Group Virus (soloist) - Wikipedia participants all songs

"ViRUS!"

(also known as
“Virus!”
) is a Russian group that gained fame in 1999-2000.

Content

• 1History 1.11999—2000
• 1.22000—2003
• 1.32003 - to date

History[edit | edit code]

1999-2000[edit | edit code]

The group appeared in 1998 in Zelenograd[1]. At first it was called “Watercolor”, then it was renamed “That’s it!” Thanks to a mutual friend, their demo tape got to Moscow producers Igor Siliverstov and Leonid Velichkovsky, who, after listening to it, met with the band members and offered them cooperation. The name of the group was changed to "Virus!"

The debut song “Don’t Look for Me” appeared on radio stations in September 1999 and took high positions in many charts. Other famous hits were the songs “Hands”, “Everything will pass”, “I’ll ask you”, “Happiness”, “Flight”, etc. The group performed in many cities of Russia, as well as abroad (Australia, Hungary, Germany, Israel, Canada , USA, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria).

2000—2003[edit | edit code]

After the group gained great popularity, in January 2000, producers Siliverstov and Velichkovsky created a seemingly similar second line-up to generate additional profit: vocalist Lyudmila Hart (Lucky-2), dancers Vyacheslav Kazanov and Timofey Kubar. This lineup toured simultaneously with the real group, performing songs to the backing track of the first lineup, and instead of the members of the first lineup, they starred in the video clips “Papa” in February and “Spring” in April of the same 2000, in order to confuse the fans of the group. As soon as the producers “introduced” the first line-up to the second, Olya Lucky perceived Luda as enemy No. 1, because it was impossible to deceive fans by passing off left-wing people as those whom fans love and whose songs they listen to. As Lucky later stated, “The terms of the contract that we signed due to inexperience were simply enslaving.” According to the band members, they received less than 10% of the fees for concerts and were subjected to threats and humiliation from the producers[2]. After the existence of a second cast was revealed, producers attempted to mix both casts and present "Virus!" as a group of six people. In November 2000, the “Don’t Believe” video was filmed with a “double” cast. In May 2001, the premiere of the video “I’ll ask you” took place, in which the guys played the role of high school students. In March 2002, the video “Happiness” was shot.

As a result of the conflict, the original members of the group broke the contract with Siliverstov and Velichkovsky in 2003, and then, with the support of Mega Sound, sued them for the rights to the name “Virus!” and musical material.

2003 - present[edit | edit code]

With new producer Ivan Smirnov “Virus!” shot a video for the new song “Flight”, directed by Irina Mironova. After leaving the first producers, the group “Virus!” released 4 more albums: “My Hero” (2005), “Live Of The Best” (2005), “The Best Dj Remix” (2009), “Flight to the Stars” (2009).

Also in 2011, Olga Lucky presented to the public her new musical project “Th3 CATS”. “This project is unique and has no analogues yet. This team consists of three people: a DJ, a vocalist and a drummer,” said the singer. The musical style of the project is a combination of dubstep, drum and bass, industrial vibes and progressive trance. “Th3 Cats” confidently claims to conquer the top of all kinds of charts and rave scenes not only in Russia, but also abroad.” “But our fans can sleep peacefully, their favorite group will not suffer the fate that ran parallel to Virus!” group “Demo,” assures Olga Lucky, “group “Virus!” I’m not going to quit.”

Currently, the group is actively touring and releasing new songs.

“They acted disgustingly, first of all, towards our fans!”

Photo: Instagram Soloist of the group “Virus” Olga Lucky - about the conflict with producers and her work

On December 8, the legendary group “Virus” performed at the Mordovian Compound cafe in Saransk. In 2003, she was invited to Saransk for City Day. As it turned out later, at that time “leftist” performers performed in front of the public. The idea of ​​“double groups” belonged to the producers of the group, who wanted to earn more money in this way. The members of “Virus” did not want to put up with this and broke the contract. The band's soloist Olga Lucky promises to please our listeners with the most famous hits and new songs. The pop star answered Tatyana Novikova’s questions.

“S”: You had a hard time in the 2000s. You received only 10 percent of the fee and were humiliated by the producers...

— Fortunately, all this ended in 2003. They acted disgustingly, first of all, towards our fans. But, as in any fairy tale, all good things win. I’m even grateful to the former producers for opening the doors and leaving the path we took ourselves. We worked with ready-made material. Nobody bought us songs. When we first started, everything was much more honest. You couldn’t buy “likes” and views to increase your rating. And now money comes first. People will watch a video of this or that musician and say: “Wow! It has a million views! He's probably cool. You should listen to his music." But even now there are advantages. For example, every talented person now has a chance to show their creativity on the Internet.

