5 Oklahoma Tastemakers to Know

There are thousands of music tastemakers, photographers, videographers, writers, superfans, and activists who are changing the Oklahoma music scene. Here’s just a little taste of some of the people who are really rockin’ and rollin’.

1. Desiree Yearby

Desiree Yearby (aka Dezz) is doing something hugely important in OKC – talking about Hip Hop. Some people call Dezz the Queen of Oklahoma Hip Hop, and she’s earned the title by being a connecter of people in the community and constantly educating people on what’s going on in the scene. She started her career at just 16 years old, and, since then, she’s written for multiple publications, hosted her own podcast (Tha Rap Podcast) and served on several committees to advance Oklahoma music. Dezz is a great person to go to to learn more about the Oklahoma Hip Hop Scene or to learn more about general artist marketing. To read more about programs she’s been featured in, check out the “local love” tab on her GotSteeze.net website. You can also find what she’s been listening to, listen to her podcast, and look at her photos. Keep up with her on social to learn more!

2. Ryan LaCroix

For eight years, Ryan LaCroix has been the host of KOSU’s Oklahoma Rock Show, and he plays a huge part in the planning for Norman Music Festival. Ryan has also taught at ACM@UCO, and he’s co authored two books for the Oklahoma Historical Society. He recently started a program on the Rock Show called “Rewind,” which explores Oklahoma music through the years. Ryan is also a contributor for NPR Music, and he included Oklahoma’s own Adam and Kizzie amongst the “10 Hot Summer Songs Public Radio Can’t Stop Playing.” In an article by Nathan Poppe, Ryan said, “It’s hard to not be excited about Oklahoma music – Broncho, Parker Millsap, John Fullbright, Samantha Crain, JD McPherson, John Moreland – they’re all getting national and international attention right now. Hopefully more and more folks start taking an interest in Oklahoma music.”

3. Jarvix

Evan Jarvicks (aka Jarvix) is the founder and “Chief Executive Weirdo” of Make Oklahoma Weirder. Jarvix specializes in the obscure and underground, but he also produces content about more mainstream artists. You’ll find him at music events around the state, performing and supporting musicians. His site features a list of show recommendations (including a list of all-ages shows), resources for people who want to learn more about the scene, and reviews of local music. Jarvix is doing amazing things for the scene in letting people know what’s going on and keeping it weird. In a Gazette article written by Ben Luschen, Jarvix once said, “If it weren’t for the scene, I would not be anything that I am now.” To learn more about his passion for music, check out his Q&A with the OU Daily or listen to the recent Localites podcast with Jarvix as their guest.

4. Elecktra

The best way to introduce Elecktra Stanislava is by drawing attention to the Change.org petition requesting that Elecktra is named the “Patron Saint of Awesome.” Elecktra is not a music writer, but she’s a major organizer for musicians, especially in the DIY scene. Elecktra has been in the scene for 17 years and is currently the booking manager for the “The Root,” one of the most active venues in OKC, which includes a monthly music networking event. Elecktra is all about safe spaces and opens her doors to drag shows and queer variety shows and provides opportunities for women in the music scene. As the Youth Care Specialist at Sisu Youth Services, Elecktra said she’s seen music change people’s lives. In the “about” section on her social page, Elecktra writes, “supporting the local community, local music, and art, advocating for some amazing charities, and just enjoying music and life as it is.”

5. Nathan Poppe

Nathan Poppe does a little bit of everything – writer, photographer, videographer, enamel pin creator, and editor. After several years of writing about music in Oklahoma, he’s now the editor-in-chief of the Curbside Chronicle, the Oklahoma street paper, but he still does freelance work, writes a music blog, and continues with his signature series “VDub Sessions,” which is a video series with local musicians crowded in a Volkswagon van. Poppe has worked with huge bands like Oklahoma-based The Flaming Lips, and he’s even shot a music video underwater and had his work featured in Rolling Stone. He’s also done music videos for local artists like Samantha Crain and Me Oh My. Keep up with him on social to see what music he’s into and the local news he’s writing about for the Curbside!