Kolya

Today, DJ Kolya (Nikolai Danilin, born May 3, 1976) is one of the top Russian DJs (ranked in the TOP 5 DJs in Russia), playing in the best clubs in the capital and touring extensively across the country. For many, his work on the radio, CD mix releases, and club performances have been unforgettable. Growing up on the creativity of Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Nikolai plays music that combines energetic hard beats and melody. After numerous residencies (starting from 1994, clubs Hermitage, Manhattan Express, Justo, Jazz Café), in 2000 Nikolai ended up in the legendary club XIII, which became his permanent workplace and second home. Thanks to his residency at XIII, Kolya had the opportunity to perform with world-renowned DJs and musicians such as Danny Tenaglia, Sasha, John Digweed, Steve Lawler, Sander Kleinenberg, Deep Dish, Dave Seaman, Danny Howells, Boy George, Eric Morillo, Dirty Vegas, Paul Oakenfold, X-Press 2, Layo & Buschwacka, Timo Maas, and many others. As a resident at club XIII, Kolya showcased his mastery in one of the most famous clubs in Ibiza, El Divino. In 2003, he performed his set at the English club Turnmills. He was also featured in the famous Egyptian club Bus Stop and in Double Six in Bali.

In 1997, a project called Evening Collection aired on Station 106.8 FM (later this project moved to 107.0 FM, then changed its name to Dynamo FM), with DJ Grad and DJ Kolya as hosts. Later, Nikolai had his own program on the radio—now on the waves of Dynamo FM (101.2 FM), listeners can hear his voice in the program Dance Singles to the Weekend every Friday. The next step in Kolya's star career was his appearance on television. The show Dance Floor began on MTV Russia, and since 2002, Nikolai has been its host. Hot reports from Ibiza and interviews with Boy George, Marilyn Manson, the most famous DJs and promoters in the world made Kolya a super popular character in the capital's bohemian scene. Excellent musical taste, professionalism, and talent helped Kolya conquer almost all of Russia. In addition to regular performances in Moscow and numerous tours, he finds time for production work—in May 2004, the single Tell Me Why was released, which DJ Kolya worked on together with DJ Alexander Karpekin and vocalist Denis Bogdanov. This work was very warmly received by professionals and the public. In 2005, he founded his own label RatedDj’s, which includes the best House and R&B DJs of the capital.