What is Phantasmos?

Phantasmos, the Greek word for “vision”, is an entertainment company that empowers music fans in their teens and twenties to live a spiritual, healthy, drug and alcohol-free lifestyle. Phantasmos Inc., is a non-profit organization.

Who is Phantasmos?

Phantasmos is a team, who together has the desire to affect the music world. Our current focus is reaching people who are into rave culture and nightclubs. Our plans are to branch out into reaching people in other types of music.

Who is in charge of Phantasmos?

Board of Directors: Sean Lovison (President, e-mail: sean@phantasmos.com), Mark Schulz (e-mail: maleko@phantasmos.com), Jesse Kellam

Board of Advisors: Paul Russell (President, Military Ministry, Florida), Pastor Mike Caruso (Pastor, Calvary Chapel of Willimantic, Connecticut), Pastor Joe Paskewich (Pastor, Calvary Chapel of Southeastern Connecticut)

What is illumination?

Illumination is a traveling, dance-oriented event for people ages 16 years and up, and is drug and alcohol-free. Illumination provides a fun and safe alternative for young people, especially those into the underground dance music scene and culture.

What is Radiance?

Radiance is similar to Illumination, but is designed for ages 16 and younger. The style of dance music played is typically geared more to their age group.

What is ReBirth?

ReBirth is a church service focused 100% on young people. It is a fresh approach to Christianity, alternating between cutting-edge techno praise & worship, and modern rock praise & worship. The sermons cover topics geared towards youth and various difficulties they may be experiencing.

Is this a rave?

No. Although there are similarities between a rave and an Illumination or Radiance event, raves typically have drugs present and occasionally alcohol. From the beginning Phantasmos has stood firmly in producing events that are drug and alcohol-free, and we have never had a challenge in this area. Our guidelines address these concerns on how to effectively combat the issue of drugs, namely Ecstasy. As Phantasmos gains prominence, we are confident our guidelines can become the role model that city officials throughout the U.S. can look to on addressing this issue. In addition, we only play Christ-friendly or neutral music. We also do not allow certain types of dress, as well as dancing; that we feel is not appropriate.

What kind of music do you play?

Our current focus is on dance music. Illumination plays more of the underground dance music style that is popular in many clubs or raves around the world. Radiance plays dance music that has a broader appeal. Our future plans with Phantasmos are to branch out into reaching people in other types of music.

Do you play Christian or secular music?

Both. Only a few Christian music labels produce dance music on vinyl records, and the DJs for Illumination and Radiance mix dance music using records. We play only Christ-friendly or neutral music. The easiest way to understand this is to consider the similarities between dance music and classical music. If someone plays a classical song for you, and you are asked to identify whether or not the person who composed the song was a Christian, how will you decide after only hearing the song? Unless you are well versed in classical music, more than likely you will have no idea. Furthermore in a song like that, where there are no words, does it really matter? We consider this neutral music. Likewise, much of the dance music we play has no words, it is music produced on computer and with electronic instruments. Additionally, in most cases there is very little, to no information that can be found on the artists, let alone their relationship with God. We acknowledge there is a lot of “bad” dance music out there, which is why we play only Christ-friendly or neutral music. Our rule is: “If in doubt, throw it out.” With the abundance of dance music available, we feel there is no excuse to compromise.

Do people preach at illumination or Radiance?

No. People have suggested this idea to us since the day we started. We do not feel it is appropriate or effective to promote a dance event, and then at some point stop to have someone preach at them. What we do provide and promote is a Chat Room staffed by our Prayer team. Anytime during the event people are free to go in and discuss any subject, as well as receive prayer if desired. We believe this form of friendly, one-on-one, peer-to-peer evangelism is more effective and has already been successful for us. In addition, at the end of the event one of the DJs or performers typically will tell everyone his or her testimony.

How can I get a CD of Phantasmos DJs?

Usually at Illumination or Radiance events, we have CDs than can be purchased and many times we’ll give some away during the event. For further inquiries, contact Mark at maleko@phantasmos.com.

Who do I talk to if I want to host a Phantasmos event?

E-mail Sean at sean@phantasmos.com. He will get the appropriate information to you, and will answer all your questions.

Who do I talk to if I want to join the Phantasmos team?

E-mail Sean at sean@phantasmos.com. He will get the appropriate information to you, and will answer all your questions.

Where can I find out more information about Christian dance music or events?

There are numerous websites on the Internet from around the world. A few of the more popular ones are: www.tastyfresh.com, www.myxrecords.com, www.nsoul.com, www.dancechapel.com, www.dm4c.com.