Known for his sleeveless, whimsical synergy with his fans, Geoff “Stylust” Reich has been creating his own counterculture since he was a teenager. A skateboarder and hip hop devotee, this dubstep DJ’s talent for fusing rap hooks and bass beats with electronic music has earned him the rep as a creative renegade carving his own path. Stylust is a trend setter. He’s always pushing himself and his music to the limit, and always delivers an incredible result.
Stylust has been a busy man lately, from dropping his album ‘Activated’, to embarking on a massive tour, while also preparing an exciting compilation featuring tons of new talent to be released by his label, Sleeveless Records. I had the amazing opportunity to ask him a few questions about his music, his love for Shambhala, this upcoming compilation, and what’s ahead for him in 2020. Check it out below!
Tell us about your new album ‘Activated’. How long was it in the works? Is there a song on there that you’re most proud of?
I got the concept for ‘Activated’ really going in August of 2019, although some of the songs had already been started before then. The single “Activated” is one I’m really proud of, mainly because of the message I wanted to convey: which is that the people around you and moving together with you consciously create a forcefield around you. I also love “Sunchaser” just for its warmth overall and energetic drop that works very well live!
Tell us about your relationship with Shambhala Music Festival. Is there something unique to this festival in comparison to any of the others you have played?
Growing up in Vancouver I was blessed enough to have this as a sort of backyard party in Canada. With such an amazing vibe, it is really tough to beat! I think a unique part to the festival is that all the DJs hang out for the weekend mostly and Shambhala creates a great immersive atmosphere for the artists as well as attendees. The lines become very blurred at this festival. Also, I have been lucky enough to play 10 years consecutively there and am hoping for at least 10 more! haha
The production, Stage Curation and Venues are also top notch obviously, Shout out to Pk Sound!
How did your label Sleeveless Records start? What’s the vision you had for this label?
It started in 2015 when I was living in San Francisco. I was just surrounded by so many talented producers and friends so I thought it would be fun to start a label. Moving into 2020, we have 3 staff members and are gonna be pumping out a ton of new artists that I’m really stoked on! My motto from back in the day was always “Rip Your Sleeves Off”, so this Sleeveless Records name seemed a great fit.
What can you tell us about the upcoming release on your label, ‘Proving Grounds’?
Proving Grounds is going to be a series of compilations from Sleeveless Records showcasing brand new talent to our roster and in many cases it is these artists first label signing at all. This first compilation contains 13 epic tunes comprised of 16 new artist to Sleeveless. It was a lot of fun to put together!
What are some of your plans/goals for 2020?
I’m really excited to hit the road this Spring with my ACTIVATED tour! I’ve been couped up in the studio all January so I’m stoked to share some brand new tunes and rinse the songs from the new album! Also, Envision festival in Costa Rica this February tooo!
Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
Shout out to YourEDM and everyone who’s down with the movement. You are a part of our FORCEFIELD!
Stream the new album from Stylust titled ‘Activated’ below!