Ruja

Ruja formed in 1984 around guitarist Raul Vaigla and bassist Rein Rannap. Their name came from an old Estonian word meaning 'fermentation,' which they liked for its sense of change. Their first album, 'Magus Melodia,' came out in 1986 and found an audience quickly, with the title track becoming something of an anthem.

They wrote songs that felt distinctly Estonian, like 'Eesti Muld Ja Eesti Sda' and 'Luigelaul.' This put them at odds with Soviet authorities during the late 1980s, when Estonia was still part of the USSR. Their music was sometimes censored and their concerts faced interference, but they kept playing.