The Great Creators with Guy Raz

Diplo: His Creative Journey from Making Sandwiches at Subway to Making Hits with Bieber and Beyonce

May 2, 2023

52:25

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Introduction

2min

The Importance of Listening to Music

2min

Diplo's Story

2min

The Future of Music

1min

The Importance of a Career as a DJ

3min

The Importance of Follow-Through

2min

How I Learned to Make Music With a MacBook

2min

The Unified Theory of Music in Philadelphia

3min

How to Deal With Anxiety

2min

10.

The Disaster of Piracy Funds Terrorism

3min

11.

The Rise and Fall of Rich Boy

2min

12.

How I Conceive of Straight to Hell by the Clash

2min

13.

The Importance of Music in My Life

3min

14.

Justin Bieber and Skrillex

2min

15.

How to Make a Hit With Justin Bieber

2min

16.

The Importance of Being Unique

2min

17.

The Importance of Being Pure

2min

18.

How West Collaborates With Major Artists From Lilane to Madonna

3min

19.

How to Make a Great Record

4min

20.

How to Age Gracely as a DJ

3min

21.

The Power of Creativity

2min

22.

The Importance of Legacy in Music

2min

23.

How to Be a Better Musician

2min

24.

Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter Two, Swamp Savant

2min

Diplo is one of the most successful and influential DJ/producers working today. How did he get here? This episode traces his rise from nomadic childhood, to spinning records while working at a movie theater and zoo, to his big break that was years in the making, to performing in front of tens of thousands of fans and generating billions (yes, billions) of streams. You'll also learn exactly how he collaborates with artists like Sia and Madonna, why he approaches music like fashion, how he knows when a song is truly great, and how he plans to "age gracefully" in this next chapter of his career. Diplo's new album, "Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 – Swamp Savant," is out now.

Interested in a Visual Map tracing Diplo's creative journey? We made one just for you. Check it out here.

Links from the Show:

Paper Planes video: M.I.A. produced by Diplo
Whosampled.com sample breakdown of Paper Planes
Pineapple Express movie trailer feat. Paper Planes
Skrillex and Diplo - "Where Are Ü Now" with Justin Bieber (Official Video)
Diary of a Song (New York Times) "Where Are Ü Now"
Major Lazer & DJ SNake - Lean On (feat. MØ) (Official Music Video)
LSD - Thunderclouds (Official Video) ft. Sia, Diplo, Labrinth
Diplo's less well-known collaborators: country artist Sierra Ferrell and songwriters Nija Charles and Starrah
Diplo's Instagram page
Visual Mind Map: Diplo's Creative Journey

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