Earlier today, a press conference was held at Office Party in Highland Park, CA where Michael Antonia read a short prepared statement to a select few from the press and some onlookers wearing cut-off shorts and T-shirts that said WHO THE FUCK IS FLASHDANCE? Frank Sinatra's "My Way" played quietly in the background and ended the very moment he was done speaking. Below is the statement. He took no questions.
Good Afternoon. Thank you for coming.
Before I was of legal drinking age, I played my first happy hour DJ gig in Seattle for $50 and free drinks. I was instantly hooked.
Every single day since, I have chased a dream of playing records for a living. A dream of performing alongside my musical heroes. Of playing records for huge audiences. Of traveling the world. Of having a fan base. Of supporting my family with music. Of working with my friends. Of building community. Of being known as a great DJ. Of making people happy.
And in 2008, during the worst economic downturn of our time, The Flashdance was born. I had just moved from New York City to LA, and my wife was pregnant with our first child. I had no job and knew only one person in Los Angeles. I began this company on our dining room table during our daughter's naptime. Against all odds, one by one, all of my dreams came true.
After a few years I started thinking "What's next?" And Yeah! Rentals was born. I invested every spare penny I had into this business and am happy to report that YEAH! is performing beyond my wildest dreams and still requires more of my time than I have these days.
After a few more years, I started thinking "What's next?" And Office Party was born from a shared vision with two wonderful people - Jonathan Lynch and Brian Morrow. Office Party is a community space that brings all of my favorite things together: friends, family, design and hospitality. We are still in the early stages, but I'm having a blast and learning everyday.
The Flashdance, Yeah! Rentals, Office Party... and all of the good stuff of life. Family. Friends. Community. Social Change. Collaborations.
So many things to create and sustain, so little time. In the wise words of Kenny Rogers, you gotta know when to fold em.
so...
It is with mixed emotions that I'm announcing some recent creative developments.
First,
I won't be DJing many more weddings or corporate events. I have played around 500 weddings and close to 1000 private events and after awhile it begins to feel like groundhog day (that sorta makes me Bill Murray, so I'm cool with that). I will still be a DJ. I will still make monthly playlists. I will stay on as the Creative Director of The Flashdance. I will still be Musical Director of Ace Hotel. I will still collaborate with my friends. I will still wear my khakis with a cuff and a crease.
Last but not least...
I am handing the reins off to Mr. Phil Quinaz & Dr. Matthew Rubino. There's a lot I can say about how I feel about these two gentlemen, but the important part is that we share a vision. I believe they are among the finest DJs on the planet. They are kind, funny, and interesting people who care about their work. I am excited to see what they bring to the table. More than that, it is exciting to see this thing that I built with love, blood, sweat, tears, and the help of so so many friends and collaborators will live on.
Some things will change, most will remain the same. There's a lot I will miss, but I am so thrilled that The Flashdance will continue to do what it does best, offer amazing service, pair the best DJs anywhere with rooms full of people looking to lose their minds and forget their troubles for a couple of hours. They will continue to bring a house party vibe to a wedding or corporate event. They will continue to be the first and best DJ service on everyone's list. I'm grateful that The Flashdance will be in the hands of people I know and trust, that I love, and I know love me. You are in good hands.
There are far too many people to thank for their love and support, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention my wife Elizabeth who has believed in me, sacrificed a staggering amount for my successes, stood by my side through my failures, and has been my biggest fan since the day we met. Without question, this company wouldn't exist without Whitney Chamberlin, and it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun all these years without Brian Morrow.
Finally, a toast to the best fucking team on the planet: SMILES, GARY, VINAY, MIKE, MATTHEW, PHIL, SHANLEY, ABBY, & FUCKING TYLER. I love you all.
Danke Schoen.
--michael
