In this episode of “The Truth in This Art,” host Rob Lee interviews music producer and DJ Stylo. Stylo shares his journey from a nerdy kid in DC with a background in IT and breakdancing to a passionate music creator influenced by jazz, classical, and techno. He discusses his creative process, emphasizing basslines and rhythm, and his approach to curating immersive musical experiences. The conversation touches on the challenges of staying current in the industry, the significance of Black Music Month, and the importance of diverse musical influences. Stylo also highlights his commitment to storytelling and elevating underrepresented voices in music.
Episode Highlight:
- Introduction to DJ Stylo (00:00:10) Rob Lee introduces DJ Stylo, a music producer and DJ, known for his deep tech style with hip hop influences.
- DJ Stylo’s Background (00:01:49) DJ Stylo shares details about his background, including his work as an IT director and his interest in sci-fi.
- Influences in Music (00:06:24) DJ Stylo discusses his early experiences with music, including playing piano and trumpet, and his exposure to electronic music as a breakdancer.
- Staying Current and Finding Inspiration (00:18:47) DJ Stylo talks about staying up to date with new music and finding inspiration, acknowledging the impossibility of keeping up with every new release.
- Uncovering Musical Influences (00:25:21) The conversation dives into the significance of liner notes, exploring the musicians behind the music and their impact on creative inspiration.
- Embracing Risks in Creativity (00:35:01) DJ Stylo shares his perspective on taking risks in creative pursuits, emphasizing the daily challenges and rewards of pushing boundaries.
- Good DJ vs. Great DJ (00:42:23) DJ Stylo discusses the difference between a good DJ and a great DJ, emphasizing the importance of playing music that listeners didn’t know they wanted to hear.
- Connect with DJ Stylo (01:04:16) DJ Stylo shares his social media and upcoming live events, including rooftop performances and reissued music.
Key Takeaways:
1. Balancing Multiple Passions: DJ Stylo shows us that it’s possible to juggle a demanding IT career while pursuing a passion for music.
2. Creative Beginnings: Starting with simple elements like drum patterns and basslines can lead to innovative and unique music creations.
3. Embracing Eclectic Tastes: Exploring a wide range of music genres can enrich your creative output and broaden your musical perspective.
4. Taking Risks in Creativity: Pushing boundaries and embracing daily challenges are essential for growth and innovation in any creative field.
Website and Socials:
link.v1ce.co.uk/musicofstylo
X: @MusicOfStylo
Instagram: stylothedj
🎧 Inspired by DJ Stylo’s incredible journey and insights? Visit and support his website and social media links to stay connected with his latest projects and musical endeavors. Don’t forget to rate and review this episode to help us reach more listeners who love deep dives into the music world. Your support on Patreon keeps these conversations going and allows us to bring more amazing content to you. Let’s keep the music alive!
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About “The Truth In This Art“
Hosted by Rob Lee, “The Truth In This Art” podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.
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