Elena Vaenga Essentials

Elena Vaenga has written over 800 songs in her career, starting at the age of 9, making her one of Russia's most prolific singer/songwriters. Not surprisingly, Vaenga's oeuvre embodies multitudes. She's best known for Russian chanson, but her versatile voice—a breathy purr one moment, jewel-like the next—lends itself to bard (Russia's version of folk rock), guitar-spiked ballads, electronic pop, even Chopin. But no matter the genre, Vaenga's earthy, elegant voice glides across the music.