Name: Ivan Aleksandrovich Dorn
Date of birth: 17 October 1988
Place of birth: Chelyabinsk, Russia
Citizenship: Ukraine
Occupations: singer, composer, DJ, music producer, TV presenter
Label: Masterskaya
Early years and formation
Ivan Dorn was born in the city of Chelyabinsk, but spent his childhood in Slavutych, Ukraine — a young and dynamic city where the future artist received his first musical impressions.
From an early age he showed an interest in music: he sang, played piano, took part in vocal contests and festivals. As a child, Ivan took part in projects linked to youth musical movement, including Junior Eurovision, where he tried out the big stage for the first time.
Besides music, young Dorn was actively involved in sports, especially sailing, and managed to obtain the title of Candidate for Master of Sport. That discipline and perseverance later influenced his professional career — he always strived to be first and not to be afraid of risk.
Beginning of the journey: “Para Normalnykh” (2007–2010)
Ivan’s professional music career began with participation in the Ukrainian pop duo “Para Normalnykh”, which he created together with Anya Dobrydnyova in 2007.
The group quickly gained recognition thanks to its bright stage image and modern sound. Among their popular songs — “Happy End”, “Ne uletai”, “Stereo” — which were heard on radio stations in Ukraine and Russia.
Despite success, Dorn felt the need for self-expression and left the duo in 2010 to begin a solo career and realize his creative ambitions outside commercial frameworks.
Breakthrough & first album: “Co’N’Dorn” (2011–2012)
In 2011 Ivan Dorn loudly announced himself as a solo artist, releasing the track “Stytsamen” — ironic, energetic and bold in sound. The composition immediately became a hit and set the tone for his further work: a mix of pop, funk, house and unusual humour.
In 2012 his debut album “Co’N’Dorn” was released, featuring such hits as:
- “Stytsamen”
- “Bigudi”
- “Severnoe siyanie”
- “Ne nado stesnyatsia”
The album became a phenomenon: it broke the notions of modern pop-music in the CIS. Dorn’s sound — light, rhythmic, with elements of jazz and electronics — differed from the standard radio format. Critics compared him with Prince, Jamiroquai and Anderson .Paak, noting his originality and special charisma.
Experiments & second wave of success: “Randorn” (2014)
In 2014 Ivan presented his second album — “Randorn”, in which he distanced himself even more from the usual pop formula.
The music became more complex, the sound denser, the lyrics deeper.
Among the key tracks:
- “Beverly Hills”
- “Nenavizhu”
- “Mishka vinoven”
- “Nomer 23”
The album received enthusiastic reviews for production and innovation. Ivan acted not just as singer, but as a sound-producer — fully controlling the process of recording, mixing and visual concept.
International stage: “Open the Dorn” & Western collaborations (2017–2020)
In 2017 Ivan Dorn made a shift toward the international stage, releasing the English-language album “Open the Dorn”.
The record combined electronic beats, soul, jazz and house, demonstrating that the artist could organically sound beyond the post-Soviet space.
Alongside this, Ivan began collaboration with foreign producers and sound designers, and his name started appearing in international playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.
He also took part in soundtracks and independent musical projects, aiming to develop the Ukrainian sound school on a global level.
Producing & label Masterskaya
In 2016 Dorn founded his own label and creative platform Masterskaya, which became an incubator for young independent artists in Ukraine.
Under his curatorship, performers of different genres develop — from the electronic scene to alternative pop.
The main idea of the label is freedom of self-expression and absence of commercial constraints.
Masterskaya also became an educational platform: there are master-classes, lectures and sound workshops for producers and musicians.
Television, roles and public activity
Ivan Dorn has actively featured on television:
- hosted the show “Dancing with the Stars”,
- was a mentor on the project “The Voice of Ukraine”,
- took part in numerous music festivals and TV programs.
He is known for his unorthodox sense of humour, bright stage costumes and artistry often compared to performance art.
Style features & creative philosophy
Ivan Dorn’s music cannot be confined to one genre.
It combines:
- electronic music and pop
- funk, jazz, hip-hop and house
- stage irony and philosophical depth of lyrics
His signature mark is the producer’s autograph, where music and visual aesthetics are closely bound.
He consciously refuses stereotypes, saying that “music must surprise, not repeat”.
Personal life
Ivan Dorn is married to Anastasia Novikova, whom he met in youth.
The couple has two children — daughter Vasilisa and son Ivan.
The artist rarely shares details of his private life, preferring to speak through music.
Achievements & influence
- The debut album Co’N’Dorn became one of the best-selling releases of 2012 on the Ukrainian scene.
- Multiple laureate of the M1 Music Awards, YUNA, Viva!, holder of the title Best Performer of the Year.
- Founder of the label Masterskaya, supporting independent music.
- One of the key reformers of the post-Soviet pop scene, who proved that Ukrainian music can be progressive and globally competitive.
- Often mentioned as an inspiration for a new generation of artists, including alyona alyona, The Maneken, Luna, Alina Pash and others.
Conclusion
Ivan Dorn — not just a singer, but a cultural phenomenon.
He broke the boundaries between pop and experimental music, between irony and sincerity, between national identity and global sound.
Each of his albums is a separate world, each stage is a performance, each song reflects freedom.
Over years of creativity Dorn became the voice of a new generation — an artist who proves that independence and courage can become the main trend in art.
