Today we’d like to introduce you to Anton Karunungan and Antonio Santamaria. This is the story of Defiant Presents:
Our story has been quite a simulation from the beginning. When we initially met, it felt like this brotherly relationship and business partnership was a match made in heaven. We wouldn’t want our lives any other way. Here’s a story of how we became Defiant Presents.
In the Spring of 2020, before the pandemic, Anton transferred from Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL, to pursue a degree at Daytona State College. Anton moved halfway into his degree program in Music Business to return home and fulfill a central degree in Music Production Technology. In parallel, Antonio aimed to earn the same degree. Anton and Antonio met each other in Music Business class, where Anton was dubbed “the new kid at the front;” and Antonio “the quiet kid at the back.” After a few classes, we introduced each other and instantly clicked within the initial interaction. Our principal common interest is Electronic Dance Music.
Our common interest in EDM aligned with our career objective has navigated us to where we are currently, and we’re incredibly grateful for the endless opportunities we have given us. Before Defiant Presents, we intended to produce events in the Summer of 2021. Despite our failure to execute the event adequately, we were persistent in discovering a home to curate future events in 2022 and assemble a loving community. To cut to the chase, we were rejected on all venue inquiries due to our lack of expertise. Thankfully, Diego Bravo of PsyPresents and TK Lounge’s General Managers, Brian Montilla and IL Yoon, took a shot at us, which manifested our dream lives. We owe a good portion of our gratitude towards these individuals and many others who assisted us in our journey!
Since our first show in January, we have hosted EIGHT Defiant Presents Events; FIVE collaborated events with promoters such as HeadBang Society, Insomniac Events, Blaze Entertainment, WolfsWorld, THREE wall-to-wall events, and ONE charity event for Hurricane Ian Relief Efforts. 2022 was just the start, and we can’t wait to share our love and passion for the Dance Music Community in 2023! 2022 has been a dream for us, and we can’t wait to develop more shows and cultivate better experiences for the EDM community.
Disclaimer: Despite our titles in the music business, we are just ordinary individuals that have been part of the community for about five years and want to share our love for the dance music industry from an event standpoint.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenging road for us between the lasers or lights and the smiling faces in our sights. The path of this journey has been a rollercoaster. It is filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We faced many rejections and heartbreak during this process; however, with each setback, we persevered and rose above because we saw the bigger picture of our journey. Having a business partner to be your friend and brother has helped mitigate the obstacles. We put one foot in front of the other and evaluate each failure or success to be better or repeat at the next event.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Defiant Presents LLC?
We are Defiant Presents. Primarily, we coordinate and execute Electronic Dance Music Events in Tampa’s No.1 Underground Venue, TK Lounge, and occasionally we assist our friends in Orlando with their events. Anton Karunungan is 1 / 2 Founder and CEO of Defiant Presents, and Antonio Santamaria is 2 / 2 Founder and COO of Defiant Presents. Both individuals have intertwining responsibilities. Defiant Present is a joint effort between talent buying, advertising/marketing, and event coordinating.
What sets Defiant Presents apart is our event ethos and company ethos. Our event ethos is to coordinate various Electronic Dance Music sub-genres to our community in Tampa/Orlando while providing a unique experience to all current or future attendees. Our company ethos is to inspire or motivate others to live their desired lives. Our slogan supports our company ethos: Embrace Fear. Stay Bold. Be Defiant.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
1. Be patient and love the process. Everyone wants to succeed in this business, but you must take your time with your growth. It’s always the tortoise that wins the race, not the rabbit.
2. Don’t fear failure. Failing at something is the most excellent teacher of them all. It provides growth and maturity in personal matters and business.
3. The work you put in is the outcome you will get. You can succeed if you put your best foot forward in each event. If you slack off, your event will fail. Even if you fail after giving it your all, you have the personal satisfaction of doing the best possible.
4. Stop comparing your company with others. Everyone’s going for the same goal but in different chapters. Your chapter is just your chapter. Your chapter can’t be compared to other companies or peers’ chapters. Focus on your own.
5. The truth about succeeding in this business is always putting your heart into where you want to go. Interpret that statement as you go.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiantpresents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defiantpresents
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DefiantPresents
- Other: defiantpresentsmedia@gmail.com
Image Credits
Ryan Sam Photos – @ryvnsam [Instagram] 921 Media – @921meedia [Instagram]
