The MattViolinist Podcast

Digital Detox EP 8 | DJ Itz Lit | Music, Energy & Authenticity

In Episode 8 of Digital Detox, MattViolinist sits down with DJ Itz Lit for an unfiltered conversation on music, creativity, and the art of moving a crowd.

From the Bronx grind to big-room vibes, DJ Itz Lit shares his journey, the lessons learned, and what it takes to stay authentic in a world full of trends. Expect stories, laughs, and insight into what makes DJs stand out beyond just the playlist.

 Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop, R&B, soca, or open-format sets — this episode is packed with gems you won’t want to miss.

 Timestamps / Highlights:

• 00:00 – Intro & vibe check

• 02:15 – Early influences & first steps into DJing

• 06:40 – Breaking into the local scene

• 12:25 – Balancing requests vs. personal style

• 17:50 – Crowd energy & connection secrets

• 24:10 – Lessons from memorable gigs

• 31:45 – Advice for upcoming DJs & creatives

• 38:00 – Closing thoughts & final gems

Digital Detox EP 7 | Anwar ‘Notes’ Overton on Music, Partnership, Biggie Events & Future Projects

This episode of Digital Detox features an in-depth interview with flutist and musician Anwar “Notes” Overton, a close collaborator and longtime friend of MattViolinist. Together, they share the story of their musical journey, their unique partnership, career milestones, and advice for aspiring artists.

From recording covers on iPhones to performing at The Notorious B.I.G.’s birthday celebrations, their bond as musicians has shaped both their careers and inspired audiences with authenticity, creativity, and culture.

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Timestamps & Topics:
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Anwar “Notes” Overton
03:15 – How Matt & Notes first connected (Bronx meets Brooklyn)
08:30 – From iPhone recordings to professional studio upgrades
13:45 – Viral success with collaborative covers
18:20 – The Yin-Yang partnership: stage presence & authenticity
24:00 – Shared Jamaican cultural roots & deep-cut rhythms
30:10 – Notes’ flute journey: from school crush to life calling
36:25 – Career highlights: Jacob Javits Center performance
41:40 – Performing for Biggie’s 49th & 50th birthday celebrations
49:55 – Philosophy of trust, transparency & finances in partnerships
56:30 – Seeing the bigger picture: value beyond money
1:04:20 – Adaptability: equipment, sound, & problem solving at shows
1:12:15 – Understanding venues & educating owners on sound
1:19:40 – Prioritizing friendships & avoiding conflicts in music
1:26:55 – Advice from a legendary producer’s daughter: “Don’t separate”
1:33:10 – Future projects: albums, college tours & “Across Seas” tour
1:40:20 – Brooklyn Chop House residency & weekly performances
1:46:00 – Closing thoughts: bond, impact, and staying authentic

Digital Detox Ep. 6 | DJ Blackout Talks BYFAR Mega, Music Journey & Classic Vibes

Welcome back to Digital Detox — not just a podcast, but a live stage for artists and DJs to showcase their story and talent. In Episode 6, we sit down with DJ Blackout & BYFAR Mega a powerhouse in the scene, to dive into: The journey through music and creative growth 🎶 Insights on the BYFAR Team How he balances legacy classics with today’s sound 🔥 The art of connecting with audiences in every setting This conversation is packed with gems for creatives, music lovers, and anyone looking to understand the culture from the inside out. 💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more live talent and raw conversations. #DigitalDetox #DJBlackout #BYFARMega #HipHop #Soca #ClassicVibes Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & welcome 2:15 – DJ Blackout on his start in music 7:40 – Building the BYFAR Mega movement 15:10 – Blending hip-hop, R&B, and soca in sets 23:30 – Memorable performances & crowd reactions 32:00 – Advice for upcoming DJs and artists 40:45 – Closing thoughts & future projects

