After Arrests for Anti-War Songs, a Young Street Band Is Rebuilding Its Life in Exile
St. Petersburg street band Stoptime, whose members were repeatedly arrested for performing anti-war songs, are now continuing their music career in Europe. The vocalist and guitarist, now engaged, left Russia in November and are working on an album about hope, love, and freedom.
The young St. Petersburg band Stoptime, known for street performances of popular anti-war songs by exiled artists, has been forced to rebuild their lives in Europe after a series of arrests. Members Diana Loginova (19), who performs as Naoko, guitarist Alexander Orlov (23), and drummer Vladislav Leontyev (19) were jailed last autumn in what are known as "carousel arrests," sparking support from other street musicians who also faced prosecution. Loginova and Orlov, now engaged, left Russia in November, while Leontyev quit the band and remained in the country.
In an interview with The Moscow Times, the musicians discuss their current lives in exile. They are busy working on an album about hope, love, and freedom. Some songs were written in Russia and completed abroad, while others were composed entirely in exile. Orlov notes that one song is in Ukrainian, a step toward reaching new international audiences. They have already performed in Germany, Norway, Lisbon, Barcelona, Berlin, and Paris, receiving warm responses from both Russian-speaking and foreign listeners who didn't understand the lyrics but reacted emotionally.
Reflecting on censorship in Russia, Orlov says many musicians had to create two versions of songs—one for Russian platforms and one for international ones. Loginova adds that the Ukrainian language is not banned, but any mention of war can attract attention. Now outside Russia, they value the freedom to release music without restrictions.
When asked if they would have acted differently knowing the consequences, Loginova says she would not change anything—she believes the songs carry light and hope. Orlov admits they might have been more cautious about choosing songs like "Swan Lake" or "It Will Pass." They say the hardest part is being separated from family and friends, but they hope to overcome that distance over time.
Regarding the younger generation in Russia, Loginova notes that older teenagers see the war as unimaginable, while younger children are more susceptible to propaganda. Orlov says many of his friends are considering moving to nearby countries like Georgia, Armenia, or Kazakhstan due to the oppressive system and censorship. Some friends choose to stay in Russia to try to improve things from within.
