ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
Burundi Partlow
Among our distinguished team is Burundi Partlow, a venerable figure in the entertainment industry with 30 years of experience. He has earned GRAMMYs, EMMYs, and ASCAP Awards, profoundly shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in music. Burundi, alongside his longtime collaborator and business partner, Malik Yusef—an eight-time Grammy winner, multi Emmy, Tony, and Peabody Award recipient—has been pivotal in creating iconic music. Together, they have garnered nominations for Song of the Year and received four GRAMMY nominations, including for Rap Album of the Year and Rap Single of the Year. Their collaboration on Rihanna's song "All the Lights" stands as a highlight in their careers, contributing significantly to monumental projects like Beyoncé’s "Lemonade.", and they also played a key role in the production of Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign's "Vultures 2" album, released in August 2024, which soared to number one on music charts worldwide. With Drake, they crafted soundscapes that pushed the boundaries of genre, showcasing their versatility and forward-thinking approach in music production.
With SPAZZ, Burundi Partlow and Malik Yusef are channeling their unparalleled expertise into a groundbreaking era of entertainment. Together, they are not merely creating music but crafting immersive experiences that shatter conventional boundaries. Their track record promises not only a secure spot on Billboard, Apple, and Spotify charts but also ensures substantial visibility and credibility. This visibility is key to unlocking diverse ancillary income streams, including product endorsements, sync opportunities in films, video games, and both international and regional commercials. In this collaboration, SPAZZ is prominently featured on each track as a co-executive producer, co-producer, and artist, cementing his celebrity status alongside his superstar peers. This strategic positioning transforms him into an overnight global sensation, a culmination of years of diligent, behind-the-scenes craftsmanship.
ANIMATION TEAM
Rei “VersaTale ” Diko
VersaTale is a 3D psychedelic visual artist dedicated to bringing the highest light of God's consciousness into the world. With a mission to ensure the continuation of this light, VersaTale maintains purity, sometimes at the cost of physical desires. VersaTale's work is a visual journey that narrates how God's consciousness entered their life, inviting others to see the infinite light within themselves, each other, and everything around them. This artist's creations serve as a reminder to "be in the world, but not of it." VersaTale's visuals were prominently showcased in the major opening scene of the recent movie "The Beekeeper (2024)" featuring Jason Statham.
DayDreemer
Charles Paffenroth, known as DayDreemer, has showcased his innovative visuals globally at iconic festivals including Burning Man, Envision, and Resonance. As a performer and designer, he blends the natural and digital worlds to augment SPAZZ’s musical narratives, providing audiences with visuals that not only provoke thought but also promote a transformative experience, awakening consciousness on a profound level.
Julius Horsthuis
Julius Horsthuis, a renowned fractal artist, infuses mathematics with art to create otherworldly environments, enhancing music experiences. His collaborations with artists like Odessa and Max Cooper at prestigious events such as Coachella and Atelier de Lumière have set a high standard. Now joining SPAZZ, Julius aims to introduce these mesmerizing fractal visuals to festival and dome environments, offering festival-goers a unique entry into immersive mathematical realms.
Type_N
Tyler Norman, or Type_N, leverages his expertise as a 3D artist, designer, animator, and VFX specialist to craft surreal, immersive visual experiences. With a history of curating and performing at numerous live events, his collaboration with SPAZZ is set to elevate the visual storytelling aspect, creating a unique and immersive experience that complements the musical journey.
Symmetric Vision
Raimond Jermaks, operating under the alias Symmetric Vision, delves into altered states of consciousness with a focus on accuracy over aesthetic. With a decade of involvement in perception studies and psychedelic research, along with participation in arts and music parties at festivals like Modem and Terra, Raimond’s work with SPAZZ aims to offer an honest perspective on these states, enriching the collective understanding through his visual narratives.
