There is something magical about the freedom of space, unobstructed views and a more immediate ability to touch grass in rural.
That's why we are excited to bring you behind the scenes of the Middle of NOWhere Rural Art & Music Festival with extended details about the artists who will be helping to create the vibe.
Whether you're pumped for the playlist, or getting your shopping list in order, we hope that you'll enjoy learning more about the artists.
Please also forward this email to your people who you will be vibing with in July at MONFest to spread the hype!
Introducing DJ O'SHAE and Ris
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Everything I do, from DJing to directing to advocacy, is rooted in the belief that healing can be powerful, creativity can be liberating, and living fully means showing up as all of me, unapologetically.
— DJ O'SHAE
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We posed some questions for our performers' consideration and we're happy to share more with you here about what inspires DJ O'SHAE and Ris as they get ready to help us vibe at MONfest.
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My purpose is to keep going no matter what hardships are thrown at me.
— Ris
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If you had to name a mission statement for your life what would it be?
DJ O'SHAE: To live boldly and build bridges—between healing and movement, art and advocacy, creativity and purpose.
I reclaim narrative through storytelling, design, and sound, while empowering others to rise beyond limitation and live in full color, unapologetically.
This mission statement reflects who I am because my life has been a journey of turning adversity into artistry and survival into purpose.
I’ve navigated recovery, rediscovered my body, and reclaimed my story through movement, music, and creative expression.
I’m not just here to exist—I’m here to make noise, shift narratives, and build bridges between worlds that often overlook people like me.
Everything I do, from DJing to directing to advocacy, is rooted in the belief that healing can be powerful, creativity can be liberating, and living fully means showing up as all of me, unapologetically.
Ris: My purpose is to keep going no matter what hardships are thrown at me. Years ago I was homeless, struggling to find a job out of highschool, figuring out finances without any parental help, and I still found a way out of all the hurdles.
Resilience is huge for me. I want anyone to believe they can do it no matter what.
What's something you would like people to know about your craft?
DJ O'SHAE: Everything I create—whether through sound, visuals, or movement—is deeply intentional. My work isn’t just about aesthetics or hype; it’s about telling stories, shifting energy, and creating spaces where people can feel seen, moved, and empowered. I blend technical skill with emotional depth, always rooted in purpose.
RIS: I started off in musical theatre so a lot of my performances are very interactive because of that! I really enjoy moving with crowd and getting them involved. I have only been performing my own music since August 2024
If you could collaborate with one creative who would it be and why?
DJ O'SHAE: Solange Knowles. Like myself, Solange moves fluidly between music, visual art, performance, and cultural curation. Her work isn't confined to one medium—it's about evoking feeling, reclaiming space, and crafting immersive experiences.
Ris: I would collaborate with WESTSIDE BOOGIE. I feel like he is a great story teller and brings out vulnerable raw emotions in his music.
What are you proud of creating recently?
O'SHAE: This piece is a tribute to the rise of Doechii—a radiant embodiment of what it means to bloom loudly, unapologetically, and in full color.
I created this artwork to honor the moment a Black woman receives her crown—not just from the world, but from within.
Doechii’s journey, from underground brilliance to award-winning recognition, feels deeply personal to witness.
Her presence is a reminder that darker-skinned women deserve to be front and center, not hidden in the margins. In a world that often overlooks them, she commands space with every lyric, every performance, every breath.
This is a celebration of her power, her softness, and the collective reclamation of visibility.
Ris: My most recent project I’m super proud of is my EP!
I love the vision I created for my project for Lover Girls everywhere. It was deep and personal to connect my emotions with love and life experience.
Tell us about your relationship to rural places and why you see the work of the Middle of NOWhere Festival as so important in these times?
O'SHAE: While I’ve primarily lived in cities and suburban areas—and spent part of my childhood overseas—my lack of direct experience with rural spaces makes me even more aware of how often these communities are overlooked.
Rural areas are rich with untapped talent, stories, and creative potential, but too often lack the platforms and exposure that urban centers receive.
That’s why the work of the Middle of NOWhere Festival is so vital—it disrupts that imbalance by spotlighting brilliance in places that are frequently underestimated. Uplifting these voices helps shift the narrative and expands who gets to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Ris: I grew up in a smaller midsize city with 20k people so I really love that you guys are trying to bring people together for a great community gathering
When you're not making music or curating set lists, what's your favorite hobby or pastime?
O'SHAE: Rowing - I want to become a Paralympic rower.
Ris: When I am not making music I love to travel. I enjoy meeting new people and exploring new places.
If you were truly stuck in the middle of nowhere who would you choose to bring with you and why?
O'SHAE: Missy Elliott. She’s innovative, unbothered by limitations, and turns the unexpected into magic. She's the kind of person who would make "the middle of nowhere" feel like the center of the universe—just like I do in my work.
Ris: I would choose to bring my son because I love him!!
Anything else you'd like to share?
O'SHAE: I'm disabled with an incomplete spinal cord injury from a traumatic incident almost 2 years ago and I prayed to be seen for my talents and not for pity.
DJing has done just that for me. I am blessed to play a role in this festival.
Thank you both for your responses!
We look forward to hanging out with you at the Festival - July 12th from 1-9pm.
DJ O'SHAE's Set will be from 1-2pm
Ris will perform at 3:25pm
Stay tuned for more interviews with our other performers in upcoming newsletters.
In the meantime, connect, follow socials, and spread the word about our performers on socials.
In rural we vibe,
The MONFest Team
Just around the corner!
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Sunday June 15th
2:00-5:00pm
MONFest Fundraiser
Where the exclusive Siricasso wine will be available for purchase... until it's gone.
You're not going to want to miss it!
Donation based Sip and Paint, food, wine, and opportunties to peep the new MONfest merch!
Come through!