Digital Detox EP 5 | DJ E Class on Authenticity, Classic Music & DJ Life

Welcome back to Digital Detox! In Episode 5, Matt the Violinist sits down with the authentic and talented DJ E Class to dive into the art of DJing, what makes a true classic in music, and the power of authenticity on and off the stage. From stories about their early grind days at Regina’s, to dealing with pushy party-goers, to conversations about Frank Ocean, Fetty Wap, and Jay-Z—this episode is full of gems for DJs, music lovers, and anyone chasing their craft. 💬 Tap in with us weekly for more unfiltered conversations about music, culture, and the DJ lifestyle. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & DJ E Class joins the pod 01:20 – How Matt & E Class first met at Regina’s 02:55 – Building relationships & DJ camaraderie over competition 04:30 – Owning your energy & controlling the crowd 06:20 – Handling requests & giving the crowd two options 09:00 – Why you can’t force the vibe 10:20 – When partygoers stop dancing after their song request 11:40 – Critiques DJs always face & no such thing as a “perfect set” 13:00 – E Class on carrying positive energy & avoiding negativity 14:30 – Why Matt avoids the hype & waits to judge new music 16:50 – Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange and what defines a classic 20:00 – Songs that stand the test of time (Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, Fetty Wap) 23:30 – Hot songs vs. true classics 26:45 – Movie hype vs. music hype (Sinners vs. Blade) 29:50 – Compliments beyond compliments & their impact 32:00 – E Class’ most powerful DJ feedback story 35:30 – Matt’s Mexico wedding story & life-changing compliment 40:00 – The cycle of burnout & compliments that keep DJs going 43:00 – DJing in the Caribbean & pure joy from soca vibes 44:30 – How DJ E Class got started (from DJ Hero to real decks) 47:20 – Making it work with limited gear & being resourceful 49:10 – Sticking with DJing despite self-doubt 50:30 – Close calls & when everything goes wrong at a gig

Digital Detox Ep. 4 | Frank Brown on Music, Mentorship & Surviving the Industry

Welcome to Digital Detox Ep. 4 featuring the legendary Frank Brown — audio engineer, musician, and mentor whose career spans decades across television, concerts, and music. In this episode, MattViolinist sits down with Frank to dive into his journey, from being born into a musical family to working with icons like Destiny’s Child, building studios, and mentoring the next generation of artists. This conversation covers the state of today’s music industry, the realities of being a working musician, the value of mentorship, and how to create longevity in an ever-changing landscape. If you’re an artist, DJ, or creative navigating the modern music world, this episode is packed with gems. 🕒 Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & Matt’s story of meeting Frank 4:45 – Frank Brown’s musical roots and family history 11:30 – From musician to audio engineer & TV background 17:20 – Lessons from building studios and working with artists 23:40 – Mentorship, guiding young creatives, and asking “What’s your plan?” 31:15 – Destiny’s Child and early big-stage experiences 37:50 – The decline of record labels & the rise of streaming 44:05 – The problem with today’s music industry structure 51:30 – DJing, phrasing, and how the craft has changed 58:00 – The importance of environment & creating the right vibe in studios 1:06:20 – Advice for new artists navigating today’s landscape 1:12:40 – Closing thoughts & words of wisdom

Digital Detox Ep. 3 | DJ Scoop & Turn Up With T on Party Culture, Hip Hop, & DJ Rules

In Episode 3 of Digital Detox, Matt Violinist sits down with DJ Scoop and Turn Up With T for a raw conversation about the DJ grind, the evolution of party culture, and the state of hip hop today. From how Scoop got his start at 8 years old, to T picking up DJing later in life, to debates on whether opening DJs should play new hits — this one is packed with gems. They also dive into why dance floors aren’t the same, how cell phones changed nightlife, the lack of a “hip hop union,” and the importance of humility and networking as a DJ. Tune in for stories, lessons, and laughs from behind the turntables. Time Stamps 00:00 – Intro & guest introductions 00:57 – DJ Scoop’s 30-year journey in DJing 02:16 – Turn Up With T on starting late in the game 04:37 – Weddings vs. parties: passion over paycheck 06:16 – How partying and pre-gaming changed 07:35 – DJ Scoop’s biggest pet peeves in nightlife 09:10 – The death of the dance floor & cell phone culture 10:20 – Caribbean music paving the way in Jersey 12:00 – Who’s responsible for “killing” the party? 13:14 – New generation vs. old school party vibes 14:43 – The decline of party songs in hip hop & R&B 17:28 – A quick history of hip hop’s evolution 20:28 – Why hip hop never formed a union 23:33 – Drill music & lack of guidance in the industry 23:49 – What BPM makes the best party vibes? 26:24 – Lyricists, rap vs. hip hop, and underground spitters 27:43 – Internet, SoundCloud era, and “trash vs. art” 29:43 – The ASAP era & rap crews’ influence 30:45 – Opening DJ debates: rules, respect & style 37:36 – DJ Scoop on surviving a set after Camilo 43:10 – Pivoting when given restrictions as a DJ 51:22 – Matt on elevating his career & doing free gigs 54:48 – Networking, humility, and learning from younger DJs 55:33 – Early experiences with DJ conferences & growth

Digital Detox Podcast EP 2 | A Tone on Music, Positivity & Overcoming Life’s Challenges

