Welcome to KW Scene

Well, here we are. I have been building this website for quite some time and wanted to share a little more about myself and why I am doing this.

Over the past 2 years, I have been getting out more. Before that, I wasn't. I used to be an introvert with social anxiety and it kept me from doing things by myself. My partner (Jace) and I always went to parties together, which was great because it developed my love for the music and gave me some social confidence. However, my Jace and I have a kid at home (my stepson). Jace wasn't always able to, nor did he always want to, come out with me (he can't keep up with his younger girlfriend ;). I didn't have "going out" friends at this time and was beginning to feel like I was missing out on something special. I would see events that piqued my interest and try to talk myself into going alone, only to disappoint myself and spend the next day wishing I had gone. My party experience at this time were the same house parties, with the same music every time, and a night or two out in Toronto. All great things, but it just wasn't enough. I was missing the very thing that I have now realized gave me the confidence to do the thing I was afraid to do in the first place. Fear of missing it out is an interesting feeling. The thing that I was afraid to do is the thing that gave me the confidence I needed to do it. What made me feel uncomfortable was also my motivation. It made me take action.

"What made me feel uncomfortable was also my motivation."

It was the day before Good Friday in 2025. Denim was throwing a party at what was Aristocanine at that time, with himself, Sylent Syd and Cosmic Cat on the lineup. I was determined to go to this party! I built up the courage, despite anxiety banging at the door, and all the way to the party I told myself "no matter what, you get to dance" (I have always used dancing as an anti-anxiety). Unsurprisingly, the party was DOPE! I walked in to see an acquaintance, who also showed up alone that night. Since then she has become one my closest friends, because we both showed up alone that night. It is one of the most memorable nights I have had, not only because of the party, but because of the effect it has had on me by stepping out of my comfort zone. From this night forward, things started happening. Do it once, and it gets a little easier each time.

Cosmic Cat, Sylent Syd and Denim @Uptown Rinse, April 2025

Speaking of comfort zones - sharing this idea has been my next biggest step out of that comfy cozy zone that is oh so hard to leave. I am creating something, and sharing a creation is pretty nerve wracking - as Henry Matisse said "Creativity Takes Courage". That is precisely one of the reasons I am making this site - to celebrate the courage of creators of music and vibes. Those making music that means something to them and sharing it with the world is a blessing bestowed upon us. Those setting the vibes for parties with music they love and hoping the party people love it as much as they do is a gift. It takes guts and those people deserve appreciation and recognition for doing what they do.

Another reason I am doing this goes back to that first solo outing. Since then, I have gone to many parties alone, made many wonderful friends because of it, and have reached the point where I can go to any party and know that someone will be there that I can relate to and enjoy being around, whether it be a familiar face or a future friend. I am doing it for the ones who love what the creators create. Through this idea, I want to celebrate this community and share it with others who want connection through music but have the same struggles I did. I have been blessed to have experienced different communities within our scene and I want to share them with one another, because they are all so wonderful in similar and unique ways. The more we learn about differences, the more connected we become, the more compassion and empathy we gain through one common interest - music. And that is something worth being uncomfortable over.

"Creativity Takes Courage" - Henry Matisse

So if you see me dancing it is for many reasons - my love for music, my appreciation for those that play it for us, and my social discomfort (that is why I can go for so long!). With a hello, a smile, or just shaking your booty on the dancefloor - I see you and look forward to dancing with you.

Love, Rachel