John Fransella believes Steamboat Springs is approaching a tipping point. He believes the city’s entertainment lineup lacks the demand for electronic dance music in Steamboat Springs, but sees plenty of reasons to think things are changing.
“There’s kind of a new generation of promoters and creatives in less accessible environments who want to put their stuff out there,” Fransella said. “So, it’s the cause of all the little parties and I think that’s what happened here in Steamboat.”
There will be three EDM shindigs within a six-block radius of downtown Steamboat Springs on Friday, February 17, at Old Town Pub, Schmiggity’s and Trail’s End.
Fransella himself will spin Trail’s End under the moniker TEAK, named after his favorite type of wood. He recently founded Feels Right, an events production company and record label that hosts the event. His vision is to formalize Steamboat’s EDM scene, which he says is currently in its early stages.
“Now these are one-off parties, which are amazing,” Fransella said. “But I think there could be something bigger.”
He says EDM is different from other genres because of how much extra production and artistry — whether it’s laser lights or TV screens — is needed to create an authentic EDM experience.
“I wanted to do something where you’re there for the action, but you’re also there for the activity, the general vibe and the other people there,” Fransella said. “So, somewhere that just allows people to separate.”
Feels Right/Courtesy photo
Fransella recently retired from a career in graphic design, branding and organizational design. His career has always been close to music, but he’s excited to dive into a business where he can work directly with music and other musicians.
One of the first DJs in town that he collaborated with was Whoski, who Fransella described as one of the most recognized local DJs in Steamboat. Although Fransella grew up in Miami and Whoski grew up in Chicago, they share similar musical timelines and experience the same scenes.
“So there’s a little shorthand there,” Fransella said. “I think there’s a natural ease between us.”
While Steamboat has many local DJs, Fransella said it can be difficult to book talent from outside the area, saying it’s difficult for promoters to recoup travel expenses, but he believes the development a consistent local EDM scene can attract talent from all over.
The Feels Right Dance Party starts at 8pm on Friday and will be headlined by Antoinette Van Dewark, a DJ from Los Angeles, California. Bastion, TEAK and Whoski are the opening acts. Fransella said the performers lean towards the “house” genre of EDM, which emphasizes repetitive vibe-inducing beats, and “tech-house” which combines house and techno stylings.
Meanwhile, Old Town Pub will host Labrat and Elevated Mind, G-ON and Rg3 starting at 9:30 pm on Friday. Also starting at 9:30, Schmiggity’s will be appearing on Poldoore and Late Night Radio. All three shows are expected to be delayed.
To reach Spencer Powell, call 970-871-4229 or email him at spowell@SteamboatPilot.com
