True/False can easily be described as a magical time in Columbia. Not only does it showcase films that impact the community, but it also creates opportunities to experience both local and nationally recognized artists. I’ve had the chance to volunteer at True/False for the past two years, but this year, I wanted to find a way to be more involved than ever before.
A few months before the festival, I reached out via DM to the True/False Music Instagram, hoping to join their team and gain some behind-the-scenes experience. After a few exchanges and a video call with the music director, Em Downing, I officially became part of the team.
At the beginning of this experience, I had no idea what I was getting into—but I knew I wanted to do a little bit of everything. Em, being incredibly trusting, gave me full creative freedom when it came to content creation. Matt Hall, the graphic designer and content manager for the True/False music page, also encouraged me to bring my own personality into the content I was making.
Fast forward to festival week: I began receiving production schedules and briefing documents for the showcases I’d be working on. I was honored to be scheduled for the Blue Note Dance Party, the Saturday Showcase with Bridget St. John, and the Kimball Ballroom Saturday Night Showcase.
When I arrived at the venue on Friday, I was tasked with picking up food for the opening artists and the production team. As the night went on, I helped the openers, Soumir and Peace Lily, prepare for their sets—walking them through transitions, keeping them aware of time limits, and hyping them up before they went on stage. As ESG’s set approached, I was asked to escort them from the green room to backstage so they could prepare to go on.
What I didn’t expect, however, was being asked to make announcements before ESG’s performance—and to welcome them to the stage.
Although I was nervous about speaking in front of hundreds of people, Em and the music team supported me every step of the way. After stepping off stage and finally getting to enjoy ESG’s performance, I felt a mix of pride and disbelief. I hadn’t realized I was capable of something like that, and it left me excited for whatever opportunities might come next.
The following day, at the Saturday Showcase with Bridget St. John, I had a chance to sit and listen to both “@” and St. John perform before being assigned any tasks. Having created content for both artists before the festival, it was especially meaningful to see them live and meet them in person.
As that showcase wrapped up, I shifted focus to preparing for the Kimball Ballroom showcase. This included setting up the green room with drinks and snacks and coordinating with the artists performing later that night. Despite a few timing challenges with arrivals, I made sure everyone completed their sound checks and that Bbymutha, the headliner, felt comfortable and supported.
Once the doors opened, artists and pass holders began to trickle in. I helped manage artist merchandise and kept performers informed about their set times. This showcase holds a special place in my heart because I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with members of Materia, a St. Louis-based DJ collective I’ve long admired. Being from St. Louis myself, that experience felt especially personal. I also had the chance to work with DJ Umami (aka Pajmon), one of Materia’s core members, which made the experience even more meaningful.
This entire experience has been a major highlight of my college career. From running to the bodega on Broadway and Ninth multiple times a day, to escorting artists in the pouring rain, to getting lost on Stephens College’s campus more times than I can count—I wouldn’t trade any of it.
Getting the opportunity to work alongside and learn from such talented people, while gaining real-world experience in a field I love, is something I will always be grateful for.
