their early performances, blended with alternative rock and elements of post-blues.
At the same time, the band avoids the excessive aggression characteristic of many alternative bands of the early 2000s. Instead, the musicians focus on emotional depth, expressive melodies, and a lively energy that comes through especially vividly during their live performances.
Discography: From First to Last Album
Over more than two decades of existence, Animal Jazz has released a dozen full-length studio albums, several acoustic albums, and numerous singles and music videos. The main releases in the band’s discography are as follows:
- *Animalism* (2002);
- “Stereo Love” (2004);
- “Like People” (2004);
- “Unplugged” (2005);
- *Unplugged. Part II: Rarities* (2006);
- “Step of Inspiration” (2007);
- “Egoist” (2009);
- Animal Jazz (2011);
- “Rapid Sleep Phase” (2013);
- “Guardian of Spring” (2015);
- “Happiness” (2018);
- *Time to Love* (2019);
- "Yin" (2023);
- “Yang” (2024).
In addition to studio albums, the band has regularly released acoustic albums, live recordings, compilations, and individual singles.
Today, Animal ДжаZ’s discography includes 12 studio albums, as well as several live and acoustic releases.
Most Famous Hits
Over the years, the band has released dozens of popular songs, many of which have long been an integral part of the modern Russian rock scene.
The band’s most famous hits:
- “Three Stripes”;
- “Step, Breathe”;
- “Breathe”;
- “No Answer”;
- “You Can Fly”;
- “Love of Flying”;
- “Feelings.”
These Animal ДжаZ songs are most often included in concert setlists and invariably resonate with the audience. For example, “Three Stripes” has remained a staple of concert setlists for many years, and the audience traditionally sings along to the song almost in its entirety. “Breathe” and “You Can Fly” are regularly played on Russian rock radio stations.
Collaborations and Joint Projects
Although the band rarely records joint songs, there have been a few collaborations. For example, in 2020, the musicians presented their own interpretation of DDT’s song “Premonition of a Civil War.”
In 2006, the band recorded the soundtrack for the film “Graffiti,” directed by Igor Apasyan, which premiered at the 19th Tokyo International Film Festival. The band’s songs have also been featured in popular TV series such as “Margoša,” “Gentlemen Officers,” and “Love Is Not Show Business.”
Collaborations with Other Musicians
In recent years, the band has been actively collaborating with other artists: the collaborative song “Mystica” was recorded with Yan Nikolenko, and an acoustic version of the track was later released.
The band’s guitarist, known by his stage name Johnny (Evgeny Ryakhovsky), released an album of dance remixes of the band’s songs titled *Underground* in 2024, inviting other artists to collaborate.
In addition to Animal ДжаZ, Alexander Krasovitsky and Alexander Zaranin have been developing the Zero People project for many years. There are no heavy guitars here—the sound is based on vocals, piano, and an intimate atmosphere.
Over time, Zero People has evolved into a successful independent project, existing alongside the main band.
The Members’ Personal Lives
Animal ДжаZ’s personal lives are kept private from the public. In interviews, they much more often talk about new songs, concerts, and studio work.
Alexander Krasovitsky remains the most well-known member; he has repeatedly spoken in interviews about his views on creativity, literature, cinema, and contemporary art. However, the musician rarely reveals details about his family life.
The other band members also tend to talk more about working on new compositions, recording albums, and preparing for concerts than about events offstage.
The Musicians’ Interests and Hobbies
The musicians are interested in cinema. Krasovitsky has tried his hand at acting, and he personally directed the music video for the song “Cosmonauts.”
Many ideas for new songs come from personal experiences, books, and observations of the world around them. Continuous professional development is of great importance to the musicians. They continue to experiment with sound, explore new musical technologies, and seek fresh ways to express their ideas.
The Band’s Current Activities
Animal ДжаZ’s activities revolve around the regular release of new albums. For example, in 2024, the single “Dontalk” was released, and in February 2025, the somber track “To Hell” followed. That same year saw the release of the songs “Pravda” and “Pobeda,” as well as the tribute track “Nad Nevoy”—proof that the band continues to actively expand its discography.
Concerts and Tours
And even now, Animal ДжаZ continues to delight audiences. In 2025–2026, the band performed in a “Piano Version” format in Vienna, Helsinki, Barcelona, and Hamburg, and also gave concerts in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The band continues to perform at major venues in St. Petersburg and other cities, presenting the audience with both new compositions and the biggest hits beloved by their fans.
Interesting Facts from the Band’s History
Animal ДжаZ’s history is rich with events that are well known to fans of their work.
- Their first concert took place on December 22, 2000, in St. Petersburg.
- The band’s name is a play on words: “jazz” in English refers not only to the genre but also to “commotion” or “confusion,” and it was precisely this meaning that the musicians considered key.
- Alexander Krasovitsky is the vocalist and writer of most of the lyrics, as well as the band’s longtime leader.
- The song “Three Stripes” has become one of the most recognizable songs on the Russian alternative scene.
- Acoustic concerts are held regularly alongside electric performances, showcasing a new sound for familiar songs.
- RAMP Award: the band won it twice in 2007.
- “Khronitel Vesny” (2015) was named the best rock album by iTunes Russia and also received two “Chartova Duzhina” awards.
- The band celebrated its 24th anniversary at the end of 2024 with the release of a remix album.
- Dovlatov’s quote about “the peak of St. Petersburg’s underbelly” aptly captures the atmosphere in which the band took shape.
Animal ДжаZ remains a vibrant part of the Russian alternative scene to this day: the musicians have their own unique sound and a loyal following. Their songs resonate with new generations, and their concerts consistently draw crowds of fans who appreciate their honesty, skill, and that very same raw energy on stage.
