Ludmila Pogodina: A Journey Through Music, Journalism, and Life

A city doesn’t become colorful on its own. It’s the people who add vibrancy to its urban landscape. One such individual is Ludmila Pogodina, a DJ, photographer, and journalist. Ludmila’s texts are trendsetting, introducing readers from Eastern Europe to influential figures worth listening to and admiring. Currently, Ludmila splits her time between Minsk and Berlin. We had the opportunity to meet her in the Belarusian capital and discuss the essence of her creative work. It’s a challenging task to define boundaries where none seem to exist.

From Journalism to DJing: The Multifaceted World of Ludmila Pogodina

Ludmila Pogodina is a journalist, DJ, photographer, and party organizer. Her journey into journalism was influenced by her sociability, love for detective stories, and her school’s affiliation with a journalism institute. Initially, she studied in a law class and envisioned herself as a private detective or lawyer, but she quickly became disillusioned with the judicial system. Early in her journalism career, she was inspired by Anatoly Kozlovich and Yaroslav Mogutin, which helped her avoid disappointment in her profession. She has since built a relationship with her work that allows her to write purposefully.

Her passion for DJing stemmed from her music journalism and family values. As a cultural observer, she immersed herself in music, built an extensive archive, and eventually had the opportunity to share her collection with the public. If that opportunity hadn’t arisen, she jokes that she might have found a way to broadcast her music through the building’s intercom for her neighbors to enjoy.

The Interconnectedness of Ludmila’s Creative Pursuits

For Ludmila, all her activities are interconnected, even if they seem unrelated at first glance. She has considered transitioning from DJing to creating her own music and from journalism to literature. She is particularly interested in literature and views her interview texts as artistic pieces. She envisions them in books, such as her 28-page interview with Genesis P-Orridge in the psychoanalysis and art magazine “Kabinet.” Her goal is to follow in Yaroslav Mogutin’s footsteps and create her own version of the book “30 Interviews.” She also has ideas for other books, including translations, but lacks the time and resources to dedicate herself fully to these projects.

Regarding music, Ludmila has attempted to create her own but finds it challenging due to her sense of responsibility. She prefers to collaborate on existing musical projects rather than start her own. She enjoys natural sounds and movie quotes and would incorporate these elements into her music. However, she currently lacks the time to dedicate to a musical project.

Ludmila’s Western Format and Her Connection to Berlin

Ludmila’s format is predominantly Western. Attending her parties feels like experiencing the spirit of Berlin. She loves to travel and finds it difficult to stay in one place for too long, as she believes it can lead to a creative rut. When she feels stagnant, she packs her bags and goes to places like Kharkiv, Tel Aviv, or Berlin. She draws inspiration from observing and engaging with others.

Berlin holds a special place in Ludmila’s life. It’s the city where she spends the most time after Minsk. Berlin has taught her to accept people as they see themselves, with their unique qualities and preferences. In Berlin, she doesn’t host her own parties but plays music in bars and clubs that suit the venue’s style. Her audience varies depending on the location, and she enjoys connecting with regulars and making new friends through music.

Ludmila’s Perspective on Punk Culture

Ludmila’s background might suggest a conservative nature, but her views on punk culture reveal a different story. She sees punk as a tag for quick recognition in the information field and admires musicians associated with this tag who practice a conscious lifestyle and mindset. She appreciates their observational skills, irony, self-irony, analytical thinking, and decisiveness, which are often perceived as madness by others.

She also enjoys the aesthetics of punk, such as chains, leather jackets, patches, and pins, as well as elements from other subcultures like ska, goth, and rockabilly. For her, these styles represent a journey through time and culture, much like the eclectic music of David Bowie, whom she admires for his conscious approach to art.

Ludmila Pogodina’s creative journey is a testament to her multifaceted talents and her ability to find connections between seemingly disparate pursuits. Her work as a journalist, DJ, and photographer reflects her unique perspective and her commitment to sharing her passions with the world.

Photo credits: Eugeny Grabkin, Pavel Pavlov