Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Powers
Hi Josh, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into the music industry started at a young age, and it’s been a wild, rewarding ride ever since. When I was 17, my best friend, Curtis Baldwin (who’s now Teddy Swims’ Tour Manager), offered me an incredible opportunity: to sell merch for the rock band *Issues* on the **Vans Warped Tour 2014**. At the time, I had no idea how much that summer would change my life.
Being on Warped Tour at such a young age was a unique experience. I got to see firsthand the backbone of what it takes to put on massive shows and festivals. I remember standing backstage, feeling the energy of the crowd, and thinking, *This is it. This is what I want to do with my life.* That summer, I also had the chance to attend the **Alternative Press Music Awards (APMAs)** at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. It was eye-opening—I realized there was so much more to life than the traditional 9-to-5 path. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I knew it wasn’t for me.
The following year, I went back on Warped Tour, selling merch again until I graduated high school in 2015. That’s when my DJ career began. I’d been going to shows and festivals since 2013 at iconic Atlanta venues like *Quad* and *Opera*, and I was always fascinated by the art of DJing. My freshman year of college, a good friend donated a DJ controller to me, and from there, the rest was history.
I immediately fell in love with the idea of creating moments—putting a smile on someone’s face or making them dance from across the room. I took every opportunity that came my way: pregames, pool parties, frat parties, formals—you name it, I did it. And I did it for free because all I wanted was the exposure. I quickly worked my way into the nightlife scene at Georgia Southern University, performing at every club, venue, and bar I could.
In the summer of 2018, I got another incredible opportunity: to be an **assistant tour manager** for Grammy Award-winning artist **Lophiile**. That summer, we hit almost every major U.S. festival—Firefly, Okeechobee, Electric Forest, MIA, Governor’s Ball, and more. It was an intense, fast-paced experience that taught me so much about what it takes to run a tour. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot of work!
After that summer, I went back to school to finish my **BSN in Nursing** at Georgia Southern University. While I was completing my degree, I continued to perfect my craft as a DJ and worked on launching my artist career. I’ve had a few artist projects over the years—my first one was *SHIGH*, and my most recent was *BANKFACE*. I started producing music in my parents’ basement at 16, and while I never made anything groundbreaking, I fell in love with the idea of creating something that might not have existed otherwise. That’s what music is to me—bringing something new into the world.
My first love in the music scene was bass music, and that’s where it all started. I spent years making remixes of top 40 songs, blending them with my love for bass. Over the past six years, I’ve shifted my focus to house music, and last year, I launched my newest project, **Truth is**. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be playing **Breakaway Music Festival** this summer (2025)!
One of the most exciting chapters of my journey was becoming Teddy Swims’ official DJ. It all started through my close friendship with Curtis Baldwin, Teddy’s tour manager and my best friend since childhood. Curtis believed in me and my talent, and when Teddy needed a DJ for his events, Curtis knew I was the perfect fit.
From the moment I stepped into that role, it was a whirlwind of incredible experiences. I had the honor of DJing Teddy’s EP release party, where the energy in the room was electric. Seeing the crowd react to his music—music I’d watched him pour his heart into—was surreal. I remember thinking, This is what it’s all about.
I also DJed his album release parties, which were next-level. The excitement, the celebration, the pure joy of sharing his music with the world—it was unforgettable. And then there was his birthday party, a night filled with laughter, dancing, and good vibes. It was more than just a gig; it was a celebration of friendship, music, and life. Being Teddy’s DJ wasn’t just a job; it was a privilege. It reminded me why I fell in love with music in the first place—the power to connect, to celebrate, and to create moments that last a lifetime. Those experiences will always hold a special place in my heart.
Last year was also a huge milestone for me. During **Miami Music Week 2024**, my best friend Daniel and I felt incredibly inspired by the energy and community we experienced there. We wanted to bring that same vibe back to Atlanta, and within two months of returning, **Rhythm Release** was born. Our first event was on **Sunday, May 12, 2024**, and since then, we’ve been hosting events at least once a month. We’re so proud of the traction we’ve gained and the community we’ve built in such a short time.
Now, we’re working with **Breakaway**, the largest touring festival in the nation, as their **market managers here in Atlanta**. We have so many exciting things planned for the city we love, and we can’t wait to continue growing this community.
