Born and raised in St. Petersburg (former Leningrad), the city which in the 80s was to become the center of the national rock culture, Lenia started his musical activity in the late 70s, playing in amateur rock groups. In 1983 he founded a rock band of his own, which was given the name of Auktyon (see also here). From the very beginning Lenia assumed the role of the main composer and musical director of Auktyon; later he also took up leading vocals