Starting as a musical joke for friends, Billy's Band has become one of the most promising independent bands around. The trio from St Petersburg has successfully played both in Russia and on tour around Europe.

This week the group's Moscow fans witnessed a performance at the Film Actors' Theatre.

Besides some early works, the programme called “Happiness Exists” included two new songs from their upcoming album.

The group performs an authentic mix of blues, surf and jazz. It has developed its individual style, influenced by artists like Tom Waits, but with a Russian flair.

The group's front man, Billy Novik, studied medicine and even worked as a pathologist for a while. While singing and playing doublebass and the tambourine, he completely changes character.

“The stage really helps us to develop, not just as musicians but also as performers. A musician becomes an artist if he goes on stage,” Billy Novik remarks.

Guitarist Andrey Ryzhik is an energetic performer while the saxophone player Mikhail Zhidkikh shows a calmer side to the trio.