A'Studio — a legendary pop group from Kazakhstan, founded in 1987 in the city of Alma-Ata (now Almaty). The band quickly became one of the most popular and influential musical acts in the post-Soviet space. A'Studio blends elegant pop, funk, jazz, and soul with distinctive vocals and flawless production. For decades, the group has remained a benchmark of style, quality, and musical sophistication.
Early Years
The band was formed by musicians Baigali Serkebayev, Baglan Sadvakasov, and Vladimir Mikloshich under the name “Alma-Ata Studio” — from which the shorter name A'Studio originated. From the beginning, the group stood out for its professional arrangements, clean sound, and charismatic performance.
The first vocalist of the band was Batyrkhan Shukenov — a singer with a unique timbre whose voice brought the group to prominence. In 1989, A'Studio released the song “Julia”, which instantly became a hit and brought the band nationwide fame across the Soviet Union.
Rise to Popularity
Throughout the 1990s, A'Studio toured extensively, released new albums, and appeared on numerous television programs. Songs such as “Soldier of Love”, “White River”, “Unloved”, and “You” cemented their reputation as one of the most melodic and emotional bands on the CIS pop scene.
The group collaborated with producer Andrei Makarevich and often performed alongside the legendary band Mashina Vremeni. Their music combined Western production quality with Eastern emotionality, bridging Soviet-era pop with modern musical aesthetics.
Band Members and Vocalists
- Baigali Serkebayev — keyboards, leader, and composer; the band’s constant driving force.
- Batyrkhan Shukenov — original vocalist (1987–2000), whose voice became the symbol of A'Studio’s early period.
- Polina Griffith — vocals (2001–2004), bringing a Western flavor to the group’s sound.
- Keti Topuria — vocals (since 2005), refreshing the band’s image and adding energy and modernity.
Main Discography
- Julia (1989)
- Soldier of Love (1994)
- Unloved (1998)
- Flying Away (2003)
- You (2005)
- My Sorrow (2007)
- Fashion Girl (2010)
- Only With You (2012)
- Tik-Tak (2018)
Style and Sound
A'Studio has always been known for its refined style and musical taste. Their songs combine elements of pop, soul, funk, and smooth jazz. Many compositions carry a sense of melancholy while remaining highly melodic and romantic.
Thanks to strong vocalists and masterful arrangements, the band has successfully adapted its sound for each new generation without losing its signature charm.
Recognition and Awards
- Winners of “Golden Gramophone,” “Ovation,” and “Song of the Year” awards;
- Over 10 studio albums and hundreds of concerts worldwide;
- Tours across Europe, Asia, and the USA;
- Millions of physical and digital sales and streams.
Interesting Facts
- The song “Julia” is among the top 10 most popular Soviet hits of all time.
- The group’s name was inspired by the members’ hometown, Alma-Ata.
- Keti Topuria has collaborated with Timati and Mot on joint tracks.
- After the passing of Batyrkhan Shukenov in 2015, the band regularly dedicates concerts and tributes to him.
- Baigali Serkebayev is the son of the renowned opera singer Yermek Serkebayev.
Legacy
A'Studio is a rare example of a band that has maintained its popularity for over three decades. They have become a symbol of refined pop music, where every note and lyric is filled with warmth and sincerity. Their songs continue to unite generations, and the name A'Studio remains synonymous with quality, elegance, and soulfulness in Russian-language music.
