1. Can you tell us where you are from and how you first got introduced to EDM?
Austin – My name is Austin Childers, I am from the Carrollwood (Tampa), FL area, and I first got introduced to the EDM genre in 2010. My cousin, Gabe Glantz aka DJ Mr. Saturn, was a resident DJ at one of the largest and most popular nightclubs in Tampa/St. Petersburg area. The very first ever EDM track I ever listened to was ‘Big Boss’ by Doctor P, and from that moment I fell in love with weird and intricate bass music noises.
2. What were the pivotal moments in your life where you decided to join the music workforce?
Austin – My cousin had introduced me to everyone he worked with at the Tampa Amphitheatre / The Ritz Ybor. Alex Schamback, Promotions Manager & Talent Buyer Sunset Events // Sunset Music Festival, was my very first peer and individual who showed me the ropes in this industry. He saw my work ethic and passion for wanting to be somewhere in the music space, and gave me a shot to work with the Sunset Events Promotional Marketing Team.
I started by flyer marketing with the street team in the heart of Tampa, FL & St. Petersburg, FL, and got my foot into a whole new world that I had no idea even existed. From that point, I tried everything from Ticket Sales, Production Assistant, Performer Liaison, among other roles within the company. A couple of years had passed, and COVID-19 had hit. After losing my corporate staffing job due to the virus outbreak, along with having a change of heart on where I wanted to live, I decided to pack up my things and take my talents to Phoenix, AZ.
3. How did you first link up with Savage Society Records? What role have you played in its growth over the years?
Austin – Before Savage Society, I was the assistant manager of Blankface & Decimate with one of my peers, Jason Sikorsky. From there, Blankface & SVGMAZE had adopted me as their A&R Assistant. I grew into the role after about 6 months as their A&R Assistant and have been with them ever since. It has been an exceptional experience to be a part of a music label that has been the pinnacle of the underground sound. Be on the lookout for some new tunes coming your way soon!
4. We see you’re involved with Continua Management. How do you approach building long-term careers for your artists in such a fast-moving industry?
Austin – Being involved with Continua has been a wonderful experience. Being able to work with music industry professionals who have the same mindset is a blessing in itself. How I can help others reach the goal of one of their dreams has been a passion of mine ever since I can remember. Being able to work with some of these artists has been such a blessing, and seeing their dreams come to life is a fulfilling feeling.
5. How did your relationship with Relentless Beats come about?
Austin – After emailing everyone within the Relentless Beats email address book (lol), and within 1 year and 8 months of living in Phoenix, AZ, I met my very first mentor, who has empowered me to the level of success that I have been fortunate enough to achieve, Jason Euler, Director of Sales & Partnerships. Jason had taken me under his wing at Relentless Beats as his Account Manager. Working with Jason, I have reached heights within this industry that I never even imagined I could achieve. Working for the leading Concert & Event Promoter in the state of Arizona (Relentless Beats) has been a phenomenal experience, to say the least. I can’t wait for what’s in store for the rest of this year.
6. How important are regional scenes and promoters like Relentless Beats in shaping the national bass scene?
Austin – Very very important. Without our fans, attendees, and promoters, our music scene would be dead. I simply believe that without music, there is no community, and that’s what the Arizona scene is based on. Beyond thankful to be a part of this community.
7. Where do you see bass music and underground culture heading in the next 5 years?
Austin – I feel like there has been a discovery of a new hot act on the block almost every week! This is good because the art of creativity is still alive and well. I don’t think the bass scene as a whole is slowing down anytime soon, and there will be plenty of concerts and shows to go around in the near future.
