CW (credits, live event feedback, art and capitalism mentions, words underlined rainbow are links)
If you enjoyed our show, please tip the artists with your attention now.
(Follow them on social media, buy their art, and tell your friends about them. It all counts. They put in huge, amazing work, yet most of the compliments came my way as the organizer. While I deeply appreciate it and will do my best to pass it along, let’s show the artists some love directly too!)
Massive thank you to all for your trust and efforts
First raw feedback
The show went great, and the sound was amazing! We’re totally happy with the results and can’t wait to share the recording with Mycelium members once it’s ready.
On the production side, things were a bit hectic. Not only did we face a DDoS attack on bogolepov.eu, but we also dealt with a chain of last-minute cancellations and fallbacks. Thankfully, we managed to work through it, but I want to acknowledge there’s definitely room for improvement for next time.
It was wonderful to see such a beautifully mixed crowd of over 150 guests, with queer and straight people of all ages coming together. I’m still collecting feedback, so if you have anything to share, I’d love to hear it!
We’re currently processing the accounting. Once calculations are complete, I’ll share more details about the financial side. The photo reports are coming up, Mycelium members already can see it.
Surviving Capitalism with Art, Sex, and a Dash of Traffic
(CW: politics, sex for sale, marketing, strong personal opinion)
As Bogolepov performs at Kantine am Berghain on September 4th, we must address the elephant in the room. Born in Leningrad, she fled Russia after releasing Mother Russia in 2017. Given our stance against Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, Mother Russia won’t be played live when we want to share love and hope. Instead, it and Serpent Song, a new track exploring a dictator’s psyche, are part of our project with BOGOLEPOV: requiems of tomorrow, meant to be heard in spaces like embassies of the terrorist state
In our latest project, “What the Fuck is Sicut Dico,” we’re tackling the wild world of surviving as artists under capitalism. (And yes, the first three episodes are already out!). Right now, we’re all about driving traffic to our websites—mine features nudes, and Gene’s offers music. I didn’t pick money and sex as mediums just to stir the pot or get rich quick. Nope, I believe they’re powerful tools to shake up the system.
Now, I know some folks might get offended by what we’re doing—whether it’s the mix of names, nationalities, or our professions. But this message is for those who can see beyond that. We can’t beat fascism with more hate; only love and art give us hope. And we’re eager to share that with anyone who’s ready to accept it.
Here’s where things get fun: since August, I’ve been buying ads on FetLife. Imagine Facebook, but way more fun because you can put a dick on your avatar and list all your kinks. The crowd there? Open-minded, kind, and honestly some of the most interesting people around. These ads cost me $500 a month, which feels like a solid investment in reaching the right people.
Next up, I want to buy traffic from Ukrainian creators, offering them the same $500 for a month’s worth of mentions. All I ask in return is that they share links to my work or Gene’s, with some tracking I’ll provide. How do they do it? Totally up to them. The goal? Let’s build a bridge between English-speaking audiences and those in Ukraine or Russia who get what we’re saying in English. Because let’s be real, this isn’t just about Ukraine vs. Russia or any single conflict. The world’s more complex than that, and nothing is truly black and white.
And here’s the best part: I’ll be publishing monthly updates on how this traffic is working out. Expect the first update to drop after our big show at Berghain. It’s all about keeping things transparent, fun, and, most importantly, creating a space where love and art can thrive. I will explain more on the way.
*naked – for me means beforehand honesty and purity, sexual aspect of nakedness is secondary, although still extremely important. But staying true to myself comes first. So my naked thoughts come along with my naked body
**marketing – an art of informing on what is available for a consensual, usually, monetary exchange with accountable profit for all parties involved. Ideally with long term effects.
Why do I have to write all those catchy headlines like NAKED MARKETING?
Because it is the only way to find out who i really am (that I find acceptable in order to not loose myself in self promotion)
Nansea (ˈnænsi) is the musical moniker of Berlin-based musician Marek Polgesek. With their music, they create a queer indie/chamber pop sound that goes beyond the traditional singer-songwriter style, while paying tribute to gender nonconforming artists that inspire them. Their sound has been described as a ‘more whimsical Rufus Wainwright’ and reminiscent of Thom Yorke and Sufjan Stevens.
