Alexander Shulgin, a famous Russian composer, was born on August 25, 1964 in Irkutsk, Siberia. When Shulgin was eighteen, he began working with Kruiz –a legendary rock band in the Soviet Union. In the mid-80s, the band began touring abroad and partnering with Warner Brothers. The band resided in Germany for four years. There, Shulgin gained considerable experience working with record studios and acquired other skills crucial for a successful music career. When Shulgin completed his work in Germany and returned to the USSR, he became one of the founders of the Russian music industry. He established a range of companies that undertook significant cultural projects, such as recording fifteen compositions played by the Moscow National Academic Symphonic Orchestra headed by Pavel Kogan, organizing and recording Interchance festivals, and filmmaking for CANAL + and ВВС. He also composed music for movies (for instance, Christmas To The World, which was included in Ken Russell’s movie Alice in Russialand), and he worked in studios with leading Russian artists. In the early 90s, Shulgin reached a pinnacle as an author and composer. Approximately fifty of his compositions reached the top of Russian and Eastern European charts. He won many national awards, including Song of The Year, and a variety of musical contests. During this time, Alexander Shulgin partnered as an author and composer with popular Russian artists, such as Valeria, Alexander Buinov, Gruppa FM, and others. Shulgin’s creativeness found a strong demand on Russian television as well. In 2003, Shulgin became the music producer of Become a Star (a Russian show similar to Pop Stars) and Stars Factory (similar to Star Academy / Pop Idol). These shows were broadcast on two national TV channels – Channel 1 and RTR (Russian Tele Radio). Shulgin wrotes songs and created scenic images for the show participants, helping each of them to find his or her own individual artistic style. Shulgin composes music and songs for television, Russian and European movie industries. Among his important accomplishments are music composed for Spas, the First Public Orthodox TV channel, and over twenty original songs and music themes for the sixteen - episode movie Primadonna. In 2005, Shulgin released an album whose name, Predstavlenie, could be interpreted as "representation", "idea", "conception", and even «insight». This intellectual recording consisted of fifteen compositions united by shared themes and heroes. It received favorable reviews, and was nominated for Album of the Year. Alexander Shulgin gives considerable attention to young artists. He composes for pop-rock project Gruppa-FM, for young and talented saxophonist Elena Sheremet, and many others. In 2008, Shilgin’s Songbook Triptych - three full albums of instrumental music combined in a single songbook – was published. All parts of the songbook were played by legendary jazz and classic musicians, including Billy Kobem, John Patitucci, Bob James, Harry Husband, and others. In 2009, Shulgin’s Triptych was nominated The Album of The Month by an authoritative web resource for program directors AirPLay Direct and was recommended for rotation on some of the world`s largest radio stations. Shulgin is one of very few Russian composers who successfully combine creative work with business. He effectively manages Familia Group of Companies (“GRUPPA KOMPANIY FAMILIA”, LLC), which specializes in media, new media, publishing, and entertainment. Shulgin is a participant and a jury member of international music, TV, and advertisement contests. In addition, he is an accomplished publicist and photographer. His articles and photo reports regularly appear in popular Russian media. In 2008, the composer was awarded the medal For Professionalism And Business Reputation. ... |
