Stereopolina: Neon-Soaked Russian Synthwave Storyteller

If you’ve ever wondered what a neon-lit Russian dystopia might sound like, Stereopolina has you covered. Karina Nailevna Morgunova, born on May 5, 1995, in Kazan, is the one-woman synthwave powerhouse behind this project. Since launching in 2018, she’s been crafting hauntingly catchy, synth-heavy tracks that blend 80s new wave, post-punk grit, and a touch of Soviet pop nostalgia. Imagine the soundtrack to a Soviet arcade, but with a lot more existential angst and a healthy dose of VHS flicker.

The Sound of an 80s Dream (With a Russian Accent)

Stereopolina’s music is a one-way ticket to the past, but with a distinctly Eastern twist. Her songs are soaked in the crackling warmth of analog synths and the melancholic pulse of 80s dance beats, all wrapped in her introspective Russian lyrics. She’s the kind of artist who would probably score the training montage for a moody Soviet sci-fi hero. You know, the kind who stares dramatically at a crumbling brutalist building while synths swell in the background.

DIY Spirit, Big Vibes

What sets Stereopolina apart is her commitment to the DIY ethos. She’s not just a singer – she’s a songwriter, producer, and the creative force behind her visual aesthetic. Since the start, she’s been a one-woman show, building her soundscape from scratch, which, honestly, feels kind of heroic in a world of slick, overproduced pop.

Her debut LP, Twilight Zone (2018), laid the groundwork with its shadowy synths and driving beats, quickly followed by Institute of Culture & Recreation and the purely instrumental Instrumental in 2020. It’s like she’s building the playlist for an entire underground club scene, one release at a time.

A Discography Worth Diving Into

Stereopolina’s catalog is as varied as it is prolific, perfect for those late-night drives or deep creative rabbit holes:

• LPs:

  • Twilight Zone (2018) – Dark, brooding, the kind of album you’d blast while cruising through neon-lit rain.

  • Institute of Culture & Recreation (2020) – Experimental and introspective, a perfect fit for an introspective night in.

  • Instrumental (2020) – Stripped of lyrics but not of atmosphere, this one’s a synth lover’s dream.

  • Superluniye (2021) – Her most expansive and ambitious work yet, pushing the boundaries of her sound.

  • Instrumental Pt. 2 (2024) – Proof that even without lyrics, Stereopolina’s music can still tell a story.

  • Songs for Good Mood (2024) – A surprisingly upbeat twist in her discography, perfect for anyone who wants a bit of positivity without leaving the synthwave vibe behind.

• EPs:

  • Yad (2018) – Raw and haunting, a glimpse into the early days of her sound.

  • August (2019) – The kind of EP that feels like a long-lost soundtrack to a forgotten 80s summer.

  • Guests With No Future (2022) – Dark, introspective, and full of the existential dread we’ve come to expect from her.

• Singles:

  • Sunny Boy (2020) – Nominated for a Berlin MVA and perfect for anyone who wants a danceable, melancholic anthem.

  • Last Date (2021) – Made it onto multiple year-end lists for a reason – it’s a banger.

  • Night Guest (2024) – One of her latest, still carrying that signature VHS haze.

  • Don’t Be Afraid (2024) – The kind of track that makes you want to throw on a leather jacket and stare moodily into a neon-lit cityscape.

The Aesthetic (Because, of Course)

Stereopolina’s visuals are as much a part of her brand as the music itself. Expect lots of grainy VHS effects, washed-out pastel hues, and a kind of melancholic nostalgia that feels like finding an old mixtape in a forgotten box. It’s a style that pairs perfectly with the retro vibes over at Newretro.Net – where you can find all the denim, leather, and sunglasses you need to complete your 80s-inspired look. Because honestly, if you’re going to dive into the synthwave scene, you might as well look the part.

From Underground to Center Stage

Despite starting as an underground artist, Stereopolina has steadily carved out a place for herself in the synthwave and electronic scenes. Her music has caught the attention of critics and fans alike, landing her on NPR's Viking's Choice in 2020 and earning nods from influential Russian music platforms like Afisha and The Flow in 2021. That’s no small feat, considering the intense competition in the electronic music world.

She’s also been a fixture at major festivals, including VK Fest, Stereoleto, Motherland, Moscow Music Week, and Synthetic Snow XX. If you ever find yourself in a dark, fog-filled room, surrounded by flickering neon lights and fellow synthwave fanatics, don’t be surprised if her tracks are setting the mood.

Collabs, Tributes, and the VHS Aesthetic

Stereopolina isn’t just a solo artist in the studio – she’s also known for her frequent collaborations and tributes to the artists who’ve inspired her sound. From classic Soviet pop to the darker corners of 80s post-punk, her influences are always on full display, whether in her music videos or live shows.

If you’re looking to capture the vibe yourself, don’t forget to check out Newretro.Net – where you can grab some VHS-era-inspired leather jackets, vintage-style watches, and killer sunglasses. Because if you’re going to dance like it’s 1984, you should look the part too.

Recent Hits and Future Sounds

Her latest singles, Night Guest and Don’t Be Afraid (both 2024), showcase a mature, refined sound that still holds onto her signature analog warmth. It’s the kind of music that feels both nostalgic and fresh, like rediscovering an old mixtape in a future where tapes never went out of style.

With her most recent releases, Instrumental Pt. 2 and Songs for Good Mood (both 2024), Stereopolina has proven that she can still surprise fans, shifting between moods and styles without losing the thread of her retro-futuristic aesthetic.

What’s Next for Stereopolina?

While it’s hard to predict the next move for someone as unpredictable as Stereopolina, one thing’s clear – she’s not done pushing the limits of synthwave. Whether it’s through new albums, experimental live shows, or more boundary-pushing music videos, you can bet she’ll keep evolving.

So, if you haven’t yet, throw on some Newretro.Net gear, queue up Superluniye on your favorite streaming service, and lose yourself in Stereopolina’s neon-soaked world. Because when the future looks this retro, why not lean in?