The group “Ranetki” emerged in the summer of 2005 and almost instantly became a phenomenon of the Russian youth scene. It all began when four schoolgirls — Anya Rudneva, Lera Kozlova, Natasha Shchelкова, and Zhenya Ogurtsova — passed a casting call for a music project where participants were required not only to sing but also to play instruments.
On August 10, 2005, the band officially received the name “Ranetki”, and by the end of the year the lineup solidified with the arrival of bass player Lena Tretyakova. This became the very “golden lineup” that would make the band iconic for an entire generation of teenagers.
Early Steps: Basement Rehearsals and Faith in Music
The rehearsals took place in the basement of a mansion in Gorky Park — a space that was regularly flooded, but the girls were undeterred. Each had her own challenges: school, parents, lack of proper equipment. But they were united by one burning passion — the desire to play rock at an age when many are unsure of who they want to become.
Their first recordings were made on a simple home computer. Song by song, rehearsal by rehearsal — this is how their style was formed, infused with:
- teenage lyricism,
- influences of Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones,
- guitar techniques reminiscent of Steve Vai,
- the energy of school punk.
Breakthrough: First Album and Early Concerts
The debut album “Ranetki” was released in December 2006. Its presentation at Club “B2” made it clear: the group had arrived.
The hit of the album was “We Are Not Angels”, which later appeared in soundtracks, radio rotations and became the band’s musical calling card.
The group performed at festivals:
- “Megahaus-2006”
- “EMAUS-2006”
- “EMAUS-2007”
They began touring actively, appearing on TV, and participating in major youth projects.
“Ranetki” and Television: The Series That Made Them Superstars
Two songs by the band were included in the popular TV series “Kadetstvo”, after which the girls were invited to star in a new project — “Ranetki”.
The series propelled the group to nationwide fame: thousands of teens copied their style, learned guitar because of them, and formed school bands.
Popularity skyrocketed. Tickets to concerts were sold months in advance. In 2008–2009, the band became one of the most touring acts in Russia.
Lineup Changes and Further Development
In November 2008, drummer Lera Kozlova — one of the most charismatic members — left the group. She was replaced by Nyuta, and the band continued working.
The second album “Our Time Has Come” was released, warmly received and further solidified the group’s success.
In 2009 “Ranetki” won two Muz-TV Awards:
- Best Soundtrack
- Best Album
The 2010s: Music Videos, Books, Creative Work Beyond the Series
In 2010, the band released new music videos:
“People Won’t Change Us”, “You Didn’t Get Who I Am”, “Tax on Love”.
The girls also filmed video blogs, took part in TV concerts, published books, and continued touring.
Some members got married, but the music never stopped: each grew creatively and explored new directions — from producing to solo careers.
COMPLETE DISCOGRAPHY OF “RANETKI”
Studio Albums
“Ranetki” (2006)
Debut album that cemented their signature teenage-rock sound.
Hits:
- “We Are Not Angels”
- “It’s All About Her”
- “About You”
“Our Time Has Come” (2008)
Released at the peak of their popularity.
Hits:
- “Our Time Has Come”
- “Come Back”
- “She’s the One”
“Ranetki — Soundtracks for the TV Series” (2008–2010)
Several releases featuring songs used in the TV show.
Includes hits such as:
- “Dad, Mom”
- “People Won’t Change Us”
- “You Didn’t Get Who I Am”
EPs and Mini-Releases
- “We Are Not Angels — Remixes”
- “Our Time Has Come — Acoustic Series”
- Promo EP for the “Ranetki” TV series
Singles
- “We Are Not Angels”
- “It’s All About Her”
- “About You”
- “Come Back”
- “Our Time Has Come”
- “People Won’t Change Us”
- “You Didn’t Get Who I Am”
- “Tax on Love”
Music Videos
- “Not Meant”
- “Tramp”
- “It’s All About Her”
- “We Are Not Angels”
- “Our Time Has Come”
- “Come Back”
- “People Won’t Change Us”
- “You Didn’t Get Who I Am”
- “Tax on Love”
Rare and Little-Known Facts About “Ranetki”
- Their first rehearsal space was constantly flooded, so the girls had to walk on planks to keep their equipment dry.
- Some early tracks were recorded using a karaoke microphone — they had no access to a real studio yet.
- At the casting the band didn’t play perfectly, but won the organizers over with their energy and personality.
- “We Are Not Angels” was recorded in just one night — and became their biggest hit.
- Lera was not originally supposed to be the drummer — she was just asked to “try,” and eventually became the symbol of the group.
- The first music video “Not Meant” was filmed in two days with no budget — the girls created all props themselves.
- During the filming of the TV series, the girls slept 3–4 hours a day, combining acting with touring.
- The group became so influential that a fashion trend called “ranetki-classic” appeared in Russian schools.
- Lena Tretyakova wrote songs not only for the band but also for other artists, often anonymously.
- Their songs became the soundtrack of graduation parties across hundreds of schools, becoming “the voice of a generation” at the end of the 2000s.
The group “Ranetki” became more than a musical project — they turned into a cultural phenomenon that united an entire generation. Their songs echoed from speakers, their series topped ratings, and their concerts were packed. Each member has grown creatively, now pursuing music, blogging, film, or production. But “Ranetki” will forever remain a symbol of sincere youth, raw emotion, and the very drive that can change a teenager’s life and inspire them to start their own band.