AntiShanti will help us maintain the kinky atmosphere, we’re hoping to find the right ropes to offer (in limited quantities) simple harnesses that you can wear overnight and keep the rope as a souvenir
Here is Shanti and an example of that harnesses she can make for the guests
Of course, we’re also preparing a shibari show, so come early to see it. Doors open at 7pm. For more details on the kinky side of the event, go to fetlife. Below is a gallery of what to expect from Shanti.
What is so special about the show?
For me, every show is a discovery of new forms of communication and establishing invisible connections that we build with the people who come to see it. Although I normally put a lot of effort into planning & creating a performance, it’s the unexpected that makes every show magical to me – every audience is different and I love forming a language that we all understand at each of my concerts.
Everyone who wants to have a few hours of freedom to be themselves, dance, compliment each other, get to know the queer culture in it’s essential and meet new friends.
What is ‘queer pop’?
Queer Pop, as we see it, is a sort of pop music that does not correspond to established ideas of mainstream pop. For Gene it’s a manifestation of creative freedom, where she is not afraid to mix genres without limitations. Ah, and such music is made by a queer artist, indeed.
This event is queer and hetero-friendly, welcoming everyone to celebrate together.
Why should you share it with a friend?
Because this is the only way for them to know about our event. We are not using traditional marketing. So yes, tell your friends about Bogolepov’s music and if they like it, come to the show together.
How to support:
Money for music: Buy a Mycelium subscription. Or choose one time donation.
Pay It Forward: Buy an extra ticket and let us give it to someone who needs it.
Kindness: Share this post or tell your friends about our show.
Both:Buy our sexy music and share it with friends! To get free tickets, email us. Know someone who’d love to come? Share this information with them.
What to expect from the event:
We aim to give you the party of a lifetime, without the hangover. Doors will open at 19:00. This post will be updated with more details, feel free to ask questions.
So dress kinky, slutty or come in your pajama. Our show is an audio-visual-sensual experience, featuring two concerts and immersive performances.
singles collection is now available on all streaming platforms (search for BOGOLEPOV)
Who we’re crafting this event for:
Sensitive individuals seeking intelligent experiences with mindful substance use. The bar will be open as usual, but we’ll have more alcohol-free options than usual.
We encourage a sober evening filled with dancing, singing, and kindness to each other. Enjoy the company of like-minded people and feel safe to be yourself – that’s what we like to get high on.
Everyone who buys a ticket or joins via Mycelium gets a link to join our networking chats.
Rewrite it, screenshot it, share the link, or tell your friends in an audio message. Anything help! Love sees no borders or absolutes, and we are stronger together.
We’re still giving free tickets to the show in Berlin to those who can’t afford them. For everyone else, please support our business model. Someone has to pay the bills!
Special guest:
LoboLoto
Synth Pop, Dark, Triphop, Transcendental Alice Lobo (Vocals, Synthesizers, Guitars, Keyboard) Vince Gagliardi (Drums, Percussion) Emerging from the shadows of an industrial urban landscape, LoboLoto is a hauntingly hypnotic band that seamlessly blends the pulsating rhythms of synth pop with the brooding intensity of dark wave, all while weaving in elements of transcendental mysticism. Formed in 2015 as a solo project of Alice Lobo, LoboLoto has just welcomed Vince Gagliardi to make the sounds even more defined and at the culmination of an experience on the edge of esotericism. Alice Lobo, the ethereal voice and primary lyricist of the group, channels the mysteries of the cosmos and the depths of human emotion through her haunting vocals bringing a unique blend of elegance and enigma to the band’s sound. Vince Gagliardi, also known for his projects Vū and The Nent, is a multi-instrumentalist and drummer who adds layers of rich melodies and dark, driving rhythms. His background in electronic music, combined with his penchant for complex arrangements, creates a sonic depth that is both immersive and expansive. LoboLoto’s music explores themes of existential longing, cosmic transcendence, and the eternal dance between light and darkness. Their last album, “Metamorphosis” released in January 2024, isa critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative fusion of genres and its deeply emotive resonance. Tracks like “Come Back To Life” and “Heaven” became anthems for those seeking solace in the night. Known for their visually stunning live performances, LoboLoto combines immersive light shows (when possible) with captivating stage presence, creating an otherworldly experience that transports audiences to a realm where time and space blur, and only the music remains. LoboLoto invites listeners to join them on a journey through the shadows, towards the light of self-discovery and cosmic connection.
