Rising Stars: Meet Daria Khovanova of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daria Khovanova.

Hi Daria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I came to LA in 2016 with a focus on building a career in music and the arts. The following year, Zebulon opened its doors and immediately became a cornerstone of the live music scene in northeast LA. I knew it was where I wanted to be – the energy, the community, the sense that something special was happening, and when the opportunity came to run their social media, I jumped in.
Eight years on, I’m still here, having grown alongside the venue and the artists we’ve supported.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s never a smooth road for independent businesses, and we experienced that firsthand when Covid hit. The venue had to close for over a year, and with no one touring, the future felt uncertain. It was an unnerving time, but the support of our community kept us going – and ultimately made us stronger when we were able to reopen.
On a personal level, it was just as challenging – I questioned my path, wrestled with an identity crisis, like many of us did. But those challenges pushed me to grow, adapt, and reconnect with why I do this work in the first place.
When businesses finally began to reopen, it was such a celebratory time — there was a renewed sense of hope and deep appreciation for our artistic community. Being able to enjoy live music again, to dance, and to be surrounded by people felt more meaningful than ever. Coming out the other side, I had more clarity, more resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Music has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember – it’s the reason I came to LA. I wanted to be in the thick of it, helping shape the experiences that connect artists and audiences. Over time, I’ve worn a lot of hats: music marketing, social media, ticketing, box office, artist liaison — and that’s led to talent management, some booking, and brand partnerships. We put a lot of value on good curation, genuine relationships with artists, and staying true to ourselves in a city that can sometimes be more about image than substance. After a while, you develop an instinct — you know how a night should feel, what works, what doesn’t, and when to trust your gut to make it all come together. My work is mostly behind the scenes, and I prefer it that way — it’s not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about quietly building trust and making sure every show comes together in the best possible way. What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built and the shows we’ve helped bring to life.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Independent venues are becoming rare in the U.S., and they only survive with the support of the people who love them. If you have one in your city, go to the shows, bring your friends, and be part of the community. It makes all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _orangeskies

Image Credits
Laura Moreau, Chris Coady