We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicol Kuburoglu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicol , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic has always been rooted in my passion for music. From a young age, my parents encouraged me to follow what I love, and everything else would fall into place. That advice stuck with me. I’m driven by the joy I get from bringing live music to people and knowing that what I do can make thousands smile – it’s incredibly fulfilling.
I also find motivation in constantly pushing myself beyond what I think I’m capable of. I’ve always had big dreams and goals, and there’s a real sense of happiness and pride in turning those goals into reality, whether they’re big or small. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the music industry, and I’m excited to keep growing and contributing to it for as long as I can.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I work in talent buying for C3 Presents / Live Nation Entertainment, focusing on venues across the West Coast. What makes this role especially meaningful is the opportunity to book a diverse range of artists across various stages. There’s truly an audience for every act, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help bring those artists to their fans. I also work as an artist relations ambassador for festivals across the US, including Lollapalooza, ACL, Innings, Two Step Inn, Oceans Calling and Shaky Knees.
One of the things I love most about this position is the balance between creative vision and the logistics of booking. As a musician myself with a passion for sound engineering and production, I also appreciate how this role allows me to engage with elements of live sound. It’s a unique blend of my professional skills and personal passions, and I feel fortunate to be part of it.
In addition to my role at C3 Presents, I’m also a professional member of the Recording Academy, where I’ve been given the opportunity to help mentor future music industry professionals and participate in the nomination process for the GRAMMY Awards. I’m also a proud member of the Latin Recording Academy and serve as a voting member for the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. These affiliations allow me to stay deeply connected to different facets of the music industry and contribute to its continued growth and integrity
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the most important qualities to have in the music industry is simply being kind and helpful to others. It’s a very relationship-driven space, and when you support the people around you, they’re often willing to return the favor – which is key because at some point, you’re going to need a hand.
Another essential quality is staying grounded and humble. As you begin working on larger shows or with high-profile acts, it’s easy to lose sight of what it felt like when you were just starting out. Staying connected to your roots helps you keep perspective and stay focused on why you’re doing this work in the first place.
Most importantly, you have to truly love music and entertainment. The hours can be long, and burnout is real – if you don’t have a deep passion for what you’re doing, it’s tough to keep going through the inevitable ups and downs. That love for the work is what carries you through the low moments and keeps you inspired to push forward.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had so many people support and guide me throughout my career in the live entertainment industry. It all began during my time at Berklee, where my professors not only taught me the fundamentals but also sparked my passion for the business behind live shows. From there, my internship managers offered invaluable hands-on experience, and today, I continue to learn from my coworkers, managers, and the artists I work with every day.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this industry is how generous people are with their knowledge. If you take the initiative to reach out, you’ll often find that others are more than willing to share their experiences and insights. That kind of support system has played a huge role in my development – both professionally and personally.
Everything I’ve been able to achieve in my career so far is because of the people around me. Their mentorship, collaboration, and encouragement have shaped the way I work and continue to push me to grow.
One of the accomplishments I’m especially proud of this year is being accepted into the Recording Academy’s 2025 New Member Class. It’s an incredible honor to be recognized alongside so many talented performers, creatives, and industry professionals who are shaping the future of music. Being welcomed into this community is not just a personal milestone – it’s also a reflection of the people who have supported me throughout my journey. I’m truly grateful for every mentor, colleague, and collaborator who has helped me grow along the way.
Contact Info:
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
