The group Vintage (Винтаж) was formed in 2006 as an independent creative experiment by two strong artists — Anna Pletnyova and Aleksey Romanov. Both already had stage experience, but neither was a “star of just one era”:
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Anna had spent eight years as a vocalist of the pop group Licey,
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Aleksey worked in the project “A-Mega” and composed music for other artists.
They met at a moment when both were going through a creative turning point. The idea to form a group didn’t come from a producer’s office — it was born spontaneously, as an inner need to make music without limits, but with style and aesthetics: bold, sensual, intelligent and precisely crafted.
Soon they were joined by dancer Mia — flexible, theatrical, and she helped shape the visual identity of early Vintage.
Stage One: Provocation, Style and First Success (2006–2009)
In 2007, they released their debut album “Criminal Love” («Криминальная любовь»), which immediately defined the project’s DNA:
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a musical collage of pop, electro, trip-hop and ethnic elements;
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references to world music and cinema;
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a focus on visual aesthetics and feminine sensuality — seductive, yet not vulgar.
Singles like “Gomen Nasai,” “Vsego Khoroshego,” “9½ Weeks” and “Mama Mia” entered radio charts, and the music videos went viral long before the TikTok era.
In 2008, Vintage shook the airwaves with the song “Bad Girl” («Плохая девчонка»), a daring duet between Anna Pletnyova and actress Elena Korikova. The group was quickly labeled “the boldest and most beautiful pop project in the country.” They were invited to TV shows, award ceremonies and radio rotations.
In 2009, they achieved their biggest breakthrough with the song “Eva” («Ева»), which stayed at No. 1 on radio for 9 weeks. It became a hymn of refined melancholy and turned Vintage into a real brand.
The Album “SEX” and Peak Popularity (2009–2011)
On October 14, 2009, the band released their second album — “SEX”.
It was not just a collection of singles, but a conceptual work about love, physicality, spirituality and taboos. Musically, it was a fusion of electro-pop, drum & bass, oriental motifs and symphonic arrangements.
The project turned into a cultural phenomenon:
✔ latex, masks, corsets — theatrical eroticism without vulgarity;
✔ provocative lyrics delivered with irony and intelligence;
✔ performances that looked like mini theatrical shows.
They were called “fashion-pop” and even “the Russian Goldfrapp.”
In 2010–2011, the album “Anechka” («Анечка») followed — more lyrical and intimate, featuring songs like “Roman” and “Mama America.” During this period, the original dancer Mia left and was replaced by Svetlana Ivanova, giving the stage image a new look.
New Chapter: Maturity, Changes and Experiments (2012–2015)
Instead of repeating their early success, Vintage continued to experiment:
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2012–2013 — extensive touring, TV appearances, awards, soundtracks.
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The music became more cinematic, with acoustic elements and retro aesthetics.
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Songs like “Derevya” (Trees), “I Believe in Love,” “Mikki,” “Sexy Dvizh,” “Sign of Aquarius” were released.
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The original lineup slowly began to dissolve — for the first time the group started changing from within.
In 2014, Anna Pletnyova gave birth to her third child. There was no conflict, but the pace slowed down. Aleksey Romanov focused on songwriting for other artists.
Break and Lineup Change (2016–2017)
In 2016, the most unexpected turn happened: Pletnyova and Romanov announced a temporary departure. The name “Vintage” remained, but the lineup completely changed.
A new female trio/quartet appeared on stage:
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Evgenia Polikarpova
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Anastasia Kreskina
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Anna Kornilieva
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later — Anastasia Kazaku
Musically, the project still sounded recognizable: old hits were performed, new songs like “Nam s Toboy” (“You and I”) and “Kogda Riadom Ty” (“When You're Near”) were released. But without Anna’s charisma and Romanov’s authorship, the group lost part of its depth and provocative edge.
Return of the Legendary Lineup (2018)
In 2018, what fans had been waiting for finally happened — Anna Pletnyova and Aleksey Romanov returned to Vintage.
They released refreshed versions of hits and new singles like “Fresh Water,” “Gold,” “Higher,” and updated their live shows with guitars, electronic percussion and a dance troupe.
This comeback wasn’t nostalgia — it was a mature, evolved version of Vintage: still beautiful, sensual and intellectual, but more musically refined.
Vintage 2020–2025: New Aesthetics and Relevance
In the 2020s, Vintage didn’t disappear — they adapted:
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performing at festivals, private events and open-airs;
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releasing singles such as “Girl from the Past,” “My Ocean,” “Maldives,” “Lower,” “Cosmos”;
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embracing TikTok projects and updating their sound with retro synths, 80s vibes and neo-disco;
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collaborating with DJs and electronic producers;
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while Anna Pletnyova develops her solo career, Vintage remains an active live project.
By 2024–2025, new concert formats appear: acoustic versions of hits, live guitars, brass sections and backing vocals. Vintage is now heard not only on pop radio, but also on retro, lounge and even fashion show playlists.
Interesting Facts
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The name “Vintage” refers to aged wine — not about being “old,” but about quality and style.
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Pletnyova and Romanov met by accident — literally after a small car crash.
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“Bad Girl” was the first Russian music video discussed as performance art rather than just pop content.
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In the song “Eva,” a hidden story symbolizes singer Eva Polna leaving the stage.
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Anna Pletnyova has classical vocal training and a teacher’s diploma.
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Some music videos were filmed in sets built just for a single shoot — for example, “Mama America.”
Today, Vintage is more than just a pop group — it is a rare project that has survived all waves of music trends and stayed relevant. Their songs are still played on radio, in playlists and at concerts. The name “Vintage” is now associated with artistry, sensual aesthetics and high production quality. They don’t chase the times — they shape them. They remain vintage in the best sense: refined, recognizable and timeless.