Glass Crane
Steven McCorry, also known as Glass Crane, is a pivotal figure in the visual arts scene from Orlando, Florida. As an art director, 3D animator, and live visual artist, he collaborates with top-tier artists like Pretty Lights and Dead & Company. Co-owner of Ether Immersive, he specializes in creating immersive dome-centric visuals and interactive installations. His commitment to love and transparency in his artistry brings a transformative energy to SPAZZ’s shows, pushing the boundaries of traditional performance visuals to revolutionary heights.
Craig “AudioVision” Gafoor
Craig “AudioVision” Gafoor has a background in the UK Motion Picture SFX industry with over 27 years of experience in computer animation and FX to his credit. He acted as a beta tester at Premier Vision for NewTek’s 'Lightwave 3D', working for some time as tech support in the UK for Lightwave. During this time, he worked with many leading Soho VFX houses, including but not limited to AMGFX and VTR, whose credits include such movies as Lost in Space and James Bond: GoldenEye. Later, AMGFX gave birth to VFX houses The Hive, Framestore, and finally Darkside Animation in the hands of Andrew Bishop to this day.
Moving from film into music videos from 1999-2006, Craig has had #1’s with artists like Billy Piper on Virgin Records, as well as many other music videos charting in the top 10 in the UK with labels such as ZTT, RCA, The Art of Noise, Tom Watkins, etc. Craig is also the founder of Geome AudioVision VJFX plus many other leading brands. Offering a wide range of skills including 3D Mapping, 3D Animation, 360 Fulldome Content Creation, Augmented Reality Solutions, Editing, Virtual Set Designs, Branding, Marketing, Stage Design, Business Model Creation, NFT Creation and Management.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Robin Nixon
Robin Nixon is not just a seasoned professional with over 30 years in creative development and production management, but also a dedicated philanthropist. Co-founder of G.O.A.L. Advocacy (Gift of a Life), Robin has spent 18 years tirelessly working to provide outreach, rescue, education, and assistance with care and housing solutions for chronically homeless mentally disabled women. With a career decorated by over 25 number 1 hit music videos and numerous feature films, Robin's expertise in the entertainment sector is undeniable. His skills in development, leadership, and production implementation have been instrumental in strategies and productions for prestigious organizations such as the GRAMMYs, Universal, Disney, Paramount Pictures, Coachella and various Fortune 500 companies. His leadership journey includes serving as the Chairman for the Electronic Music genre at The Recording Academy (GRAMMYs), a role that highlights his pioneering contributions to the field. Additionally, his two terms as Governor for The Recording Academy (NARAS) underscore his commitment and influential presence in the music industry. Robin's unique blend of professional acumen and philanthropic passion plays a crucial role in driving the company's mission and impact.
Matt Fannon - IMRSV-XR
Matt Fannon is the visionary leader behind IMRSV-XR, a groundbreaking venture at the forefront of revolutionizing digital domes, planetariums, experiential marketing, and immersive art exhibitions. With a commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences through cutting-edge technology and media, Matt's goal is to streamline integration and implementation processes, making them faster, easier, and more cost-effective.
Under Matt's guidance, IMRSV-XR offers the world's premier fulldome media systems, seamlessly integrated with a diverse range of immersive dome venues and fulldome theaters. From compact 10’ (3m) diameter domes to the largest immersive domes spanning 400’ (122m), IMRSV-XR provides unmatched versatility and scale.
The immersive dome venues and fulldome theaters offered by IMRSV-XR encompass geodesic projection domes, inflatable projection domes, as well as fixed dome theaters, planetariums, Imax dome theaters, and more. These innovative domes represent a significant leap forward in theater technology, enabling group virtual reality experiences that transcend traditional VR technology like VR headsets.
