We’re looking forward to introducing you to SKYLAN. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning SKYLAN, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me really depends on whether it’s a show day or not. On non-show days, I spend a lot of time on the behind-the-scenes work that people don’t always realize goes into being a full-time DJ. I handle all my own bookings and marketing, so emails are usually the first part of my day. I also spend a lot of time crate pulling (which is basically curating and organizing music into playlists for my upcoming sets), so I’m always ready for the weekend. Content creation has become just as important as my live sets, so I dedicate time to filming and editing videos for social media as well. Honestly, if I’m not DJing, I’m preparing to DJ.
On show days, it looks totally different. Because I’m a regional DJ, travel often takes up a big chunk of the day. I like to keep those days reserved for traveling, sound check, and the show itself so I can save my energy for the performance. If I have downtime, I’ll still squeeze in emails or content, but the priority is really just being fully present for the show.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello again! I’m SKYLAN, an EDM artist and DJ based in North Carolina. While I’m mostly known for making bass heavy music, I also DJ a wide range of open-format events, which keeps me connected to all kinds of crowds. Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to open for artists like Level Up, Vampa & Jeanie, and Leotrix, and I’ll be joining the lineup for Perry Wayne at The Fruit in Durham on September 27th.
What really sets me apart is that I’m intentional about creating safe, inclusive spaces where people feel like they can show up as their truest selves. That energy carries into my newest project “HAWT MESS,” a monthly event I just launched at Neptunes in downtown Raleigh. It’s messy, fun, unapologetic, and it’s quickly becoming a hub for community and connection through music.
At the heart of my story is building spaces where people can truly belong. Music brought me to my tribe, and now I use my shows and events to create that same feeling for others, a safe space where people can connect, celebrate, and just be themselves.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Two relationships really shaped me before I fully saw myself. My partner has been by my side for years, supporting me in so many ways and helping me stay grounded through all the ups and downs of pursuing music. And then my best friend, she was the one who kept pushing me to actually start DJing. I remember us being at Hopscotch Festival in downtown Raleigh, and she just kept asking, ‘So when are you going to start?’ That constant encouragement stuck with me, and eventually I took the leap.
It’s taken me years to find a true support system, and I know not everyone is lucky enough to have that. I’m really grateful to have people in my life who believe in me, and that’s a big reason why I try to create that same encouragement and safe space for others through my shows and events
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
All the time. That thought is always there: ‘why am I still doing this?’ But the truth is, I never give up completely because I know I’ll just try again. Failing sucks, especially failing over and over. It can be embarrassing. Putting yourself out there is embarrassing. But music is something I love, and it will always be a part of my life. I’ve had to accept that failing isn’t the end… it’s just part of the journey, and every misstep is teaching growth.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The project I’m most committed to is building my career as an independent artist and DJ, and creating spaces where people can truly belong. From my music to my events like HAWT MESS, I’ve done everything myself, booking, marketing, curating, and promoting. It’s a lot of work, and it’s not always easy, but I believe in it completely. I know that building something meaningful takes time, and I’m committed for the long haul, because music and community aren’t just what I do, they’re who I am. No matter how long it takes, I’ll keep creating, performing, and building spaces that empower people to show up as their true selves.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do now, but it took me a long time to get here. For most of my life, I fought it because creative careers aren’t always seen as ‘steady’ or ‘practical.’ I put myself through college bartending, and then I stayed in bartending longer than I should have, just to avoid a traditional office job. I even worked at a Fortune 500 law firm, the thing I thought I was supposed to be doing… and I hated it. I was severely stressed and more depressed than I’ve ever been. That’s when I realized: music has always been the thing I’m meant to do. There’s no way around it, and now I’m fully committed to building my career and sharing that love with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skylanmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylan41/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkylanMUSIC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8Cg3GMMfGK5SdVkBnq17w
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/skylan-3
Image Credits
Marcus Origenes @mgmomedia
Kim Spru @kimspru
Jacob Rice @somejake
