The music roared, the crowd surged and the lights shone as Jordan Teddy, better known as DJ Freezie, put on a show in downtown Ellensburg on Oct. 13. The local DJ lit up Old Skool’s tiny venue with what he described as “maybe the first rave in [the] town’s history.” 

Teddy discussed his upcoming show just hours before doors opened, going over some final details and describing his thoughts.

“It’s my first concert,” Teddy said. “So I’m not expecting a huge crowd, but I really want that feeling of like, people there that I don’t know enjoying it.” 

Teddy organized the entire event himself. He detailed the difficulty of landing a spot to perform at the venue, hauling his equipment around from place to place and advertising to ensure people would come listen.  

While the rave at Old Skool’s was his first official show, Teddy said he has been honing his craft for the past year. 

“Mostly mixing, but… working on [my] own stuff on the down low, just trying to get good at it.” 

Teddy’s specialty is EDM, turning popular tracks into upbeat dancing music, which he describes as perfect for a rave. 

Teddy said he thinks being able to host a show in the middle of Ellensburg is especially meaningful and abnormal. 

 “It’s a new kind of genre pushing [its way onto the scene]. That’s what I’m trying to do,” Teddy said. “ Put everyone on EDM.” 

Teddy’s disapproval of a suggested $5 entry fee echoes the sentiment that his show is for the people. 

“When I was a freshman I really didn’t have $5 lying around and I wanted it to be one of those things where anyone can come in and join [and] not have to worry about paying.” 

Teddy said he just wants to get some recognition as DJ Freezie, caring more about putting his name out there and putting on a show than any pay. 

Teddy shared his future plans, eventually hoping to create a partnership with his opener, DJ Bees, if the rave goes smoothly. 

“I’m thinking about that, how crazy [it is] if this actually goes to plan,” Teddy said. “We’ll stick together and kind of just move up in the venues.”

By 8 p.m. that night, the rave had started and arriving ravers were immediately greeted by the sound of pumping EDM.

Teddy was onstage next to DJ Bees, nodding his head to the beats as the audience below jumped to the music. They started with a bass-heavy remix of “I Love It” by Icona Pop and Charli XCX. The crowd was comprised of Teddy’s friends, who traveled 100 miles east in support, and CWU students; all here to experience DJ Freezie’s first gig.

The crowd dwindled and a sense of community became apparent as Teddy interacted with his friends, tailoring his set to the favorite songs of his supporters. 

“I’m so grateful for the love,” Teddy said.