If you want to follow along with our journey, check us out on Instagram or at **rhythmreleasepresents.com**.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
1. Balancing Passion and Practicality
* Juggling nursing school while chasing music dreams.
* Pressure to choose a “stable” career over music.
2. Breaking Into the Industry
* Playing unpaid or low-paying gigs for exposure.
* Facing rejection and skepticism early on.
3. Financial Hurdles
* Scraping together money for equipment and travel.
* Sacrificing social events and living frugally to fund your career.
4. Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
* Questioning your talent and place in the industry.
* Fear of failure when launching new projects.
5. Industry Unpredictability
* Canceled gigs, failed projects, and setbacks.
* Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Building a Community
* Launching Rhythm Release from scratch.
* Low turnouts and logistical challenges early on.
7. Personal Sacrifices
* Long hours, late nights, and burnout.
* Struggling to balance relationships and self-care.
8. Creative Challenges
* Creative blocks and pressure to conform to trends.
* Transitioning from bass to house music with Truth is.
9. Staying Authentic
* Resisting pressure to compromise your sound.
* Staying true to your vision while evolving as an artist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a DJ, producer, and music industry professional with a deep love for creating experiences that bring people together. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—selling merch on the Vans Warped Tour, working as an assistant tour manager for Grammy Award-winning artist Lophiile, and launching my own artist projects like SHIGH, BANKFACE, and my current project, Truth is.
What I Do
DJing: I specialize in curating high-energy sets that blend house music with my roots in bass music. Whether it’s a festival stage, a club, or an intimate event, my goal is to create moments that make people dance, smile, and feel alive.
Producing: I’ve been producing music since I was 16, starting in my parents’ basement. While my early work was rooted in bass music, I’ve since shifted my focus to house music, where I feel most at home creatively.
Event Curation: As co-founder of Rhythm Release, I help bring the energy of Miami Music Week to Atlanta, hosting monthly events that celebrate music, community, and connection.
Industry Work: I’ve worked behind the scenes in various roles, from tour management to market management for Breakaway Music Festival, gaining a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to bring music to life.
What I Specialize In
Creating Moments: Whether it’s through my DJ sets, original tracks, or events, I thrive on creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Bridging Genres: My background in bass music and transition to house music allows me to bring a unique flavor to my work, blending genres in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
Building Community: Through Rhythm Release and my involvement in the Atlanta music scene, I’m passionate about fostering a sense of belonging and connection among music lovers.
What I’m Known For
Energy and Authenticity: My sets and events are known for their vibrant energy and genuine passion for music.
Versatility: From touring with major artists to launching my own projects, I’ve built a reputation for being adaptable and multifaceted in the industry.
Community Building: Rhythm Release has quickly become a staple in Atlanta’s music scene, known for its inclusive vibe and high-quality events.
What I’m Most Proud Of
Rhythm Release: Co-founding this event series and seeing it grow into a thriving community has been one of my greatest achievements.
Playing Breakaway Music Festival 2025: This milestone represents years of hard work and dedication to my craft.
Staying True to Myself: In an industry that often prioritizes trends over authenticity, I’m proud of staying true to my vision and evolving as an artist on my own terms.
What Sets Me Apart
Diverse Experience: My background in both the creative and business sides of the industry gives me a unique perspective and skill set.
Genuine Passion: Music isn’t just a job for me—it’s a way of life. That passion shines through in everything I do.
Community Focus: I’m not just about creating music; I’m about creating connections. Whether it’s through my events or my sets, I strive to bring people together and make them feel something.
At the end of the day, my work is about more than just music—it’s about creating moments, building community, and bringing something new into the world. That’s what drives me, and that’s what I’m most proud of.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is creating moments that bring people together through music. Whether it’s seeing a crowd light up during one of my DJ sets, watching people dance and connect at a Rhythm Release event, or hearing that a track I produced resonates with someone, those are the moments that fuel me. I love building community, expressing myself creatively, and sharing my passion for music. Introducing people to new sounds, seeing them connect, and knowing I’ve brought joy to their lives is deeply fulfilling. Music is my way of leaving a piece of myself in the world, and sharing that with others is what brings me the most joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rhythmreleasepresents.com
- Instagram: Truthis_atl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josh.powers.7330/
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/ya8ojetcqMgbdVB56
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hMSYq5tueakKwpzg1QVJV?si=dmlvI8jdQ4-v4E6_zO6MFw
