Diplo: College Dropout To World's Most Iconic DJ | E128

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:
/ diplo
open.spotify.com/album/2Lm2ot...
Follow us on Telegram: t.me/diaryofaceo
Listen on:
Apple podcast - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT...
FOLLOW ►
Instagram: / steven
Twitter: / stevebartlettsc
Linkedin: / steven-bartlett-56986834
Sponsors:
Huel - my.huel.com/Steven
Craftd - bit.ly/3JKOPFx

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

What an inspiration Diplo, when you hear how he talks about work ethic, determination and self-belief, it's not surprising he's reached the levels he has. Hope you all enjoy! Hit like and subscribe for a new episode every Monday and Thursday 🙌🏽

[@stewkelsall]

Another brilliant episode. You have a tremendous ability to get the conversation flowing effortlessly.

[@richardottley4611]

Thanks for the interview, I'm watching.. big fan of Diplo..😊 I just subscribed to your channel.. keep up the great work💯

[@soujee2744]

Please do podcast with Skrillex

[@aminestoisthebesto806]

@@stewkelsall a

[@debbiedeveau6924]

Amazing thank you for doing this interview!🙏

[@K3dzz]

Something that he didn't mention, not sure why, is that he actually got his first production placement with MIA because he was playing a set at Fabric in London. MIA heard him mix one of her tracks in a unique way and took a chance in asking him to produce for her. He didn't even have a computer, and her label had to buy him one! I wish that was mentioned

[@malawigoldelephantmarsh6578]

I've heard him mention it in other interviews and how dating MIA helped jump start his career.

[@karlyvanevery]

25:20 sh he mentions it?

[@jadesteadman1993]

Love that Steven gives his guests time to talk. Doesn’t interrupt constantly!

[@UKLeonie]

Yep 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@alexanderbeck7953]

Yeah, he’s perfect at this. So good at interviewing, listening and giving his own input when he desires. ✌️

[@jezd696]

Indeed

[@aneneemmanuel7985]

Worddd

[@artchatec]

Sign of a great interviewer

[@mickey8217]

I've had the good fortune of being able to work with Diplo many times. He really is one of the most genuine people in the music world. He has some strange ability to predict the future of music. IE he started working on a pop/trap/country album before old town road took off. He was part of house music becoming huge again in the last couple years. All this to say he's a once in a generational artist and we're lucky to have him.

[@dangtroy]

Silk city

[@watchinboats]

Either that or a knack for culture vulturing..all good tho.. and be happy

[@gregoriusjorgy9480]

What project do you work with him on?

[@JSewellBeats]

Diplo a whole legend, that Jack U stuff was the soundtrack to my Freshers at Uni. The fact he's managed to stay relevant all these years is insane

[@ritchierich2793]

🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤨🤨🤨 im going to give you the benefit of the doubt, your probably coming from DnB/hardstyle scene... Because thats the only thing he hasn't made yet..

[@JansleyMusic]

Please do more interviews with musicians and producers! This was so inspiring!

[@EmmaDivaOfficial]

Seconded!

[@ericstockmann2487]

With this interview I learned that the key to success to being a big artist and staying relevant for many years is staying humble. He mentions all the inspiration and places where he's been and has them feet on the ground. Many people could learn from this.

[@jeremyespinosa2237]

💯. One of my favorite quotes I have saved on my phone is “It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy.” Wes has not lost sight of this and you can tell he is grateful for all the people who came before and even young talented people he is around today that continue to push and inspire him. It’s not just about saying the words, you have truly feel it in your heart. Gratitude 🙏🏼

[@preshezmusic]

Diplo made a really good point. Nowadays there are thousands of tutorials on how to make music and of course, it really helps u to speed the production process but at the same time it makes u stop being creative and unique

[@gonzalodecastroescobar1833]

That’s not true, it’s just a point of view. You can learn the technique and make your own sound and workflow practicing inside the box every day, listening and working different genres. What makes you unique is practice and trying to discover new things breaking rules or using what your learned. Always will be people copying others in arts, always happened.

