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Diplo: College Dropout To World's Most Iconic DJ | E128
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Diplo is a DJ and music producer, who as well as being one of the biggest solo DJs in the world, is one half of Major Lazer and Silk City. This weeks episode entitled 'Diplo: College Dropout To World's Most Iconic DJ' topics: 0:00 Intro 00:58 Your early years 12:05 What drove you to follow your passion? 18:29 Faking being a DJ 23:31 How travel and culture shaped your music 26:02 How do you anticipate a hit record? 30:44 Whats been the cost of your obsession? 38:09 Your journey with mental health 44:33 Your family 48:14 How do you handle the highs and lows? 52:03 Your new album 52:21 Balancing relationships and being on the road 01:01:23 Our last guest question Diplo: https://www.instagram.com/diplo/ https://open.spotify.com/album/2Lm2otWdTB4ChDfvbRXHIu Follow us on Telegram: https://t.me/diaryofaceo Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-by-steven-bartlett/id1291423644 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-bartlett-56986834/ Sponsors: Huel - https://my.huel.com/Steven Craftd - https://bit.ly/3JKOPFx
Segments Timeline
The Cost of Pursuing Music
Diplo reflects on the sacrifices he made while pursuing his passion for music, including the instability of income and the emotional toll of losing friends in the industry. He emphasizes the challenges of not having a consistent paycheck and the personal costs associated with his obsession for success.
"could you do me a quick favor if you're listening to this please hit the follow or subscribe button it helps more than you know and we invite subscribers in every month to watch the show in person if ..."
Formative Years and Humble Beginnings
Diplo shares insights into his early life, discussing his troubled childhood, including bouncing between schools and being sent to military school. He attributes his eventual success to the discipline instilled by his father, a Vietnam veteran, and the lessons learned from his challenging upbringing.
"cost in terms of like personal life balance i have to answer that [Music] wes yeah um whenever i do this podcast up i always get really intrigued by the the formative years of someone's life and in yo..."
The Importance of Discipline
Diplo elaborates on how his father's strict discipline shaped his work ethic. He acknowledges that while he lacked technical skills, his determination and ability to set goals were crucial to his success in the music industry.
"today i didn't start really producing releasing music till like my mid-20s because it was pretty late i was doing things but not actually at a level where i quit my job and it's my main source of inco..."
Navigating Early Career Challenges
Diplo discusses the struggles he faced in his early twenties, including working various jobs while trying to establish himself as a DJ. He reflects on the lack of financial stability and the learning process involved in building his music career.
"i think being in military school even that was only like for one year um and my father he was a vietnam vet and you know i think i can attribute his his concept of discipline to it you know like no ma..."
The Decision to Drop Out
Diplo recounts his experience in college, where he pursued degrees in anthropology and filmmaking before ultimately dropping out. He expresses regret over not leaving school sooner to focus on music, highlighting the time-consuming nature of college and its impact on his career trajectory.
"that was like always getting bad grades always in exclusion were people did people around you think you were going nowhere at that point yeah i mean even until the mid-20s my father was like how did y..."
The Hustle of a DJ
Diplo shares his journey of transitioning from odd jobs to DJing full-time. He emphasizes the importance of learning the business side of music and the hustle required to succeed in the competitive DJ scene.
"at that university was um because in the film program it was like there was a lot of creative avenues i could learn from and the people who were professors were almost like filmmakers that didn't make..."
Building a Music Career
Diplo discusses the early days of his music career, including the importance of networking and learning from other DJs. He reflects on how he began to understand the business aspects of music and the significance of promoting his own events.
"how long was that it definitely wasn't i mean i at 22 years old i was already working like nine to fives you know it was it was like the social work job was my first job as like this is a job that fee..."
The Learning Hunger
Diplo highlights his passion for learning about music and culture, detailing how he taught himself about music production and the business side of the industry. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and self-education in his journey.
"then i saw what you do if you do your own party like you can invest invest in yourself and promote a party and you take everything right so i started learning small little business acumen from just do..."
The Role of DJs in Culture
Diplo reflects on the evolving role of DJs, contrasting the past with the present. He discusses how DJs were once cultural curators who connected diverse musical genres and how that passion for music continues to drive him.
"just the grind to figure out what works and what doesn't it was so evident even when i was hearing about you like in the record stores and ultimately selling a record to can are they vinyls you were s..."
