Blending Russian folk melodies with romantic pop, and hints of electronic and ethnic music, Stas Mikhaylov emerged in the late ‘90s and has since become one of Russia's most popular contemporary singer-songwriters. His reputation for sing-along choruses is perhaps best embodied in “Joker”, with its tinkling piano and electric guitars, and in the mesmerising love song “If Not You”, with acoustic guitar, orchestral colours, and a climactic rock-drumming finale. His warm, sincere vocals have modernised Russian chanson, and earned him a raft of major awards.