The Evolution of Dance Music: A Conversation with Thomas Turner
From underground raves to grand-scale festivals, few individuals have had a front-row seat to the evolution of dance music quite like Thomas Turner. As the founder of Relentless Beats and EMW Presents, Turner has been instrumental in shaping the electronic music landscape by prioritizing community, authenticity, and innovative production techniques. His journey began as a music enthusiast, drawn in by the intricacies of progressive house music—a journey that has blossomed into a career dedicated to building inclusive environments where people connect through sound.
A Journey from Fan to Founder
Turner’s love affair with music started with the allure of progressive house—an evolving genre that once required a keen ear to uncover its gems. “Back then, it had a very specific sound—almost neoclassical in a way,” he recalls. His budding passion led him to become a DJ himself, igniting a pathway toward an unexpectedly fruitful career.
“Initially, there wasn’t much of this kind of entertainment in my market, so I naturally stepped into the role of helping bring it there,” Turner explains. This desire to fill a void eventually came full circle when he hired Steve Kushner, the very same mentor who first gave him a chance as a DJ. This full-circle moment encapsulates not only his journey but also a deeper connection to the people he collaborates with, enriching the scenes he loves so much.
The Heart of Arizona’s Dance Music Scene
When asked about what makes Arizona’s dance music scene unique, Turner emphasizes the authenticity of the community. “Dance music is growing everywhere, but nothing compares to home,” he states. For Turner, the most rewarding part of his work is witnessing the evolution of attendees into family units, with fans now sharing the experience with their children.
“The sense of community is everything,” Turner explains. For years, he and his colleagues have been fans first, creating a space where shared experiences are intimate and authentic. The dedication to fostering connections resonates with audiences and speaks to the roots of the electronic music culture.
EMW Presents: Building New Foundations
Founded with a similar ethos as Relentless Beats, EMW Presents aims to build a thoughtful and collaborative community in the dance music world. “It started by bringing together people who wanted to create something meaningful,” Turner shares. With ambitions for expansion, he looks to the Northeast but emphasizes a thoughtful approach to growth.
“We’re not focused on taking over markets—we just want to contribute where we can genuinely help,” Turner explains. His leadership style reflects a commitment to nurturing relationships and ensuring new ventures align with core values.
An Industry in Evolution
With the rapid changes in the dance music landscape, Turner has observed a vital role for young, independent promoters. “They’re the ones discovering new music first,” he notes, acknowledging their importance in sharing tracks and building momentum for emerging artists. He aims to support these grassroots movements over the coming decade, hoping to foster sustainable businesses in the industry.
Memorable Moments in Live Events
The unpredictability of live shows often brings unforgettable moments. Turner recalls one hilarious incident when a man “was completely naked in the crowd at a show in Phoenix.” The sheer absurdity of the situation became legendary among staff, encapsulating both the unexpected joys and challenges of live events.
“Afterward, his mom made him come into our office to apologize. It became this iconic internal story,” he chuckles, acknowledging the unique culture of experiences that events can create.
Noteworthy Highlights from Festivals
Reflecting on his favorite New Year’s Eve countdown moments during Decadence, Turner cites the incredible energy from performances by GRiZ and John Summit. “When you catch an artist at the perfect moment in their career combined with a big production push, it creates something really memorable,” he enthuses. These moments underline the magic that unfolds when talent meets opportunity, resulting in extraordinary live experiences.
Inspirations Behind Show Productions
Turner’s initial fascination with nightlife and themed events laid the groundwork for his aspirations as a show producer. The theatrical elements, from costumes to dancers, fueled his curiosity and desire to create immersive experiences.
“When I started learning about who produced these events and the production that went into them, I became intrigued,” he explains. His interest was piqued not just by North American events but those in Europe, where large-scale festivals boasted structural integrity and brand partnerships that were rare in the U.S. at the time.
As the industry has matured and commercialized, Turner remains steadfast in his belief that the underground scene will persist, serving as the birthplace of innovation.
Future Directions: The Roosevelt
Looking forward, he speaks excitedly about opening a new venue in downtown Phoenix called The Roosevelt. Designed to be a listening-focused space, it’s an initiative aimed at supporting emerging artists and maintaining a connection to the grassroots energy that initially inspired him.
Through his efforts with Relentless Beats and EMW Presents, Thomas Turner reflects a profound commitment to the essence of music—crafting environments where community and sound thrive together.