The Journey of Record Collecting
Diplo shares his experiences with record collecting, including his travels to India and the thrill of discovering rare vinyl. He discusses how this passion for collecting records contributed to his identity as a DJ and music producer.
"loved and i went to parties and i remember seeing people like quest love and like cash money and these dj's like carson baker playing crazy records like playing fella cootie and then playing like um y..."
The Hustle of Selling Records
Diplo recounts his early entrepreneurial ventures in selling records, including his interactions with notable figures in the music industry. He emphasizes the hustle involved in building his career and the importance of seizing opportunities.
"and um the border of pakistan in india is called uh in gujarat it was like this this little uh kind of like a valley called the round of kuch it was a huge earthquake there i think around 2000 and i w..."
Passion Over Profit
Diplo reflects on the journey of pursuing his passion for music, emphasizing that many artists, including himself, are driven by obsession rather than financial gain. He draws parallels with comedians who sacrifice stability for their craft, illustrating the importance of passion in the pursuit of a creative career.
"one of the one of the thing to get things again that's so um obvious and apparent with you which is kind of a thread that kind of weaves between many of my guests specifically comedians for some reaso..."
The DJ's Journey: From Hustle to Success
Diplo discusses his formative years in music, detailing how he navigated challenges and learned the craft of DJing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding music's roots and the hustle required to establish himself in the industry, revealing that his initial focus was purely on the love for music rather than the desire for fame.
"so clear with you right i mean the beginning was definitely a hustle like i love music and it saved me from you know when i even in high school i you know i moved from different high school to high sc..."
Finding Your Unique Sound
Diplo talks about the significance of uniqueness in the music industry, advising aspiring DJs to discover what sets them apart. He reflects on his own experiences of blending different musical styles and cultures, which helped him carve out a niche in a crowded market.
"of it you know do you think you would have been as successful as you are if you if someone had taught you how to make music and you'd been really mentored by someone because sometimes that hurts innov..."
Embracing the Weirdness
Diplo encourages young artists to embrace their individuality and the 'weirdness' that comes with it. He discusses how unconventional ideas can lead to groundbreaking opportunities in music, stressing that standing out is crucial in an oversaturated industry.
"thing over and over again like you know whether whatever city you're in there's like a thing and every once while you get like a special person that comes out of nowhere and you're like wow that's uni..."
The Evolution of DJing
Diplo reflects on the evolution of DJing as a profession, noting how it has become a recognized career path over the years. He contrasts his early experiences with the current landscape, where technology and social media have transformed how DJs connect with audiences.
"every style my every every little venture i've done as a musician has been like why is the one in this market like even when i do major laser it was like reggae and dancehall we were doing but nobody ..."
Conceptualizing Music
Diplo shares insights into his creative process, describing himself as a conceptual artist rather than a traditional musician. He explains how he approaches music as a puzzle, focusing on ideas and combinations rather than technical mastery, which has shaped his unique sound.
"so um you know i think that's what makes me a one-of-a-kind person i guess so back to my my point when young people give me ask me questions of like what is it to what kind of advice i can give you i'..."
The Misconception of Talent
Diplo addresses the misconception that he is inherently talented, revealing his struggles with impostor syndrome. He emphasizes that his success stems from creativity and conceptual thinking rather than technical skills, highlighting the importance of innovation in his work.
"but just being dj was unique for me but nowadays since there's so much information all the time so much media there's so much artists fighting for your eyeballs and your ears on tick tock and instagra..."
Learning Through Chaos
Diplo recounts the chaotic process of creating his first album, illustrating how his unconventional methods contributed to his artistic identity. He reflects on the challenges of early music production and how those experiences shaped his approach to creativity.
"it's like a math problem you know like how does this add to this how do i make it work you know it's always been like a riddle every time i try to think of like what to combine things now it's a littl..."
The Role of Technology in Music
Diplo discusses how advancements in technology have facilitated his creative process, allowing him to experiment with sounds and ideas more freely. He contrasts his early struggles with music production tools to the ease of modern software, which has enabled him to express his artistic vision.
"little flavor i guess but i never was like a a a musician you know like i never i never mastered an instrument and i always thought djing i never was a good turntable it's like i mean if you put me in..."
