After DJing at Manhattan’s historic AEG owned 3000-person capacity venue, Terminal 5, this past February for New York Fashion Week, Nessel Music owner Neil Nessel wanted to experience the same glamour and energy that he felt at that time once again.
This time around he wanted to throw his own New York Fashion Week themed party, a model networking event for future shows, and perhaps even have a pop-up fashion show. After speaking with the AEG group on what other venues they might have for the party he was planning, he decided to go with a smaller 650-person capacity venue in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, named Racket NYC located at 431 W 16th Street. The goal was to start smaller and grow a bi-annual fashion themed party/fashion show to events requiring increasingly larger venues with musical artists, DJs, fashion designers and models.
Once planning started, he immediately knew who he wanted to headline the party with him; a DJ and musician who taught Neil how to DJ back in 1998 at college town nightclubs in Huntington, WV, home of Marshall University. The university at the time had an enrollment of over 15,000 students during an era when clubbing was what everybody did on the weekends and crowds sometimes surged to over 1500 people at the larger venues. That DJ was Charlie Brown Superstar (Brett Fuller), who is currently on tour with Grammy nominated country and folk musician that had recently sold-out Madison Square Garden. Brett had given Tyler Childers a chance to perform on the stage at the smaller venue where he was the resident DJ one evening and Tyler had never forgotten that favor. He repaid him by taking him on tour with him for the past couple of years. Brett DJs his own remixes of country and folk songs for the crowd before the show, as well as contributing to the main performance while Tyler Childers and his Band, The Food Stamps, are playing.
Charlie Brown Superstar, the moniker of DJ and producer Brett Fuller, began his musical journey in the mid-1990s in Huntington, West Virginia, a region not particularly known for its electronic music scene. Despite this, Fuller carved out a niche for himself, becoming a central figure in the local DJ circuit, known for his eclectic sets that blended genres such as Nu Disco, house, funk, and more. His early influences ranged from classic funk and soul to the emerging sounds of electronic dance music, which he skillfully incorporated into his performances.
Fuller initially gained recognition in local clubs like Gumby’s, Gyrationz, and the V Club (now known as The LOUD), where his ability to read the crowd and mix a wide variety of music genres quickly set him apart from his peers. This versatility became a hallmark of his style, and over time, he developed a loyal following. His unique sound, which he later dubbed “Mountain Funk,” is a blend of jam, funk, and electronic music, reflecting both his West Virginia roots and his wide-ranging musical tastes.
By the late 1990s, Fuller expanded his reach beyond the local scene, starting to produce original tracks and remixes under the Charlie Brown Superstar name. His productions caught the attention of several independent labels around the world, leading to releases with Candy Beach Records in Spain, Thunder Jam Records in Israel, and several others in Italy and the United States. His track “Never Gonna Stop” achieved significant success, spending weeks at #2 on the Traxsource Lounge/Chill Out chart, marking a major milestone in his career.
In addition to his solo work, Fuller also became known for his collaborative efforts. He was a member of the band Hyatari, a critically acclaimed drone/doom metal group, and toured with the 90s band Chum. These experiences further broadened his musical horizons and helped him refine the distinct sound that he would bring to his later projects.
A significant turning point in Fuller’s career came with his involvement in Tyler Childers’ album “Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?” Fuller co-produced and remixed the “Joyful Noise” version of the album, which debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200. This project introduced his work to a broader audience and solidified his reputation as a versatile and innovative producer.
Today, Charlie Brown Superstar continues to be a prominent figure in the DJ and production scene, known for his live performances at festivals like Mountain Music Fest and Funktafest, as well as his ongoing collaborations with artists like Tyler Childers. His journey from a local DJ in Huntington to a recognized name in the global electronic music scene is a testament to his talent, adaptability, and deep love for music.
Neil Nessel’s journey into the music world began in a rather unconventional way, setting the stage for a career that would be defined by creativity, resilience, and a deep love for the art of sound. Born and raised in a musical family, Nessel was exposed to various genres and instruments from a young age. His parents were avid music enthusiasts, and this environment played a significant role in shaping his early musical inclinations.
Nessel’s first significant encounter with music came through the cornet, which he started playing at a young age. His natural talent was evident, and he quickly progressed, mastering complex pieces and developing a unique style that blended classical techniques with more contemporary influences. This early foundation in music theory and performance would prove invaluable as he transitioned into other areas of the music industry.
As a teenager, Nessel became increasingly interested in the emerging electronic music scene. Fascinated by the possibilities of synthesizers and digital audio workstations, he began experimenting with electronic sounds, creating his own compositions that fused elements of traditional music with cutting-edge technology. This experimentation led to his first foray into music production, where he quickly made a name for himself as an innovative and forward-thinking producer.
Nessel’s early career was marked by a series of collaborations with local artists and musicians, where he honed his skills and developed a distinctive sound. His work during this period was characterized by a willingness to push boundaries and explore new musical territories, often blending genres in ways that were ahead of their time. This approach earned him a reputation as a maverick in the local music scene, and his productions began to attract attention from a wider audience.
In addition to his work as a producer, Nessel also pursued a career as a DJ, performing at clubs and events across the country. His DJ sets were known for their eclectic mix of genres and seamless transitions, reflecting his deep understanding of music and his ability to read and energize a crowd. This dual role as both a producer and a DJ allowed Nessel to develop a holistic understanding of the music industry, from the creation of a track to its performance in front of a live audience.
One of the pivotal moments in Nessel’s career came when he started his record label, which gave him the platform to reach a global audience. This opportunity allowed him to collaborate in the industry, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the electronic music scene. His productions during this period were characterized by a sophisticated blend of melody, rhythm, and innovative sound design.
Today, Neil Nessel is recognized as a pioneer in the electronic music industry, with a career that spans decades and includes numerous records, collaborations, and performances. His journey from a young cornet prodigy to a recognized producer and DJ is a testament to his talent, hard work, and unwavering passion for music. Nessel continues to inspire a new generation of musicians and producers, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of music.
In addition to the two DJs providing the vibe for the party, a Special Guest performance by belles larmes is scheduled. belles larmes is known for producing music that blends electronic and experimental sounds. Her work includes tracks like “Wildfire”, which was released on September 22, 2023. Her music can be found on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. She is recognized for creating an atmospheric and emotive style, often exploring themes that resonate deeply with listeners.
Tickets are on sale here: Charlie Brown Superstar tickets in New York at Racket on Mon, Sep 9, 2024 – 8:00PM (axs.com)
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With love,
FWO
