It’s 10 p.m., and the air inside The Falls Lounge is alive with electricity. Retro lights flash in time with the beat, a disco ball glimmers overhead, and LED walls cast a nostalgic glow across the room. But the true magic happens behind the DJ booth, where Antwon Russell stands, orchestrating what promises to be the best night of your life.
With his mix controller, speakers, headphones, and trusty MacBook, Antwon transforms the dance floor into a euphoric escape. By layering vocal effects and instrumental loops with harmonic transitions, his sets become more than just a series of beats—they’re a journey. Each track he spins pulls the crowd deeper into a world where they can leave behind their worries and live in the music.
“All I want is to make people feel good,” Antwon shares with a smile. “My role as a DJ is to create an escape—a moment where you’re carefree, lost in the music.”
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Antwon Russell always dreamed of being a DJ. But like many creatives, life threw challenges his way. Before the pandemic, his dream was just that—a distant fantasy.
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“DJing has always been something I wanted to do,” Antwon reflects. “But it wasn’t until the world shut down that I had the time to invest in myself. It was now or never.”
As the global pandemic halted everything, Antwon found the space to prioritize his passion. He bought the equipment, studied the craft, and began mixing tracks in his small apartment. Childhood talent shows fueled Antwon’s journey, inspiring him to create magic through sound. Music became his lifeline, releasing years of bottled-up emotion and energy.
Soon, the opportunity he had been waiting for arrived. DJ Moonflower’s event, “Moonflower Mondays” at The Falls Lounge — a hidden gem in the heart of downtown L.A. — became his breakthrough moment. With its disco ball hanging from the ceiling and 90s music video vibe, the lounge immediately felt like home to Antwon.
“The moment I walked in, I knew this was it,” he says. “There’s just something special about the energy here. It’s the kind of place that takes you back while keeping you rooted in the moment.”
Antwon’s rise from The Falls Lounge to larger venues was swift and well-earned. His growing reputation as a DJ led to a career-defining opportunity in August — a Michael Jackson tribute performance at the Hard Rock Café in Hollywood. Standing in the spotlight on Hollywood Blvd was a surreal moment for him, one that solidified his belief in the power of persistence and passion.
“So those things you once thought were unreachable? Like, last month, I was on a freaking billboard. I couldn’t believe it,” he says with a laugh. “It was this huge affirmation that anything is possible.”
But Antwon’s journey is not just about high-profile performances. He is committed to uplifting his community through music. Recently, he mixed the track for The Black Pride Cypher, showcasing his versatility and dedication to elevating Black voices. With over 20 performances this year alone — whether mixing for dance floors, producing tracks for music videos, or DJing major events — Antwon’s presence is felt across LA’s vibrant music scene. And he’s just getting started.
As Antwon Russell continues to rise in LA’s dynamic music scene, his focus remains on creating unforgettable experiences for his audience. He plans to expand his presence beyond Los Angeles, with aspirations of performing at international festivals and collaborating with other artists to create original music. For now, though, Antwon is all about making each night memorable, one mix at a time.
To catch Antwon, live or stay updated on his latest projects, follow him on Instagram @imantwonrussell.
