Today we’d like to introduce you to Polina Bogomolova.
Hi Polina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia with a love for music running through my veins. It lies in my family – my grandmother was a singer and my father is a passionate music lover who played his favorite music for me since I was a kid, later discussing all music news every weekend. I always knew that I wanted to be someone in the music industry and somehow be connected to it in any possible way, be a part of it. I graduated from High School in Moscow and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management from one of the best universities of the country – Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. Some people might think that Project Management does not align with my music dreams at all, but I had a vision for it from the beginning – all my final papers represented projects I would implement in the music industry. Project Management can be associated with artists because every artist or an album can be observed as a project. My dad always shared my passion and supported me every step of the way – and after my graduation, we decided that it is the time for me to dive into the specifics of the music business. A few months later, I got accepted into Full Sail University in Florida and started my journey in Entertainment Business Master’s Degree.
It wasn’t easy (to say the least) to leave my family and friends behind – especially when I’ve been with them almost 24 hours, seven days a week. But it was easy enough to immerse myself in something I love with all my heart. I’ve finished my Master’s Degree with the highest GPA and received four awards (including Advanced Achievement Award) because this education was a definition of me. I loved and enjoyed every second of it.
Post-graduation anxiety got a little bit of me – I was scared about my future and how much different it would look from the one I would have if COVID-19 hadn’t come and didn’t put the music industry in danger. However, even though not everything went as planned, I still had an opportunity to be an A&R intern at Mi5 Recordings (distributed by Universal Music Group), practice as an independent Artist Manager with an independent artist and find my way to L’Affaire Musicale, Los Angeles-based Artist & Event Management Company.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth at all! As I’ve mentioned, COVID-19 added its adjustments – not only did it put the music industry in crisis and thousands of people lost their jobs, they also couldn’t find one like me. However, there will always be one person who will say “yes”, believe in you and your talent and change your life. And in my case, I’ve heard this “yes” from L’Affaire Musicale, which brought me to another level.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I’m an Artist Manager and Event Management Assistant, involved in content creation in my free time (I just love to try myself in any creative way possible). At L’Affaire, some of the notable acts on our roster include J. Worra, Return of the Jaded, WizG, Local Singles and Supertaste. I am a co-manager of Supertaste (a lovely Brooklyn-based Indie-Dance duo) and a part of the management team for J. Worra. Moreover, I work on the event management side of our daughter company, Wicked Paradise, which organizes boutique-events across the country in Miami, LA, Chicago and New York. We’ve got plenty more projects coming through, you will see them soon! I think if there is something that sets me apart from the others, then it is my vision and creativity. Before working with anyone, I should see a picture in my head and imagine what we can do together.
What I am also proud of is being “a fangirl” (or a loyal music lover, as I prefer to say!) and attending every one of my favorite artists’ gigs. My experience in Moscow attending shows with friends and constantly reading global music business news have been so important in helping me build a knowledge about the importance of an artist’s image, promo campaigns and tour/album rollout plans, as well as how to organize an event and manage concerts. I love the fact that I used to be a “fangirl” because it only proves my passion and dedication to the field.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was leaving my home and going to the other side of the world to pursue my dream. And this is where I am right now, and I know it is only a beginning of me risking with whatever I have in order to achieve my goals. I think that in order to accomplish something, the Universe will always push you out of your comfort zone and teach you how to think outside the box. It is scary and unpredictable, it is stressful and it is life-changing, but playing safe is never a part of the stories of successful professionals who people look up to.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinaamoon/
Image Credits:
Photo 3 & 4: Keianna Summers
