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Meet LA’s New Star of Nightlife, Alexander Ghislain, Director of Raspoutine LA

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Big Time Daily recently had the chance to sit down with star Paris nightlife director Alexander Ghislain to discuss the LA launch of his famous club Raspoutine, how Alexander plans to shake up LA nightlife, and the imminent debut of his very own new vodka line COMETE 1811.

Raspoutine is known for its Parisian charm. How did you transmute this regal ambiance to the LA market?

I tried to find the perfect location for Raspoutine (volume, capacity, history) in the best area of LA, which, in my opinion, is West Hollywood. After securing our location, I duplicated the exact design and décor as the original Raspoutine in Paris to give our West Hollywood location the same charm and warmth.

You have managed several exclusive establishments over the years. What do you believe is the key to maintaining “hot spot” status in major cities like LA?

In LA, like everywhere else, “the door” is the key to success — the art of being able to make the right clientele selection. There is a paradox in the night life industry: to have the best ambiance, you must have different types of people — age, appearance, sex, social class, and so on. But at the same time, it’s important to know who should sit next to whom. You want to create an environment where everyone meshes perfectly together.

You secured an impeccable location for the Los Angeles branch — 8623 Melrose Avenue, a place better known as having received the first liquor license in Los Angeles in 1919, before transforming itself into a speakeasy just a few months later. How did you acquire this location? Was it on your radar for a while?

I visited this location a few years ago and knew it was the right spot. I wasn’t sure about the size of the venue at first, as it was a bit smaller than Raspoutine Paris; however, I wanted the LA location to be really private, so after some time I realized it was perfect, and went for it!

What’s next for Raspoutine? Do you plan on opening more locations?

I’ve been looking for new locations in London and New York, but it’s not easy to find venues that meet all the requirements. If it’s not perfect for Raspoutine, I am not doing it. I’d rather keep looking for a better place. Possibly a location in Vegas too… stay tuned!

What’s next for Alexander Ghislain? Any new projects?

I hope to continue developing the Raspoutine brand — a brand that has been going strong since its birth in 1965 in Paris. Aside from my continuing efforts of developing restaurants, bars, and nightclub concepts, I will be launching my own super premium vodka brand, COMETE 1811 very shortly.

The idea of Bigtime Daily landed this engineer cum journalist from a multi-national company to the digital avenue. Matthew brought life to this idea and rendered all that was necessary to create an interactive and attractive platform for the readers. Apart from managing the platform, he also contributes his expertise in business niche.

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Entertainment

MiG Arogan: The Haitian Powerhouse Behind the Spiritual Anthem “Moon Under Me”

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MiG Arogan has firmly established himself as a commanding force in the music industry, bringing the weight and depth of Haitian culture and spirituality into the spotlight with his powerful track “Moon Under Me.” This song is not simply a musical creation; it is a bold spiritual declaration and a vivid expression of ancestral strength rooted in Haitian Vodou tradition.

Hailing from Haiti, MiG Arogan combines contemporary rap energy with rich cultural symbolism, carving a unique space where music meets ritual. “Moon Under Me” stands as a testament to this fusion, drawing deeply from the Vodou pantheon of Lwa (spirits) to convey protection, power, and fearlessness.

The song’s hook centers around the presence of Mama performing the sacred work “with the moon under me,” a metaphor for hidden spiritual forces guiding and empowering the artist. Papa Legba, the revered gatekeeper of the spiritual crossroads, “opens doors I don’t see,” symbolizing MiG’s access to realms and protections invisible to others. This connection to Legba asserts a profound control over paths both physical and metaphysical.

Further spiritual guardians emerge in the lyrics: Kalfou, the fierce spirit of crossroads and chaos, “waiting at the edge with heat,” ready to defend or attack; Baron Samedi and Baron Kriminel, powerful death spirits who “laugh when your blood hit street,” representing MiG’s untouchable status backed by forces of life and death. These spirits signal that crossing MiG Arogan or disrespecting his heritage comes with grave consequences.

The song also invokes Erzuli, embodying love, beauty, and pride, along with Simbi, the wise serpent spirit guiding MiG’s style and movement. Ogou, the warrior spirit, tests and arms him, while Damballa offers calm wisdom and balance. The mention of Granne Brigitte, the fierce protector, and the other spirits completes a powerful spiritual armor surrounding the artist.

“Moon Under Me” goes beyond conventional music; MiG Arogan describes himself as “no rapper, I’m a ritual in boots,” emphasizing the song’s ceremonial and mystical weight. The imagery of candles, chants, incense, and spirits evokes authentic Vodou ceremonies that infuse the track with genuine ancestral energy.

By weaving these sacred names and symbols into his lyrics, MiG Arogan not only asserts his own power but elevates Haitian Vodou from misunderstood superstition to a living, respected tradition. His message is clear: “Play with Haitians — that’s the wrong belief.” It’s a warning and a proclamation — the strength of his roots and spiritual backing make him untouchable, commanding respect from all who hear his voice.

With “Moon Under Me,” MiG Arogan asserts a profound cultural and spiritual identity. His music becomes a vessel for ancestral power, a declaration that the Haitian spirit is fierce, unbreakable, and very much alive in him. This song stands as an anthem for strength, heritage, and the unstoppable force that MiG Arogan represents in today’s music and culture landscape.

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