Tesla Boy

Tesla Boy is a Russian synthpop/new wave band created in 2008 by audio producer and musician Anton Sevidov. The band consists of four members; Sevidov, Leo Zatagin, Stas "Pioneerball" Astakhov, and Mike Studnitsyn.

History

From an early age, Anton Sevidov learned music through his father’s old vinyl collection that included Ray Charles, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Blondie. From their beginnings with the release of debut single "Electric Lady" and first LP Modern Thrills in 2010, the sounds of Tesla Boy’s global influences are immediate, with their acclaimed follow-up single "Split", produced to a high level with deep catchy melodies and disco undertones.

Band members Leo Zatagin (bass) and Mike Studnitsyn (drums) complete the Tesla Boy lineup, coming together to round out the trio in 2010. A collaborative project at its core, all music and lyrics, stylistic decisions, concepts, and the direction of music and production, are made collectively. At the forefront, Sevidov remains the heart of the band, with his penchant for charming songwriting, complimented by the band's incredible musicality and tantalizing live shows that have created a cult following in cities across the world.

Following the standout success of their sparkling debut, 2012 saw the band return to the studio to work on their highly anticipated second album, The Universe Made of Darkness, due to drop May 21, 2013. March saw the band share the first single, "1991", an infectiously optimistic groove that is an exciting teaser to the finished LP that takes their previous albums' 80’s inspired synth sounds to even further heights. Second single "M.C.H.T.E." is a bouncy and percussion heavy track with rhythmic, funky bass lines and synths that flicker across the surface. 'Broken Doll' sees the band team up with London crooner Tyson to create a dark, full-bodied and sensual track. As the chorus of the track would suggest, "Broken Doll" is an invitation to the dance floor, with Tyson's vocals positively electrifying as he asks, "Do you want to dance?"

Members

Anton Sevidov

Anton is the vocalist, keyboardist, and the principal writer of music. He is also in charge of sound production and contributes songwriting. He collects vintage analog synthesizers and uses them during live performances and music production. One of his favourite synthesizers is the Roland JUNO-60, which has been also used by popular New Wave acts such as The Cure, Depeche Mode and Eurythmics.

Anton's music career began in his childhood. He was featured on the popular Russian television programme, "Morning Star", and performed as a teenager on the show "Russian Talents". He was awarded with the grand prize at the international music festival "Crystal Note". Later, he worked with Chris Corner from IAMX and Sue Denim of Robots in Disguise for his project Neonavt. During the mid-2000s, he became an in-demand producer, working on tracks by artists such as Brazzavile, Esthetic Education, Bi-2 and Punk TV. Anton also composed music for various fashion shows, theatrical productions, and films. Anton has a partially completed degree in jazz piano from studying with Michael Okun at State Musical College Named After Gnessins (now State Music College of Jazz and Pop).

Leo Zatagin

Leo is a bassist. Joined the band in 2012, moved to Moscow from Rostov-on-Don. Also playing DJ-sets with Ant. /Antonionni feat. Zatagin DJ-set/

Mike Studnitsyn

Mike is a drummer and provides backing vocals. Joined the band in 2010. Also playing in the Tesla Boy piano bar project.

Stas Astakhov (Pioneerball)

Stas is a guitarist and also provides playing keyboards. Joined the band in 2013. Also making a remixes, known as a Pioneerball.

Ex-members

Dima Midborn

Bassist. He contributes in writing the music and is the main songwriter. Left the band in 2012.

Poko Cox

Poko Cox provides prominent backing vocals and plays guitar for live shows. Left the band in 2012

Boris Lifschits

Drummer. He has a partially completed degree in drums from Gnessin State Musical College (now State Music College of Jazz and Pop). Left the band in 2010

Discography

Studio albums

• Modern Thrills (2010)
• The Universe Made of Darkness (2013)^[1]

Singles

Music videos

All releases before 2012 are by British label, Mullet Records. Starting with Fantasy, all Tesla Boy records are released on Gorby Reagan Records label founded by Sevidov and Andre Howard.

References

External links

• Tesla Boy
• on Soundcloud
• on Facebook
• on VK
• on YouTube

Articles

• Dec 2012 - Tesla Boy, SPLIT, farfrommoscow.com
• Dec 2012 - Tesla Boy SPLIT is OUT
• August 2012, Tesla Boy, Interview USA, Discovery: Tesla Boy
• August 2012, Fantasy by Tesla Boy, Rolling Stone
• August 2012, Tesla Boy, Full Moon Party
• Feb 2012 - Artist of the Week: Russia’s Electrifying Retro Outfit, Tesla Boy
• March 14, 2010 - Tesla Boy - "Spirit of the Night", Synconation's Song of the Day
• June 2010 - Far From Moscow, The Greatest Pop Band in the World Today
• May 2010 - The Line Of Best Fit, Modern Thrills Review
• August 2009 - The Music Fix, The Tesla Boy EP: 10 out of 10.
• June 2009 - Yuppie dance party, Someone sign Tesla Boy before Mother Russia takes them back.
• March 2009 - Obscure Sound, Tesla Boy Do Throwback.

Interviews

• August 2012, Tesla Boy, Clixie interview
• July 2010 - Lamono, Tesla Boy: Lo mejor de Rusia desde el Vodka (ES)
• April 2011 - Synconation, A Conversation with Tesla Boy's Anton Sevidov [EN]

• August 2009 - Q, Tesla Boy interview
• August 2009 - The Music Fix, Tesla Boy Interview