Melodiya
The Melodiya company was one of the most iconic and influential record companies in the Soviet Union. Founded in 1964, it produced and distributed vinyl records and audio recordings covering a wide range of musical genres, including:
Classical music – recordings of works by famous composers such as Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Mozart, and others.
Pop music – songs by popular performers and groups of the time.
Folk music – recordings of folk songs and traditional music from various peoples of the USSR.
Jazz and rock – although with certain restrictions, there were also releases in these genres.
Key facts about Melodiya:
State-owned company: Melodiya was a state-owned company, and therefore all its output was controlled by the state. This allowed it access to various resources and production facilities.
Famous Recordings: Melodiya’s repertoire included recordings by renowned Soviet artists such as Vishnevsky, Kobzon, Pugacheva, and many others. The label also released classical music albums featuring recordings by renowned orchestras and soloists.
Development of Musical Culture: Melodiya played a significant role in the development of musical culture in the USSR. It contributed to the popularization of music and introduced Soviet listeners to foreign artists and genres.
Iconography: Melodiya’s logo, featuring the letter “M” and a wavy line, became a symbol of quality and recognition.
Copyright Issues: Although Melodiya was engaged in creative work, it faced issues related to copyright and licensing, particularly with regard to foreign artists.
Legacy: After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Melodiya continued to exist and adapt to the new market, preserving its reputation and archives. Today, the company publishes music on both physical and digital media.
Get Vinyl
In the USSR, “getting vinyl” meant finding and purchasing music records, as access to Western music and culture was limited. Vinyl records, especially foreign ones, were often considered scarce and symbolized a certain cultural value.
For many, finding such records became a real adventure. This required music lovers to connect with others to find rare records, as well as the ability to bargain and find common ground with sellers. Vinyl was associated not only with high-quality sound but also with a spirit of freedom, as some artists expressed rebellion against the existing system.
Listening to music on vinyl brought people together, creating an entire subculture where exchanging tunes and discussing bands and concerts became important aspects of life. Vinyl became a symbol of the desire for freedom of expression and cultural independence in the face of strict censorship.