Exclusive Channel Sounds Interview with Julie Russell & JD of Fangirl Fantasy
SUPERFANS RUN THE INDUSTRY
We’re always excited to meet people new people music who are making changes to the industry, and Julie Russell is doing just that. I bumped into Russell when I saw her on a podcast, and I had to reach out to find out more about the company she’s started called Fangirl Fantasy. Her mission is pretty unique, and that is to pull the negative labels off of being a “fan girl”.
You know what those misconceptions are: annoying, weird, obsessive, nerdy, whatever else you may think of because of what you’ve heard others say. The truth of the matter is that the industry purely runs on the power of superfans; in fact, they are valuable because an artist wouldn’t be who they are without them. The fans are the ones who help define an artist’s marketing plans, they help define an artist’s popularity, and then fund an artist’s career! Besides, there is nothing wrong with loving an artist — it’s the same as loving a comic book, or a sport, or even a culture. We are all fangirls and boys in some capacity, and as a fangirl herself, Russell is trying to demonstrate that need for acceptance and understanding of this misnomer to the general public.
Gone should be the days of scrutiny, and instead in its place should be a communal connection and excitement to be a part of a community that understands your taste in music. Let’s be honest, one of the best parts of live music (RIP for now) is that you’d be surrounded by like-minded individuals who loved the band or artist just as much as you did and you could let go and be in your element there with disregard of the outside world for just a couple of hours.
Fangirl Fantasy started as an event organization at first, hosting fun, themed nights with JD as the DJ for all of them. These events gave the attendees a whole experience dedicated to the focus artist of the night such as The Jonas Brothers and One Direction. Russell has now hosted multiple events, including a sold-out Taylor Swift experience which really created a buzz around her work.
Of course, given the pandemic, things pivoted quickly. Russell has created a podcast now where she interviews superfans who work in music because a lot of fans don’t that their love and expertise of an artist is actually exactly what is needed for an artist’s team. The podcast has gained a lot of momentum and listenership from people all over the world, which is very exciting for Russell, because she plans to host her events once again when things open up and the world is in a better, safer place.
We’re happy to share with you our interview with both her and JD.
Here is our interview:
Neelu Mohaghegh [NM]: What was it that motivated you to create/join Fangirl Fantasy?
JD [JD]: “For me it started out with helping a friend with her company haha. Luckily for Julie, she had people in place here already in Boston that were able to help get her company off the ground from a music perspective. But don't get it twisted, she's in control, knew what she was doing and knew what she wanted to accomplish.”
Julie Russell [JR]: “I wanted to give a fun safe space for fangirls to be unapologetically themselves. A place where you can go to listen to the music you grew up listening to and STILL listen to when you're in your car.”
[NM]: How have you managed to continue growing and creating in your community during this time with the pandemic?
[JD]: “I got let go from my job in June. The radio station changed formats which gave me a chance to take a break from the scene. I've been on the grind for over 10 years growing my brand and moving around to different states so I was fortunate enough (financially) to enjoy some time off. Little did I know, I needed it. I then got an opportunity to link up with a huge entertainment company here in New England (Big Night Ent) that owns and operates some of the biggest clubs and restaurants in the state. They created a media umbrella where I now make content and push through their team! It was awesome to pivot more into the digital side of things until bars/clubs open back up where I can DJ again.”
[JR]: “I created the Fangirl Fantasy podcast, which focuses on fangirls in the music and entertainment industry. Starting it was super out of my comfort zone in the beginning but it's been so fun and just feels like I'm having a conversation with friends. It's been great for networking and meeting other fangirls whose journey I've enjoyed following.”
[NM]: Who would be your dream fandom to create an experience for?
[JR]: “I have already created some great nights for Jonas Brothers fans but a dream would be able to incorporate the Jonas Brothers as a band at a future Fangirl Fantasy night.”
[NM]: Who are you a superfan of?
[JR]: “Jonas Brothers.”
[NM]: What projects do you have coming up/what are you hoping to do in the new year?
[JD]: “I have a YouTube channel (called Hella Wicked) where I currently have a video series called #BeforeIGo which are basically small rants about funny, everyday life things. It's been refreshing to do content that I want to do and enjoy, so I look forward to growing my audience all 2021 and beyond! I also plan on doing more skit sketches and creating a podcast with the company (Big Night Media).”
[JR]: “I am hoping to continue and grow the Fangirl Fantasy podcast and work on projects with fans that I have met since creating Fangirl Fantasy.”
[NM]: What is your ultimate vision for this company and for your role in it?
[JD]: “In regards to Fangirl Fantasy, I look forward to traveling and taking part in the joy of people being outside again haha. I want to be able to grow my brand as a DJ while helping a friend crush her dream! A lot of the segments I do are pre-recorded so being able to share my brand through Big Night Media will only help! I'll for sure be vlogging the journey!”
[JR]: “My vision is to travel with Fangirl Fantasy across the country and bring this experience all over. I also have plans to have hosts and meet and greets at these events with artists/actors/actresses that we do Fangirl over.”
7. What's one word you'd use to describe yourself?
[JD]: “Spontaneous.”
[JR]: “Passionate (JD said controlling lol).”
[NM]: What's your detour? (something you do outside of this work that you love; could be a side passion, a fun fact, a hobby, etc.)
[JD]: “I LOVE GOLF. It saved me in 2020 hahaha. I look forward to putting on my own tournament in 2021 to help raise money for single parents & teachers.”
[JR]: “Hanging with my dog Oakland, you could put me on a desert island with him and I'd be content.”
Thank you guys so much for taking the time, and for creating these experiences for fangirls and boys everywhere! Can’t wait to attend the next Fangirl Fantasy event!