Matt has been blessed to be a part of some amazing and groundbreaking projects over the years, learning a great deal about best practices and potential pitfalls to ensure successful project implementation that meets stakeholder goals and expectations. His primary focus is producing immersive experiences that engage audiences with cutting-edge technology and compelling programming that is awe-inspiring and moving. His most recent project involved designing and producing an immersive dome/immersive sphere experience for The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Throughout his 25-year career in entertainment and production, Matt has developed extensive business expertise in event production, project management, marketing, business development, business finance, real estate acquisition and disposition, strategic targeting, deal structuring, and contract negotiation. He has served on multiple boards and held executive-level positions. He has built and grown small and midsize businesses as a principal, employee, and consultant, with a strong track record of increasing company sales, branding, customer base, and website traffic. He has a history of producing strong online and offline strategic partnerships through marketing campaigns and streamlining marketing processes. He has successfully executive produced dozens of high-profile events, attractions, and experiential activations for Fortune 500 brands around the world.
Morgan Lavery - Melt Interactive
Morgan Lavery serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the SPAZZ team, where he expertly applies his extensive background from Melt Interactive, a company he has cultivated over the last decade into a premier creative design and animation studio. Melt Interactive is renowned for its expertise in live events and entertainment, having worked with top-tier clients such as The Goo Goo Dolls, Live Nation, AEG, Illenium, Celebrity Cruises, and the Life Is Beautiful Music Festival. These collaborations with large event producers and A-list artist management have been sustained through consistent high-caliber delivery and adherence to aggressive deadlines.
At Melt Interactive, Morgan has overseen a diverse array of projects, demonstrating a particular proficiency in 3D/2D animation, AR/VR/XR, large-scale stage design, artist tour visual packages, large scale projection mapping, dome projection content, and large-scale interactive installations. His studio prides itself on being gear agnostic, focusing primarily on the design elements, motion graphics, and programming, which is evident in the detailed and innovative work showcased on their website, MeltInteractive.com.
Recently, Morgan has also ventured into the Web3 domain, guiding Melt Interactive in designing NFT projects and developing advanced XR Metaverse platforms using game engine technologies. This expansion into new digital frontiers underscores his foresight and adaptability in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
In his role at SPAZZ DOME and overseeing CORI ORB, Morgan leverages his robust expertise in advanced video systems and large-scale installations to manage the technical intricacies of immersive dome environments. His ability to deliver complex visual and auditory projects seamlessly under tight schedules is a testament to his leadership and technical acumen, making him a pivotal figure in the execution of cutting-edge entertainment experiences.
Ben “Benki” Skewes
Benki's latest collaboration with SPAZZ can be found in Episode 45 on EDMTV. Well known for his groovy geometrics and heart-soothing transitions, Benski will bathe your visual system in the finest psychedelic imagery from his 20 years of collecting. Find yourself zooming through isometric tunnels, hovering over fractal landscapes, and pondering the beauty of intricate natural geometries. Witness the combining of brilliant uncompressed color, high frame rate from his real-time visual synthesizer. Harmonize yourself to sacred geometry and dance with the unexpected cinematic realisms. Watch Benski, a true master of visuals, deliver his expansive visual accompaniment on our large format calibrated projection. Enjoy the optical trickery and visual wizardry while reconnecting with friends and sacred enlightenments. Benski has a long-standing career with applying moving images to music. With 20 years of clubs and festival experience, Benski is an expert visual selector for House, Techno, Drum & Bass, and Trance. Well-traveled, Benski has exposure to the USA House & Trance scene, European Techno, Tech House & Trance, plus the Australasian Drum & Bass and Progressive Trance scene.
SPAZZVILLE
Paul Clouston - Architect
Paul Clouston is a seasoned architect, originally from New Zealand and now based in Australia, where he is a registered member of the ARBV. As the Director and Principal Architect of Cluston Cluston, Paul has led his firm for nearly two decades, specializing in high-profile, award-winning projects. His impressive portfolio includes working with some of the most prestigious design firms in the industry and features institutional projects valued over $100 million, exclusive live music venues, and luxury residential properties with budgets ranging from $6 to $14 million.
Paul believes in the transformative power of architecture—an art form that engages all senses and integrates the physical environment with cultural nuances to elevate the human experience. His approach to design is both intuitive and meticulous, ensuring that each project not only meets but exceeds the aesthetic and functional expectations.
