Blog

Morganne Davis

I’ve had a passion for music since I was young, whether listening to it or dancing to it. There wasn’t a day that went by without me discovering new tunes! However, the idea of working in music didn’t occur to me until way later in life. I was a dedicated follower of Electric Hawk for a while before joining the team. Their genuine love for the underground and top-tier music curation drew me in. A friend of mine, and former EH editor, Natalie, encouraged me to apply as a writer, actually! Shortly after I was hired, I knew that that was exactly where I was meant to be. I was so excited, and I worked my butt off writing article after article. Soon, I was encouraged to step into the role of an editor, and the rest is history!

As the EIC, I oversee a lovely group of writers and editors. Our publication is definitely a team effort, but I help to keep everyone engaged and on track. I also write and edit articles myself while assisting with any EH leadership duties. Also, one of my favorite parts of the job is facilitating all on-site festival/event opportunities for the publication. It’s an honor to connect our writers with artists/labels they look up to for interviews or exclusive premieres.
The attributes that have helped me so far would be the ability to adapt and being unapologetically myself. I thrive in chaos, and the music industry can be quite chaotic! I do my best to stay calm in certain situations in order to uplift and help my peers or teammates when needed. Also, I strive to always be genuine and make meaningful connections with everyone I meet.

Advice: My advice would be… don’t be afraid to start small. And never view other women in the scene as your competition. It’s hard out here for us girlypops, and we gotta stick together.

Tara McGovern

I started working in the dance industry over 10 years ago, starting as an intern at Global Dance. I went to my first Global Dance Festival the summer of 2014 after I graduated high school and immediately reached out about intern opportunities. I started working with Global in the spring of 2015 and was with the company until 2025 rising to the role of marketing director and handling brand, digital and social strategy for multiple festivals, large scale shows and club nights across Colorado and other nearby markets. Alongside my work at Global, I worked in various roles in my time in music, including tour management, artist management and freelance consulting for multiple artists, festivals and venues, and ultimately jumped into a freelance marketing role working alongside multiple clients such as ILLENIUM, Juelz, Tom & Collins, Autograf, ROZ and more and also working with digital agency Pizza Cake as their Digital Director overseeing various clients paid digital strategies to ensure brand growth, sales, etc.

My day to day includes checking in with artist teams on goals, planning strategy for releases, tours and overall brand growth and consulting on creative strategy to ensure success across various campaigns. This includes managing spends, identifying core audiences to try and reach, areas for growth that we can target and coordinating that all content is in line with brand vision.

Time management, keeping an eye on trends and staying up to date with relevant information in the scene is so important for this role. Especially in advertising, recognizing what artists and genre segments have room to be utilized or what verticals songs may find success can really drive the success of a campaign or for an artist/festival’s goals. I love coordinating crossover campaigns trying to utilize content that may synergize with gaming, fashion or other pop culture communities. Also just really have a love for the music and be kind to everyone around. This is such a chaotic but fun industry, and sometimes you gotta remember why you’re here and take the time to enjoy it. It keeps the passion alive.

Advice: This scene needs more badass brilliant women in it. Find your crew, push yourself forward and be kind to everyone. Some of the best friends I’ve had in my life came from this scene and collaborating on projects or just making memories at festivals together. Never compare yourself to others and just keep pushing yourself forward and find your unique skills that make you stand apart from everyone else :)

Sierra Bravo

About a year and a half ago, I accidentally fell into concert photography and loved it from day one. What began as a creative experiment quickly grew into a passion, and I’ve been fortunate to make connections within the industry that opened doors to work with artists, venues, festivals and promoters. My 9 – 5 is software development, but my 5-9 is where the real fun begins. That’s when I log out of corporate life and step into my role as a freelance photographer in the DFW music scene.

One of the biggest contributors to my success has been not being afraid to ask for opportunities. You’d be surprised how many people will say yes if you put yourself out there, and once you get those opportunities, it’s about stepping up and capitalizing on them. My corporate background has also played a huge role, giving me the discipline to meet deadlines and the communication skills to work quickly and effectively with my contacts in the music scene. That mix of personality, persistence and professionalism has helped me grow quickly in this space.

Advice: “How hard can it be? Boys do it.”

