Venger Collective

Venger Collective is the Russian musical project that embraces acid jazz as its style. The band's energetic sound, combined with danceable rhythms and vibrant melodies, embodies the founders' vision of high-quality contemporary music. In 2009, Venger Collective became the first acid jazz and funk band to represent Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest's top five finalists.

The band was formed in 2006 by two guitarists, Alexander Lygin and Vladislav Vengerovsky. Their goal was to create music rooted in acid jazz. The musicians drew inspiration from the work of Jamiroquai, Incognito, Moloko, and Shakatak. The result is beautiful, tender, and energetic compositions.

Venger Collective combines acid jazz, pop-jazz, pop, funk, and lounge in their work. The group successfully performs in trendy clubs and on the stages of international festivals — Venger Collective gives over 100 concerts a year and is a guest at many social events. The group was a finalist in the national selection for the Eurovision 2009 contest, a reserve finalist in the international competition New Wave 2009, a multiple winner of the Usadba Jazz festival, a finalist in the Empire of Music competition, and has participated in the Don Chento Jazz and Lady In Jazz festivals.

In August 2009, Venger Collective released the single 9 O'Clock in the US on the Soundmen On Wax label, collaborating with Italian DJs Dolls Combers, Souldynamic, and Island Groove. The hit 9 O'Clock and new compositions by Venger Collective can be heard on popular international compilations and on jazz, soul, and deep-house radio stations. In August 2010, the group took part in a number of European events dedicated to the release of the single Brother on the Sophisticado label.

Yulia Tereshchenko participated in Channel One's "The Voice" show in 2012, and in July 2013, she represented Russia at the New Wave 2013 competition. Venger Collective has performed alongside artists such as Incognito, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Touch & Go, Brand New Heavies, Us3, and many others.