His current focus lies at the nexus of architecture and digital technology. Paul has studied SPAZZ’s innovative approaches extensively and is enthusiastic about the potential of merging these two industries. Under his leadership, Clouston Clouston is poised to pioneer in this emerging field, promising to create groundbreaking and lasting experiences through their projects.
Matt Coleman
Matt Coleman is the visionary CEO and Founder of FansXR, a cutting-edge platform at the intersection of sports, esports, and entertainment. With an innovative approach to fan engagement, FansXR offers a suite of immersive experiences that redefine how fans interact with their favorite sports and entertainment content.
Under Matt's leadership, FansXR has pioneered the development of "Fan Controlled," real-time immersive technologies that blend augmented reality, NFTs, and digital twins. These technologies are powered by the company's proprietary Liquid Immersion Servers and Contextual Ad Exchange, setting new industry standards for engagement and interactivity.
Matt's strategic vision has propelled FansXR to deploy white-label, geo-synced products that seamlessly integrate with existing providers or operate as standalone solutions. His focus on bespoke fan engagement has led to the creation of metaverse applications, reward wallets, and interactive marketing opportunities that offer fans unique experiences during live events and beyond.
Notably, FansXR’s technology supports environmentally friendly solutions by optimizing utility costs through its Liquid Immersion Edge Compute Servers. These servers deliver ultra-fast content for broadcast and prop betting while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Matt’s journey in the tech and entertainment sectors gained significant momentum following a viral virtual concert on May Day Eve in 2020, marking FansXR’s entry into producing large-scale virtual concerts for A-list artists. This success was epitomized by the immersive concert experience for Nightwish, which attracted over 55,000 online fans from 108 countries and grossed $1.5M USD in a single weekend.
Today, Matt continues to drive FansXR forward, focusing on expanding digital asset marketplaces and enhancing real-time interactive experiences, ensuring that FansXR remains at the forefront of technology and fan engagement in the sports and entertainment industries.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Clynt Blacklaws - Executive Chairman
Clynt Blacklaws, Executive Chairman of SPAZZ, is an entrepreneur whose profound impact on marketing and social media extends globally from his roots in New Zealand to the United States and beyond. His technical acumen and visionary mindset have been pivotal in advancing his entrepreneurial ventures worldwide.
A defining element of Clynt's career is his enduring partnership with Alex Curson, which dates back to the very genesis of SPAZZ 15 years ago. Together, they have evolved SPAZZ from a nascent idea into a cutting-edge platform set to revolutionize its industry. As Executive Chairman, Clynt has been crucial in steering SPAZZ's strategic course, utilizing his vast experience and expansive network to establish essential partnerships and propel the brand's ascent.
Beyond his technological and business prowess, Clynt is passionate about crafting unforgettable experiences. His innovative contributions have reshaped event content for premier brands and influencers, including Playboy and Maxim, transforming traditional lifestyle and glamour engagements into iconic events. Clynt's pioneering use of influencer marketing has redefined audience interactions, setting new standards for impactful brand experiences.
As a visionary, Clynt has also infused his extensive background in hosting vibrant parties and experiential events with celebrity DJs, socialites, and superstars into SPAZZ. His creative insights are shaping the development of SPAZZVILLE, SPAZZVERSE, and SPAZZLE, ensuring these ventures offer unparalleled experiences unlike anything currently available on the market.
Alex Curson - Founder & Interim CEO of SPAZZ
Alex Curson, also known as SPAZZ, currently serves as the Founder & Interim Chief Executive Officer of SPAZZ, where he brings an electrifying blend of creativity, leadership, and extensive industry experience. Renowned internationally as a Videographer, Photographer, and Visual DJ, Alex has carved out a distinctive niche within the electronic dance music and entertainment scenes. His vibrant personality and innovative approach to visual arts have made him a beloved figure among fans and collaborators alike.
