The Leningrad Cowboys were inspired by a meeting in a bar between Sakke Järvenpää and Mato Valtonen in 1986. They decided to create an absurd band, which led to the birth of the Leningrad Cowboys. The idea was to form a fictional Russian band, specifically Siberian, that would embody a unique cultural character adapting to new surroundings. Aki Kaurismäki was later asked to direct a music video for them, which marked the beginning of the band's journey in both music and film. The band's creation was a collaborative effort that combined music, performance, and visual style to create a distinctive identity that resonated with audiences. For more information, you can refer to sources like Criterion and Vocal Media.