April McClellan (above, right), a dance industry veteran well-known in the Southern California scene, died in a car accident in Anaheim, Calif. on Dec. 28.According to the Orange County Register, McClellan was driving at a high rate of speed south on State Route 177 near the Riverside community of Desert Center when her SUV drifted off the road and crashed after she attempted to straighten out.
McClellan was 35 and, according to an email I received from an acquaintance, lived in Lake Havasu, Ariz., near the California border. The Register identifies her, however, as a resident of Anaheim.
I worked with April at grooveradio.com in the year 2000, when the endeavor was funded by record industry titans who thought that Internet radio was the next big thing. April served as on-air talent and the station's DJ booker, which put her in contact with pretty much anyone who's anyone in DJ culture. Later, April followed me to a small L.A. record label, CMH, that was wading into dance music. I produced a few DJ-mixed compilations while April came on fulltime as a publicist and, as usual, jack of all trades. I was lucky to continue to have April in my life when she dated a friend who was part of a close-knit circle of pals. I'd see her at backyard barbecues as well as at the occasional club event.
April was one of the few people in the dance scene, in my experience, who was real. Her smile and enthusiasm were genuine and welcoming. If April was happy at a club, you knew it was on. She was a true vibe connoisseur. Few had a better understanding and appreciation of what DJs could rock a party and why. She was a tastemaker, schooling me on what's to come (she hipped me to Layo & Bushwacka! way back when). No bullshit. No politicking. No who's the king-and-queen-of-the-prom at this event. Just genuine appreciation for the sound. Whenever I encountered drama as managing editor of Groove Radio, April was at my side, reminding me always to stay focused on what it's all about -- the music.
There's an appreciation at the Groove Radio site.
2 comments:
I went to broadcasting school with April and worked with her at grooveradio 103.1 at the old 5th street studio. Sadly I found out about her death as I was trying to locate her to reconnect... I am very saddened that I will never see that smile again. I can't agree more that she was genuine and a true good friend. Someone you could trust. Very hard to find in this world. My love to her family at their and all of our time of loss.
Shocka!
Just found out that April is gone!!!
What a tragedy for her, her friends, and most of all, her family.
If anyone is interested, have some cassette tapes of her shows from GrooveRadio.com. She'll be with me forever!
Always loved. Never forgotten.
Long time Groove Radio listener,... love ya April!!!!
FSC.
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