DJ Rylo

Hip hop has been a constant source of inspiration to this L.A. based DJ/Producer. It gave the black youth a voice, a chance to communicate and relate to one another through unique expression. In addition, hip hop is about progression; moving forward. Taking the records our parents played for us as kids and giving them new life. As a child, Rylo's parents played records that were as mixed as his background. His father was a huge fan of soul music and known vinyl junkie. However, being African, he would also buy imports from his native land when at the record stores every payday. On the other hand, his British mother was a collector of shante-town reggae and dub. Lastly, primarily raised in the states, Rylo and his brother picked up on hip hop and alternative. And if that were not enough, with the explosion of the rave scene, Rylo was drawn to music he foresaw as the future of dance music. While remaining a true hip hop head, Rylo loved the many forms of music the underground had to offer. Listening to house, drum n' bass and down tempo abstracts propelled his music and sets to the next level. It is this level which radio stations such as K.Ç.R.W. picked up on. With promos being played since about '95, Rylo was making a name for himself as a producer. Up to this point, he had established himself as a DJ playing the L.A. club circuit. His residency included Garth Trinindad's "Caramel City," Nemesis Projects' "Session," and Robert H.'s "Bomb Shelter" as well as many others. Recognized as a DJ and up and coming producer, Rylo was eventually picked up by L.A. indie Abstrakt Reality Records. ARR currently has 3 full length releases under it's belt which all contain tracks by DJ Rylo. Teaming up with fellow DJ/ARR artist Tony Watson, the two formed The Mekanic Label. The first installment of their "Fourcorners" 12-inch series have aficionados buzzing, restoring faith in the bright future ahead for L.A. producers. The duo also currently host a radio show Monday to Thursday from 10pm to 12am PST on www.spikeradio.com. Their show "Freeform" consists of anything with soul, an eclectic mix of hip hop, trip hop, house and all that has inspired them. With special guests such as Marques Wyatt and Doc Martin showing up nightly, their show proves to be as spontaneous as the music being played. Currently, Rylo's first full-length Simplistic Healing is complete and scheduled to be released this summer on The Mekanic Label. In the tradition of experimentation and innovation, DJ Rylo continues to break new ground. While mainly instrumental, Simplistic Healing boasts tracks which feature spoken word artist Munibee Wimla, M.C. O.M.A.N. and crew Nomadic Cyence. The above being the essential matrix to explosive shows. Anyone who watched them open for NY's Ming & FS last year, at Knee Deep in the Countdown, will confirm. While too numerous to completely mention, Rylo has accomplished so much more. Never losing touch with his DJ roots, Rylo continues to educate the masses. He has spun with Philly's own King Britt (Slyk 130) at the annual Ritual Events Fashion and Music Expo. He played at the AFI Film Festival where he provided a live soundtrack to a feature film. He continues to rock Kevin Haley's word-of-mouth Motion Sick parties and various loft parties throughout L.A. And lastly, he has played as a guest DJ on various radio shows such as "Celsius Drop" on www.dublab.com. In the spirit of contribution as opposed to competition, DJ Rylo wants to give back to the music that has given him so much.