Pussy Riot chose one of the world's most prominent cultural events to announce their debut studio album. Rather than relying on a traditional promotional campaign, the collective led by Nadya Tolokonnikova unveiled Cyka through a protest staged during the Venice Biennale, one of the most influential gatherings in contemporary art.
The action was timed to coincide with Russia's return to the Biennale, a decision that has generated discussion across cultural and artistic circles. The protest was documented and shared through the collective's official channels, continuing the blend of political activism and performance art that has defined Pussy Riot since its formation.
Alongside the album announcement, the group released “Candy Dopamine,” a new single accompanied by an official music video. The track features Avenged Sevenfold, bringing together two artists from very different musical backgrounds in a collaboration built around emotional intensity and sonic experimentation.
Nadya Tolokonnikova explained that the song originated from her own experiences with antidepressants and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. She added that the track also reflects broader cultural trends surrounding the use of medication, injections and other methods aimed at altering both physical appearance and mental wellbeing.
Tolokonnikova emphasized that the song is not intended as a moral judgment but rather as a personal observation informed by lived experience. The artist has spoken publicly in the past about the psychological impact of political persecution, legal battles and imprisonment during her years with Pussy Riot.
Cyka is scheduled for release on June 12 and represents the first full-length album released under the Pussy Riot name. While the collective has issued numerous singles, collaborations and multimedia projects over the years, this marks their first studio album presented as a complete body of work.
Since emerging in 2011, Pussy Riot has become one of Russia's most internationally recognized artistic projects through its protests against the government of Vladimir Putin, public interventions and unique fusion of activism, conceptual art and music.
