Thomas Turner, the visionary force behind Relentless Beats and EMW Presents, stands as a pivotal figure in the meteoric ascent of electronic dance music (EDM) in the United States, particularly within his home state of Arizona. His journey, from fervent fan of progressive house to a leading promoter and entrepreneur, is a testament to a career built on cultivating community, championing authenticity, and pioneering innovative event production. Turner’s influence extends far beyond the pulsating basslines and dazzling light shows; he has meticulously crafted experiences that foster genuine connection through the universal language of sound, solidifying his reputation as a key architect of the modern festival and live electronic music landscape.
From Passion to Profession: The Genesis of Relentless Beats and EMW Presents
Turner’s deep-seated passion for music began with progressive house, a genre characterized by its evolving soundscapes and often intricate, almost neoclassical arrangements. In an era where discovering these specific tracks required significant dedication, this immersive pursuit ignited a fervent enthusiasm that soon evolved into a more active role. "I started off as a consumer of progressive house music, which has evolved a lot over time," Turner explains. "Back then, it had a very specific sound—almost neoclassical in a way—and you really had to dig to find the right tracks. That’s what pulled me in initially, and from there I became a DJ and a full-on music enthusiast."
This burgeoning enthusiasm coincided with a notable void in his local market for the kind of entertainment he was passionate about. Recognizing this gap, Turner naturally transitioned into a role of bringing these experiences to his community. This organic progression led to the founding of Relentless Beats, an entity that would become synonymous with high-quality electronic music events in Arizona. The full-circle nature of his career is further underscored by his ability to later employ and mentor Steve Kushner, the very individual who had initially provided him with his first opportunity as a DJ. "At the time, there wasn’t much of this kind of entertainment in my market, so I naturally stepped into the role of helping bring it there," Turner recounts. "It came full circle in a really rewarding way—I was eventually able to hire the person who first gave me an opportunity as a DJ and mentor, Steve Kushner. Now I get to work alongside people I’ve known for years, which makes it even more meaningful."
The establishment of EMW Presents signifies a strategic expansion, built upon the same foundational principles that propelled Relentless Beats to prominence. EMW was conceived with the explicit intention of replicating the success and ethos of its predecessor, focusing on creating meaningful experiences at opportune moments. While acquisitions were considered in the early stages, Turner and his team opted for organic growth, believing that building from the ground up would foster a more authentic and sustainable trajectory. "EMW was built with the same ethos as Relentless Beats," Turner states. "It started by bringing together people who wanted to create something meaningful at the right time. We actually considered acquisitions early on, but it made more sense to build something from the ground up." This approach prioritizes long-term development, with Turner emphasizing that "these things take 5 to 10 years to fully develop, but we’re seeing great momentum." The company’s expansion strategy is deliberately measured, focusing on contributing to markets where a genuine synergy and alignment of values exist. "If we expand into new places, it’ll always be because it’s the right fit with the right people," he clarifies, underscoring a commitment to thoughtful growth over rapid market penetration.
The Unmistakable Aura of Arizona’s Dance Music Scene
The electronic dance music landscape is experiencing unprecedented global growth, with its rhythms becoming an integral part of daily life across diverse cultures. While Turner and his companies produce events in various markets, including New York, he maintains that the Arizona scene possesses a distinct and unparalleled quality. "Dance music is growing everywhere. It’s becoming a soundtrack to people’s lives globally," he observes. "We produce shows in other markets too, like New York, but nothing compares to home."
What sets Arizona apart, according to Turner, is its inherent authenticity and a fan-first approach that has been cultivated over years. This ethos is deeply embedded in the organizational philosophy, prioritizing community building and the creation of shared experiences above all else. Many of the individuals involved in the scene have been participants and contributors for extended periods, predating the massive commercialization of the industry. This long-standing commitment has fostered a unique sense of camaraderie and continuity. "What makes Arizona special is how authentic it is," Turner emphasizes. "We’ve always approached this as fans first. Bringing people together, creating community, and building spaces where people can share experiences. A lot of us have been doing this for years, even before it became such a large-scale industry."
The most profound rewards stem from witnessing the enduring impact of these events on attendees. The sight of individuals who have been loyal patrons for a decade, fifteen, or even twenty years returning with their families speaks volumes about the lasting connections forged. This intergenerational participation transforms the events into vast gatherings of like-minded individuals, akin to an expansive network of friends united by their shared passion for music and experience. "The most rewarding part is seeing people who’ve been with us for 10, 15, even 20 years now coming back with their families. It’s like having 10,000 friends connected through these events. That sense of community is everything," Turner expresses with evident pride.
