NЮ is one of many hats worn by multitalented actor and director Yuri Nikolaenko. Having grown up as part of a musically inclined family in his hometown of Norilsk, he nurtured a second career as a vocalist in addition to acclaimed theatrical performances. After earning a spot on national singing competition SONGS, he issued his 2019 debut album, В сердце. His tracks cannily build on dominant pop trends, and range from ‘90s nostalgia (“Мало”) to modern R&B (“Без тебя фигово”) and even beefy rock serenades (“Связь”).