This post was originally published to my Facebook page on December 30th, 2024 with a Reel. Here is the content of that post, published here in case I ever get Zucked.
It’s that time of year again. Time to recount all the things that have happened and thank those who have offered a helping hand as well as those who were just simply pleasant. Let’s roll out.
First and foremost, Christy, my wife and life partner. How you put up with all of this is beyond me. I love you babe. And of course, my children, my main motivation to get out of bed in the morning. I love you both and I’m proud of you both.
My family – Valerie Russell, dad, Tara Nash, Juliana Walters, Brad, and Benton Russell. You are all my support pillars and most, if not all, of this wouldn’t be possible without you. I love you all to the moon and back.
My extended family – you know who you are. I love you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done to support me. It does not go un-noticed. You will al get a personal thanks from me as soon as I see you again.
Eliah – always there. Reliable. Trustworthy. And a damn good best friend. I love you man. You helped me get through last year and I can’t thank you enough.
My clients, my customers, and my employers – the people who literally give me money to do things for them. Without you, none of this happens. Thank you so much for your trust and your patronage.
My fans – Oh my God, I actually have fans. If there was anything that made this journey “real” to me, it was the realization that I actually have fans who are attracted to my artistry. And that is fucking cool. I love my fans. Every single one of them. Thank you all so much. I will do my best to keep you entertained in 2025 and beyond!
The Atlantic Progression resident DJs, guest DJs, and fans – Thank you all for being there for me. I love AP and I love all of you. I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for us. And I am excited to be there with you. Phil Etherington (Mindshower), thank you for being a best friend and a great business partner. Dean Savage, I look up to you more than you know. Thank you for being a level headed and professional role model for me. And Paul Melton, thank you for being flexible with us and adapting to our crazy way of doing things and for taking the lead on marketing for AP. Much appreciated!
Massive thanks goes out to Brian Swacina, Mary Howard, The Gem, and Bee’s Knees Pub & Catering Co. for everything they have done. Without them, our community would be without a major and important ally. These people, this venue, and this restaurant are pillars of our underground community and they deserve all the love and business they can get. We owe it to them to keep them busy and successful. Because if they are, we are. The Gem is my second home. It is my club. Good people.
Tobi Savage, Hazel, and the Raverholics Radio team – you all are legendary. Such a good group of international DJs of whom I’ve made many great friends. I got my online streaming start with Raverholics. I am a Raverholics fan forever. Tobi has been such an instrumental part of my journey and it has been my personal honor to have been able to work professionally with him for almost 4 years now. Thank you so much, man.
Brian Tracy Arts. Our scene has a professional shine that few local scenes can achieve because of this man. His images have helped our local DJs present a polished and refined branding quality that other DJs pay thousands to get. And Brian is doing this simply because he enjoys it. This man is a LEGEND and will always have my deepest of respect. THANK YOU SO MUCH for making a bunch of misfits look so good.
Tammie Dyal and Erik Dyal – these two beautiful human beings have integrated themselves firmly into our great community. They have lent a helping hand when asked and are always volunteering their services. They are always upbeat and full of the vibe that drives us. I always love seeing their smiling faces at the many shows in and around IF. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of the community!
Cameron Heward (Dj Zenny)- thank you for bringing EDM night out into the mainstream in our community. You have inspired me to embrace more of a promoter role and I thank you for allowing my old ass into your world.
Ish Martinez (Braindeadd)- dude. You are an absolute unit in the community. Thank you so much for everything you contribute to the scene.
Kenny Smith (KNNY)- one of my first OG friends in the EDM scene here. Thank you for allowing us to use your super nice gear and thank you for always volunteering to help set up, tear down, and generally provide valuable help for everything we do. Glad you’re my friend!
Ian (PABLO) – I am so glad I got to get to know you better. I relate to you probably closer than I do with any of the other DJs here in town. And I think that’s why I was instantly attracted to the idea partying with you deep in the forest. To do forest things. Thanks for being you, dude!
Jose (RapzL) – you already know what I think about you. No need for me to get all weird here. I love ya, my man. Can’t wait to party with you again!
Jonny Nichols (Vacant Gate) – I absolutely love the “don’t give AF” rebel that you are. You have shown me that the EDM community can 100% coexist with the broader musical community in Idaho Falls and throw some excellent parties with one another. I recognize you and respect you as a bridge between generations and genres, one who makes sure people are taken care of and entertained, regardless of background. You know respect is both given and earned. We need more of you in this community.
Thomas Clark (T-Engine) and Trevor Poulsen (Psyche) – Both of you impress me in different, yet, profound ways. You both have well defined styles and sounds, something even the more experienced and veteran DJs struggle with. I believe that you both will do amazing things in the scene. Some of the very best sets I have ever seen at The Gem have been performed by both of you.
Mckenzie Graves and Graves Entertainment – thank you for all of your support! You are the perfect stewards for Twin Falls’ EDM scene and I am so excited to be partying both on and off the stage with you in 2025. I can promise that great things await for our future projects together.
Weird Science – Austynn Coxe and Daveed Reyes are who I look up to the very most in the local scene. They are the prime example of what you need to do to see good shit happen. I have put their advice to work for my own goals. Trust me, you should too if you take your craft seriously. I can’t thank them enough for keeping the fire lit under me.
Partnerz in Grime – Logan Blakeslee and Jake Clark, you both are my second most looked up to artists in the local scene. Only reason Weird Science is number 1 is because Austin is a better French kisser than you . Y’all are too sloppy. But for real, I have been in awe of y’all’s continued success and I can absolutely see the both of you doing some great things in the near future. PIG is an absolute good ass time, every time. Can’t wait for another renegade with y’all. Thanks for a great 2024!
My new local house music buddies – N.S.Z, Nino Lebon, Darqness, Sensei The Beast – thank you for putting your trust into me and joining me on my mission to bring an underground house music renaissance to east Idaho. We’re gonna do some good things in 2025 and beyond.
The Broken Brain Productions Crew – Dalt Hawkins (Dalteddubsicle), Trevor Williams (Soundwave Samurai), and Daze Wubzowski (Tryvmph), THANK YOU SO MUCH for inviting me into your slice of south east Idaho and introducing me to your scene. You have all been so accommodating, friendly, and accepting and I cannot WAIT to be able to party with you all again. Your crew exemplifies underground.
Chesbro Music Company – thank you so very much for your generous support for my charity event in November. I was able to pay my DJs with that cash and that means a LOT to our local musical talent. That was indeed a Merry Christmas.
There are so many other people whom I want to thank for being an influential part of my DJ journey last year. However, it would take me forever to get through the list. I promise you that I love and value your support and friendship regardless of whether or not I tag you in this post.