"Serebro" (Serebro) is one of the most successful female pop projects in the history of Russian pop music, created by producer and composer Maksim Fadeev. The group became famous for its bold style, striking music videos, and powerful hits that captured the attention of both domestic and international audiences.
Formation and Breakthrough
The group was founded in 2006. The idea of a trio came from Maksim Fadeev, who, after Elena Temnikova’s participation in “Star Factory-2,” decided to create a project combining strong vocals, charisma, and modern electronic sound. Temnikova was soon joined by Olga Seryabkina and Marina Lizorkina, forming the first lineup of the group.
Their debut took place in the spring of 2007, when Serebro represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Song #1”. Their performance in the finals in Helsinki earned them third place and instant recognition. The song became an international hit and opened the group’s path to global success.
Rise and Early Success
After their Eurovision triumph, Serebro released a string of successful singles — “Dishi”, “Skazhi, ne molchi”, “Opium”, and “Sladko”. Their videos received heavy rotation on television and became the group’s trademark.
In 2009, the group released their debut album “OpiumROZ”, which included their early hits. The record cemented Serebro’s reputation as one of Russia’s most prominent pop projects, with songs topping radio charts and digital platforms.
In 2012, their second album “Mama Lover” achieved major international success. The title track and its video gained millions of views, topped European charts, and earned platinum status in several countries.
The next release, “Sila Tryokh” (Power of Three) (2016), marked a new era for the group, showcasing a more mature electronic sound and independent artistic vision.
Line-up Changes
Over the years, Serebro went through several lineup changes:
- 2006–2009 — Elena Temnikova, Olga Seryabkina, Marina Lizorkina
- 2009–2013 — Anastasia Karpova replaced Lizorkina
- 2014–2016 — After Temnikova and Karpova left, Polina Favorskaya and Daria Shashina joined
- 2016–2019 — The final era, with Olga Seryabkina as the last original member
In 2019, Seryabkina announced her departure, marking the official end of the classic Serebro era.
Style and Influence
The group’s music blended elements of dance-pop, electro-pop, and synth-pop. Their lyrics were playful and bold, with a signature ironic twist. The members’ images — feminine, provocative, yet sincere — created a distinctive visual identity that set new standards for Russian pop acts.
Serebro received numerous prestigious awards, including MTV Russia Music Awards, Golden Gramophone, RU.TV, and Top Hit Awards. The group consistently ranked among the most-played artists in the country and became a recognizable export of Russian pop culture.
Discography
| Year | Album / Release | Format | Main Tracks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Song #1 | Single | Debut single. Represented Russia at Eurovision 2007, placed 3rd, became an international hit. |
| 2009 | OpiumROZ | Album | Includes “Dishi,” “Skazhi, ne molchi,” “Opium,” “Sladko.” Cemented their early success. |
| 2010–2011 | Ne Vremya, Like Mary War | Singles | More electronic sound and lyrical experimentation. |
| 2012 | Mama Lover | Album | International success. The title track became viral, reaching hundreds of millions of views. |
| 2013 | Gun, Mi Mi Mi | Singles | Bold, danceable tracks. “Mi Mi Mi” became one of the most viral songs of the decade on TikTok and YouTube. |
| 2016 | Sila Tryokh (Power of Three) | Album | Final album of the classic lineup. Hits: “Champions,” “Malo Tebya,” “Pereputala,” “Chocolate.” |
| 2017–2018 | Between Us, 112 | Singles | Modern EDM sound, aimed at international audiences. |
| 2019 | Serebro — Best | Compilation | Collection of the group’s greatest hits. |
Awards and Achievements
| Year | Award | Category / Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | MTV Russia Music Awards | “Best Debut” and “Song of the Year” (Song #1) |
| 2008 | Muz-TV Awards | “Best Group of the Year” |
| 2009 | Golden Gramophone | for the song “Sladko” |
| 2010 | Top Hit Awards | “Most Played Group of the Year” |
| 2011 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Nomination: “Best Russian Act” |
| 2012 | World Music Awards | Sales and popularity of the album Mama Lover |
| 2013 | RU.TV Awards | “Best Female Video” (Mi Mi Mi) |
| 2016 | Muz-TV Awards | “Best Pop Project” (Sila Tryokh) |
| 2019 | Top Hit Awards | “Legend of the Decade” — for contribution to Russian pop music |
Interesting Facts
- The video for “Mama Lover” became one of YouTube’s most viral European clips.
- The track “Mi Mi Mi” turned into an internet meme years later, regaining popularity on TikTok.
- The group’s members later achieved solo success in their individual careers.
- Serebro often recorded English versions of their songs for the international market.
Legacy and Modern Era
By the 2020s, Serebro had officially ended its activities, but its influence remains strong. Their songs are still played, and former members have found success as solo artists.
Elena Temnikova became a successful singer and founder of her own label;
Olga Seryabkina performs under the name MOLLY;
and Anastasia Karpova continues her solo work and charity projects.
Conclusion
Serebro became more than just a pop group — they symbolized a new era of Russian music in the 2000s and 2010s. Boldness, creativity, and the unique energy of three talented women turned the project into a cultural phenomenon whose songs remain recognizable and beloved around the world.
