We are thrilled to be connecting with ROS again. ROS is an Entertainment Industry Chameleon and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with ROS below.
Hi ROS, so great to have you join us again. For folks who might have missed our earlier conversations, can you please take a minute to briefly introduce yourself?
My name is ROS, more commonly know professionally as “Superstar DJ ROS”. I am a lifelong DJ that has ticked a number of boxes off regarding dreams come true. Additionally, as a creative, I wade into various lanes and pursuits such as streetwear designer (Brooklyn Slice FTW); songwriter/producer/recording artist; author (“How To Be A Million Dollar DJ”; Serial entreprenuer; and public speaker.
I could continue but, these bullet points are the central items of importance in regards to my career.
As you make the transition from club DJ to recording artist, what would you like your fan base to understand about this change in artistic direction?
This is an important question. I am happy to answer it because I believe that understanding my “why” will help inform people who support my journey as to the thought and intention behind the music I will be releasing this year.
Though I’ve been in clubs since the age of 15 and playing with records since the age of 9, I have always been someone who wrote songs and messed around with creating records. A little known fact is that I was formally the lead singer of a boy band in my teens and performed at the world famous Apollo Theater / on a number of major R&B tours of the day. Additionally, after the group disbanded, I had a period where I put out a project as a solo rapper.
Hence, being an artist of some sort has been foundational in my journey, even as a professional DJ. The difference now is that I am approaching my upcoming projects much in the way that a Quincy Jones or Mark Ronson would. I am writing, producing, collaborating with upcoming singers and producers, and serving as my own project manager/A&R rep. The choice to go about such as an independent artist allows me the freedom of content and calendar. That is very important to me.
For those that support me and are willing to follow me on this next part of my journey, I am genuinely excited for them to hear the care and craft that has gone into this transition. I think they’ll understand how serious I am taking this new path.
You’ve previously mentioned being influenced creatively by a wide variety of people across industries. Who would you consider your primary influences and how have they specifically effected you as a creative?
This is a varied list. I’ll name them individually then, share what I have taken from their examples:
Quincy Jones – What can I say? Quincy has influenced me in EVERY manner possible. His recording process. His disregard for the rules or parameters others put in place. His willingness to spread his creativity and expertise across mediums. His lifelong presence and impact in the entertainment industry. In my eyes, he is the GOAT.
Mark Ronson – When I, as a DJ, share that I am working on an album project, most people assume that I am going in the direction of someone like DJ Khaled. I am not.
While I respect the style of project released by Khaled, I am truly inspired by the approach of Mark more because it tends to be more musical and genre bending. Ronson, has allowed his acumen as a musician to take center stage while allowing his experience as a tastemaking DJ to have an equal place at the table. I have made note of such.
Timbaland – I truly love the duality that Timbaland has enjoyed; he is equally potent as a producer AND a recording artist who releases his own projects that he shares artist billing on with major stars. What he has accomplished is incredible.
Kanye West (Ye) – While I know he is problematic, there is no way to deny the creative genius of Ye when it comes down to process and freedom. There is no other artist in this era that has been as daring with their choices in the last 20 years. I take MASSIVE influence from such.
Prince – Always put out what HE was into. Nothing else need be said. He was one of one.
Beyonce – As someone who has worked with he in the past, I can attest: No one will ever outwork her. Period. I take from her example that work ethic and her honesty and daring approach to craft. She is incredible.
Jay-Z – His choice to run his own race and to deftly balance a recording career and stellar entrepreneurial portfolio inspires me greatly.
If you could design the next 3 years of your career to go exactly as you wished, what does that look like?
This is a question I ask of my students in the Million Dollar DJ program. Visualization is critical so, I’ll happy answer it myself.
If the next 3 years were to go as planned, I would want the following to occur:
* The successful release of my debut album project, “CAPSULE”, in partnership with a major label that allows me to execute the rollout in a manner that is creative and authentic. I would love to tour the project for the next 2 years globally.
* The international rollout of our luxury streetwear brand, BROOKLYN SLICE FTW. While we have spent the last year executing a soft launch, I am excited to partner with a larger, established sportswear company that can assist us in a proper gloabl launch.
* I am excited about the release of my first business book, “How To Be A Million Dollar DJ” and look forward to our first in-person DJ summit in Orlando, FL in 2024.
* I would like to speak at more schools and conferences AND would love to have my first talk about entrepreneurial pursuits at Harvard and Hampton University.
* I plan to expand into music supervision for TV & movies projects.
* I plan to continue writing and producing for other artists outside of my own projects.
What has been the most difficult part of taking the path as an entreprenuer for you?
Simply put: financing your dreams and efforts. That is that absolute most difficult part about charting your own path. It is a constant battle to make sure your efforts have the proper funding.
You are not known for doing one specific thing. You are a successful DJ, an author, a songwriter/producer. a streetwear designer, and a recording artist as a short list. That can be a lot to digest from one person. Is it difficult to see you as as a boundless creative or do you find that people want to try to fit you into a specific box?
Yes. By nature, people and industries seek to put you into an easily digestible box.
To put it bluntly, I ignore all of that. I’m not interested in coloring within the lines. I truly believe in doing EVERYTHING that you are into….as long as you schedule those endeavors in a manner that allows each to have it’s own space.
Therefore, if a person is into the mixes but not the clothing, I’m cool with that. Dine on what you like. If the books are your thing but you’re not into or checking for the music? Not a problem.
There are an estimated 8 billion people on this planet. SOMEONE will rock with it, you know? With that mindset, I demand my freedom of creative expression. People can get on or off wherever they wish.
As you reflect on your career walk to this point, what are you most proud of as a singular moment?
I am honestly proudest of the comments I’ve received from DJs from all over that have stated how they’ve been inspired by my walk. Those comments mean everything to me.
Alright, so before we go, how can our readers connect with you to learn more and show support?
My primary social feed is Instagram: @iamros
My others are as follows:
www.iamros.com (Will be live soon. We are rebooting it to focus on the album project)
TikTok: @superstardjros
YouTube: superstardjros (ROSTV)
LinkedIn: superstardjros
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamros.com (Reboot coming this summer)
- Facebook: ThisIsDJROS
- Linkedin: superstardjros
- Twitter: superstardjros
- Youtube: superstardjros (ROS TV)
- Yelp: superstardjros
Image Credits
Maximus, Daniel Ormas, Hailey Larkins, Joey G