[@BangfieldOfficial]

Thtat's so true! When i try to make something i don't get creative at all.

[@rosew1ther]

I personally interpreted it more as "use the tutorials but don't copy them, learn to understand why they're doing what they do." I don't agree with the sentiment of "Don't watch the tutorial because you sound like everyone else if you do". Sure you *technically* (in theory) will eventually pick up everything without the tutorial but that's both not guaranteed nor in a timely manner when you could better spend that energy enabling yourself to be creative and unique. By using what you learn you can use it as a launching pad for either a new idea or breaking the rules entirely.

[@bw2937]

I'm ok with that lol. It leaves more space for the people that do experiment with sound better. Those producers always make it bigger than the generic beatmakers.

[@K3dzz]

Exactly, look at the people making the videos. Best way to learn is actually to learn the skills and techniques of the best...who don't have time to make tutorials

[@GiDS222]

this might be one of the most professional interviews i've seen and its with DIPLO, what a blessing. Learned a lot from this and the introspective questions were bangers

[@Mrhaydentv]

This has got to be one of the fastest growing KZbin channel (0-1 million level) in the world. I first followed this channel at 4.5k followers!! It’s so amazing watching the growth.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you for following Hayden 🙏🏽

[@yoginid672]

Really appreciate Diplo's honesty and openness. His responses about romantic love are so refreshing - especially nowadays.

[@SuperGamingBeast1]

been following diplo for 10 years and I am now 20! amazing to see him in on here and hear his story

[@Sportsman134]

you been following him since you was 10 years old lol ?

[@SuperGamingBeast1]

@@Sportsman134Maybe a year or 2 out but he was one of the first musicians I had ever heard on YT.

[@BrightResultsMedia]

Diplo is one of the only ‘celebrities’ I follow. Main reason why is because he’s an interesting person. This interview was great. He path is unique and I wish him continued success. From MIA to Nicki da B he’s been in the cutting edge since day one! 🔥🔥🔥

[@andiqui2952]

It's so inspirational hearing Diplo speak. Me being so interested in music and it's culture, wanting to work within this field. Seeing him being so 1 with the essence music and the history of music makes my enormous love for music even bigger ✨thank you for an eye-opening interview

[@tracydavies5702]

I LOVE the diversity of the guests you have, the inspirational content and the way you curate the questions to entice fascinating dialogue and most of all, super excited to now have 2 episodes weekly!! 😀

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks for sharing Tracy 🙏🏽

[@bhiveliveglobal]

Challenged by love and emotions, glad it's not just me. Bouncing through life is very refreshing.

[@kyracl7318]

I listened to this during my morning walk! I love the diversity of guests and topics on this podcast. Havent missed a episode for 6 months! Smashing it.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks for following Kyra, glad you're enjoying the podcast 🙏🏽

[@dumisiwo4959]

Damn, you guys changed the cameras again. The production value on these are incredible, clearly going for that 1% improvement each time. It's noticeable and well appreciated! Love to the production team in back!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you so much Dumi, glad you're enjoying 🙌🏽

[@Restecpa]

Diplo is a legend. I’ve been listening since the eaaaaarly days and seen him live twice.

[@soujee2744]

Diplo one of the best DJ and what he created is fantastic .

[@WatsonsVenture]

What an awesome awesome guy. Love him. Serious creative energy and passion just oozes from him.

[@jeremyespinosa2237]

Excellent interview. Always have had respect for Diplo since around the time of Major Lazer launch and seeing him perform back at EDC 2009. Great to hear his perspective and mindset all these years later. Also first time viewer and subscriber to this channel that somehow got recommended to me. Will be back.

[@SimillionMedia]

This is a very high quality and well steered conversation. Very happy the KZbin algorithm recommended this to me! Kudos.

[@allcalmsoothing9443]

Steven, I was wanting to suggest Liam Howlett of the Prodigy just yesterday but then didn't, thanks for this and please get Liam Howlett if you can. Great interviews by the way. Thank you. Getting back into music myself.