“S”: In 2003, the group “Virus” came to Saransk, but it wasn’t you...

- Sad story. Fortunately, everything was resolved successfully. In 2000, producers created a second cast to make more money. They found a girl who looked like me and performed to our soundtrack. When this happened, we were on tour in Germany. And then we were simply presented with a fact. And we could not object to anything, since we signed the contract. Only after a while it was declared invalid. She never communicated with her “double” Luda Hart, although she had occasion to cross paths. It’s unpleasant when a person completely copies your life, your style, your hairstyle. I was under a lot of stress. Terrible things happened to me. Not everyone can stand this... According to the terms of the contract, I was not allowed to change my image or give my real name. Just Lucky. She sang only to the soundtrack. I fought it as best I could and broke the rules. The fans know what I look like, you can’t fool them. After she cut off her hair before filming one of the videos, a conflict began with the producers. And then we decided to leave them.

Photo: Instagram

“S”: Have you ever been to Saransk?

- Yes, a very long time ago. I don't even remember what kind of party it was. Our group is turning 19 years old, and it’s simply impossible to remember all the places we’ve been. Time goes fast. Most of the pop groups that performed with us in the 2000s collapsed. In some, the soloists have changed. Those who remained can be counted on one hand. And we are still working with the same composition. You always need to understand that there are people for whom you work. When a person loses faith in himself, psychological problems begin. In our group there were also unpleasant moments when we gave up, but we supported each other. And one of us always said: “All the guys have gathered. Let's move on."

“S”: In parallel with “Virus” you work in the Th3 CATS group.

- Right. I also have a solo project. It may seem to some that it is difficult to combine all this, but I live for music. People get up in the morning, brush their teeth, and have breakfast. They can't live without it. But I can’t live without music. And I try to constantly develop. You always want to try yourself in something new. Th3 CATS. differs from the “Virus” group. We're talking about harder music. I sing songs in English.

“S”: Isn’t it annoying when during concerts people demand hits of the 2000s - “Brother”, “Don’t look for me”? Although there are many new songs in your repertoire.

- Absolutely not. After all, we wrote most of the songs ourselves. These are our children who cannot be annoying. I understand perfectly well that people come to concerts for the emotions of childhood and youth, when there was recklessness, which, unfortunately, many people lose over the years. And during the concert the emotions return. Listeners get a thrill. And I enjoy seeing them become children. We try to structure the program so that some new song is sure to be played.

“S”: At your concerts there are no “sparkling shows”, like Olga Buzova, who threw her T-shirt into the crowd of spectators during a performance in Saransk?

— The stage is a magical place that can completely turn off consciousness. Perhaps Olga did not see anything wrong in her action. Drummers of rock bands throw sticks into the audience after a concert. And the fans are tearing each other apart to catch them. Many artists throw their T-shirts to the audience. It's quite normal.

Lucky is always happy to meet fans. Photo: Instagram

“S”: Once upon a time, your band Th3 CATS planned to collaborate with Chester Benington from Linkin Park.

- Chester is no more... We planned to make a joint track that we wanted to record with his group, but now this is impossible. The song is good, and now it will live on its own. Without Chester...

“S”: Tell us about the film you recently starred in.

— This is the rock fairy tale “Hours of Spring,” where I played the role of the Queen of Spring. There are many rock musicians involved in the project; I was the only pop performer. It was incredibly interesting, I gained tremendous experience. I think it turned out great! The film will be released in the spring of 2021. It will first be shown at a film festival in Germany.

“S”: What’s going on in your personal life now?

- Only music. Everything revolves around her.

The further fate of the members of the second cast[edit | edit code]

• Lyudmila Hart -
  after leaving the group, she sang in the Strelki group in the main lineup from February to September 2006, and as a member of the second lineup from October 2005 to February 2006, September 2006 to April 2007. Later she made a solo career from 2006 to 2009. In 2009, devoting herself to her family, she left show business. Currently working as a holiday host.
• Timofey Kubar -
  works as an art director.
• 
  Nothing is known about the further fates of Vyacheslav Casanov
  and
  Vladimir Kukushkin

Compound

Virus was founded in 1998. The team began to exist in the city of Zelenograd under the name “Watercolor”, a little later changing it to “That’s it!” The producers, Igor Seliverstov and Leonid Velichkovsky, listened to the cassette recording of the songs. After this, the participants were offered a contract, and the name was changed to the well-known “Virus”. The first song, “Don’t Look for Me,” released in 1999, became the absolute leader of the charts.

