Meet Daniel Costello (Stello) | DJ, Music Producer & Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Costello (Stello) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, why did you pursue a creative career?
Funny you should ask that – it kinda happened accidentally. I’ve loved electronic dance music since I first heard it in high school and always thought being a DJ was the coolest job, but had no idea how it worked. I literally thought they were making the songs while they were up there. After 10 years of going to shows, festivals and diving into different subgenres I finally decided to give it a shot of my own – but only after injuring myself in the gym. I then had all this free time so took lessons and the rest is history. I instantly fell in love with making mixes and digging for new music, of all genres. After my first show, with all my friends and family, on February 29th 2020, I knew it was what I wanted to do with my life for the first time ever.

The world obviously had different plans at that time but I kept working at it, honing in on my sound and throwing renegade rooftop parties in NYC. When the opportunity finally arose in 2021, I was ready. Ever since then, its fueled my desire to leave the corporate world behind to chase the dream. I’m not completely there yet but I’ve built a great foundation to get me there including an industry network and supports of my original music, mixes and events I put on.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart is the direction I went with my ‘Stello’ sound, which is a really emotional, melodic and progressive sound. Which is kind of funny because its not what most would describe as the sound they are looking to go out and dance too. It has been a barrier at certain times in my career, even being laughed at or scorned by a booker or promoter, but it has also served me career defining moments, as well, landing me dream gigs at beach festivals, incredible NYC rooftops and sick venues like the Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY. It wasn’t easy but its cool now that people associate me with certain music and events (and even sunsets now lol).

The sound has also led me to work with incredibly talented producers like Coastlines, Stave, Crimsen and Johnny Mahon who have become close friends of mine. I’m extremely lucky to get to create with and learn from them.

This emotional, melodic and progressive music serves as the fundamental sound of my mix series, Far From It and our event series Taking You Higher. Never in a million years did I think thousands of people would listen or attend our events. Its been cool to see it all grow! They both started as a small way to showcase what I’ve been working on and has turned into so much more.

Lessons learned? If you’re passionate about something, go for it. Not everyone will see the vision right away, all that matters is that you do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooh hope I don’t get called basic but here we go:

Its New York, so we’re getting Italian. Skip the tiktok recommendations and go to Cappone’s (West Village) for chicken cutlet sandwich or Da Toscano (Greenwich Village) for the best dinner of your life – get the crab fat oysters and veal parm.

You’re not going to visit a DJ in NYC and not hit a rave – so if we are going big, we’re going to hit the Brooklyn Mirage or a warehouse. If we want a more intimate vibe, we’ll hit Virgo (my fav) or Hearsay, but good luck finding it. If there’s a dope act on a boat, that’s always fun too!

Lastly, we’re hitting a rooftop for sunset. There’s no place I’d rather be than Brooklyn during golden hour – absolute best views of the city. Superior Ingredient (most music focused), the Arlo Williamsburg and the 1Hotel Dumbo are my favorites. I haven’t been to the William Vale but I’ve heard its incredible. While you’re over there, go hit Taqueria Ramirez or Federoff’s for some deliciousness.

For non-music recs, hit a Yankees or Rangers game. Brown bag a bottle of wine and take it to the West Side Highway or Domino park at sunset.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve had overwhelming support from family and friends throughout this whole journey but if I had to shout out one person it’d be Todd from Project 91 events in New York City. He was the first one to give me a real opportunity in 2021 after we bonded over a video of Avicii at Penn State (my alma mater) from 2012. He set me up with real support sets for acts I had no business opening for like Elderbrook, Tchami, Malaa, Amtrac and Westend. When I developed my sound of melodic and progressive house and techno, he gave me a platform to host an event to showcase that sound, which wasn’t super popular in NYC nightlife. This led to the creation of our event Taking You Higher, which has been running for over two years (shoutout Erica Tedd too)! Since then he’s gotten me some crazy gigs including the Great hall at Avant Gardner (Brooklyn Mirage), boats parties around the city and even some upcoming iconic NYC landmarks.

ok thats enough ass kissing

@newyorktodd @project91presents @takingyouhigher.ofc @ericatedd

Website: https://linktr.ee/far_from_it_stello

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialstello/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialstello

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5cg9HDAkcVWAoajEmlu9EQ?si=Z7FtanTSReuvvlgQgoGzqg&nd=1&dlsi=16305bea896c4c73

Image Credits
Davey Hiles
Joshua Pollack
Bryan Kwon
Eric Cunningham
Courtney Cotterill
Amanda Cachon