From Silence to Resilience: A New Direction

Navigating betrayal, loss, and the journey toward renewal.

For over a decade, Housemasters Radio has been more than just a platform; it’s shined as a vibrant community filled with music, passion, and friendship. It has represented my love and dreams, a sanctuary where DJs, music lovers and friends could connect with one another, a home where life is shared. However, when I made the heart-wrenching decision to take the station offline, a deafening silence enveloped what once thrived with life.

The choice to pull the plug was not made lightly. It came amidst a tumultuous period in my personal life, marked by a painful divorce, homelessness, and a job I cherished but where I faced constant disrespect. I found myself grappling with not only the external pressures of running a community but also the internal turmoil of feeling misunderstood and abandoned by those I had once proudly considered friends.

In the aftermath of my decision, I watched as 95% of the DJs, many of whom had been with us for years, drifted away, and by drifted, I mean vanished like a fart in the wind, quicker than a politicians apology. At the time, due to my own life circumstances and reaching my breaking point for online nonsense I was completely numb to emotion. I had no care, no energy left , there was no part of me able to take in the consequences. Now months down the line, with things a little more settled I can reflect on friendships and community. Now I feel that their departure feels like a betrayal, a stark reminder of the fragility of trust and the complexities of human relationships. I had been there for them through their own trials, offering support and camaraderie when they needed it most, only to be met with silence when my own world crumbled. It was a profound loss that cut deeply, leaving me feeling numb and isolated in a world that once pulsed with shared passion.

Yet, amidst the sadness and despair, a flicker of hope remains. Five loyal DJs—JK Rich, Hoop C, Lisa “Liis, MssK, and DJ Switch—stood by my side, proving that true friendship can withstand the storms of adversity. Their unwavering support is a beacon of light amid the darkness, reminding me that genuine connection is worth fighting for.

Reflecting on the challenges faced within our community, I can’t ignore the struggles that came from dealing with certain bad eggs and inflated egos. Some individuals seemed more focused on personal gain, striving to appear as good as possible, often at the expense of the site and my sanity. Their falsities and divisive behaviour undermined the very foundation we had built. It’s disheartening to acknowledge that while we sought to uplift each other, there were those who chose to sow discord, casting shadows over our collective efforts.

As I reflect on what has transpired, I can’t help but feel a deep sorrow for those who chose to walk away. In their quest for personal interest and validation, they lost sight of the community we built together. They may not understand the weight of their absence, but I hope that, in reading this, they feel a pang of regret for the choices they made. Together, we dream of rebuilding Housemasters Radio into a platform that not only honours our past but also embraces a brighter future. As we embark on this journey, I hold onto the belief that resilience, genuine connection, and a shared love for music can light the way forward.

 

 

Q&A with Michael: Reflections on Housemasters Radio

1. Can you describe the moment you decided to take Housemasters Radio offline? What led to that decision?

Honestly, it wasn’t something I planned at all, all was well with the site in the most part. I woke up one day, wind in my sails, ready to do a good days work on the station. I had this confrontation about a double booking for an event, and the passive-aggressive comments from certain DJs just pushed me over the edge. It became too much to handle, and in that moment, I flipped the switch. For the first time in ten years, Housemasters Radio fell silent. At that moment it felt natural, it wasn’t given too much or too little thought. All i knew for sure was that I was done being treated like shit by the same type of people online, and expected to suck it up. I was done!

2. How did you feel when you realised that 97% of your DJs left after the station went offline?

At first this was expected, well a proportion of them leaving was, and to be honest, that was welcomed, for the betterment of the station, certain people needed to go anyway. Only after, when I saw that supposed friends were leaving, then it felt like a betrayal. Many of those DJs had been with us for years; they were not just colleagues but friends I cared for deeply. I had been there for them through their own struggles, only to be met with silence when I needed support. Watching them abandon ship faster than humming bird wings left me feeling numb and isolated. The silence echoed loudly, reminding me how fragile trust can be.

3. Can you share more about your personal struggles during this time? How did they impact your decision?

My personal life was in disarray. I was going through a devastating divorce, living in my car, and dealing with disrespect at work. It all piled on top of each other. Running Housemasters Radio should have been my escape, my passion, but instead, it felt like an added weight. The joy I once found in connecting with the community faded, overshadowed by the pain I was experiencing in my personal life. I often isolated myself for protection, it was and still is a very tearful time for me.