Pamela J. Castelan

The original intention was to be part of the advertising landscape, however Pam stumbled upon live events while pursuing her B.A. in 2013. One volunteer gig turned to a paid gig that snowballed to working events worldwide full-time since 2019. Wicked Oaks will mark Pam’s 22nd Disco Presents festival as the staffing & festival payroll assistant manager.

Currently, she’s half of the dream team – and perpetual employee of the month – of Misty Morales LLC, where she manages operations for a wide variety of events in a wide variety of roles for a wide variety of clients, including: staffing & payroll, box office, guest list, credentials, administrative work, and camping operations-to name a few. In her spare time she enjoys being an onsite tech support for ticketing platforms.

Pam got involved with the Disco Presents staffing department in 2018, a role where her team hires, manages, and pays 60-80 personnel depending on the event. She manages to learn everyone’s names, too.

She can often be found clad in overalls, elbow deep in spreadsheets and organized chaos. Day to day operations include religiously referencing self-made manifests and procedures for whatever event du jour is taking place. Understanding the task at hand and perpetually asking questions is how a successful event is made.

Pam would not be in the position that she is without the support, guidance, and patience from the extraordinary women in this industry, nor would she want to be in this industry without them. That, and also the incessant need to learn spreadsheet formulas and the propensity to keep track of everything is good for job security.

Advice: Think for yourself & stay inquisitive, remain whimsical & stay gold.

Lydia Reyes

I fell in love with dance at the age of three. From my early days performing with my high school drill team to joining the legendary Kilgore College Rangerettes, dance has always been the heartbeat of my journey. That passion carried me into the professional world, where I danced for the NBA as a proud member of the Dallas Mavericks Dancers.

Beyond the stage, I found a deep love for teaching and choreography working with studios and teams across the country through MA Marching Auxiliaries and American Dance and Drill Team. In 2006, I took a leap and founded my own entertainment company. Since then, we’ve lit up social and private events, music festivals, and charity stages nationwide. This year we will be celebrating our 10th year performing at Lights All Night.

As owner and manager, I shape stage concepts, design costumes, and book incredible talent. Years of performing, a sharp eye for artistry, and the ability to thrive under pressure have been my foundation. They’re what keep this vision moving forward, year after year.

Advice: Play the Long Game, Not the Hype Game.

Trends flare and fade, but integrity builds legacy. Focus on honing your craft, nurturing your audience authentically, and making choices that align with your long-term vision, not just quick visibility.

Fame is loud. Legacy is lasting.

Julie Campbell

Julie began her career in the bar industry in 1996, working at the original 8.0 in Uptown Dallas right after high school. After convincing management to let her bartend, she was soon asked to fill in at Soul II Soul on Lower Greenville. By age 19, she became the manager of both Soul II Soul and its sister bar, The Cavern. She dedicated her off-hours to honing her bartending skills and absorbing knowledge from industry owners and managers.

Her hard work led to an opportunity from peers and mentors – owners and managers of Dallas’s top concepts – to open her first nightclub. In 2001, at 21 years old, Julie launched Minc Lounge. Minc hosted an incredible lineup of artists, including Kaskade (their first headliner), Derrick Carter, Heather & Colette, Louie Vega, Jazzy Jeff, Questlove, Erykah Badu, and Boy George just to name a small few. Through Minc, she partnered with Erykah Badu at her Black Forest Theatre in South Dallas, managing and operating all bars for shows featuring artists like Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, Jill Scott, and Prince.Minc was sold in 2009, shortly after she partnered with new investors to open Barcadia in Dallas. She then moved to Austin to manage several concepts before returning to Dallas to become the Beverage Director for Barcadia and its sister concepts, Beauty Bar, It’ll Do, Pints and Quarts. She also became a managing partner at Mama Tried Honky Tonk in Deep Ellum.

A few years ago, a long-time friend and one of the partners of Silo approached her to be the Bar Manager, where she continues her career today. Overseeing all bar and weekly venue operations.

Throughout her professional journey, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early thirties and again with Metastatic Breast Cancer of the brain and lung in 2019. After multiple surgeries, a good rest during COVID, and continued treatment, she keeps rockin. When she is not at Silo, she is working hard on putting together her non-profit by the end of the year to help service industry women and men in North Texas who are diagnosed with breast cancer get back on their feet after treatment.

“Cheers to all of the Warriors. Keep fighting, we are all in this together.”

