Key Moments
Diplo: College Dropout To World's Most Iconic DJ | E128
The Diary Of A CEOKey Moments
Diplo details his journey from a college dropout to an iconic DJ, emphasizing passion, relentless work, and cultural influence.
Key Insights
Early life struggles and military school shaped Diplo's disciplined approach to his career.
Obsessive passion and a willingness to learn and experiment have been key to his unique sound.
Travel and exposure to diverse cultures have profoundly influenced his musical style and creativity.
Anticipating future trends and creating timeless music requires a futuristic and conceptual approach, not just technical skill.
The cost of obsession includes personal life balance, but he learned to prioritize family and self-care, especially during life-altering breaks.
Authenticity and a unique artistic identity are crucial for standing out in a saturated music industry.
EARLY LIFE AND FORGING DISCIPLINE
Thomas Wesley Pentz, known as Diplo, recounts a tumultuous early life marked by bouncing between schools and a stint in military school at age 14. While not a traditional path to success, he credits this period with instilling a sense of discipline and a 'school of hard knocks' mentality. His father, a Vietnam vet, emphasized discipline, a concept Diplo only later realized contributed to his ability to pursue goals relentlessly, even without technical mastery.
CHASING PASSION AMIDST UNCERTAILNTY
Diplo did not pursue music production until his mid-twenties, often juggling it with odd jobs like working at a zoo and as a social worker to make ends meet. He dropped out of college, where he studied anthropology and filmmaking, realizing that practical experience was more valuable than academic learning from instructors who weren't actively in the industry. This period, characterized by uncertainty and a lack of consistent income, was driven by an obsessive passion for music and the pursuit of a creative career.
THE POWER OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND TRAVEL
Travel has been instrumental in shaping Diplo's musical identity. His journeys, including extensive exploration in India and Brazil, exposed him to diverse sounds and cultural fusions. He shares experiences of discovering unique music genres like 'funk carioca' in Brazil and bringing overlooked sounds to new audiences. This constant immersion in global culture fuels his creative process, allowing him to synthesize disparate elements into something novel and exciting.
CULTIVATING A UNIQUE ARTISTIC IDENTITY
Rather than technical prowess, Diplo identifies as a conceptual artist, viewing music production as solving complex problems and puzzles. He emphasizes the importance of 'weirdness' and uniqueness, advising aspiring artists to lean into what makes them distinct. His own approach involves blending genres and regional sounds, creating parties that catered to an underserved 'art school' demographic before the term 'hipster' was common.
NAVIGATING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND PREDICTING HITS
Diplo's career has spanned two decades, marked by a consistent drive to innovate rather than follow trends. He aims to create 'timeless pieces of art' by anticipating future sounds, likening his role to that of a futurist predicting what will resonate in six months to a year. He learned the painstaking process of songwriting from pop experts, understanding that hit records often involve meticulous crafting, though he also acknowledges the unpredictable nature of viral success through platforms like TikTok.
THE COST OF OBSESSION AND MENTAL WELL-BEING
The relentless pursuit of his career came at the cost of personal life balance. Diplo acknowledges he was running at '200 miles an hour' until COVID-19 forced a pause. This downtime allowed him to reflect, buy a house, and prioritize his family, especially his three sons. He learned the importance of self-care, the gym, and setting boundaries, drawing lessons from the cautionary tale of Avicii's struggles with fame and mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH AND THE PRESSURE OF FAME
Diplo discusses the significant mental health challenges associated with fame, particularly the impact of criticism and public scrutiny. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between public perception and the opinions of trusted individuals close to him. He has actively worked to manage this by stepping away from social media and fostering a supportive team, recognizing that maintaining mental well-being is crucial for long-term sustainability in the industry.
FAMILY AS A FOUNDATION AND LEARNING TO SAY NO
The birth of his children was a pivotal moment, teaching him the true value of time and shifting his priorities. He explains that while he initially sped up his work ethic after becoming a father, he later learned to integrate his family life more meaningfully. The experience of raising his sons has also taught him the importance of being present and fostering genuine connection, leading him to value humble moments over grand gestures. He's also learned the importance of saying 'no' as a way to protect his mental space and focus on what truly matters.
LOVE, RELATIONSHIPS, AND EMOTIONAL EXTERIORS
Diplo reflects on the complexities of romantic relationships within the music industry, noting the façade artists often present. He emphasizes that true connection comes from understanding and accepting both the artist and the person. He highlights finding harmony with the mothers of his children and his new girlfriend, and he describes himself as generally 'emotionless' on the exterior, a trait he believes serves as a protective mechanism but one he's learning to navigate for deeper connections.
THE EVOLUTION OF A CAREER AND ARTISTIC GROWTH
Twenty years into his career, Diplo continues to evolve, as evidenced by his latest dance album, which is structured with pop sensibilities. He views his career as a continuous process of learning and adding to the world, whether through new music, cultural exploration, or inspiring others. He finds fulfillment in creating something genuinely new and is always ready to embrace new challenges, even if it means starting over, supported by his family and a strong internal resilience.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Software & Apps
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●Books
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●People Referenced
Common Questions
Diplo attributes an early concept of discipline to his Vietnam veteran father. Despite disagreements, his father provided complex rules on discipline, which Diplo later realized were crucial for his success and work ethic.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
His song 'Where Are Ü Now' is mentioned as an example of a track that gave Diplo goosebumps during production.