[@gregwoodin5630]

Great interview. You know exactly when to chime in and when to let the guest talk. I’ll be tuning in to future episodes.

[@gautamsain2000]

Diplo… glad you are making music. Love your stuff !! Great to see this part of you. Inspiring and humbling

[@alejandramendoza2599]

Watching this at 3:01 am after an amazing night in Miami at one of his Higher Ground incredible shows. You made my night Diplo ! ❤️ te amo muchooooo! I’m your biggest fan for life ❤️🦕

[@harryogle6239]

This series has instantly become my favourite thing to watch. Really enjoying all the different types of people you get on, keep up the good work 🙌🏼👏🏼

[@JoJo_GSD]

Loved this episode 🤗 Diplo, what a wonderful, grounded soul. Thank you for sharing your life journey. Thank you so much Mr Bartlett & your team 🤗

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks so much for listening! 🙏🏽

[@WinVault]

The collab I didn’t know I needed 👌

[@Vipinski]

I needed to see this. Diplo is one of my biggest influencers. Thank you for passing on the wisdom.

[@YouDontKnowISH_]

Great interview. I love that u spent a good amount of time on mental health. I especially loved that you respectfully pushed Diplo towards the end when discussing romance/dating when he said he's "emotionless." And you pushed deeper on that point. I loved that b/c I was very curious how this isn't a defense mechanism or a negative. And you made Diplo realize maybe it isn't a good thing. That was a cool exchange.

[@jezd696]

Literally the only podcast I’m listening to / watching these days… take value from every episode watched so far, keep doing what you’re doing. ( Zero guilt when binge watching… just saying 👊😁)

[@bournie21]

Loved this interview, I can't believe how many songs I love that I didn't even realise diplo had done or was part of 🙌🏻💃🏻

[@rozware1295]

LOVED this one!! Such a fascinating guy. Clicked ‘like’ literally a few seconds in haha

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks Roz, glad you enjoyed 🙌🏽

[@kaeli1983]

I’ve been following him since he released “Horsey” back in 2011-2012. Love him!

[@kevinvanvianen5638]

Such a generous and down to earth guy. Plus he found balance in his life. AWESOME!

[@skatechatham]

I'm a big fan of the first Major Lazer album, it's cool to hear about Pon De Floor, the first time I heard it was at a resort in Jamaica, they kept playing it over and over during the poolside games.

[@soujee2744]

Please do a podcast with skrillex . It will be really amazing

[@bens1903]

I keep forgetting about the new Thursday episodes, a great surprise !

[@sabrikay3877]

Each one of your video is so inspirational. Thank you for sharing this much of value!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you!

[@mickandtraceycope7826]

Loved his answers to the questions at the end. Also, the emotion (yes he does have it) on his face when you asked was it healthy to not have emotion. Great question. 🎧

[@301circular]

Looking forward to watching this one!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Let me know what you think!

[@JeffPierreMusic]

Beautiful interview, great questions! Thank you for this

[@janelouisewar3633]

He never says no to anyone. Facts❤ truly genuine. Love forever. Thanks for all your beautiful music.

[@alejandramendoza2599]

Im fell in love with Diplo the first time I went to see him perform in Las Vegas back in July 26th 2021 (clearly I won’t ever forget). Im not gonna lie, at first it was only physical attraction (for obvious reasons) but every time I watch him and research what he’s create and contribute to the culture and to the music Industry I admire him soooooo much that I can’t help it! If you ever read this: I LOVE, RESPECT AND ADMIRE YOU FOREVER DIPLO! I got a diplodocus tattoo on my left forearm and I carry it with proud. Much respect! Te amo ❤️ attn: Aleja (the loudest girl that will always be in the front row singing all your songs and bringing you wisps) ❤️

[@FacuB22]

Diplo, the best of the best. So inspiring.

[@DISCOSERVICEOFCL]

Amazing interview! Hats off to Diplo for being such a genuine lad🤌🏻💥

[@conway3782]

This was the conversation I needed to hear today.

