An alliance is growing throughout our nation. An entente of sorts that brings people together for the love of music. Enter: Audio Alliance, a project that started in a garage in Wisconsin. Audio Alliance promotes and books musicians, dancers, painters, fractal artists and everything in-between.
“We do many things,” said Colton, whose position with Audio Alliance is loosely defined as “promotions coordinator. “We try not to limit ourselves to anything. The sky’s the limit? No, the limit does not exist (Mean Girls reference). Our main goal is to bring people together of all realms to have a good time.”
*Tmo and Cliffy (Clayton) are the founder and co-founders.
“The whole reason we got into this business was for the sheer fun of it,” stated Tmo. “Cliffy and I were sitting in his garage and came to the conclusion that we could actually do this. So I promised him and a few other artists that I would get them booked to play a festival in one year. It only took me five months and artists, D:E:S and Cliffy, were booked to play Gathering of the Bassheads in Waubun, Minn.”
Now, Audio Alliance has been booking and setting up events both large and small. “I hope to see this project evolve into an entire entertainment faction,” said Tmo. “Not only to host events, but artist management, a label for our artists, festival management and a general name around the country.”
While these goals may have seemed like a long-shot at one time, Audio Alliance now has promoters around the United States, and ties with artists overseas.
“That is what is so cool about us; we don’t have a definite location. We exist everywhere,” stated Colton.
Dialogue w/ Colton Oltesvig of Audio Alliance
I met Colton years ago at Jellystone Park in their new skatepark. Yes, I used to try to skateboard. I learned everything I know from a Canadian skate team, and I was still awful. Regardless, I haven’t seen Colton since like ‘04, but we still kept in touch through social media. We now are both in the same kind of industry and it is kind of cool seeing our worlds come full circle, both promoting the local arts. Colton now does photography, graphic design, social media marketing and assisting in the coordination of events for Audio Alliance.
S.F: Describe what it is like being in this line of work?
C.O: This line of work is so much more rewarding knowing that you are working for your own success as well as your friends’ success, rather than working for a corporation busting your ass just so you can help pay for another vacation for the guy in snake skin boots and a corvette. Also, we get to work directly with the artists, which is awesome. It gives you that behind the scenes aspect which is super cool. We get to be friends with the artists and know them on a personal level; and I get to go on stage to take pictures which is a bonus.
But not going to lie, it can be difficult at times. You are literally starting from scratch. We created something out of nothing. The financial aspect is not always as rewarding as you’d like it to be, but at the end of the day, this is what I want to be doing. I may not be making millions, but I’m having a hell of a lot more fun than people who are. I love music, I love photography, and I love making others happy. If I can do something that combines all three of those, I will be going to sleep with a smile on my face regardless of how much money I earn.
S.F: What is one of your favorite live-show memories?
C.O: One of my favorite live-show memories was seeing everyone at Heartbeats having such a fun time. Heartbeats was a Valentines show we hosted in Steven’s Point, Wis. We had people travel all the way from Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis, and even North Dakota. It was such an amazing feeling knowing I helped make the whole thing happen. And the responses! The responses were almost overwhelming. People were stating it was the best show they’ve seen in Central Wisconsin.
Also, hosting Yheti for two shows was quite the excitement. Just meeting and talking to that guy was an awesome experience. He is by far the nicest guy I have ever met, and plays some of the weirdest music I have ever heard. So much love and respect goes to that man. We are hosting him again at Cosmic Ascension, a music festival that takes place August 21st so stoked to the 24th in Waubun, Minnesota. I am to see him play again and just super excited for the whole festival in general.
S.F: What can people expect at one of your events?
C.O: They are full of love without judgmental behavior. Everyone just comes together to have a good time, listen to good music and celebrate this wonderful thing we call life.
At our events people can expect to have an awesome time where they don’t feel bound to anything. We want to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere where people can be themselves and not worry what others think of them. That is a huge part of us too. We cater to all types of people no matter what you look like or your background. We just want everyone to love one another with open arms.
Oh yeah, also bass, you can usually expect a lot of bass at our events. We don’t want to just hear our music, we want to feel it.
-Sara Franc
Be sure to check-out their website, FB, and Instagram!
The feature story you've been waiting for! The ASH interviews Colton Oltesvig of @Audio Alliance. (Wisconsin Rapids, WI) An alliance is growing throughout our nation. An entente of sorts that brings people together for the love of music.