Advice: Never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something. Instead, just say, “Watch this!” It’s a powerful reminder to believe in yourself and prove others wrong with your actions. Especially when life is at its worst and you doubt yourself.

Lyric Golden

The entertainment industry has always been woven into the fabric of my life. Growing up in a family full of artists-from dancers and musicians to those working behind the scenes-I was immersed in creativity and the rhythm of performance from an early age. I majored in dance throughout school at various performing arts programs, but over time, I found myself more drawn to the production and experiential side of the industry. That early exposure shaped my path and made it clear that I wanted a future in this space.

In 2023, I had a defining moment while shadowing the Artist Relations team at Sunset Music Festival with AMB Event Group. Being behind the scenes, supporting artists and ensuring their needs were met, I saw firsthand how critical this role is in shaping the overall festival experience. Witnessing how a festival brings thousands of people together and transforms the atmosphere into something truly magical, I realized I wanted to help create that infectious energy by being the bridge between artists and the event.

I’m currently based in Orlando, Florida, where I’ve developed a multifaceted career within the live events and entertainment world. As an Artist Liaison at Celine Orlando, I coordinate artist arrivals, manage green room setups, handle timelines, and ensure performers feel supported from load-in to stage time. With Disco Presents, I manage the general store and contribute to operational and creative decisions that shape the fan experience. I lead efforts in selecting product offerings, setting menu pricing, and developing the store’s visual identity – from helping with signage designs to decorating the space to align with each event’s aesthetic. I train and manage on-site staff, ensuring they’re prepared, professional, and aligned with the event’s energy, while also overseeing inventory and logistics to keep operations smooth and the guest experience high-quality.

I also continue my work with AMB Event Group as an Experience Creator, helping bring interactive, immersive environments to life across multiple events. Our team curates campsite activities like group games and hands-on art stations-where attendees can create and take home pieces like terrariums or custom fans. We also build out visual art installations and unique attractions. At EDC Las Vegas, we created a full music park featuring instruments attendees could play and DJ decks for hands-on practice sessions. On the logistical side, I support staff lodging operations, helping coordinate RV placements and accommodations. Being adaptable, communicating clearly, and fostering genuine collaboration have been key to thriving in these fast-paced, creative environments. I love being part of a team that brings large-scale visions to life in a way that feels intentional and memorable. Each of these roles allows me to tap into different aspects of event production and stay connected to the pulse of what makes live events so impactful.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing within artist relations and production. I’m especially passionate about creating immersive, meaningful experiences that allow people to truly let go and connect – with the music, the moment, and each other.

Advise: Be open to change. Don’t hold back your ideas. And always make friends along the way – you never know who you’ll cross paths with again.

Michelle Li

I’ve dipped my toes into many corners of the music world, but harm reduction and public safety are where my true passions lie. My journey began in 2015 as a street promoter for regional shows and that opened the door to a community filled with good people, great music, and profound self-discovery. Shortly after becoming a promoter, I then dabbled as a marketing intern for 2 years. The dance floor has always been sacred to me, and from the beginning, I knew I wanted to help others experience that same sense of connection and community.

In 2020, I co-founded what is now The Remedy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit peer support organization that weaves together community wellness, harm reduction, and mental health with a simple goal – to make sure no one has to navigate these spaces alone. Our core belief is that we are all part of a remedy when we show up as our best selves. We also believe empowerment comes from reminding people how much strength they already carry in their own two hands.
The Remedy partners with the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health and other organizations to distribute free resources like Narcan, test strips, and Plan B to anyone in need. In 2022, we joined Elements Music Festival, where we provide sanctuary spaces, an outreach and roaming support team, and conflict mediation services. This past year, our program reached its largest scale yet, with 25 staff members and over 100 volunteers dedicated to making these environments safer and more compassionate.

Otherwise, when I’m not in the safety and harm reduction world, a lot of my time is committed to departments like staff catering and credentials for other events through the year. It can get hectic but the fruits of the labor are worth it. The qualities that I strive to achieve in my work are reliability, strong ethics, and a willingness to learn.

Advice: For those seeking a path for themselves, my advice is to remember to ebb and flow. Things won’t always be consistent or comfortable, but adaptability will take you far. The right people will recognize your effort if you work hard, stay accountable, and move with integrity. A wise friend once told me, “It’s not about how big your flame is, but how long you can maintain it.”