This memoir promises a thrilling insider’s look at the birth of Russia’s modern music industry in the chaotic post-Soviet era. While it delivers on some fronts, it ultimately falls short due to the author’s self-congratulatory tone and problematic perspectives.

The book chronicles David Junk’s journey as the first CEO of Universal Music Russia, detailing his efforts to bring Western pop stars like Mariah Carey, Sting, and Metallica to Russian audiences while also developing local talent such as t.A.T.u. and Alsou. Junk paints a vivid picture of the challenges he faced: navigating a landscape rife with organized crime, political instability, and cultural clashes. His anecdotes about bombings, mafia threats, and the sheer audacity of building a music industry from scratch are undeniably gripping and often entertaining. For music enthusiasts, the behind-the-scenes stories of iconic acts and the rise of Russian pop stars are a highlight, offering a unique glimpse into a world rarely explored in such detail.

However, the book is marred by Junk’s tendency to brag about his own role and achievements, overshadowing the collaborative efforts of the Russian teams he worked with. The descriptions of native Russians, particularly women, occasionally veers into stereotypes and reductiveness, making you wonder how well he really knew these people who were his friends and colleagues.

The political and cultural commentary in the book is another mixed bag. While Junk offers some sharp insights into Putin’s power dynamic and the rise of authoritarianism, his analysis often feels superficial and reliant on Western media tropes. His attempts to address contemporary issues like LGBTQ+ rights and the war in Ukraine come across as performative rather than deeply informed, as if included to cater to a specific audience rather than to provide genuine understanding. The sections on Ukraine, in particular, feel tacked on and lack the depth and nuance that the subject deserves.

Despite these flaws, "Rockin' the Kremlin" has its merits. It’s an engaging read for those interested in the intersection of music, business, and politics, and it sheds light on a fascinating period in Russian history. Junk’s passion for music and his role in shaping Russia’s industry are undeniable, and his stories of triumph and tragedy in a volatile environment are often captivating.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

A fascinating memoir by David Junk of his time spent in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and his efforts to introduce western popular music and music practices to a country unfamiliar with both. He became a key figure in the establishment of a Russian home-grown music industry and discovered and nurtured much local talent, as well as bringing western stars to perform in Russia. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy his account of the trials and tribulations of being a music entrepreneur but also discovered a wealth of Russian singers I’d never heard of and many hours were fruitfully spent on YouTube listening to them. It’s an enjoyable, entertaining and informative book, a must-read for all music lovers and enthusiasts but also stands as an insightful and often eye-opening account of how things work in Russia and how business is done there, and is thus of interest to all Russia watchers and history lovers. A fantastic read.