Denis First: The Energetic Voice of Russian Pop
Denis First is a Russian pop singer and songwriter known for his catchy, radio-friendly anthems and dynamic stage presence. Hailing from Moscow, he achieved mainstream recognition with his 2018 single "Lyubov v kazhdom mgnovenii," which topped Russian airplay charts and secured gold certification for digital sales.
Early career
Born Denis Pervushin in 1990, the artist later adopted the stage name "First" as he began his musical journey in Moscow's competitive club scene. His first official steps came with independent releases on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud around 2014, where his blend of melodic pop and dance rhythms began attracting online attention.
This digital buzz led to his first major label involvement with Zion Music in 2016. His debut EP, "Pervyy," released that same year, served as a solid introduction but did not produce a major commercial hit, instead building a foundation for his subsequent work.
Breakthrough
Denis First's career shifted decisively in 2018 with the release of the single "Lyubov v kazhdom mgnovenii." The track became an inescapable radio staple across Russia, dominating the Tophit and Russian Music Charts for several weeks. Its success was cemented with a gold certification and propelled his move to the larger Black Star Inc. label later that year.
Key tracks
Lyubov v kazhdom mgnovenii — This 2018 smash was his first number-one airplay hit and earned a gold sales certificate, defining his signature pop sound.
Veter peremen — A 2019 collaboration with fellow pop artist Slava, this track showcased his ability to work within the popular duet format and expanded his audience.
Gorod grekhov — Featured on his 2020 album "Ya zhivu," this song demonstrated a slightly darker, more atmospheric production style while maintaining his melodic core.
Pora domoy — Released in 2021, this anthemic ballad became a concert favorite and highlighted his growth as a vocalist and songwriter.
Bessonnitsa — A 2022 single that saw Denis First experimenting with more contemporary production touches, including subtle electronic elements.
Following his breakthrough, Denis First released his first full-length album, "Ya zhivu," in 2020. The album consolidated his chart success, spawning several further radio singles and performing well on Russian streaming platforms. His collaborations remain a key part of his strategy, including notable tracks with artists like Mot and Radiofox.
While specific award show wins are not a central part of his narrative, Denis First has been a consistent nominee at events like the RU.TV Awards and Muz-TV Awards, reflecting his steady presence in the Russian pop industry. He continues to tour actively, performing at major venues and festivals across Russia and neighboring countries.
Fans of Denis First's brand of upbeat, melodic Russian pop often also enjoy the music of Dima Bilan for his similar chart-topping pop sensibility. The energetic dance-pop of Jah Khalib shares a rhythmic drive with First's more uptempo work. Listeners might also appreciate the catchy songwriting of Artik & Asti, another successful Russian pop duo known for hit collaborations. The accessible pop-rock of Zemfira offers a slightly edgier alternative while remaining within the realm of popular Russian music.
Denis First's music maintains a strong rotation on contemporary hit radio stations and top-40 formatted streams across Russia and Eastern Europe. His catalog of hits is a staple on mainstream FM pop stations, ensuring his voice remains familiar to a broad audience of listeners who enjoy current Russian pop trends.
You can hear the energetic pop anthems of Denis First on various radio stations featured right here on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover his music and other artists within the vibrant Russian pop genre.