[@laweffect]

Excellent guest, keeping the talks fresh and diverse. Top job 👍

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Much appreciated! Thank you!

[@RichKSweets]

So many great questions--I'm honestly impressed, and I listen to a TON of podcasts. Phenomenal interview and super interesting guest

[@thiiirdiii]

Thank ü for sharing another side of Wes...he is one of my hero 🤙🤙🤙

[@DeccyJ]

See what ü did there

[@MixemASMR]

I love Diplo, been a fan since the very early days of Major Lazer. He said about some people being confused because of all the weird sounds and genres he has dipped in and out of, but I love that, I have found new sounds and artists from places across the globe because I was introduced to them on his projects. Great episode and Steven, your energy and opinions are so interesting and this is probably now my new favourite podcast. You’ve also taken over from Peter Jones as my new fave dragon now too 😂 although, Peter’s socks still win haha.

[@katepadget-koh6910]

Love Diplo, what an inspiration. Such a humble man.

[@x6Pnda]

Was clicking through youtube and just wanted to listing for a couple minutes to it but listened it entirely! Great podcast and great questions

[@BoGus_21]

Great interview! I first found this platform from the Adesanya interview and I’m a big fan of what you do-keep cooking up🔥🔥

[@Allthesamesea]

Excited for everyone on these before I even get into it. Grateful for your openness and efforts Steven 🙏🏻💙

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙏🏽

[@Allthesamesea]

@@TheDiaryOfACEO you really are making a difference Steven. A friends friend died from suicide last week and I was able to give mindful sensible advice that I gained from these open humble conversations - ask at the start of a conversation “how are you?”and then ask again at the end. It’s paying forward and I am grateful for it

[@TheDwinter1919]

I love your format and you’re an excellent interviewer! I have questions about Diplo’s integrity due to the numerous allegations of grooming young girls. But I really appreciate your care and atmospheric presentation style with your interviewees :)

[@roseannaayala1487]

I barely found out who Diplo was through Emily ratajowski when she interviewed him on her podcast. I enjoy listening to his perspectives and points of view on life from his experiences. Many of the points he made about the industry reminded me of my dancing years when I watched all these girls on drugs with some mental health issues and hearing about some of them passing away. How I was almost always sober on my job because I had to be 100% conscious and focused on what was going on. How its a facade we put on because its not who we really are at the end of the day when we go to bed. How that high cane become a low. I def went through that as well being a dancer. my parents never taught me discipline growing up, so I struggle with it now. How covid changed people. How he pointed out what real love was to him when a child came into his life. I wish my father loved me in that light. This was a great interview because it pinpointed so many important things life that really matter. I remember i dropped out of college for quite a few years and went back and now im starting to wonder if itll even be worth it in the long run. I see so many ppl doing things that make them money without going to college. I love that hes into culture and history and is very open to the world. Toward the end of the interview when they mention that shell or wall that was put up to stay strong and keep going in life, I can def relate to that as well. Some people go through shit in life growing up and somehow dont know how they made it this far and finally break down. So glad i stumbled upon this video. I watched it in my car.

[@srik88]

He's a real one, very likable. Much respect.

[@japhy6536]

Great interview - I really relate to the candid nature of this conversation. Love your intensity and vibe brother Thom. Powerful stuff gentleman - thank you!

[@Shyted]

You are amassing a really diverse range of guests. Mark Ormrod would be a really good guy to have on.

[@SadiqakaSTH]

A Music Legend, Steven doesn't miss!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@janelouisewar5814]

Wow, Diplo is soulmate status. Respect! So many gems.

[@zachhorn]

This is an excellent interview. Just found this channel - you have a real talent for interviewing! It's not an easy thing to get right, and you nailed it. Subbed immediately.

[@ill2daMAX]

Great job Steven! You the real rockstar!!!

[@alexanderdarcy-orga9041]

"if it's weird, it's good". That's the mantra. Have been fortunate to follow Diplo for most of that 20 years - a mind expanding experience. Thanks Wes. Thanks for sharing Steven.

