On Hainan island with a new song: Danko and DJ ZHUKOV

Seaviewhainan.com continues to introduce you to the most exciting events on Hainan Island. This time, we were lucky enough to witness a true musical event: within the framework of Fashion Music Wave in Sanya, Russian performer Danko (Alexander Fadeev) and DJ ZHUKOV (Alexey) took the stage — one of the most talked-about creative duos of recent times in Russia.

Their comeback struck a chord with the audience, and the concert, held right at a hotel, drew a diverse crowd — from children to those who remember the hits of the early 2000s. We spoke with the artists about how their duo came to be, how the music industry has changed, and what awaits them in the Chinese market.

At the end of the interview, the organizer of China Fashion Week, Iliana, shared plans for the development of the music scene on Hainan.

Seaviewhainan.com: You are currently one of the most talked-about comebacks in show business. How did the idea to team up with DJ ZHUKOV come about, and who first thought of "reviving" the past through modern beats?

DJ ZHUKOV: I had been following Sasha's work for a long time. Initially, the idea was to make a track called "Moscow Night." While working on it, we got to know each other better, and I realized: Alexander is a true treasure, an artist from God. So I called him and suggested we work together. It turned out he really wanted to collaborate and is passionate about everything modern, but he just hadn't come across a worthy team. Our vibes matched — and off we went.

Seaviewhainan.com: Does working in a duo with a DJ differ significantly from your solo career back in the 2000s?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): This isn't my first time working with a DJ, and in fact, I even live with a DJ — my wife is a DJ. Back in Russia, there was a period when the DJ movement was gaining huge momentum, and she was performing very actively at that time. So I had some experience. We toured together, but a joint project with my wife didn't work out. Because work is work, and family is family.

DJ ZHUKOV: I agree — work spills over into home, and home into work. Only a few can pull that off. Sasha chose family and decided to work alone.

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): I've worked with a live band and with a saxophonist. I danced for 15 years at the Bolshoi Theatre, worked in drama theater and in film. My nature has always been diverse. That's the thrill of it: you live to try yourself in different guises, to live through different creative lives. So today, my duo with Zhukov came together. I don't like to stagnate — I love everything modern.

Seaviewhainan.com: Have you ever performed in a hotel before?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): Yes, of course.

Seaviewhainan.com: Yesterday you had a concert right at a hotel on Hainan. How does this format differ from a typical club performance or a large stadium show?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): The hotel format doesn't have any fundamental difference from club performances, except perhaps the audience is a bit different. Because the crowd is very diverse: children, families, groups of friends. If the hotel is large and doesn't have a clear concept, the audience ends up being quite mixed.

Seaviewhainan.com: Did it bother you that people were having dinner at their tables during the concert?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): No, not at all. I felt very comfortable.

DJ ZHUKOV: In fact, this format might even be better in some ways. People come to city clubs with the demand "well, impress me" and with specific expectations of the artist. But here, people are already relaxing, and their relaxation just needs to be slightly "seasoned" with music. When you come down south, you're already ready to give yourself over to having fun.

Seaviewhainan.com: Did you have a chance to notice the Chinese audience's reaction to your songs?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): I noticed it more during the soundcheck. We even have a video where Chinese spectators were dancing to our soundcheck, and they clearly liked the music! After the concert, everyone rushed over to take pictures with us. We also played the Chinese version of the track for some people — we really liked their reaction. They definitely appreciated that track.

Seaviewhainan.com: You are making a comeback as popular artists. What is the main marker of success for you now: the number of streams on digital platforms, a queue for concert tickets, the number of followers, or something else?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): A hit. A song. The most important thing is the song. Hype can be created through connections and money, but it quickly blows away like dust if you have nothing to say as an artist. But if you remain in people's hearts — that's forever. The song "Malysh" is still known and sung.

As for status — it's like age: you think you're already old, but you don't really realize it yet, because deep down you're always 18. Popularity is also a tricky thing. There are bands that perform for 15 years and suddenly become very popular and pack halls.

DJ ZHUKOV: There's a retro comeback wave happening now, and millennials are just exploding in the venues. As for specific metrics: I perform not only as a DJ but also as a producer and Sasha's manager — we have a serious tandem. For me, the main indicators are the numbers of a hit that enters the charts, subscriber growth, and incoming requests in messengers. That's the signal that an artist is returning and in demand again.

