Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicol Kuburoglu.
Nicol Kuburoglu
Nicol Kuburoglu is a Junior Talent Buyer at C3 Presents, a subsidiary of concert and promoting giant Live Nation Entertainment. She has immense experience working with world class artists and has booked a staggering number of shows during her time in the US. Her exceptional understanding of how to build and market a show is highlighted through the successes she speaks of in the below interview, where you will be inspired to hear more about her journey coming from Cyprus; a small island located in the mediterranean, to her current accomplishments within the music business industry of the United States of America.
Hi Nicol, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started when I moved to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music. Coming from Northern Cyprus, a small island with little opportunity, it was such an overwhelming experience to come to the US at the age of 19. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do in music, but I knew that I’d have the opportunity to succeed in whatever I’d choose to do down the road. After taking a few business management classes, I realized that my passions laid within the music business industry, and after working in various different areas, I decided that the live entertainment industry was where my interests laid most. After graduation, I’d kept in touch with some of my old mentors and got recommended for a talent-buying position at C3 Presents, specifically booking for properties and casinos on the west coast. In addition to this, I also got the opportunity to work for the artist relations department for some of C3’s largest festivals – including Austin City Limits, Innings Festival and Lollapalooza.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not at all. Moving to the US has been a huge financial, mental and emotional struggle. I didn’t come from a wealthy family and I had to work extremely hard to graduate from Berklee. This included having to take all my classes within three years, four of them being in the midst of the pandemic. In addition to this, I had to work 2 jobs (1 paid position and 1 internship) for two years whilst studying full time, which I used to live off for my time at Berklee. I also couldn’t afford to go back home to Cyprus during my studies, which was really emotionally challenging for me. I pushed myself to the limit to make the most of my time, as I knew the three years would fly by. After graduating, I’d spent four months applying for jobs, only to be told repeatedly that companies would not hire me as an international employee due to the complications and difficulties I’d have in getting a visa to stay. It wasn’t until my manager in C3 decided that I was worth the investment that I’d actually land an amazing opportunity.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in promoting shows and bookings, as I book for casinos across the west coast, namely Yaamava’ Resort, Grand Sierra Resort, Silver Legacy Resort, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harrah’s Resort Southern California. Some of the largest artists I’ve worked on the booking have been Ed Sheeran, Fuerza Regida, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Alice in Chains, Diana Ross, Ringo Starr, The Killers, Khalid and Sting. I’m most proud of representing some of my favorite artists, such as Rival Sons and Alter Bridge, which we’ve booked at some of our properties within the last year. I believe what sets me apart from others in booking is the fact that my love of live shows comes from being a musician firsthand. I know how it feels to be up on stage, performing for audiences and when I get to bring these shows to fans across the west coast, it brings me such a huge joy. Working directly for artists at huge festivals has also been a dream come true. My love for live music has always been because of the performing musicians, so being able to be a part of something so huge is beyond amazing.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I truly believe that growing organic friendships with those that resonate with you on a personal and professional level is the best way to network. Keeping in touch, assisting friends when they need help and being a genuinely nice person will get you very far in the music industry. I’ve always just kept in touch with those I’ve worked with in the past, which has honestly gotten me to where I am today,
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolxkub
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolkuburoglu/
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