Song "Don't look for me" by the group "Virus"

The soloist and founder of the group is Olya Kozina, known under the pseudonym Olga Lucky. Born in Zelenograd in 1982, she studied at a music school. Vocal competitions and major festivals have been an integral part of the life of the future celebrity since childhood.

In addition to solo performances at various events and concerts, since 1997 Lucky has organized collaborations with musicians Yuri Stupnik and Andrei Gudas.

The first composition of the group "Virus"

In Olga’s biography, this creative union is the starting point on the path to fame. One by one, the hits of the Virus group appear on the radio and do not disappear from the top lines of the parades.

“Ruchki”, “Everything will pass” and other songs of the new youth group became known not only in Russia. The main unchanged composition of the group toured abroad.

Olga Lucky

Due to the increased interest in the music of the famous “Virus,” the producers of the project decided to form another line-up, selecting singers who were similar in appearance to the existing group.

At the beginning of 2000, Siliverstov and Velichkovsky sent Lyudmila Shushanikova (Hart), who became the soloist of the second group, and two dancers, Vyacheslav Kazanov and Timofey Kubar, to perform.

Yuri Stupnik

With this lineup, the singers toured simultaneously with the main “Virus”, thereby providing the producers with more income. In addition, in 2000, the clips “Papa” and “Spring” with the participation of Shushanikova appeared on air, so as not to arouse suspicion among numerous fans.

Olga Lucky’s acquaintance with the front group occurred after a long period of time. The soloist was outraged by the news that fans were being deceived when buying tickets to the “Virus” concert. In an interview, Lucky admitted that she was not satisfied with some clauses of the contract with Siliverstov.

Andrey Gudas

Payments for each performance amounted to no more than ten percent of the total amount received by producers. The notorious Igor Siliverstov has been repeatedly seen mistreating his wards.

In 2003, a man started a fight with a security guard at a concert at the Olimpiysky. He explained his behavior by the fact that “Virus” received little time to perform, unlike the foreign “Scooter”. Olga also mentioned that the participants were subjected to humiliation from the boss.

Lyudmila Shushanikova

The existence of another composition later became known. To avoid conflict, it was decided to unite both groups. Olga Lucky and Lyudmila Hart starred in the videos for the songs “Don’t Believe” and “I’ll Ask You.”

However, Kozina’s negative attitude towards the soloist of the second group has not changed. Through legal proceedings, Virus managed to terminate the contract with Siliverstov and Velichkovsky, retaining the name and the right to use the accumulated material.

Song "I'll ask you" by the group "Virus"

It is curious that this case at the beginning of her career would not be the only one when Olga Lucky had to sue for the right to dispose of the group’s musical material. In 2007, an incident occurred, after which the soloist almost ended up in the hospital due to a nervous breakdown.

Representatives of "MP3 ONLINE" announced through the court that they claim to own the phonograms and texts of the "Virus". Through negligence, Kozina signed a document stating that the company has exclusive rights to the group’s materials.

Discography[edit | edit code]

Studio albums[edit | edit code]

• Don't look for me (05.12.1999)
• Give it to me (04/14/2000)
• Call me (02.11.2000)
• So that the sun warms (03.12.2001)
• Happiness (05/07/2002)
• Truant (2004) (unreleased album)
• My hero (04/10/2005)
• Flight to the stars (01/29/2009)
• Towards a dream (07/12/2017)

Unofficial studio albums of the second line-up[edit | edit code]

• Brother (2004)
• Fun Girls (2004)
• Boom Boom Boom! (2005)

Collections[edit | edit code]

• The Best (2001)
• We are 10 years old! (2009)
• Gold Hits (2017)

Remix albums[edit | edit code]

• MeGaMiX (2001)
• The Best DJ Remix 2009 (2009)

Live albums[edit | edit code]

• Live of the best (2005)

Unreleased songs and remixes[edit | edit code]