4. What does the loss of community mean to you?

The loss of community feels like losing a part of myself. Housemasters Radio was a vibrant space filled with music, laughter, and shared experiences. It was a refuge where I connected with others who shared my passion for DJing and broadcasting. Without that community, I feel like I’m adrift, missing the friendships that were once a more than significant part of my life. I now have no one to talk to, I lost my friends.

5. Do you think the departure of the DJs reflects a deeper issue within the community?

Absolutely. It’s not just about the DJs leaving; it’s about the culture that developed over time. There were egos and factions that formed, and instead of supporting one another, some chose to tear down what we had built together, subtle moas It showed me that not everyone valued our community in the same way I did. It hurts to realise that some people I considered friends were only there for their own interests. There’s a massive misunderstanding on what it takes to run a station, to be there 24 hours a day making sure all is well with the site and its members. People say they understand when you’re close to braking point, but, like a flag on your facebook profile pic, it’s a heartless gesture and nothing more.

6. How do you cope with the feelings of sadness and betrayal?

It’s a tough journey. I try to focus on the DJs who remained loyal, those who have shown me that real friendship exists. We support each other, and that gives me hope. I allow myself to grieve the loss, but I also remind myself that I have people who understand and believe in the vision we are building.

7. In hindsight, do you think it was right or wrong to let certain individuals into the back end of the station? Did they hinder progress or make claims they had no right to?

Looking back, I can see that bringing some individuals into the inner workings of the station was a mistake. Their presence often felt more like a hindrance than a help in the past years. They made claims about things they didn’t truly understand and seemed to have their own agendas rather than genuinely caring about the station’s progress. It’s painful to acknowledge, but their involvement stifled our potential. I remember hearing the phrase “My DJs, My Station.” That was the moment I realised everything I needed to know. Despite countless they said “No” to proposals for progression and the absolute lack of input from these individuals, that statement encapsulated their mindset. It became clear to me that they were resistant to change, unwilling to support the station’s growth and likely to be a greater problem further down the road.

8. What does the future hold for Housemasters Radio?

Housemasters Radio is focusing more on the artists and labels, the dance music scene, developing into a magazine-style site. This change represents a fresh start, a chance to rebuild from the ashes of what was lost. I believe that genuine passion and friendship will help us rise again. It won’t be easy, but I’m committed to making it work.

9. What would you say to those who left? How do you feel about their choices?

To those who left, I hope they realise the impact of their decisions. I wish they could truly see and understand the love and effort that went into creating this community, and that it was me. All the posts, all the content, the artwork, all the tech side of things, it was me. Others may claim the glory, but they didn’t have a clue.. Hundreds of thousands of hours and at such a cost to me personally. “It’s painful to feel abandoned, especially when I’ve been there for you during your toughest times. Your absence is felt deeply, but I’ve learned who my true friends are through this”.

10. How has this experience changed your perspective on friendships and trust?

This experience has left me wary. I’ve come to understand that not everyone has the same loyalty or care for the community that I do. Moving forward, I plan to be more cautious about who I let into my inner circle. It’s a sad lesson, but I believe it’s necessary for my own well-being. For Housemasters past, it was not a great decision to let some people in, in the manner I did. The business hosts a great many sly people and this isnt bad vibes from me, it’s the dam truth!

11. What’s your message to those who are still with Housemasters Radio?

To my loyal friends, thank you for standing by me. Your support means everything, with you, I’m committed to rebuilding this station. Together, we can create something meaningful and strong. Let’s move forward with resilience, focus on our shared love for music, and honour the journey we’ve been on together.

11. In hindsight, do you think it was right or wrong to let certain individuals into the back end of the station? Did they hinder progress or make claims they had no right to?

Looking back, I can see that bringing some individuals into the inner workings of the station was a mistake. Their presence often felt more like a hindrance than a help. They made claims about things they didn’t truly understand and seemed to have their own agendas rather than genuinely caring about the station’s progress. It’s painful to acknowledge, but I now realise that their involvement stifled our potential.

 

MIke