As a Visual DJ, Alex has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in electronic dance music, including Deadmau5, Skrillex, Avicii, and Calvin Harris, to name a few. His performances are known for their dynamic energy and immersive visual experiences, which have captivated audiences worldwide. In 2022, SPAZZ made a significant mark as the closing audio-visual act at the SUPERVERSE Conference in Dubai, further solidifying his reputation as a premier performer in the global music scene.
Alex's videography and photography portfolio is as extensive as it is impressive, with over 1,000 videos produced for high-profile events like the Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, and exclusive Maxim Magazine parties. His work has been showcased in some of the world’s top nightclubs and has even featured on the screens of all taxis in Las Vegas through his collaboration with Drai's Nightclub.
Beyond the realm of music and nightlife, Alex has also made his mark in the real estate videography sector. His exceptional skills have led him to film some of the most coveted properties around the world, including Elvis Presley's Verona Suite and luxury villas in the Hollywood Hills. This versatility not only showcases his diverse skill set but also brings a unique aesthetic to the "SPAZZVILLE" project, enhancing its visual and experiential appeal.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Alex has cultivated a vast network within the nightlife and entertainment industry, thanks to his extensive travels and collaborations. He has worked closely with some of the world's most popular models and influencers, establishing personal friendships that enhance the social media presence and exclusivity of SPAZZ events. These relationships are set to elevate the "SPAZZ ODYSSEY" events, where these influencers will serve as the "SPAZZ GALAXY GIRLS," attracting significant engagement and creating a unique, upscale atmosphere.
Under Alex's leadership, SPAZZ is supported by a team of elite creatives specializing in graphic design, website and app development, 3D animation, sound design, and programming. His lifelong exposure to music and entertainment, nurtured by his father's 33-year career as a top DJ in New Zealand, has imbued him with an innate understanding and passion for the industry that is both profound and personal.
Alex Curson's journey from a young enthusiast to a leading figure in the entertainment industry exemplifies his dedication, creativity, and visionary approach to the world of music and multimedia entertainment. His leadership at SPAZZ not only drives the company forward but also sets new standards in the integration of technology, art, and entertainment.
Samah Addin - Chief Operating Officer
Samah Addin, the Chief Operating Officer at SPAZZ, stands out as a formidable force in global brand development, with a distinguished career that spans over 12 years in marketing strategies, product launches, event production, strategic partnerships, and capital fundraising. Her professional journey commenced in the dynamic realm of sports with Golf Inc. Magazine, where she excelled in managing high-profile golf conferences, setting a solid foundation for her future endeavors.
Samah's remarkable tenure at Sony Electronics marked a significant chapter in her career. Here, she was instrumental in launching major global brand products and fostering synergistic partnerships with industry giants such as Sony Music, Sony Pictures, Microsoft, Google, and Intel. Her influence further expanded into the sports technology sector, where she played a pivotal role in introducing the innovative LEOMO motion data analysis technology to the US and European markets, an initiative that earned an IFA Award.
Demonstrating her entrepreneurial flair, Samah founded Reactify, a company specializing in brand activations, product launches, public relations, and investments. This venture quickly captured global media attention, showcasing her ability to lead and innovate. Her expertise is not confined to a single industry; she has made significant impacts in technology, sports, entertainment, wellness, emerging markets, real estate, and blockchain.
Recognized for her exemplary contributions, Samah has received notable accolades from Sony Electronics for successful program launches. Her educational background, with degrees in Business and Event Management from the University of Illinois and the University of San Diego, solidifies her credentials and expertise in her field.
Samah’s extensive network spans continents, including the USA, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America, enhanced by significant partnerships, such as her collaboration with Novra Capital Group. At SPAZZ, Samah’s role transcends the traditional responsibilities of a Chief Operations Officer. She is a visionary, a strategist, and a connector, adept at weaving together diverse sectors to create new opportunities and drive unprecedented growth. Her unique blend of skills, experience, and global insights make her an invaluable asset to SPAZZ and its forward-thinking vision.