This is technically our fourth moon together. If I wasn’t still convinced that we all need to learn more about co-existing with our addictions instead of dividing them into good and bad and derailing our healing process, I’d probably abandon the concept of the event. Especially after doing my own reality check by talking to and visiting a few organizers of different types of sobriety events.
It is not an easy task to learn how to party sober. I know. But I belive in us.
Btw here is a sober rave in Berlin on the 10th of August.
So today I’m posting my message of support and I intend to read it on video. Gene is preparing some musical surprises as usual. The lunar peak is over. Thanks to everyone who sent me love or requests for support. I’m glad we’re together through this.
Here is the link to the IG account dedicated to the event.
(CW) sober gathering with undressing options after 22pm
UPDATE SAT 22.06
Unfortunately, the weather is too wild and unpredictable today, so we’re giving you our support via personal messages.
Here’s the telegram link, if you need help today, write to us there, we’ll check it every hour.
For Mycelium members, my location may be revealed, but it seems today I’m moving around the city a lot.
The kinky agenda will be taken care of by Sil and me starting tomorrow.
UPDATE FRI 21.06
We decided to start with a picnic on the Tempelhofer feld, so we do not limit the capacity of participants. Please still let us know if you want to come via email, we will send you the pin. (The location will be automatically posted for Mycelium members).
We will start the gathering at 16:00. Please spread the word so everyone who is in need of such event can know and come.
Here is the update on the part about being sober, since I’ve received a lot of feedback from people who would like to moderate their consumption but can’t give it up completely.
Please share this with anyone who needs support to moderate their substance use or has mental health issues related to cruelty of capitalism.
Our sober gathering on Saturday is FREE and open to everyone.
We don’t require you to be absolutely clean.
We won’t shame you or judge. Won’t tell you how to live either. We will be just there to talk, hug, and listen to the music.
We just ask that you don’t use anything during the event and that you don’t encourage other participants to use any substance, including sugar and caffeine.
The live music from Bogolepov will happen in acoustic format at around 17:00.
After 22 there will be options to join me for the kinky event, use the same email to sing up.
no substances consumption during the meeting: water only, no smoking
event is free, donations will help a lot (online donations via mycelium)
MAIN MESSAGES
the world is broken, not us – how to fix it? we talk. that is a start already!
we are all different and thus we seek help & recover differently.
how to respect that? – i will ask the group each time what would they personally see as triggers.
what should we avoid doing or saying? so each live gathering might have additional rules according to sensitivities of the participants. please respect them.
how to respect our differences and triggers and still talk about addictions openly? please share your ideas or concerns with us viamoon@sicut-dico.com
chicken and egg, IN A NUTSHELL 😉
chicken & egg dilemma or vicious circle, name it as you like, but here it is:
the more pressure we feel – the more we crave escape – then we develop addictions and need to escape from them too. sometimes we just trade or substitute addictions. but do we really escape?
we try to ban drugs without understanding that our bodies are the most sophisticated drugs dispensers ever existed, we can’t ban nature. we need to understand and take control. everyone needs to find what makes them happy. sounds easy, yet reality is hard.
for many of us even basic formula of healthy living is hardly accessible. sensible nutrition and active lifestyle, essential for good mental health and for support of our self-love and self-confidence, become somewhat of a luxury. even the knowledge itself of some specifics of your body is a privilege, as it is only available to those who have access to medical services.
how to change it? how to survive it?
together it’s easier. and even though we might not have much money, but what we have is our community. for many rich people it’s an unknown luxury.
if you feel like it is somehow fucked up, you are right, it is. humanity is going into a dangerous direction.
Here is the event concept that I want to dedicate the whole next year to. And it’s not about entertainment. It’s about survival. It is basically a very sophisticated version of an AA support group without god or guilt.
Why addiction?
Because I am an addict. And most of us are.
But I am the lucky one. I learned how to survive and now want to support the ones who are a bit less lucky.
For whom?
For everyone who doesn’t fit
Artists, atheists, sex workers, everyone who has any kind of addiction issues and especially those who don’t find traditional support groups helpful for them.
The main goal is to put an end to the hopeless cycle of making money with money for money’s sake, but this is a long-term endeavor.
So we can start by supporting the most vulnerable ones: artists and addicts. Sometimes these groups intersect for whatever reason.
When and where?
Every full moon. Online. And offline from May.
Updated in May 2024, after receiving initial feedback. It seems that Berlin needs this type of event more than others.
24/04/2024
Full Moon Addiction I: Berlin
23/05/2024
Full Moon Addiction II Berlin
22/06/2024
Full Moon Addiction III ?
21/07/2024
Full Moon Addiction IV ?
19/08/2024
Full Moon Addiction V Berlin
If you have a location where you want to host us, reach out via moon@sicut-dico.com
Why?
In this world, everything has a price. But not everything can be bought with money. No, the world is not black and white. We’re all different. We’re more than two genders, more than good and bad, we’re becoming more complex by the minute.
We live in a world where equality is synonymous with helplessness. We are prisoners of a rudimentary knowledge of the world. We make children and adults addicted to their own dopamine on a massive scale, and it’s totally legal and called social media. Yet if they manage to smoke a herb that human beings have been using for thousands of years, we prosecute them and deny them a future.
And I’m not even talking about the responsibilities of the pharmaceutical and food industries on the scale of addictions and other health issues. I don’t want to make things look too dark too quickly. I hope we can learn together how to put an end to this mess. But there is a lot of work.
My artistic goal here is to build a community of people who agree that the most important things in life are not things. At least, not material things.
My personal goal is to control my addiction to tobacco and replace it with the euphoria of helping people be themselves.
What?
Donation based tickets will be available 3 weeks before (pay what you can). One week before prices for tickets go up for the first time. Then we are rising prices on the day of the event again. It’s still capitalism, sorry. At least this way certain amount of tickets will be available for lower prices.
Support group will be available for everyone registered. For free online. Donation based offline.
We will offer separate tickets or a bundle. Yearly pass option should be available too. Online and offline. Hopefully this way some parts of the event will finance the other.
How?
To be notified when tickets are available for the next event, send us an email at moon@sicut-dico.com. And don’t hesitate to share your story with us.
It is a full day event starting at 12 midday and ending in 10-12 hrs, consisting of 5 blocks:
AUCTION / AWARD / SUPPORT / REALITY CHECK / HEALING
The auction consists of exhibiting and selling a series of works of art. The event will start with the intro of the artworks. The auction itself will take place at the very end of the event.
Award is actually about humor. I’d like to invite stand up comedians to take part in the event and make it less dramatic. (In April, the prize goes to Germany for legalizing pot and to the police in general. They win a chance to laugh and accept reality together. Also a bit of gratitude. But not all of them. I will explain this personally.) I also invite journalists and politicians to join public debates on the topics. But for the first event I just imagined a 40-50 minutes comedy show with my moderation. My guess here is that we might not be ready to talk about certain things seriously until we get to laugh about them. It’s a theory to test.
Support consists of inviting all sorts of addicts that don’t fit in other groups, as well as the people who live or work with them, to an honest conversation. Without judgment, but with a consensual exchange of views, feelings and positions. I’ll share part of my story, invite people to share theirs or ask me questions. I went to a number of support groups over the last few years. Some specialized on alcohol, some treating all addictions as sicknesses. Most of them made me feel guilty. Or broken. Yes I could see people there who seemed to be even more broken. Here is my short story.
I stopped drinking in 2018. Since 2022 I almost live without suicidal thoughts and panic attacks. I regularly support other people with similar issues. I eat and exercise. My health is finally okay and getting better. I work on multiple projects. But I smoke weed. Now I am planning to give up tobacco btw. It bothers me. But I don’t want to give up weed. I don’t smoke every day. Weed is the only drug that doesn’t make me feel like having more and more of it. I can moderate it. It is still an addiction. No plan to argue with that.
