12/24/2025
I'd like to personally thank everyone that came out this past Sunday to the Silly Goose show at Atomic. In the numerous shows we've done here at Beyond FM, that show was the first show that sold out. It was truly an amazing feeling finally accomplishing that feat, as well the show being an energy-filled rager full of amazing bands.
I've contemplated several different ways to make this announcement, as it's not an easy one to make by any means...but here goes. This is a long read, so pull up a chair and get comfortable.
I have decided to step away from Beyond FM.
For 21 years, I spent my time in the US Air Force doing a job that I didn't really enjoy. I stayed in to not only provide a stable income for me and my family, but also for the end goal of retirement. Having a pension to set back on will also guarantee a stable income, no matter what choices I make in my life as a civilian.
I was lucky enough back in early 2022 to be a part of hosting the Verve Pipe in Belleville, IL. Having all access from start to finish of the show, helping the band load in, and making sure their needs were met was a great experience - one I've always wondered was like at the hundreds of concerts I'd been to in my lifetime. I knew after that night....THIS is what I wanted to do - promote and host shows.
After several ignored emails and social media messages to any venue or promoter in the St Louis area, I decided the only way I was going to be able to do this was to do it on my own. It was becoming evident that nobody was willing to let me learn the business or be a part of something bigger than myself.
In the search for a way to get my dream started, I came across this internet radio station called Beyond FM. I would listen to this station daily for hours, writing down the names and song titles of the bands I'd been hearing and enjoying. I even went as far as classifying them into genres on my scratch paper. I used the station as a tool to start building my own shows.
Fast forward a couple months and I went to my first local St Louis show at Red Flag to see a bill of bands that I was interested in booking. I figured the best way to talk to these bands would be to do it in person. During that show I ran into a couple guys, one of which was wearing a Beyond FM shirt. That guy would end up being Tony Willingham, the creator of the station.
I explained to Tony what it is that I was wanting to do, and that I had a handful of shows already booked. I told him that I had been looking for anyone in the St Louis area to help me join their team and put on great shows and had been ignored. Now I'm sure he was a bit hesitant at some random guy with a bunch of ideas being throw at him wanting to join the team he'd created. Luckily I had made a positive impression on other team members at Beyond FM, as well as some local band members. They all vouched for me and Tony agreed to let me join the radio station.
Ever since that moment, I busted my ass and spent a lot of my own hard-earned cash, and hours upon hours of my free time to give the local scene what they weren't getting from our corporate radio station or the bigger venues in town - attention and promotion. It didn't matter who you were, I was going to put you on a show and try to help spread the word about your band.
In the 3.5 years I was a part of Beyond FM, I've brought numerous touring acts to pair with our locals. I've even gotten to host and interview (twice) one of my adolescent crushes from the 90's rock scene - Louise Post. I've even been able to host a lot of 90's rock bands that I'm huge fans of like Local H and (hed) PE. Not to mention all of the new up and coming indie artists in the rock, country, and pop punk scenes. Every show I put on, I was a fan of the bands on the bill.
I have loved being welcomed into the local STL music scene. I've met a lot of amazing people, seen a lot of amazing bands, and gotten shows into places where a no-name promoter on my level shouldn't have gotten into. But I did it all for the love of music, and the love of the local scene. I did things for the local scene that most promoters weren't doing. Every show I've ever done always had local openers in mind...not adding them last-minute to help move some tickets. There were a lot of people telling me I was wasting my time with the local scene, but I wouldn't listen. I was determined to be the guy that turned that idea around.
To all the local bands with whom I've befriended, thanks for all the support. I've loved all the messages and chats we've had in person over the years. To the venue owners who've given me a chance and helped me learn this business - I'll never be able to thank you enough. There's a lot I've learned, and that still isn't all there is to know yet.
And the biggest thanks goes to Tony Willingham. You took a chance on a random guy, and I hope I made you proud. I did my best to put Beyond FM on the map not only as a radio station dedicated to the local scene, but also as a promoter to help bring bigger talent to St Louis with the Beyond FM name behind it. I will never take for granted the "hands off" approach you've given me and the free reign to run with the Beyond FM name as if it were my own as well. I wish you and the team nothing but well wishes in the future. The local scene needs a platform for exposure, and I hope you keep doing what you do.
I finally got to experience a job that I loved to do - even at its most frustrating points. I took a chance and I'm glad I did. I know now what it's like to do a job where you love what you do. It was great being a part of this team here at Beyond FM. I truly loved meeting and experiencing the local musicians in this city. Good luck in all your endeavors. I'll still be out there rooting you all on.
- Rusty
