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Due for worldwide release in Spring 2025, Adam Tashtamirov and Leon Nikishaev’s genre-defying artist project, Stereotype, returns with a powerful new opus exploring identity, struggle and the pursuit of true fulfilment.
Stereotype – the boundary-pushing musical project of Adam Tashtamirov and Leon Nikishaev, proudly announces the upcoming release of their latest album, .LONG WAY. “PLEASURE”. Known for their innovative fusion of futuristic pop, hyper beats and experimental heavy bass music, the two world-renowned producers have carved a unique space in the global music scene, drawing inspiration from legends like Clams Casino, Skrillex and Kelvin Krash, while maintaining deep accessibility to pop and hip-hop culture.
Stereotype’s journey is as much about survival as it is about music. Bound by a bittersweet shared history, childhood friends Adam and Leon left home to follow their dream driven by an unwavering passion for music. Immersing themselves in the local indie and hip-hop scenes, they have gradually built a global reputation through relentless creativity and unshakable determination. From a single-bedroom studio, they have risen through the underground to a place of international recognition, earning releases on some of the industry’s leading labels and carving out a dedicated global fan base.
Due for worldwide release in Spring 2025 .LONG WAY. “PLEASURE” isn’t just an album – it’s a profound exploration of the human condition, ambition and the search for meaning. The project is a continuation of the narrative introduced in their debut album, NOWHERE, which reflected on feelings of displacement and the struggle of multicultural identity.
From NOWHERE came the CELLS EP (which saw its official release in September 2024) – a key chapter in their story and also the upcoming album. The term CELLS carries two powerful meanings – a prison that confines us, and the DNA that defines us; a duality that speaks to the struggles of identity, the weight of our origins, and the limitations we place upon ourselves. .LONG WAY. “PLEASURE” expands on these ideas, diving into the battle between fleeting, superficial comforts and the deeper, long-lasting satisfaction that comes from true purpose.
Each of their individual most profound and thought-provoking musical projects to date, .LONG WAY. “PLEASURE” is a testament to Stereotype’s boundary-pushing production values and unique brand of storytelling. The album seamlessly blends futuristic pop and electronic textures with heavy bass, hip-hop energy, and deeply emotional undertones. Each track tells a unique part of the story, enriched by an all-star lineup of guest artists including Lil West, jacob., Young Drumma, sbk, Adam Tashtamirov’s Yangshi alias and more upcoming rappers. Every song embodies different aspects of the struggles and triumphs in the journey toward self-realization, with the production balancing melancholic atmospheres with skilful energy, ensuring an experience that resonates deeply with listeners.
Adam Tashtamirov and Leon Nikishaev, childhood friends bound by a bittersweet similar life story and struggle, left home at an early age to follow their dream. Armed with little more than innate talent and determination, they quickly made their mark on the local indie and hip-hop scenes. Their music defies genre, merging indie, electronic, hip-hop, and experimental sounds into something bold, unique, and globally resonant. By blending influences from their past with futuristic innovation, they challenge expectations and redefine the modern music landscape.
Launched in 2024, Adam’s ‘Yangshi’ alias was conceived as a way for him to step out from behind the DJ booth and showcase his talents as both a vocalist and producer. Adam has been the creative force behind many vocal guidelines for his collaborators, rappers, and various A&R record labels. Over time, these vocal guides evolved, catching the attention of label executives who began to ask, ‘Who is the voice behind these guides?’ This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Adam stepping into the spotlight as a performer himself. The Yangshi alias is his bold step forward, with a unique sound that merges vocal manipulation with melodic depth. It’s exceptionally rare for someone with Adam’s expertise in vocal processing and production to also showcase his own vocals, a skill shared by artists like Porter Robinson and Madeon, who reached their peaks in the electronic scene during the early 2010s, are prime examples of artists who mastered both production and vocal performance. Now, Adam, who comes from a similar bass music inspiration, is bringing that same level of innovation into Hip-Hop and Rap.
Leon Nikishaev is a music producer, sync scoring composer and DJ with a deep passion for melodies. He is also known as one-half of the electronic project Stereotype and has a new solo project in the works. His path into music wasn’t typical – he first pursued a 9 to 5 as a stockbroker before realizing his passion lay elsewhere. That analytical mindset still influences his discipline and work as a DJ and performer, playing in clubs across his home in Tel Aviv and Europe. His sets mix bass-heavy beats with self-remixed vocalists from his release repertoire, and beyond music production, he has been involved in music direction and composing for ads, fashion and lifestyle brands, shaping the sound of premium campaigns. With more ongoing collaborations and a growing presence in both electronic and hip-hop scenes, Leon is always looking for new creative challenges.
.LONG WAY. “PLEASURE” will be available on all major streaming platforms in Spring 2025.
Fans can stay up to date with further album news, exclusive content, behind-the-scenes footage and upcoming tour announcements by following Stereotype here:
