Ivan Shapovalov

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Ivan Nikolayevich Shapovalov (Cyrillic: Иван Николаевич Шаповалов) is a musical producer based out of Moscow, Russia. He is best known for being the founder, and former executive producer/manager for t.A.T.u.

[edit] Early life and career

Shapovalov was born on May 28, 1966 in Kotovo, Russia (near Volgograd). He was born to an artist father, Nikolay Aleksandrovich and physics teacher mother Nadezhda Richardovna. He was inspired by with his mother to attend a physics school.

In 1988, Shapovalov graduated from Saratov Medical Institute, for Child psychology. In Balakovo, he opened a private practice. From 1992 - 1999 he was a marketing director and advertising director. He created many commercials in Russia. During this time, he met Alexander Voitinskyi. During this time he also created a commercial for the computer company R&K, co-founded by Boris Renski, who he soon became friends with as well. He has also been part of a winning campaign team for a Russian senator.

[edit] Production career

In 1999, Shapovalov with Voitinskyi, Renski and then-lover Elena Kiper, created t.A.T.u., where most of Shapovalov's success would come from. During the project, Shapovalov eventually had a falling out with both Voitinskyi and Kiper. Ivan led the girls to stardom as their producer, with a controversial image, and producer of the production company Neformat, which he and Renski formed.

In 2003, Shapovalov formed the project Podnebesnaya to develop his producing skills. He ended up working with many artists, and becoming the producer of 7B and n.A.T.o.. Ivan is also friends with the TEMA girls, and has been cited on being their producer, however, he is not.

However, in 2004, the t.A.T.u. decided to break off from Shapovalov (and Neformat) and continue alone. t.A.T.u. was soon re-signed to Universal Music, appointing Boris Renski as their head producer.

Late August 2006, Ivan Shapovalov released a song titled "Я не людоед" (Ya Ne Lyudoed; I'm Not a Cannibal), featuring his friend, and Podnebesnaya co-star, Helya.

He is a co-owner of the commercial mp3 download site Mp3search.ru.