Nectar Lounge head talent buyer Colin Johnson is moving to Los Angeles later this month in order to better focus on raising his infant daughter with his wife, while also looking to further his music-biz career in the industry's West Coast capital. Johnson, who’s already filled several dates in January and February for the Fremont club, will continue to work with Nectar until the venue can find his replacement. Nectar's local talent buyer, Aarika Walker, will help with the transition.

After being let go from Chop Suey in 2007, Johnson came to Nectar and began to bring high-quality electronic, hiphop, world-music, and avant-rock acts to the club such as the Dead C., Ya Ho Wha 13, the Herbaliser, El Guincho, and Daedelus—the type of artists rarely seen in Fremont. Some interesting bookings on the horizon include Venetian Snares/Otto Von Schirach, Souls of Mischief, Orgone, Mad Professor, Buraka Som Sistema, and Caro/the Sight Below.

Johnson set a high standard during his year-and-a-half tenure at Nectar; we hope the club—which is interviewing candidates for the position—can locate a talent buyer who can build upon his excellent work there.

In an email received this morning, Johnson wrote:

I'm really proud of all that has been accomplished at Nectar this past year and a half and the impact we've had on the ever-changing music community of Seattle. Many have expressed appreciation (and even a bit of shock!) with some of the quality shows that have been hosted here at our little club in Fremont and I wish Nectar the very best in its future. I'm going to miss Seattle, my home for the past six years, and all the friends we've made, both in and outside of the music business. My list of thank you's would be quite extensive, but in quick summary I'd love to show appreciation to everyone who I've ever learned from, anyone I've ever worked with, and anyone who's ever come to a show that I've been fortunate enough to put on in this great city. I will miss you all!

More info about Johnson and Nectar after the cut.

Nectar Lounge's Head Talent Buyer Colin Johnson is announcing his departure from Seattle, as he relocates with his family to Los Angeles this January, 2009. Instrumental in rebranding and relaunching Nectar Lounge into a respected national touring venue, Colin will continue pursuing his career in the music industry in Los Angeles.

The primary reason for the move is to be closer to his immediate family. Colin leaves Seattle on good terms with Nectar Lounge, as he'll be transitioning and training staff to take over his booking and promotion responsibilities over the coming months. Nectar has not yet selected its next Head Talent Buyer but is currently interviewing candidates for the position. Until further notice Colin will be handling national booking at the club and Local Talent Buyer Aarika Walker will continue to carry out her responsibilities as local booker and promoter.