Navigating the Evolution of the Dance Music Industry
Turner’s perspective on the dance music industry is characterized by a forward-looking outlook, yet he acknowledges and values the enduring significance of foundational elements. One of the most consistently exciting aspects he identifies is the pivotal role played by young, independent promoters. These individuals are often at the vanguard of musical discovery, identifying nascent talent, propagating new sounds, and cultivating the momentum that propels artists from obscurity to widespread recognition. "I’m always focused on moving forward, but one thing that’s stayed exciting is the role of young, independent promoters," Turner notes. "They’re the ones discovering new music first; sharing tracks, building momentum, and helping artists break through."
This organic pathway, driven by word-of-mouth and genuine enthusiasm, has been the launchpad for countless major artists. Turner’s commitment to nurturing this ecosystem is a cornerstone of his long-term vision. He aims to provide continued support for emerging promoters, empowering them to build sustainable businesses and ensuring the continued vitality of the underground scene. "So many major artists started that way, just through word of mouth and organic discovery. I want to continue supporting that space and help young promoters build sustainable businesses. That’s something I really care about over the next decade," he states.
Unforgettable Moments and the Pursuit of Experiential Excellence
The history of producing large-scale events is invariably punctuated by moments of unexpected humor and profound memorability. Turner recounts one particularly indelible incident at a show in Phoenix involving a concertgoer who appeared in the crowd in a state of complete nudity. The ensuing reactions, captured in photographs, have become an inside joke and a cherished anecdote. The situation took a further turn when the individual’s mother insisted he visit the Relentless Beats office to offer an apology. This event has since become an iconic internal story, underscoring the unpredictable and often amusing human element that accompanies large gatherings. "There was this one moment where a guy was completely naked in the crowd at a show in Phoenix. The photos of people realizing what was happening are hilarious," Turner recalls. "Afterward, his mom actually made him come into our office to apologize. It became this iconic internal story: ‘the naked guy who had to apologize.’ Moments like that stick with you. There are so many wild memories from all the events we’ve produced. It’s honestly been an amazing journey."
The annual Decadence New Year’s Eve celebration, a flagship event for Relentless Beats, consistently delivers standout moments. Turner highlights the most recent Decadence featuring GRiZ as particularly exceptional, citing the integration of live instrumentation and the palpable energy of the crowd. The preceding year’s event, headlined by John Summit, was also lauded for its impact. These experiences, he explains, are the result of aligning an artist at a pivotal stage in their career with a meticulously crafted, large-scale production, thereby creating truly unforgettable spectacles. "This past Decadence with GRiZ was incredible; live instrumentation, the energy, everything about it felt special. The year before with John Summit was also amazing. When you catch an artist at the perfect moment in their career and combine that with a big production push, it creates something really memorable."
The Enduring Influence of Immersive Experiences
Turner’s approach to event production is deeply influenced by his early experiences as a nightlife enthusiast. His initial forays into attending events were characterized by an appreciation for theatricality, elaborate costumes, and engaging performances. It was the holistic experience, rather than a business-minded perspective, that captivated him. "I started as a nightlife enthusiast, going to themed events with costumes, dancers, and theatrical production. I wasn’t thinking about business. I was just blown away by the experience and the effort behind it," he shares.
This curiosity propelled him to investigate the individuals and entities responsible for creating such immersive environments, both domestically and internationally. At the time of his early explorations, the concept of large-scale music festivals in the United States was nascent, with Europe possessing a more established infrastructure for such events, including robust brand partnerships and extensive festival frameworks. The U.S. scene, in contrast, was more rooted in underground gatherings. "That curiosity led me to learn who was producing those events, not just in the U.S. but in Europe too. Back then, large-scale festivals in America didn’t really exist the way they do now. Europe had brand partnerships and big festival infrastructure, while the U.S. was still more underground."
While the industry has since become more commercialized, Turner firmly believes in the enduring relevance of the underground scene as a crucible for innovation. This conviction underpins the establishment of The Roosevelt, a new venue in downtown Phoenix. Designed as a listening-focused space, it aims to cultivate emerging artists and foster the grassroots energy that he believes is vital to the genre’s evolution. "The industry became more commercialized, but the underground scene will always exist and that’s where innovation starts. That’s why we’re opening a new venue in downtown Phoenix called The Roosevelt. It’s designed as a listening-focused space to support emerging artists and that grassroots energy."
As Relentless Beats and EMW Presents continue their expansion and influence, Thomas Turner remains steadfastly committed to the core principles that ignited his career: forging connections through the transformative power of music and fostering vibrant communities where shared experiences can flourish. His ongoing dedication to supporting emerging talent, championing authentic engagement, and innovating within the festival space ensures his continued impact on the trajectory of electronic dance music in the United States.