Biography

Jesse Walker has been a key supporter of underground music, forward thinking design, art and culture in Salt Lake City since the mid-nineties. He was already making waves in his early teens throwing outlaw 'rave' parties and an annual Alternative Music Festival when he decided to leave his home of Idaho Falls, Idaho for neighboring Salt Lake City, Utah. Since then Jesse's curiosity for design, the arts and music have taken him to the four corners of the Earth while making him a cultural barometer and voice for positive change in the American West.

Mr. Walker has a way of bringing people of different stripes together. His love for his community and for trying new ideas keep him brimming with infectious energy. When he's not playing host to some of the most respected DJ's in the country, Jesse can be heard mixing his own uncompromising blend of intelligent, eclectic music at a wide range of events. From art galleries, music festivals and fashion shows, to warehouse parties, rock concerts or political rallies, he rarely shies away from challenging himself or the conventions of society.

Some of Walker's favorite collaborations have been on large scale multimedia installations with New York based artist Gary Vlasic including "Dark Horse, Fallen Shadows," a 48-hour soundscape/performance piece for the Salt Lake Art Center and, "Reflective Skin," a massive sound and light installation produced for the 2006 Utah Arts Festival. Notable DJ credits include guest performances at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Sundance Film Festival(s), SLC Gay Pride (one of the largest in the U.S.) and top billing with acts like Crystal Waters, EnVogue, Big Freedia, Pepe Deluxe, Brazilian Girls, Devotchka and WAR. He also received early support from Ryan Raddon the crossover artist known as KASKADE.

Following several nominations, Walker was voted "Best DJ" by readers of Salt Lake City Weekly Magazine in 2008. Through hundreds of his own events or by simply sharing a DJ booth, Jesse has helped expose some leading lights of the House scene to Salt Lake club culture. Globetrotting stalwarts like Victor Simonelli, Marques Wyatt, Mark Grant, Mark Farina, Andy Caldwell, Matthew Bandy, Benji Candelario, Wicked Sound System, Lars Behrenroth, Nick Hammer, DJ Dealer, Master Kev, Jojoflores, Groove Junkies, Deepswing, Mauricio Aviles, Jay Tripwire, Brett Johnson, Alexander East, Jay West, Riche BoOm, Julius the Mad Thinker, JT Donaldson, Derrick Thompson (Drivetrain), Joe DiPadova, Jon Howard, DJ Fluid, Mark E. Quark, Rob G., Jonny Cruz and others have all witnessed Jesse's dedication to the music. He's also believes strongly in local talent and has helped bring new DJ's into the mix throughout his nearly two decades behind the decks.

.....

Jesse Walker founded his "New City Movement" first as weekly dance party and then as his primary web presence in 1998 to help promote Future Forward Music, Design and Culture in Utah and the Intermountain West. For the past ten years he has also been the Chief Visual Consultant at Contact Design by day, a small design studio based in downtown Salt Lake.

∆ Read an interview with Jesse at Gavin's Underground.

∆ Send questions, comments or booking inquiries directly to: email[AT]newcitymovement[DOT]com or use the contact form here.


Modest Praise:

"Hey Jesse, ...Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much fun I had Saturday. I would have to say that in the 2 years I have lived here, I seem to enjoy your events more than any others. I love the diversity that I only seem to find on your nights."
– RIche BoOm (Boogie Basics)

"I just have to say Mister Walker absolutely amazed on Saturday with one of those sets you felt "with every fiber of your being". We wanted to stay and say thanks at the end, but my baby got blisters on her feet from an inability to stop dancing, so we had to leave 10 minutes early."
– Jim Sermersheim

"I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR MUSIC. Jesse, your style and movement continue to be one of my most enjoyed activities I do! I'm always so thrilled, every time I hit the dance floor! Thank you, sincerely, for being such a great force for good and for fun! You're brilliant!"
– Dallas Graham

"Jesse, I'm so glad you posted his mix! I heard some amazing things from several people about it. I cant wait to listen... House music is alive and well in the SLC!"
– Josh Max

"As I sit here listening to this smoking set you played on Saturday, let me reprise my role of 'the crazy fcuker dancing in front of the decks who won't shut up'... JESSE you're amazing!"
– David Newkirk

"I totally dig your mixes and connect with them on a spiritual level."
– John Feider

"Jesse, you are an amazing talent. Please don't stop doin' what you do."
– Erik Brown

"Hey Jesse...Amazing set last Saturday night........you absolutely blow my mind every time I hear you spin."
– Noal Robinson