Hey y’all, welcome to a special Xtras episode of the Dallas Famous Podcast! Today we’re sitting down with the minds behind DOPE Ellum — a creative force right in the heart of Deep Ellum. I’ve got Airto Castaneda-Cudney and Jon Day here with me.

DOPE Ellum isn’t just a space — it’s a whole vibe. From their legendary Social Thursdaze jam sessions to collabs that bring together music, art, video projects, and even game design, they’re building a real-deal playground for creatives. Whether you're tuning into a live stream or pulling up in person, it’s all about connection, collaboration, and community.

DOPE Ellum

Airto Castaneda-Cudney

Jon Day

Snipershot - "Gas Station Messiah" Intro theme (All Rights Reserved to Snipershot.)

⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the Dallas Famous Podcast, we’re joined by L 25 — a Dallas-based producer, DJ, and artist who’s building a body of work as bold as it is consistent. Releasing new music or videos on the 25th of every month, she’s creating space for women in electronic music while challenging the idea that production is a boys’ club.

She’s also the founder of Amplify-HER, a growing event series focused on connecting and supporting women producers and DJs in Dallas and beyond.

We talk about her creative process, how collaboration plays into her work, and the bigger vision she’s chasing through sound, visuals, and community.

"The View" all rights reserved to L25

Thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Ellum Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the Dallas Famous Podcast, it's Patrick Smith—an extraordinary bassist, studio musician, composer and genre-blending artist whose versatile talents and incredible career have made him a true musical force. From playing with legendary acts and recording in top studios across the U.S. and Europe to sharing unforgettable moments on stage, Patrick's journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and musical excellence. Join us as we delve into his story of navigating the bustling Dallas music scene, building a dynamic career, and inspiring musicians and fans alike with his unparalleled talent and authentic stage presence.

Patrick Smith

Thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Ellum Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the Dallas Famous Podcast, we sit down with Christopher Holt—a longtime staple of the Dallas music scene and a guitarist’s guitarist. From his work with local legends like Sorta, The Slack, and Bastards of Soul to touring with rock icons like Mike Campbell, Don Henley, and Max Weinberg—and now joining the Eagles—Chris has carved out a career defined by versatility, tone, and heart. We talk band life, guitar heroes, and what it’s like to step into one of the most iconic roles in American rock.

Chris has played with everybody, but he’s still the most down-to-earth guy in the room. I know you’re gonna love this one, here it is.

"That Magic Feeling" All Rights Resereved to Christopher Holt

Thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Ellum Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the Dallas Famous Podcast, we sit down with Ian Loomer—a filmmaker, creative operations leader, and President of the Dallas Producers Association. From early projects as a teen filmmaker to key roles at AMP Creative and AMP Studios, Ian has built a career that blends storytelling, innovation, and strategic leadership. He’s played a major role in shaping Dallas’s film and media landscape through his work in production, XR technology, and community advocacy. We talk career pivots, building creative teams, and what’s next for the Texas film scene.

Listen in—this one’s for the future of film in North Texas!

Texas production Expo 2025 is Thursday, May 22 at the Grapevine convention center. Totally free to attend.

RSVP Here

Ian Loomer

Dallas Producers Association

Thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Ellum Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the Dallas Famous Podcast, we’re joined by La Bell — longtime KXT host and musician who’s spent years supporting the local scene while making her own mark as an artist. She’s become a trusted voice in North Texas radio, helping shape the way Dallas hears itself.

We talk about how she got her start, her path to KXT, and what it’s like balancing broadcasting with her own creative work.

La Bell Music

KXT

Thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Ellum Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the Dallas Famous Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Timothy Stevens, who is here to discuss his feature documentary, *Dark Sanctuary*, which delves into the rich history of the iconic goth night at the Church and its pivotal role in Dallas's music scene. Through his lens, he captures the emotional essence of a community that found solace and acceptance in a unique cultural haven.

In our conversation, we explore Timothy's journey into filmmaking, the inspiration behind *Dark Sanctuary*, and the significance of the Church as a gathering place for those on the fringes of society. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of music and community and unearth the stories that shaped this unforgettable era in Dallas's nightlife.

Opening song "You Belong To The Night" all rights reserved to Joe Virus - From the films soundtrack

⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

From the heart of Dallas, State Fair Records is amplifying the voices of Texas talent. Co-founder Scott Davis and Label Manager Courtney Wright are on a mission to bring authentic, homegrown music to the forefront. Their dedication is reshaping the soundscape of the Lone Star State. From launching careers to supporting and leveling up homegrown talent, Scott and Courtney share the story behind the label, how they’ve built a tight-knit creative community, and what it takes to keep independent music thriving in North Texas and beyond.

State Fair Records

Thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Ellum Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Salim Nourallah⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the *Dallas Famous* podcast, we're excited to feature Imani Black, a rising photographer, videographer, and curator in the Dallas creative scene. Recognized with an advertising award from Ad 2 Dallas's "32 Under 32," she’s built a name for herself through branding, lifestyle, and event photography. Her next big project is curating an art gallery for the upcoming *Cyber Dallas* fashion show, blending visual storytelling with futuristic themes. We’ll dive into her journey, creative process, and what’s next for her.

Imani Black

Cyber Dallas

Thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Ellum Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Salim Nourallah⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠Electrik Ants ⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on Dallas Famous, we’re chatting with J. Damany Daniel, known as The Event Nerd. Damany is a creative force in experience design, working with major brands to create unforgettable live events that blend technology, storytelling, and purpose. From immersive brand launches to community-driven activations, he brings a strategic vision and a passion for connecting people. A speaker, mentor, and deep thinker on impactful events, he shares his journey, insights on memorable experiences, and predictions for the future of gatherings. Let’s dive into our conversation with The Event Nerd, J. Damany Daniel.

J. Damany Daniel

The Event Nerd

Thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Ellum Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Salim Nourallah⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠Electrik Ants ⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.