1. I'm a Houzer (2003)
2. Don't be sad (original) (2003)
3. Little Brother (Olga Lucky) (2004)
4. Truant (Kind, Sweetheart) (2004)
5. I'll Ask You (Concert Edit) (2005)
6. Red and white forward! (2008)
7. No strength (2008)
8. Arividerchi 2.0 (2009)
9. Me Alone (Revivle rmx) (2009)
10. People Can't Always Be There (DJ Rubin) (2009)
11. We'll Be Together (2009)
12. Nadezhda (HARLEY & Olga Lucky) (2009)
13. Nadezhda (HARLEY & Olga Lucky) (ViRUS Remix) (2010)
14. Turned into Rain (2010)
15. Forget everything (2010)
16. This Wind (2010)
17. I'll say yes! (DISCOTA feat. Olga Lucky & Yakin) (2010)
18. Photography 2011 (2011)
19. I'm Running Away (2011)
20. WTF?! (What the Fak) (2011)
21. Secrets (2011)
22. Secrets (ViRUS! club mix) (2011)
23. Ru4ki 3.0 (2011)
24. Behind You (2012)
25. Drip-drip 2012 (2012)
26. The Last Kiss (Hands Up & Olga Lucky) (2012)
27. Pearls (Limpid Gem Gudas Remix) (2014)
28. Lonely (Deep house mix) (2014)
29. What is love? (Deep house mix) (2015)
30. Handles (Gudas Bigroom Remix) (2016)
31. Cap-Cap (Gudas hardstyle remix) (2017)
32. Doll on a string (Olga Lucky & Arthur Project) (2017)
33. Doll (Olga Lucky & Arthur Project) (2017)
34. Happy New Year! (2017)
35. Arrows (2018)
36. Don't look for me (DJ Gudas remix) (2018)
37. Stop it (2018)
38. Photography (2018)
39. Gotcha (solo song by Olga Lucky) (2018)
40. Serpentine (2018)
41. Above the Clouds (2018)
42. Two Halves (2019)

Project "Virus!"

In 1999, a mutual friend of the members of the Zelenograd group “That’s So!” handed over their cassette with recordings of songs to producers from Moscow. Igor Seliverstov and Leonid Velichkovsky saw the potential of the performers and invited them to start collaborating. The project was renamed “Virus!” and proved extremely successful. The song “Don’t Look for Me” took top positions in the domestic charts, which served as an additional impetus for further development.

At the beginning of 2000, the producers decided to make additional profit, and the second line-up of the group was created. It included vocalist Lucky-2 and dancers. They toured simultaneously with the original lineup, and Olga really didn’t like it. Later, when the existence of a duplicate group was revealed, the producers tried to mix them, creating a team of 6 people.

In 2003, due to an emerging conflict, the first participants broke the contract with Velichkovsky and Seliverstov and sued for the rights to the name and materials. They were assisted by the Mega Sound company. Olga Lucky remained the soloist of the group. "Virus!" continued its existence with a new producer Ivan Smirnov, with whom he still works. Four more albums and new videos were released for the group's most popular songs with the highest ratings.

Composition[edit | edit code]

Main cast[edit | edit code]

Second cast (dancers)[edit | edit code]

Group "Virus"

Olga Lucky (36)

Since childhood, Olga’s life has been connected with music: the girl studied at a music school in vocal class and successfully graduated. In 1997, Olga met Andrei Gudas and Yuri Stupnik, who also became members of Virus in the future. The guys played keyboards and arranged the music. Olga and the guys became the musical group “That’s it!” (later "Virus"). In 1998, Olya wrote the famous “Don’t Look for Me,” and in 1999, young talented performers were noticed by producers from Moscow (Igor Seliverstov and Leonid Velichkovsky) and offered cooperation - this is how the story of the Virus group began, which quickly burst to the top of domestic hits. - parades

In 2003, the first line-up of “Virus”, led by Olga, broke the contract with Seliverstov and Velichkovsky due to a conflict that erupted over the creation by the producers of a “duplicate” line-up of the group for additional income at concerts. Then Ivan Smirnov became the new producer of “Virus”, who is still promoting them to this day.

In 2011, Olga Lucky pleased her fans with great news - she created her new musical group “Th3Cats”. But she did not leave Virus and remains the lead singer of two groups. Today Olga is a songwriter, soloist of “Virus” and “Th3Cats”. And on June 1, 2021, in collaboration with the SoundReliz platform, the girl presented a new single, “Hit.”

Andrey Gudas (Chip) and Yuri Stupnik (DjDoctor)

Since the founding of the group, the guys have been playing keyboards and writing the most striking arrangements for songs. Nothing is known about the boys’ personal lives now. But Andrei and Yuri still remain members of Virus and continue to record new tracks.

Lyudmila Hart

After “Virus” gained incredible popularity, producers Seliverstov and Velichkovsky decided to make extra money and created another group (in January 2000), where vocalist Lyudmila Hart and dancers Vyacheslav Kazanov and Timofey Kubar became participants. This line-up toured in parallel with the real “Virus”. After leaving the group, Lyudmila became the lead singer of Strelok. And later she devoted herself to a solo career (2006-2009).

However, family and children are always her priority, so in 2009 Lyudmila left the world of show business and opened her own wedding agency, this business is successfully developing to this day.