[@angalmeida29]

What beautiful voices ;) thank you gentlemen for sharing your journeys with the world

[@matiasleivac]

Easily one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen

[@arete1394]

Also, would love to listen to - Matthew McConaughey; ShaRuk Khan, Gordon Ramsay; Ryan Holiday, Vitalik Buterin + the GOATs who are so aged (dont miss them)

[@djjeffresh]

awesome stuff. great interview . thanks for opening up so much, mr. diplo wesley guy.

[@ben.jones2004]

I have recently found this podcast but loving every second of them. Keep up the good work!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks Ben! Glad you're enjoying it 🙏🏽

[@saxon681]

Watch the Steve Peters one. Its the best.

[@ben.jones2004]

@@saxon681 will do 👍

[@debbiedeveau6924]

Good Luck with everything I hope your career climbs to heights you can never imagine! All the Best!

[@chantellemarquez]

Ten minutes in and I’m hooked

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Enjoy 🙌🏽

[@WinVault]

5:00 there’s multiple journeys to success the path you’re on is the path you’re meant to be on

[@aks1993kumar]

numbnuts

[@joannahbharose7396]

deep interiew with a great philosophy for success and managing the life balance

[@JDfaith2024]

Diplo is bright, purpose driven, and self aware. That’s what got him to where he’s at. Great interview 😊

[@hollywoodactress]

Great interview!!! The cool edit pro comment made me smile. I remember using that back in the day :)

[@sibusisoboemah]

Great interview! Diplo is legendary

[@techronin_]

His jumper is awesome. I love how he rocks up to the show reppin’ the bougie upscale Costco brand

[@horlamtl]

Wow, what an interview! ❤️‍🔥

[@davidlakhter]

looking forward to this! 16:05 yea it's about knowing what path you want to go on and take opportunities that come your way 22:17 exactly. don't let "faking it till you make it" turn into imposter syndrome and recognize it's normal to a degree 37:09 yeah damn. rip to a legend 42:25 word. 59:30 it's like a false boundary

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Let me know what you think!

[@mnlalx6512]

really liked his way of describing things!! hilarious how he saved himself on 43:58 where he was gonna say faking it 😅

[@CurtMudgeon]

Loved the honesty here.

[@handanarts]

Awesome podcast and great questions

[@Luke-zx8bp]

Wait, What! You got Diplo? Wow Steven! High five

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

✋🏽

[@josevg32]

Great interview!

[@wessmithp5560]

I partied and DJ’d with Diplo and a flamethrower at Burning-man. Literally have the video. Way before that I used to cane Bucky Dun Gun in NYC clubs and could see the reaction to his raw work first hand. There are others too, maybe early Jack White/White Stripes, but he’s unique for sure, and really the quintessential passionate, curious, DJ/Producer, fun guy, and hustler always in the right place at right time who also managed not do die from the bad things. If you hang out 5 minutes, you see this all boiling. If you focus on something like this and Lady Luck finds you too, you can’t ask for more than that in life. #StrongWorkYo

[@andrehendrik]

Still enjoy his work with Riff Raff, definitely a high-water mark for hip-hop

[@Mrhaydentv]

Love it lets goooo

[@katyahinojosa9512]

this is beyond important info for djs

[@romeodesepida]

Even more unexpected guests! Been a massive Diplo and Major Lazer fan for the longest time. Love the work by you Steven and props to everyone in the team who makes this happens. Man, the guest options for when he gets the podcast to the US is going to be even more amazing.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks so much Romeo 🙏🏽

[@grantm9372]

Is he rocking a Costco jumper? Haha love it 🤙

[@unownnnn]

Nice talk. Big respect to Diplo

[@EduardoRodriguez-eo3sz]

This was awesome!!!

[@mikeybarreneche]

this was awesome

[@KevinKouto]

I started making music when playing with random knobs and sliders was the way to learn

[@asharobins-wilkins7739]

Once her baby has grown up, zoella is a must!!

[@andarara8994]

Omggg I didn’t know he did that song with MIA. Love her. Legend

[@donkeyfacekilla1]

What a legend!