We had the good fortune of connecting with Darce Leone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darce, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The biggest goal I had was to understand all aspects of the music industry. From A&R, production, logistics, I needed to make sure that all aspects were covered. It’s easy to be exploited, and I wanted to avoid that. Plus, the internet allowed artist to develop on their own while growing their own fanbase.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m known as “the DJ of the Heavens”. Although I play several subgenres in house and hip-hop, I aim to leave listeners on Cloud 9. I like blending ethereal melodies with hard-hitting drums, giving my tunes a hit of nostalgia from 90’s underground music.

Although I was terrified of my 1st gig, I am definitely most proud of it. Although it was far from perfect, I got over my stage freight and got the feedback needed to move forward. It’s like ripping off a bandaid. It’s never easy to perform, get feedback, and work endless hours to perfect a set or song. But I get to do it. And the fact that I get to make art is truly a gift.

I’d say that many times I’ve fell, but many more times I got up. I hope that listeners can feel ambitious and enlightened to do what they want with my music. To go beyond their limitations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would make sure that my best friend would engage and appreciate all of the culture that LA has to offer.

Monday- I’d stay around the East LA area (the actual East LA). I’d start out with Hollenbeck Park, eat at Purgatory Pizza or Sofreh, check out a little bit of Whittier Blvd. At night either checking out a show at The Paramount or get litty at Huntington Park.

Tuesday- We’re staying at the South Bay area (my favorite area in LA). Start out with some basic shopping at the Torrance Mall. Mid-day, we’re going to walk around Redondo and Hermosa Beach (either Hennesseys for pub food or The Beach House for seafood). We hang out at the beaches. Dinner, we go to Le Pain Quotiden in Manhattan Beach and stroll for the night.

Wednesday- Marina Del Rey. We chill at the library off of the docks (SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARIES), food court at Costco, and get food at Italy’s Little Kitchen at Westchester for dinner.

Thursday- Get breakfast at Pann’s Restaurant at Ladera Heights. Hike around the Kenneth Hahn Park. Check out the Jurassic Technology Museum in Culver City, dinner at Grand Casino Bakery & Cafe, and check out local bars in the area for live acts. If you have the energy, obligatory visit to Santa Monica Pier as it’s the best time because of the lights and you cannot see the water.

Fridays- obligatory visit to Beverly Hills. A QUICK stop at Rodeo Drive followed by food at the infamous Urth Caffe (though DTLA is the best location). A cute drive through Sunset Blvd East towards the Lloyd Wright museum. Check out the once glorious Sunset Strip, take a picture of the strip club there, chill at the Book Soup/Mystery Pier bookstores, and go out to WeHo at night.

Saturdays/Sundays: Check out local music acts performing throughout multiple dive bars in DTLA, Hollywood and Inglewood. Eat at Birds in Hollywood for excellent chicken, and stay up all night at the afters in various DTLA warehouses.

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?
Many DJs would be credited for helping me. Eskinichordi Omo, Meta State, Purple Violet.

I started out with open decks at Pirate Studios in Silverlake as well as Beats n’ Babes. Many inclusive collectives have been powerful assets with pushing artists of all backgrounds forward, which I am grateful for.

Every veteran musician, DJ, and listener that has encouraged me makes all the difference. All because their love of music propels them.

Instagram: Darceleone

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@darceleone?si=P7BxZKlitiwTMmP6

Image Credits
@eskinichordi

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