In the vibrant world of music, some journeys are born from a love of rhythm and sound, while others are sparked by a desire to break free from a predetermined path. For DJ Pharaoh, his entry into the music scene was a bit of both. Originally on a path toward a career in programming and cybersecurity, Pharaoh quickly realized that this wasn’t where his passion lay. It wasn’t long before he began to pivot toward something that had always intrigued him: the music industry.

A Change of Heart

Pharaoh’s journey into music began when he was a student in college, studying Information Technology. “I quickly realized after a year that wasn’t what I wanted to do,” he shared on the EncoreNOW Podcast. The rigid structure of programming couldn’t compare to the creativity and freedom that the music industry offered. Pharaoh’s interest was piqued by the idea of working in the music industry, initially considering a role on the business side, such as a manager. However, after a chance meeting with a friend’s older brother, who attended Nelly’s Music School, Pharaoh was introduced to music production. It was a transformative experience. “He taught me how to produce music, and I just kind of fell in love with it,” Pharaoh recalled. From that moment on, he knew that producing music was his calling.

The SoundCloud Era and Early Influences

As Pharaoh began to delve into the world of music production, he found himself drawn to the hip-hop genre, particularly the wave of SoundCloud rap that surged in 2017. Influenced by artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and 21 Savage, Pharaoh started creating hip-hop and trap beats, immersing himself in the culture and sound that defined that era. “That’s really when I started getting into hip-hop culture and all that kind of stuff,” he said.

Collaborations and Growth in the St. Louis Music Scene

One of Pharaoh’s most significant collaborations has been with Jay Coast, a prominent artist in the St. Louis music scene. Their partnership began when Pharaoh, then a student at Webster University, was working on his senior project. “I was looking for artists, and DJ Umami connected me with Jay Coast,” Pharaoh recounted. The collaboration was seamless, leading to a strong working relationship. Pharaoh eventually became Jay Coast’s DJ, performing with him at various events and venues across the city. This partnership helped Pharaoh establish himself in the local music scene, earning him regular gigs and expanding his influence as both a producer and DJ.

The Art of Mixing and the Evolution of Sound

Mixing a song is an art requiring a keen ear and a deep understanding of sound. For Pharaoh, mixing involves balancing the levels, EQ, and effects to create a cohesive and powerful track. “It depends on the genre and the desired outcome,” Pharaoh explained, noting that the goal is always to enhance the clarity, depth, and impact of the music.

“Mixing for house music is a different beast compared to something like rock,” Pharaoh noted. In house music, the focus is often on creating a seamless, hypnotic flow, with an emphasis on rhythm and bass. The challenge is to maintain energy and build anticipation, often with subtle changes that keep the listener engaged on the dance floor.

In contrast, mixing for rock demands a different approach, where the clarity of instruments like guitars, drums, and vocals takes precedence. “Rock mixing is more about capturing the raw energy of the performance,” Pharaoh explained. “Each instrument needs to have its space, but they all have to come together to hit hard as a collective.” This contrast in mixing techniques between genres has further fueled Pharaoh’s versatility and deepened his appreciation for the nuances of different musical styles.

As Pharaoh honed his mixing skills, his curiosity for different soundscapes naturally grew. This drive to perfect his craft led him to explore beyond the boundaries of hip-hop and trap. His DJing experiences in various venues opened the door to new genres, particularly dance and house music, where he discovered a fresh landscape of sonic possibilities.

More recently, after attending the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Pharaoh found himself inspired by EDM, a genre he hadn’t previously been drawn to but now finds fascinating. This newfound inspiration continues to shape his evolving sound and approach to music production.

St. Louis is a Thriving Music Hub

The music scene in St. Louis has seen a resurgence in recent years, becoming more vibrant and diverse than ever before. Pharaoh has been a part of this evolution, both as a DJ and a producer. The city, known for its rich musical heritage, is once again becoming a hub for talented artists and exciting new sounds. Pharaoh believes that St. Louis has the potential to grow even further as a music city, attracting more attention and opportunities for artists.

Where the Beat Drops Next

DJ Pharaoh’s path to the music scene was unconventional, but it has been fueled by a deep passion for sound and creativity. From his early days producing hip-hop beats to his current role as a DJ and collaborator in the St. Louis music scene, Pharaoh’s journey is a reminder to pursue what you love. As St. Louis’s music scene continues to evolve, DJ Pharaoh is undoubtedly one of the talents leading the charge, making waves both locally and beyond.