Seaviewhainan.com: During your "break," show business became completely digitized. What was the hardest thing for you to get used to: TikTok or the need to post stories every day? Are there any unusual activities for you?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): I wouldn't do any of it at all. For me, as an older generation artist, it's not that important. But for the new generation, it's very serious. If you didn't like something or missed something — I can't wrap my head around how important that is to them. But it doesn't matter, because we have a team that understands how it works, understands what needs to be done to stay on the wave, and they do their job excellently.

DJ ZHUKOV: The most important thing is that Sasha is an artist to the bone. He works very professionally in front of the camera, and everything the team outlines for content, he performs perfectly. When everyone does their own job: the team writes the content, the cameraman shoots, the editor edits, and Sasha performs for the camera — it creates a very powerful tandem, and it delivers results.

Seaviewhainan.com: But nevertheless, do you manage your social media?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): Yes, both Instagram and TikTok, and we've even launched on Chinese platforms — Douyin (抖音) and Xiaohongshu (小红书). Right now, we're shooting a lot of Chinese content and plan to post it on these platforms. Our team is expanding: we have a person in China who helps with this. I think we'll even record a greeting for these social networks right in this hotel.

Seaviewhainan.com: Compared to your tours 20 years ago — how has your audience changed?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): Back then, teenagers came, but now — the same teenagers, only grown up and with their own children (laughs). At big concerts, we gather around 12,000 people, all an audience of 30+. But they still live in a new reality where a slightly different sound is playing. So we don't just perform old hits — we layer a new sound over them. The result is a recognizable song, but not one pulled from a dusty bag, but one that is completely comfortable for today's time and ready to become a hit again.

We actively use modern possibilities. It's like super racing: if you have an upgraded car, you'll finish first. If not, you can talk all you want about what a great retro car you have, but you'll be left far behind. So at yesterday's concert, we even premiered a new song that was made with modern technology in mind.

Seaviewhainan.com: Is this your first time on Hainan?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): Not for me — I've been here before, but Alexey is here for the first time.

Seaviewhainan.com: Has Hainan changed, in your opinion?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): They met me at the airport and brought me straight to the hotel. I haven't really figured anything out yet. But before, of course, I didn't have such grand hotels as now. The Westin certainly impressed me in that regard.

Seaviewhainan.com: It's cold in Russia right now, but here it's summer. How does this climate contrast affect your vocal tone before going on stage? Doesn't the heat relax you?

Danko (Alexander Fadeev): If it were minus 40, then maybe it would affect my mood. But here — it's a real pleasure, comfort, and bliss.

Seaviewhainan.com: Do you plan to work with the Chinese market?

DJ ZHUKOV: Yes, of course. Both with Russian-language material and with translations into Chinese. We have already uploaded our tracks to Chinese music platforms — Douyin (抖音) and QQ — and we are already present there. We just need to give it proper coverage on social media.

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Seaviewhainan.com: Was your participation in Fashion Week your first entry into the Chinese market?

DJ ZHUKOV: Yes, the first.

Seaviewhainan.com: How did you end up at Fashion Week in Sanya?

DJ ZHUKOV: It all started with Sasha's social media. We have a recurring feature: "In which city are you waiting to see us live?" We were driving in the car one day, posted a new question, and received an invitation to come to Sanya in the comments. We replied, "Contact us at such and such contacts," but we didn't have high hopes — usually it's fans who write, not organizers. 

But this time we got lucky. I thought, "Just talk," but it turned out to be serious. The organizers turned out to be long-time subscribers of Sasha's, following the new chapter of his career. And that's how we ended up on this beautiful island.

Seaviewhainan.com: Are you interested in continuing cooperation with Fashion Week?

DJ ZHUKOV: Yes, absolutely. It's always interesting and great. New countries, new people — it's always wonderful.

Seaviewhainan.com thanks singer Danko, DJ ZHUKOV, and China Fashion Week organizer Iliana for their candid conversation, and the Westin Hotel for providing the venue for the interview.

This interview is not just a conversation about music. It is a living testament to how Russian artists find their audience thousands of kilometers from home, how Hainan is gradually becoming not only a tourist but also a cultural Mecca, and how sincere love for one's craft helps overcome any boundaries.

We will follow developments and be sure to tell you about new projects, concerts, and festivals on the island. For now — play your favorite tracks and get ready for new musical discoveries on Seaviewhainan.com.