Recently in an interview with GQ Diplo said “People don’t know what I do, they just know I’m cool.” Part of the reason may be he has been doing it all lately, from producing tracks for the likes of Beyonce and Chris Brown, to making music for his solo project Major Lazer, and even making films like Favela on Blast. He makes sure that he does it all in style too, counting designers Alexander Wang and Jeremy Scott as his friends.
Diplo like Jame Brown might just be the hardest working man in showbiz, traveling around the world to work more than 300 days out of the year. He will be in Buenos Aires November 30th performing at
Samsung Studio.
We had the chance to talk with Diplo and find out a little more…
So can you tell us a little about your background and your progression to where you are now in the music industry?
Just a kid that started as a DJ and then moved on to producing. The story is long I was always an artist but I started to travel and record and be part of a lot of projects. In this last year, I was producing for Beyonce, Chris Brown, Usher as well as my solo project as Major Lazer. I started a label and have made films and music videos as well.
What are some of the current projects that you are involved in with your record label Mad Decent? Seems like you guys are always putting out progressive, forward looking tracks.
Yes we are. We never had a hit like some indies but you can always count on us to put out records first. Like bonde do role our first full length to Rusko, the first dubstep record in the USA, to major lazer. We do a lot of live events, merch and singles as well. Too may to go through, but check out maddecent.com
You have a reputation of being a tastemaker. Who are some of artists that you are currently listening to that we should check out?
Well in the USA everything is about Skrillex, so it’s not a secret anymore but I think his sound will be worldwide very soon as well. One genre we are pushing heavy through Mad Decent is Moombahton. Check out our album Blow your Head Vol 2 that we put out a few months back that one is a pretty serious introduction to the scene (something between Dutch House and Reggaeton) also bands I love and have produced are like Lana Del Rey, Das Racist, Marina and the Diamonds. I don’t know my taste is so varied these days ranging from The Weeknd to Sleigh Bells.
You are also known for being one of the more stylish DJs out there, always being suited up when you perform. Have you always been into fashion? Who are some of your favorite designers at the moment?
Well i have friends that design that I really love, like Jeremy Scott and Alexander Wang. For more formal stuff I love a local LA suit maker named Native Son, he does a lot of stuff for me, and then the usual suspects like Paul Smith, Comme de Garcon, Margiela and Wood Wood, and I try and buy local kids stuff when I travel.
What aspects of the Argentine music scene are you interested in and get you the most excited?
A few years back Cumbia Villera had just broke through and the Zizek crew was touring international. I just arrived so now im excited to see what next!