Diplo mentions selling records to Kanye West when he was first producing.
Mentioned as an artist Diplo has collaborated with, highlighting the diplomatic aspect of songwriting collaborations.
Collaborated with Diplo on the UK hit song 'Looking for Me'.
Mentioned as an author whose book Diplo read, inspiring a hunger for learning.
UK electronic music duo mentioned as examples of dance projects that fit the UK's established dance culture.
Mentioned as an artist whose records are consistently successful, contrasting with artists on borrowed time.
Used as an example of someone who built a brand out of being a 'heel' or antagonist, highlighting the strategic use of persona in business.
British electronic music duo mentioned as examples of dance projects that fit the UK's established dance culture.
A highly skilled DJ mentioned as a benchmark for turntable performance that Diplo felt he did not master.
Mentioned indirectly when discussing the longevity of DJ careers and how the audience changes over time, implying he's a contemporary who has also maintained relevance.
His music and influence on drummers are mentioned in the context of tracing musical lineages.
A UFC champion who experienced 'gold medal depression' after winning a belt, serving as an example of post-victory lows.
An example of a DJ with a long career in London known for his deep knowledge of music and ability to read crowds.
Cited as one of the greats who made futuristic, trendsetting records.
Cited as an example of a highly creative individual who likely dealt with mental health challenges.
A former Manchester United footballer who shared his story of overcoming trauma and the importance of emotional openness, influencing Diplo's perspective.
Mentioned in the context of the song 'Two Worlds' from Tarzan, which was a track he worked on.
His son, George Foreman Jr., shared how his father's involvement in bringing him to boxing training and gym sessions was instrumental.
Shared how his father's involvement in bringing him to boxing training and gym sessions was instrumental.
Diplo mentions finding expensive Beatles 78s in India while record collecting.
Diplo mentions reading this magazine frequently as a young person, fueling his obsession with culture and people.
Mentioned as part of the discussion about how artists generate income, relating income streams to brand partnerships.
Diplo attended UCF for a brief period at community college before transferring.
The host identifies himself as an Arsenal fan, which is relevant to the discussion about Patrice Evra, a former Manchester United player.
Diplo attended Temple University for anthropology and filmmaking before dropping out.
Israel Adesanya, a UFC champion, is mentioned as an example of someone who experienced 'gold medal depression' after a major win.
Mentioned to compare the career longevity of athletes (linebacker vs. quarterback) to that of producers and artists.
Patrice Evra's former football club, mentioned in the context of his career and personal story.
Mentioned as a location of a festival where Diplo played his funk production collaborating with MIA.
Mentioned as a location where Diplo saw influential DJs and later established his unique mashup party style.
Diplo traveled to India for a documentary project and explored the country, collecting vinyl records.
Mentioned as a location where Diplo played during his tour.
Diplo's hometown, where he worked as a social worker and began DJing, noting its cultural importance for hip-hop and DJing.
The venue where Diplo's podcast was turned into a musical for three nights.
Diplo mentions owning a nice house in Malibu he'd prefer to stay at instead of touring.
The venue where Diplo's podcast was turned into a musical for three nights.
The title of Diplo's first album, released on Ninja Tune, which he describes as chaotic and made while he was 'so stoned'.
Title of one of Diplo's hip-hop albums mentioned in the context of working with young rappers who later died.
Mentioned in the context of exploring musical origins and influences from around the world.
Mentioned as a platform with fewer eyeballs compared to TikTok.
The record label that released Diplo's first album, 'Florida'.
Diplo mentions he hasn't used Twitter in five years and that someone else has his password, indicating a conscious effort to disengage from social media.
Mentioned in the context of Diplo's disciplined lifestyle, relating to athletic and health-focused habits like going to the gym.
Diplo's collaborative project known for blending reggae and dancehall, which he used as a platform to experiment and own his creations.
Mentioned as one of the brands whose products Diplo had to remove from his luggage at airport security.
Diplo traveled extensively in Brazil, immersing himself in the funk music scene and collaborating with local artists.
Diplo acknowledges the platform's reach and importance for brand presence, though he was initially slow to adopt it, now using it for album promotion.
Mentioned in passing as a company, not substantively discussed.
Mentioned in the context of Diplo's disciplined lifestyle, relating to athletic and health-focused habits like going to the gym.
An older Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that Diplo used, notable for its lack of features like a piano roll.
Mentioned as a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that Diplo found complex, contrasting it with his earlier methods.
Diplo mentions his partnership with Calm and his advocacy for mental health discussions.
Diplo mentions watching his son play Minecraft on his iPad as a valuable bonding activity.
Diplo mentions using Ableton Live, appreciating its ability to work with raw audio and simplify production compared to older methods.
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