Should I feel broken though? I don’t think so. Moderation is the key. This is what I learned so far about addictions – it is so much easier to control them if we face them, call them by their names, don’t judge or punish, but understand why they form. At this point I simply want to share what helps me. And perhaps offer other people to tell their stories.
Reality checks will happen for each their own. I intend to talk about issues surrounding substances and addictions.
If it comes to my personal routine. I won’t be smoking anything the week leading up to the event. So I can have some sober experience to live through every time and be able to support others.
I do not want to promote smoking weed. But I also don’t want to hide if I do so. I think we should simply look for new ways of dealing with addictions. That I can’t imagine happening without dialogue.
I would also like to talk about the absurdity of testing strategies used now. Example. If I smoke a lot of THC weed at some point and then stop, get tested a few weeks after, the tests that are used right now most likely will not help me to prove that I didn’t smoke those weeks before. And the general issue of the misperception of good and bad drugs in our society. Or tolerance issues. The hypocrisy we foster out of ignorance will cost us dearly.
This part is for the good of future generations of sensitive people like me. We should learn how to not create addicts. Instead of stigmatizing some. Or rewarding others. In the long term I would also like to invite doctors to a discussion and those who can respect my sensitivity could actually examine me, and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge and experience with them.
photo by sashaperova.com
The healing session will be led by Gene Bogolepov. She has prepared an intense and sensual 30-minute audiovisual experience. I guess here I wonder if I can have issues with calling a musical performance a healing session. I honestly believe that art can heal. But we are not promising miracles either. The world is broken, not us.
Closing of the auction will also be streamed online.
How much?
free or donation based for support seekers, tickets to the show via mail list, mycelium members – free
All proceeds from the event above expenses will be donated to Ukraine.
As an artist, I’m generally interested in exploring the theme of sex and politics in the same room. I believe it’s still possible not to spoil the party atmosphere, but also to educate and raise awareness while offering new experiences. Please note that I don’t exist solely for entertainment.
However, as an artist eager to be commercially profitable, I fully understand the need for entertaining activities. So here’s a brief list of possibilities for an interactive waxplay station and shows. My work can be a fast, deep experience that captures all attention for a short time – that’s a package with bogolepov. Alone, I can do all-night performances in a few acts that have different levels of audience interaction.
As an anti-capitalist, I want to make it clear that I’m open to non-profit work in support of righteous ideas and needs, yet the more commercial the event agenda, the less likely I am to be cheap.
One sub performance
This is a great way to get the party started. I can finish setting up my human candlestick in front of the audience, then perform the tests or play with my victim. I usually use the steak thermometer with a needle, and sometimes offer to have the guests help me. Sometimes I ask the victim to hold the thermometer and shout out the number. It all depends on what you want from the show. The softer versions are more elegant. But I can also do more edgy things. It’s important to understand the audience’s expectations.
Interactive Station
A station is a place to experiment with different melting-temperature candles, compare them, and learn how to use them safely. When interacting with guests, I personally guide them on how to use the candles, offering safe methods for experimentation or even a quick session. I have several approaches to presenting waxplay and typically choose the one that feels most fitting in the moment while speaking with someone.
For larger events, I can bring in trained assistants to handle one or two specific scenarios, ensuring more guests can participate while maintaining safety and quality experiences.
Performances with a group of subs
I can work on a stage or immerse my show in the venue. 20 years’ experience in event production allows me to guarantee to do the best with what’s available. The more people involved, the more time I need to prepare though. Or more money.
Waxing myself
You can look at the photos of my products in the waxplay store to get an idea of what I can do. Yes, I can do it in front of an audience (if the audience is safe). I can also talk to people while I’m doing it. Politics or sex? Both, of course. Again, the level of weirdness can vary: I can be dressed up and wax my feet or… use your imagination depending on your budget.
Immersive performance with sound and video effects
with Gene, we offer shadow theater performances, sexual healing dance sets and custom installations with other creatives. To find out more about Gene, click here
This was originally a summary of a recent conversation with a party organizer. I’ve decided that you all have the right to know what kind of shows I can do. Don’t forget to read the “how to buy me” article if you want to book me.
