When Local Current reached out with a DJ in Residence offer, I was inclined to say yes immediately. I'm pretty sure I had a response of "hell yeah" drafted up and ready to send within ten seconds. But, being a person who tends to rush into things, I decided to take at least a few minutes to sit and think it over.

My first thought was, "is this a good look?" I wish my brain had gone directly to daydreaming about how fun it would be, or how many local artists I could throw love to, but being an independent artist (especially a non-manager-having-ass rapper) leads me to ask these questions.

I thought about The Current...

The Current has always been a name I put respek on. One of the things I appreciate the most is their willingness to take a chance on hometown artists. Accepting the residency would mean that I get to help further that connection, especially when it comes to hip hop (since that's kinda my thing)...Definitely a good look.

Also, it means that this local institution trusts your boy enough to play six straight hours of music and not have it be wack...also a good look.

I thought, "who else has done it?"... Be a leader not a follower, right? The saying is even truer when it comes to music. That being said, there are times where it's good to have someone pave the way. Plus, it's always good to be in good company. And in good company I was.

I looked at the hefty list of amazing artists that had previously done the show: Mina Moore, deM atlaS, Mark Mallman, Sophia Eris, Eric Mayson, etc... All people that I respect, have massive amounts of love for, and shared drinks with.

Definitely a good look.

My last question: "Is this something I can do?"

I've done a fair amount of radio interviews in the past. We've performed on the radio a lot. But hosting my own show is 100% something I've never done before.

Not to mention, October 2016 was already looking to be the busiest month of my life thus far.

(During the last month I: finished an EP, released the EP, threw a release party, had family visit from Ireland, did shows out of town, performed with other acts in town, taught a class on hip-hop, did too many interviews, a couple podcasts, celebrated three friends' birthdays, ate at least 20 sandwiches, and did a million other exciting/stressful things...)

I was nervous. I had no clue if I would be a good radio host. I wasn't sure if I'd even have time to make it to The Current once a week... But I said yes, and I'm really glad I did.

The night before my first show, someone I care about lost a family member. I remember sitting in the studio that next day thinking about life, and feeling overwhelmed... There was so much going on and my head was spinning.

To snap myself out of it, I tried to focus on the task at hand. I had a mic in front of me. I had a list of beautiful music waiting to be played. If it wasn't something I "had" to do, I'm not sure if I would have had the energy to even start, but the show must go on.

I kicked off my first ever set on my first ever shift at Local Current. I did a nervous little intro filled with umm's and ahhhhhh's. I don't think I killed it.

Then the music kicked in, and I started to feel a bit better.

I wondered if anyone listening was feeling the same way I was feeling that day, and if they were, would this music have the same effect on them as it did me? Thinking about it brought a smile to my face, even though I was in pretty rough shape.

The rest of the day went more smoothly as the time passed. The second show was pretty damn good. By the time I got to my third shift as DJ in Residence, I couldn't believe it was going to be over so soon.

What started as an opportunity that I was nervous about, turned into something I looked forward to every week. It really helped me out during a wild time in my life. And knowing that other folks tuned in and had fun makes it even more worth it.

Music has the power to make people feel better. It gives us a chance to bring our message to the masses. It brings us together as people.

The Minnesota music scene has given me so much. It inspired me to be who I am. It provided the food on my plate and the roof that's over my head. It's the reason I know all my friends.

Local music has brought infinite amounts of love into my life...and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to give some of that love back.

A billion thank-yous to:

- Everyone that tuned into the show during the last 3 weeks.

- Local Current/The Current for giving your boy this sweet opportunity.

&

- All the amazing local artists who provided music.

- Sean

Hear Sean Anonymous's final shift as October DJ in Residence today on Local Current from noon to 6 p.m. Come back next Friday at noon for a special treat from November DJ in residence Frankie Lee.