Russkaja (stylized as ЯUSSKAJA) were a ska punk band from Vienna, Austria. The band calls its sound "Russian Turbo Polka Metal." It has drawn on polka, ska, fanfare, pop, rock, and traditional Russian music. The band was founded in 2005 by former Stahlhammer vocalist Georgij Makazaria. Signed to the independent Austrian label Chat Chapeau since 2006, they later changed to Napalm Records. They are most known in Austria for being the stationary band of the late-night comedy show "Willkommen Österreich".
The band broke up on February 3, 2023 (the same day they released their seventh album, Turbo Polka Party) because they no longer wanted to use their "satirical use of Soviet symbols and language" due to public criticism tied to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Members
Final lineup Georgij Makazaria – vocals Dimitrij Miller – bass Engel Mayr – guitar Lea-Sophie Fischer - violin Rainer Gutternigg – trumpet H-G. Gutternigg – potete Mario Stübler – drums
Former members Titus Vadon – drums Zebo Adam – guitar Antonia-Alexa Georgiew – violin Ulrike Müllner – violin
Discography
Albums Year Title Austrian chartspeak position 2008 Kasatchok Superstar 15 2010 Russian Voodoo 36 2013 Energia! 47 2015 Peace, Love & Russian Roll 42 2017 Kosmopoliturbo 27 2019 No One Is Illegal 48 2023 Turbo Polka Party 7
EPs Dawai, Dawai (2006) Barada (2013) No Borders (2022) Shapka (2023) Paschli (2023)
Singles "Dope Shit" (2007) "More" (2008) "Kasatchok Superstar the Song" (2009) "Hammer Drive" (Download-only) (2010) "Rock'n'Roll Today" (2015) "Hey Road" (2017) "Alive" (2017) "Druschba (You're Not Alone)" (2019) "Russki Style" (2021) "Last Christmas" (2021)
References
See also Red Elvises