Industry Interviews

Part DJ/producer, part musician, part visual technician—and 100% artist. We sat down with Ian Phillips, aka Drawbird, to dive into the world of immersive and experimental dance music experiences. From crafting intricate productions to designing mesmerizing visuals, Ian shares his creative process and approach to building a truly captivating journey for the senses. His energy is contagious, his pas...

Part DJ/producer, part musician, part visual technician—and 100% artist. We sat down with Ian Phillips, aka Drawbird, to dive into the world of immersive and experimental dance music experiences. From crafting intricate productions to designing mesmerizing visuals, Ian shares his creative process and approach to building a truly captivating journey for the senses. His energy is contagious, his pas...

Darren Monroe, aka Pappa T, has been a pivotal figure in Seattle's House Music scene since the beginning. With a love for the vibrant sounds of West Coast House Music, Pappa has worked tirelessly to bring that energy to Seattle. From hosting a "who's who" of legendary House DJs to curating some of the city's most iconic House-centric events, his influence is undeniable. As both a seasoned promoter...

Darren Monroe, aka Pappa T, has been a pivotal figure in Seattle's House Music scene since the beginning. With a love for the vibrant sounds of West Coast House Music, Pappa has worked tirelessly to bring that energy to Seattle. From hosting a "who's who" of legendary House DJs to curating some of the city's most iconic House-centric events, his influence is undeniable. As both a seasoned promoter...

If you've been to a rave or underground event in the last 25 years, chances are you've crossed paths with Happy Hardcore phenom Annika Anderson (aka DJ Jimni Cricket). A true artist in every sense, we dive deep into her world—exploring her radio show, Twitch streams, hardcore sub-genres, trash collection, puppetry, and the complex politics of the music industry. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/...

If you've been to a rave or underground event in the last 25 years, chances are you've crossed paths with Happy Hardcore phenom Annika Anderson (aka DJ Jimni Cricket). A true artist in every sense, we dive deep into her world—exploring her radio show, Twitch streams, hardcore sub-genres, trash collection, puppetry, and the complex politics of the music industry.  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be...

It all began in 2018 with an unexpected phone call to collaborate from 5,000 miles away. Sen-Sei, an iconic keyboardist and producer deeply embedded in the West Coast House Music scene, reached out to Col Lawton, an ex-professional footballer, seasoned UK DJ, and radio show host who was early in his production journey. Fast forward to 2024, and their collective output has been nothing short of phe...

It all began in 2018 with an unexpected phone call to collaborate from 5,000 miles away. Sen-Sei, an iconic keyboardist and producer deeply embedded in the West Coast House Music scene, reached out to Col Lawton, an ex-professional footballer, seasoned UK DJ, and radio show host who was early in his production journey. Fast forward to 2024, and their collective output has been nothing short of phe...

Christine Michelle was immersed in music from an early age. Raised by her mother, a professional pianist and composer, Christine played viola and sang in choirs before discovering Seattle's burgeoning rave scene in the '90s. Her passion for electronic music and dancing was crystallized at legendary events like Freak Night and Nocturnal Wonderland, and at iconic venues such as Vinylized, NFT, DV8,...

Christine Michelle was immersed in music from an early age. Raised by her mother, a professional pianist and composer, Christine played viola and sang in choirs before discovering Seattle's burgeoning rave scene in the '90s. Her passion for electronic music and dancing was crystallized at legendary events like Freak Night and Nocturnal Wonderland, and at iconic venues such as Vinylized, NFT, DV8,...

From the South Side of Chicago to Seattle, to San Francisco, and back again, Chris Offutt (aka Black Velveteen) is a pillar of Seattle’s dance music scene, navigating crews and projects with humble ease. She has contributed to and drawn inspiration from SF Pride, Burning Man, various radio shows, and a host of local, regional, and national events. Now, as label owner of Sage Rites, she is finding...

From the South Side of Chicago to Seattle, to San Francisco, and back again, Chris Offutt (aka Black Velveteen) is a pillar of Seattle’s dance music scene, navigating crews and projects with humble ease. She has contributed to and drawn inspiration from SF Pride, Burning Man, various radio shows, and a host of local, regional, and national events. Now, as label owner of Sage Rites, she is finding...

