Daily Inspiration: Meet Lyris Greene

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyris Greene.

Lyris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Nashville, TN, I grew up in a household with music always playing because my father was an avid album collector and music head. Music was a major influence throughout my formative years and still is in adulthood. I always made mixtapes and CDs for myself, family, and friends. Little did I know, this is how I would begin laying the foundation of music curation. It was just a hobby and I naturally gravitated to it as I began my career in bank regulation. When my father passed in 2009, I knew that I needed to really invest in music because it was the one thing in my life that I couldn’t go a day without. I didn’t want to leave this world without having done something fulfilling and purposeful.

In 2010, I moved to Atlanta and met DJ LV who was the catalyst to me DJing professionally. I later graduated from the Scratch Academy in Atlanta in 2016. In 2018, I was released from my corporate job and began pursuing DJing full-time. I was free to fully commit and invest in my dreams. That’s when my whole world opened up!

Within the last three years, I have built my brand as “The Hybrid Specialist,” an open format mobile and virtual DJ specializing in creative mixing. This has led to me spinning for David Banner and some of the top companies in Atlanta such as: Ferrari, The Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and various others.

One of my biggest accomplishments is starting my own internet radio station. I’m the owner and music curator of WLAG Timeless Radio, an internet radio station dedicated to providing timeless music 24/7. It is a nostalgic journey of music for the soul. Genres that you’ll find playing on the station include: soul, funk, R&B, hip hop, and pop music ranging from the 60s through the early 2000s.

Additionally, I continue to grow creatively as a producer, Roland DJ Ambassador, and educator/instructor. Just as some really dope DJs were willing to offer their time/attention to help me learn, I am also very interested in giving back in the same way. I offer DJ lessons for all ages, as well as any other DJ services needed. I have a passion for sharing and teaching anyone that wants to learn!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life isn’t about a smooth road, but it’s about the journey. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t faced some struggles. From losing my father, toxic relationships, getting fired, and life during a pandemic, I have hit my fair share of bumps in the road. Those, along with all of the “no’s” and “not yet’s” were necessary to get me to this very moment. Those struggles have created the necessity for me to carve my own path. The “no’s” have taught me to figure things out on my own.

I started an internet radio station because I believed that timeless music needed a place to be heard 24/7. I created a successful t-shirt line from that same space: spreading love through music. Additionally, I created a platform where I could play the music that spreads joy without having to consult with anyone else. Now you can catch me spinning virtually on Twitch every day Monday – Friday at 3:30pm EST. Those same “no’s” led me to learn how to create social media content and content for my virtual livestreams.

What I’ve learned and continue to understand is to TRUST THE PROCESS! No matter the circumstances, everything is happening for my greater good. “All things work together for good” (Romans 8:28) is truly the foundation of my faith. No matter what comes my way, I know it is all happening for a reason. It’s always an opportunity to learn and grow, no matter how painful it seems.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
First and foremost, I spread love through music. I know my soul is just a vessel to convey love, and music is my platform to express it. I specialize in music curation. The love of music is what connects us all and I have a passion for the cultivation of that connection. Music is a universal language. I want to communicate and connect with people that have the same appreciation.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m known as DJ Lyris ”The Hybrid Specialist.” I’m an open format DJ specializing in music curation and creative DJ mixing, blending genres over multiple decades. In addition, I’m the owner and music director of WLAG Timeless Radio, which is an internet radio station dedicated to providing timeless music 24/7. I am also a music producer. I create all content for WLAG Timeless Radio, my Twitch channel, and social media platforms.

I would say the thing I am most proud of is creating is WLAG Timeless Radio. Watching the growth of the station and the Instagram page has been incredible. When I started the page back in 2018, I had 30 followers. Now the page is approaching 50K! To me, it shows the power of consistency, manifesting, and believing in your dreams. I knew that there was a void in this world where people needed to hear and see music that brought them joy. It’s a blessing to see music that has influenced me, touch so many people all over the world.

What sets me apart from others is that my journey is just for me. No one can be me. I know I have a purpose and every day that I open my eyes, I work towards that purpose. What is for me is just that, for me. Knowing that keeps me focused on the things I want to do while I still have breath in my body. Music is just the platform. It is my love for it and expression of it that makes me different from anyone else.

Any big plans?
I never stop dreaming! Currently, I’m planning to move to California in 2022. I’m producing my own remixes to use in my live sets and songs for future placements. I have every intention of playing at festivals as a DJ/producer. I will be expanding my “Curated Soul Tees” t-shirt line, which focuses on compiling your favorite artists onto t-shirts. I’m continuing to work on the growth of my Twitch following for WLAG Timeless Radio as an affiliate. The growth of WLAG’s Instagram page has been incredible! I plan on having the same growth for the station and Twitch. In addition, I will be creating a platform for my beats and culinary recipes, called “Beats & Bytes!” I love to cook, so I will be creating an avenue to marry both my production and food escapades. Be on the lookout for that in 2022, as well!

Pricing:

• DJ Services – $150/hr
• DJ Lessons/Consultation – $50/hr
• Media Content Consultation – $50/hr
• Curated Soul Tees – $14.99

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.djlyris.com/; http://www.wlagtimelessradio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djlyris/; https://www.instagram.com/wlag_timelessradio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djlyris/
• Twitter: http://twitch.tv/djlyris
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMHyk34TqfMGpQZpubukC8g
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj_lyris
• Other: https://linktr.ee/djlyris, https://www.mixcloud.com/DJLyris

Image Credits
Photographer: Joshua Spruiel @jsphotographyatl MUA: Alexandra Butler @themuaalex