Filatov moves to Los Angeles for 6 months to connect with American pop scene. Creates a podcast about a Ukrainian artist's path in USA.
Yevhen Filatov announced on 14 January 2026 a 6-month move to Los Angeles from 1 February to 31 July 2026 to connect with American pop scene. This is not emigration — Filatov remains a Ukrainian citizen with a plan to return to Kyiv after the residency. The residency is organized in partnership with Universal Music Group LA Office as a 'cultural exchange program' (partnership launched January 2026 for Ukrainian musicians). Residency tasks: 1) Deep acquaintance with American pop music industry — meetings with producers, A&R departments, executives of 12 leading labels (Universal, Sony, Warner, plus independent); 2) 8 studio sessions with 8 different American producers for writing new songs (goal — 1 of them becomes Filatov's first English-language single); 3) Creating the podcast 'UA in LA: Ukrainian Artist in Hollywood' — 24 episodes about the experience (1 weekly, available free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts). Special residency event — Filatov will perform at Larchmont Recording Studios in Los Angeles (where U2 'Joshua Tree', Prince, Rolling Stones were recorded) on 18 April 2026 in 'UA Talent Showcase' format with 3 other invited Ukrainian performers (from LA emigration). Expected audience — 200 music industry insiders. Filatov's residency fee (€42000) is fully transferred to the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation to support other Ukrainian artists in international residencies.