In this episode of Digital Detox, Matt Violinist and Chef Alonge sit down with Bergen County’s own A Tone for a powerful conversation about music, resilience, and chasing dreams. From his early days on the basketball court to finding his voice in music, Tone shares how positivity, faith, and creativity helped him overcome challenges—including recovering from a stroke. He opens up about staying authentic, building core fans, upcoming projects like Autumn University, and the importance of turning struggles into strength. 🔥 Whether you’re into music, personal growth, or just need some motivation, this episode delivers gems you won’t want to miss. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Digital Detox! ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Digital Detox 01:15 – A Tone on staying positive and living in his own universe 05:40 – Anime, Avatar, and finding life lessons in unexpected places 11:20 – Basketball days & creativity through the game 18:00 – Transitioning passion from basketball to music 23:40 – Music as therapy & building core fans 30:10 – Overcoming challenges, creative blocks, and growth 36:45 – The stroke, recovery, and finding strength again 44:50 – New project: Autumn University & future goals 52:30 – The importance of support & playing local music while DJing 59:20 – Authenticity, energy, and spreading positivity through music 01:06:40 – Reflections on growth, family, and community support 01:12:15 – Closing thoughts & where to find A Tone online

EP 1 DJ Stallion on Brooklyn, DJ Culture & Mentorship

Digital Detox EP.1 | DJ Stallion Interview Step inside the first episode of Digital Detox hosted by MattViolinist, joined by Chef AJ (Alonge) and Kevin CoolRay, featuring the legendary DJ Stallion. From his gritty Brooklyn upbringing to rocking weddings, clubs, and bars across the Tri-State, Stallion breaks down his journey as a DJ, his old-school influences, and what it means to pass the torch to the next generation. This conversation is packed with stories, humor, raw honesty, and lessons on DJ culture, teaching, mentorship, and the unspoken rules of the party. ⏱️ Time Stamps 00:00 – MattViolinist & DJ Stallion | Intro & Brooklyn beginnings 04:15 – DJ Stallion | Growing up Caribbean in Crown Heights 08:20 – MattViolinist & Stallion | Style, age, and old-school NYC vibes 15:40 – Stallion | First steps into music & trumpet days 21:05 – Stallion | Learning DJing with crates & techniques 27:10 – MattViolinist & Stallion | Meeting, sharing sound effects, and building respect 35:30 – Kevin | Perspective on mentorship & generational gap 42:50 – MattViolinist & Stallion | Mic confidence, stuttering, and crowd control 55:10 – Group | DJ archetypes, song requests, and party dynamics 1:07:45 – Stallion | Cultural differences, crowd reading & music choices 1:18:20 – MattViolinist & Stallion | Generational disconnect in partying 1:29:40 – Kevin| Respect between older & younger DJs 1:40:15 – Stallion | Practicing, perfectionism & growth as a DJ 1:51:10 – MattViolinist & Stallion | Mic techniques & learning to lead the party 2:00:00 – Outro | Closing thoughts & setting up for Stallion’s live set

From Crash Outs to Cheesecake Kings | Storytelling & Urban Culture Podcast

🎙️ Give Us A Min – “From Crash Outs to Cheesecake Kings & Cancel Culture Truths”

Matt Violinist, Chef AJ, and special guest Kevin keep it raw, funny, and real—sharing wild stories, life lessons, and unfiltered takes.

In this episode we cover:

• The accidental Englewood run-in with World Wide Wes that led to NBA Garden opportunities and Knicks banter.

• Bergen County’s low-key power players & why moving humble beats flashy living.

• Kevin’s insane “crash out” story that led to his cheesecake business success.

• High school bonds, Harlem Shake nostalgia, and turning jealousy into growth.

• Tone vs. intent in communication, and why jealousy can push you to level up.

• Natural disasters, faith, and preparing the next generation to be safe.

• Cancel culture’s flaws, generational disconnect, and the power of authenticity.

• Instagram’s new location feature & the trust issues it stirs up in relationships.

• Hyper-competitiveness, humor, and the debate on whether we’re all on the autism spectrum.

🔥 If you like unfiltered conversations, deep insights, and plenty of laughs, this one’s for you.

Give Us A Min Ep 23 Soft Girl Error

Unfiltered. Hilarious. Necessary.

Welcome to Give Us A Min — the unapologetic group chat you didn’t know you needed. Hosted by MattViolinist, Carmen, and the newest voice in the mix, Chef AJ (Alonge), this show blends real-life experiences with raw conversations about culture, relationships, parenthood, growth, and everything in between.

Whether you’ve been through it or you’re figuring it out, this trio brings laughter, heart, and honesty as they reflect on childhood memories, adulting struggles, and what it takes to break generational cycles — without losing who you are.

If you're into real talk with people who feel like family, Give Us A Min is your new favorite listen.

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In this episode:

• Reuniting after an 8-month break

• Introducing new co-host Chef AJ

• Hilarious childhood throwbacks and transformations

• Real-life talk on parenting stress and joy

• The challenges of breaking generational patterns

• Accountability vs. survival mode

• Culture, identity, and growing up Caribbean-American