MIX AND MASTER. Jacob LaTendresse, a DJ known as Silver C, mixes a music set at the Road to Force Fields party on May 10 at The 410 Bar. Silver C has grown as an artist in the community, partly thanks to new relationships and exposure through events by ECedm. (Submitted photo)

As night falls in the City of Eau Claire, a thriving music industry awakens. Electronic dance music (EDM) has evolved from a niche subculture to a developing scene with diverse sub-genres which allow artists to find their light on the stage.

One collective which champions this growing scene, ECedm, has fostered relationships with venues, artists, and DJs alike to continue the expansion of this music genre in the Chippewa Valley.

Derrick Koehler, founder of ECedm, got his first taste of the EDM scene thanks to his brother, Max, formerly of Antic Studios. Antic Studios, owned and operated by Ryan Warffuel and Ian Prock, offered the initial support and backing for Koehler to perform at their Open Deck Night events and learn how to produce his own music.

“When I was doing shows with Antic Studios, I fell in love with DJing,” Koehler said. “I am really proud of what they’re doing as a company; I hire them to do production at my events as well.”

The very first Open Deck Night event was held at La Luna Market y Restaurant (2824 London Rd., Eau Claire) — and from there, an event where anyone and everyone was welcome to play their favorite tunes and new mixes was born, Koehler said.

In viewing the success of Antic Studios, the thought of establishing their own voice — or sound — in the EDM scene resulted in Koheler striving for something greater. ECedm was founded in 2023 around the goal to broaden this reach, and inspired the official launch of Koehler's DJ profile, DOKTOR.

Derrick Koehler, pictured above, performs a DJ set in Eau Claire. His childhood nickname was DK — he also was known as "Doctor" or "Doc" — and merged these names to create his stage persona, DOKTOR. (Submitted photo)

In the years following the inception of ECedm, the group has created stages, produced stage lineups, and put a spotlight on local artists in the house, dubstep, and bass music genres. Artists featured in ECedm events local to the region include NOLEPHANT, Mind Flayer, and Silver C, among others in frequent rotation.

"EDM shows provide many wonderful things like an emotional outlet or connection – it's a feeling of family or a sense of belonging to something larger."

JACOB LATENDRESSE

DJ ARTIST "SILVER C"

Jacob LaTendresse, a local DJ artist under the musical moniker Silver C, believes Eau Claire’s EDM scene has experienced a growing upward trajectory.

Now with more outlets for performance and live entertainment, there's a consistent opportunity for collaboration and mutual promotion among Eau Claire DJs, a development further spurred by LaTendresse’s connection to Koehler, he said.

“ECedm continues to prove that if you provide a consistent outlet for this genre, many people will show up for events and even promote these shows on their own,” LaTendresse said. “It's amazing to see this community grow together.”

LaTendresse has performed alongside Koehler — as their two stage acts, Silver C and DOKTOR — at events hosted by ECedm and beyond. Most recently, the two have performed at ECedm’s Open Deck Night events.

ECedm fans, pictured above, at the 410 Bar in downtown Eau Claire.

In cities like Eau Claire, where the music scene presents leanings in the folk, jazz, and rock realms, EDM lovers have found comfort in venues like The 410 Bar (410 Galloway St.), Reboot Social (220 S Barstow St.), and The Red Mixer (2526 Golf Rd.), where they can dance and enjoy music in a safe environment, LaTendresse noted.

“EDM shows provide many wonderful things like an emotional outlet or connection — it's a feeling of family or a sense of belonging to something larger,” LaTendresse said. “Our friends in these communities can utilize EDM for self-expression, emotional release, and mental well-being through listening, creating, and connecting with each other."

Since 2023, Koehler has consecutively hosted monthly Open Deck Night events at Reboot Social, with the support of Prock. ECedm now prepares for its 28th iteration of this event on Friday, July 25, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their prepared decks and skills.

The Open Deck Night events are unique in that artists who register are not allowed to bring personal gear. One USB flash drive, music analyzed through Rekordbox software, and a collection of tracks to move and groove, are all that’s required to step onto the stage.

"That was one of the best nights of my life. The community that ECedm brings (out) is over-the-top friendly; everyone's very accepting of everyone around them and looking out for each other."

Derrick Koehler

ECEDM FOUNDER, ON THE GROUP'S INVOLVEMENT AT THIS YEAR'S FORCE FIELDS FESTIVAL

Koehler said he continued fostering these events — and their rules — to replicate a performance setting emerging artists will encounter as they book events of their own, while also emphasizing the core principles of sound creativity.

Not only do new EDM artists receive stage time to practice in front of crowds, the event acts as a catalyst for Koehler to book future talent for upcoming events. Following a consistent presence through Open Deck Night, many of Eau Claire’s DJ artists were also featured in the debut Force Fields Festival lineup and related festival pre-parties.

Thanks to support from Antic Studios, Koehler and friends were connected with the organizers of the inaugural Force Fields Festival – held this summer in Cadott – and were part of the production team and emcee of local DJs on the Origins stage.

ECedm, fostered by camaraderie and support, was witness to encores for local artists – and even secured Chippewa Valley native Andy Immerman to perform atop the WUBWAGON, the Force Fields' renegade bus-turned-stage, Koehler said.

“That was one of the best nights of my life,” Koehler said. “The community that ECedm brings (out) is over-the-top friendly; everyone's very accepting of everyone around them and looking out for each other.”

The Chippewa Valley will continue to foster a new era of EDM in the midwest, distinguishing itself alongside established scenes in large neighboring cities like Milwaukee and Minneapolis. ECedm is committed to making nightlife music and dance a hub of safety, relationship-building, and positivity — with a strong, fun vision for the future, Koehler noted.

Following ECedm's growing success, Koehler will return to The 410 Bar for the DOKTOR & FRIENDS event on Saturday, July 12. He will join local friends and fellow DJs for a night of reunion and remixes.

“I've met some of my best friends through music and some of the longest lasting relationships in my life have stemmed from EDM and music in general,” Koehler said. “(EDM) allows (you) to come as you are and be who you are — that’s really important for smaller communities.”

SMILE! Local DJs and fans gathered together to celebrate the inaugural Force Fields festival held in Cadott this summer. (Submitted photo)

Open Deck Night will continue on a monthly basis, with event announcements shared online. Stay connected with ECedm by following the group on Instagram and Facebook (@ec_edm_).