After experiencing individual success in the '90s and 2000s as solo DJ/producers, Josh Quest and AJ Sorbello initially joined forces as the production team 'HeatSeakers' in 2010. However, as life's responsibilities grew, maintaining a consistent production schedule became increasingly challenging, leading HeatSeekers to part ways in 2012. Nevertheless, the inspiration persisted, and both continued...

After experiencing individual success in the '90s and 2000s as solo DJ/producers, Josh Quest and AJ Sorbello initially joined forces as the production team 'HeatSeakers' in 2010. However, as life's responsibilities grew, maintaining a consistent production schedule became increasingly challenging, leading HeatSeekers to part ways in 2012. Nevertheless, the inspiration persisted, and both continued...

Ramiro Gutierrez, the visionary founder and President of Uniting Souls Music, the iconic event production company and record label. From his culturally rich upbringing in Nicaragua, to his teenage immersion in New Orleans' punk scene, and his subsequent journey to San Francisco during the golden era of rave and dance culture, Ramiro's story is both inspirational and distinctive. With a portfolio b...

Ramiro Gutierrez, the visionary founder and President of Uniting Souls Music, the iconic event production company and record label. From his culturally rich upbringing in Nicaragua, to his teenage immersion in New Orleans' punk scene, and his subsequent journey to San Francisco during the golden era of rave and dance culture, Ramiro's story is both inspirational and distinctive. With a portfolio b...

Jeremy Linden, aka Mr. Linden joins us in the hot seat. We discuss what initially got him excited about dance music and delve into his current projects, both as a DJ and a producer. We also get into a slightly spicy conversation about the Seattle dance music scene and where there could be improvements (e.g., sound systems, politics, cliques, poor event execution). We spend some time discussing Jer...

Jeremy Linden, aka Mr. Linden joins us in the hot seat. We discuss what initially got him excited about dance music and delve into his current projects, both as a DJ and a producer. We also get into a slightly spicy conversation about the Seattle dance music scene and where there could be improvements (e.g., sound systems, politics, cliques, poor event execution). We spend some time discussing Jer...

DJ Trent Von, one of our personal DJ heroes. As a DJ veteran for more than 40 years, Trent shares his undeniable passion for gear, the music and the art of making people dance. Stick around for Trent's DJ set as he drops an absolute banger of a retro-inspired mix that only someone at his level could pull off. You can watch this interview on our YouTube channel where you will also get to enjoy an e...

DJ Trent Von, one of our personal DJ heroes. As a DJ veteran  for more than 40 years, Trent shares his undeniable passion for gear, the music and the art of making people dance. Stick around for Trent's DJ set as he drops an absolute banger of a retro-inspired mix that only someone at his level could pull off. You can watch this interview on our YouTube channel where you will also get to enjoy an...

Beyond an award winning DJ, Harmony is the Music Director and Assistant Program Manager for C89.5, the longest running dance music radio station in the US. Harmony first got involved with C89.5 as a student at Nathan Hill High School. 20 years later, alongside her talented team, she's driving the direction of the station, mentoring the next generation of radio DJs, and inspiring dance music lovers...

Beyond an award winning DJ, Harmony is the Music Director and Assistant Program Manager for C89.5, the longest running dance music radio station in the US. Harmony first got involved with C89.5 as a student at Nathan Hill High School. 20 years later, alongside her talented team, she's driving the direction of the station, mentoring the next generation of radio DJs, and inspiring dance music lovers...

In our first episode of Season 2, we sit down with Alfonso Tan. His humility and positivity shine through as he shares his story and how his unique life circumstances led him to dance music, first as a fan and then as a sought after DJ producer. Make sure you hang until the end where Alfonso shares his thoughts on how to progress as an individual artist while still supporting other artists and the...

In our first episode of Season 2, we sit down with Alfonso Tan. His humility and positivity shine through as he shares his story and how his unique life circumstances led him to dance music, first as a fan and then as a sought after DJ producer. Make sure you hang until the end where Alfonso shares his thoughts on how to progress as an individual artist while still supporting other artists and the...

Matthew Geoks aka DJ Matt G, from his early rave days in Tacoma to his military service, Matt's story is a unique one to say the least. Never losing his love for DJing and dance music, Matt's re-entry after his time overseas had its early challenges, but his perseverance has made him a notable personality and performer in the local scene.