The Beauty of DJing
Diplo reflects on the intrinsic beauty of being a DJ, emphasizing the skill required to read crowds and select the right music. He highlights the importance of experience and history in creating memorable performances, showcasing the depth of the DJing craft.
"but but to say that you're you're faking it and uh i mean maybe it was a joke but yeah to describe it as the biggest misconception i've been talking about djing because i mean literally it's probably ..."
Faking It to Make It
Diplo shares his early experiences as a DJ, discussing how he often felt like he was 'faking it' to gain entry into the music industry. He reflects on the importance of perseverance and the strategies he employed to get his foot in the door, including his commitment to fitness and nutrition as part of his lifestyle.
"italy you could play the right songs the right time so um there's something intrinsically beautiful about you know being a dj but yeah some things it feels like i'm faking it but i mean even in the be..."
The Influence of Travel on Creativity
Diplo discusses how his extensive travels to places like Brazil and India have shaped his music. He emphasizes the importance of understanding different cultures and how they contribute to his artistic references, leading to innovative sounds and genres in his work.
"stick to it and so one of the things i'm doing now to reduce my calorie intake and trying to get back to being nutritionally complete and all i eat is i'm having the heel protein shake thank you for m..."
Discovering Funk Carioca
Diplo recounts his discovery of Funk Carioca music in Brazil, describing the unique blend of Miami bass and samba. He shares his journey of immersing himself in the Brazilian music scene and how it influenced his production style, leading to significant collaborations and hits.
"new stuff from i'm just obsessed with the conversation that's like happening all over the world like you know whether i go to brazil or are you london's a good example where you have this like pan-afr..."
Creating Timeless Music
Diplo reflects on the process of creating timeless music, sharing insights on how he anticipates which songs will resonate with audiences long-term. He discusses the importance of emotional connection in music production and the meticulous effort required to craft hit records.
"brazil and actually helped i think maybe validate some of the funk music in brazil because before that it was like a rio thing and it became like a all over the country they were starting and now if y..."
The Art of Anticipating Hits
In this segment, Diplo explains the challenges of predicting the success of a song and the role of a producer in shaping music trends. He shares anecdotes about his experiences with various artists and the collaborative nature of creating music that stands out in the industry.
"producer's job is literally like try to like at least mine my forte's always been like how can i do something that's going to be big in like six months or like a year like kind of like being futuristi..."
Balancing Chaos and Creativity
Diplo discusses the balance between his chaotic lifestyle and the creative process. He reflects on the pressures of being a successful artist and producer, and how the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to reevaluate his priorities and personal life.
"can do that too like just put you know randomly i put records out and record like on my mind which is another house records on my album that was a huge tick tock record which would never you would nev..."
The Cost of Obsession
Diplo opens up about the sacrifices he has made in his personal life due to his obsession with music. He shares insights on how the fast-paced nature of his career impacted his mental health and relationships, and the importance of finding balance.
"every record is a different journey you know and now with dance music i'm literally just in the studio hearing records and trying to figure out what sound i want to make for a live effect and then i a..."
Reflections on Life Post-COVID
In this reflective segment, Diplo discusses the changes in his life after the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares how the lockdown allowed him to slow down, reassess his life choices, and reconnect with family, ultimately leading to a more balanced approach to his career.
"people that are just always going to be in your mind like madonna or you know um some of the big pop stars like taylor swift every record is going to perform but a lot of times you like on borrow time..."
Thriving in Chaos
Diplo shares how he thrives under pressure, managing a hectic schedule of 300 shows a year. He reflects on the unhealthy nature of this lifestyle but acknowledges the importance of promoting his music effectively. He emphasizes the need to give each record its best chance to reach audiences, highlighting the unpredictability of music success.
"i was because it's weird i mean i was losing touch with thing other people i felt that so i was like very insular but my life i run the best like when it's chaos when i'm doing 300 shows a year and i'..."
The Impact of COVID-19
Diplo discusses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the impact on his family life and mental health. He reflects on the lost opportunities for family bonding during lockdown and how he created an environment for his children to thrive despite the restrictions.
"um but don't waste your time on every song like you have a good song i got this one the song miguel that we're promoting i'm like this song's worth the work you know other songs may be like i'll put t..."
