House collective Cream Soda was founded in 2011 by Moscow-based producers Dima Nova and Ilya Gadaev, who collaborated on a series of drum ’n’ bass and dubstep productions after meeting online. ∙ Looking to explore a more musical and melodic sound, Nova and Gadaev began working with vocalists, including Anna Rome, who eventually became Cream Soda’s frontwoman. ∙ Comedian Aleksandr Gudkov has starred in several of their music videos. ∙ Their 2020 album, Интергалактик, which the group describes as a “trance opera,” was entirely written and recorded while they were in pandemic-induced self-isolation. ∙ “Плачу на техно,” a collaborative single with Khleb, was a viral sensation during the global coronavirus quarantine—thanks to its music video, which depicted an array of odd characters partying alone on their balconies.