The reserved demeanor of DJ Seth Nichols contrasts with his energetic attitude when he hits the decks.

Nichols threw down a solid progressive house set, keeping Talbott Street crowded until 3:30 a.m. following the Paul Oakenfold show Oct. 2. An Oakenfold fan who flew in from Alabama just for the show said she was more satisfied with the energy and passion of Nichols’ set than that of Oakenfold.

“My sets are kind of bittersweet,” says Nichols, a resident DJ and promoter of Therapy Nightclub and Lounge. “I like to tease. I want to make people anticipate what’s next, but I also feed off of the crowd.”

At 26, Nichols has been DJing for seven years. He is inspired by ’70s classic rock and the attitude and innovation of English progressive house DJ John Digweed.

“He keeps pushing the boundaries of electronic music and doesn’t do the same thing over and over,” he says.

Much like Digweed, Nichols always seems to push the envelope. In fact, it is difficult to imagine when he sleeps. Running his former record store, Evolving Records, from his home and online to save time, he attributes its success to the personal connection he provides customers. Along with Therapy owner Bradley Griggs, Nichols also runs Synthesis Entertainment, bringing international DJs to Indianapolis.

Nichols says the goal of Therapy is to help the electronic music scene grow and spread locally.

“There is an age gap in Indianapolis,” he says. “There are pre-teens and families with many getting married early or going to college, which takes away from the young crowd for the electronic music scene.”

Half a laid-back music lounge conducive to conversation, the other side of Therapy exists for more active nightlife. The club combines electronic music with a live element by mixing performing musicians with DJ performances.
Nichols has big goals for Therapy, as well as for himself.

“I’d like to become a globetrotting DJ,” he says. “I think the best way to do that for me would be to get into production and be recognized as a producer first. Hopefully the best is yet to come.”

Experience DJ Seth Nichols hitting the decks

• Thursdays: “Keepin’ It Deep” at Therapy Nightclub and Lounge, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
• www.balancerecordpool.com
• www.myspace.com/djsethnichols

Electronic music fans should check out

• Cutting-edge electronic music Fridays on Radio Now from midnight-2 a.m.
• Free live DJ sets on www.mercuryswerver.com