Building a Supportive Team
Diplo emphasizes the importance of having a supportive team around him throughout his career. He recounts how his first manager believed in him and motivated him to expand beyond local success. This foundation has allowed him to maintain a consistent team for over 20 years, which is rare in the industry.
"like what do we even find time to do it's like i buy a house with basketball courts in the house just play basketball like it was like literally i made an environment for them to enjoy life but um i t..."
Navigating Criticism and Success
Diplo reflects on the challenges of being in the public eye, dealing with criticism, and the pressure of success. He discusses the importance of focusing on the opinions of trusted individuals rather than critics, and how this mindset helps him maintain his mental health.
"a lot of people don't get that i also think i was very visionary in what i want to do so if you're like a young person like you get sucked up by management or whatever they might have a vision for you..."
Mental Health Advocacy
Diplo talks about his journey with mental health and the influence of the late Avicii on his perspective. He shares his experiences with anxiety and the importance of advocating for mental health awareness in the music industry, particularly for young artists facing immense pressure.
"um but that happens a lot that's like the one story to the dj world but in the pop world happens like way too much i think are you good at saying your stuff no i say yes everything but i'm also like i..."
The Burden of Fame
Diplo discusses the burdens that come with fame, including the constant scrutiny and expectations. He reflects on the necessity of balancing public persona with personal well-being, and how he manages to stay grounded amidst the chaos of celebrity life.
"don't love you uh that bothers you no matter who who you are you know eventually i had to just like wow these people suck like just whatever you're gonna it's you're never gonna get away from those th..."
Social Media and Brand Management
Diplo shares his approach to social media, including the challenges of maintaining an online presence while managing mental health. He discusses the importance of having a team to help navigate social media dynamics and the necessity of engaging with fans during album cycles.
"if i didn't want it i would just back up you know but i can take it so i feel like it's something i had to learn to grow into myself and just be like okay be comfortable because what really matters is..."
Lessons from Young Artists
Diplo reflects on his experiences working with young rappers and the pressures they face in the industry. He emphasizes the need for mentorship and support for emerging artists, drawing parallels between their struggles and his own journey in the music world.
"you take your mind off it because you can get caught up you know well what made you start talking about mental health and being a bit of an advocate for that you said that a lot of people should speak..."
Fatherhood and Time Management
Diplo discusses how becoming a father changed his perspective on time management and creativity. He shares how the responsibilities of parenthood have influenced his work ethic and led to some of his most significant musical achievements during pivotal moments in his children's lives.
"you really have to compete with just yourself every day not everybody else one of the things i saw in that vichy doc as well was he was suffering with pretty severe anxiety i remember the scenes of hi..."
Navigating Relationships with Kids
Diplo opens up about his evolving relationship with his sons as they grow older. He discusses the importance of being present and connecting with them beyond just being a 'sports dad,' emphasizing the value of simple moments spent together.
"and i i think all my my best work happened around them because you said time management was like okay i have like saturday sunday or have like wednesday off i'm gonna go to the studio for 16 hours eve..."
The Journey of Self-Improvement
Diplo shares his thoughts on being a work in progress as a father. He reflects on the lessons he wants to impart to his children and the challenges he faces in balancing his larger-than-life personality with being a supportive parent.
"really sweet post um giving a bit of a shout out to their mothers and in that sentence you said i'm still a work in progress and i was really intrigued by that why did you say i'm still a work in prog..."
The Importance of Quality Time
Diplo emphasizes that spending quality time with his children, even in mundane activities, is more meaningful than extravagant trips. He highlights the significance of being present in their lives and creating lasting memories.
"to the basketball court and they're just like dad relax like we want to watch tv or something you know i'm like and i'm like why don't they want to do all this stuff with me like i'm like they think i..."
The Duality of Ambition
Diplo discusses the balance between ambition and nurturing relationships. He reflects on how his energetic personality sometimes clashes with his children's desire for a more relaxed pace, and the need to adapt to their needs.
"something which i've done you know like it's like they're like they remember that but they actually remember this time and on the couch with me a lot more i feel like quick one as you might know craft..."
The Highs and Lows of Success
Diplo talks about the emotional rollercoaster of being a successful DJ, including the phenomenon of 'gold medal depression.' He explains how he manages the highs of performing while avoiding the lows that can follow.
