06/12/2025
Today is my last day as label manager of . My closest friends have known that working in EDM has been my dream since 2012 (pic is of me DJing my first event at one of Cornell’s university halls)
In 2019, , the artist I looked up to most, took a chance on me, a raver and melodic bass super fan - to oversee his record label (I wore a suit to an EDM job interview, which I learned afterwards was highly unnecessary)
I got to know and work with the artists that me and my rave fam would spend our paychecks to see at shows and festivals. I stood behind them walking the line between being the label/business guy and deeply wanting to respect and help bring each artist’s creative vision to life. This relationship between commerce and art made me question my place in the industry multiple times and still does today.
But what drew me to Ophelia and this group of artists is how bravely they stand by their art, their pursuit of art in a wildly uncertain creative industry and letting their work speak for itself. I learned a bit about the common struggles that artists go through but nothing even comes CLOSE to committing towards being a full time artist oneself.
And for over a decade, has been my compass for how to best navigate this insane industry. His committment to the craft, constant reinvention, emphasis on community and artistic identity were all reminders of what drew me to dance music in the first place 🦁
After 6 years in the role, it feels right for someone new to take on this challenge and I’m confident that my partner in crime will do it justice. I’m insanely proud of what the whole team has built together and thankful for everyone I’ve worked and headbanged with in what still feels like a dream
Taking some time off before deciding what feels right career wise but I’ll never stray too far away from the scene that gave me a sense of home and identity. Thanks to everyone who made the years fly by and see you at the next show 🤟