"hold tremendous meaning and they are really well made the other thing that we were talking about just then is this um just came to mind is when i had olympians on this podcast they talked to me about ..."
Mental Health in the Creative Industry
Diplo shares insights on the mental health challenges faced by creators, particularly those with bipolar tendencies. He discusses the addictive nature of chasing highs and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance.
"um i have to do like 250 like shows you know like sometimes and every night might be bigger some nights might be lame you got to just take it straight every once i'm like damn that was awesome and i'm..."
The Reality of Touring Life
Diplo reflects on the demanding nature of touring, including the physical toll it takes. He shares his strategies for staying energized and present while managing a hectic schedule filled with performances.
"like i see that a lot and my peers and i think it's important to because they love that high too they're chasing that hive like that experience you know it's just like a drug like having like fans you..."
The Importance of Routine
Diplo discusses how maintaining a gym routine helps him cope with the challenges of his lifestyle. He emphasizes the need for physical activity to feel normal amidst the chaos of touring and performing.
"midnight come back here and i'd sit here at the table just like it's impossible that's why i'm touching this coffee yeah i'm so you have to literally i think you have to take in strides you know becau..."
Lessons for the Next Generation
Diplo shares his hopes for his sons as they grow up, emphasizing the importance of showing them the realities of his career. He aims to provide them with a firsthand understanding of the hard work and dedication required to succeed.
"i'm that's some i'm ready for that you know and your new album this is what 20 years into your career now and it's your second full-length yeah album since like florida yeah that's that's happened bec..."
The Value of Experience
Diplo reflects on the lessons learned from his father and how he plans to impart similar wisdom to his sons. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing life together to foster understanding and growth.
"it in this is going to be my records now kind of like that's kind of how this album happened because that's still it's a dance album but i worked on it as a songwriter you know because you hear the so..."
The Challenges of Travel
Diplo expresses his frustrations with the travel demands of his career, particularly the hassles of airport security. He shares his desire for a simpler travel experience and the toll it takes on his lifestyle.
"uh it's that's probably the worst thing if i could just not if i could just sit home i also got a really nice house now in malibu so i'm like don't want to go on tour anymore i kind of want to sit the..."
Generational Changes in Music
Diplo discusses how the audience for his music evolves over time, noting the generational shifts in club culture. He reflects on the continuity of his career and the changing dynamics of his fanbase.
"is the general advice is there anything that stands out to you or is it just man i will take them on the road with me i guess that's the only thing i can do it's the best that's the best advice i can ..."
The Reality of Success
Diplo shares his perspective on success and the potential for losing it all. He emphasizes the importance of being grounded and ready to adapt, regardless of the highs and lows of his career.
"to like the gym sessions and how much work he did and i was in the middle of like george's like uh the griddle he was doing the former grill era and um he said it just like something clicked inside of..."
The Journey of Creating Music
Diplo reflects on his long career in music and the evolution of his creative process. He discusses the significance of his new album and how it represents a culmination of his experiences over the years.
"but they have 300 shows a year i can't it's an inconceivable number in my mind um their relationships in terms of their romantic relationships like how on earth does one maintain good romantic relatio..."
The Duality of the Artist
Diplo explores the dichotomy between his public persona as an artist and his private self. He shares insights on how this facade can complicate personal relationships and the emotional challenges that come with being in the spotlight, revealing his struggles with vulnerability and emotional expression.
"and that's why i don't think it's probably not that healthy to date someone else that's also in the music business because it's like really it's like smoking mirrors a lot between what they're doing w..."
Discovering True Love Through Fatherhood
Diplo reflects on the transformative experience of fatherhood and how it has redefined his understanding of love. He discusses the deep bond he shares with his children and how this connection has influenced his perspective on relationships and emotional fulfillment.
"relationship with i think no because i'm literally like i'm down i'm just whatever i'm along for the ride i'm like whatever but then of course i have these kind of scorpio tendencies i have like zero ..."
Creating Impact Through Music
In this concluding segment, Diplo contemplates his purpose as an artist and the legacy he wishes to leave behind. He discusses the significance of his music in inspiring others and contributing to the cultural landscape, emphasizing the importance of creativity and exploration in his work.
"love was when i had children you know maybe that sounds weird to you but just feels like that's undeniable like no matter what they do i'm gonna love them like you know do you believe in love romantic..."