Meet SKYLAN

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful SKYLAN a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

SKYLAN, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I definitely struggle with imposter syndrome, being in an industry where I’m constantly surrounded by talented, experienced people and seeing everyone’s wins on social media, it’s hard not to compare myself. But I’ve learned that everyone goes through this, even the artists I look up to.

What helps me is consistently reminding myself why I started in the first place: because I love making music, I love music itself, and I love creating moments that make people feel something or even forget something for a while.

I try to shift my focus to how far I’ve come. This is my third interview with y’all, and even just looking back at my first one, it’s wild to see how much I’ve learned and grown since then. It really grounds me. At the end of the day, growth comes from showing up even when you don’t feel ready. Confidence is built through consistency, not perfection.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I do a lot of different things, I’ve never liked boxing myself into just one lane. I’ve been making bass music for years, even before I started DJing. Lately, I’ve been throwing more bass-heavy events where I finally get to showcase my own music, but I also still love throwing high-energy dance parties.

One of the most meaningful parts of what I do is DJing for inclusive, girl/gay and basically anyone who wants to be included. That’s still a huge part of me, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I love creating a space for people who need it, especially now, when safe, fun, inclusive spaces matter more than ever.

Right now, I’m really excited to announce my new themed party, “Hawt Mess”. It’ll have the chaotic energy of brat… but different. This is the first event that’s 100% me, and I’m so excited to share it. I’m also loving getting to open for bass artists—it’s been such a full-circle moment for me.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three most impactful things for me have been:

1. Persistence, because nothing happens overnight. There were so many moments I could’ve given up, but showing up consistently even when things felt slow made all the difference.
2. Community building – connecting with other artists, fans, and local organizers helped me grow faster than I ever could alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out, collaborate, or just show up to support others.
3. Self-awareness – knowing my strengths and weaknesses helped me stay grounded. It’s okay to ask for help or outsource what you’re not great at so you can focus on what you are great at.

For anyone just starting: stay consistent, find your people, and give yourself grace. Growth isn’t linear, but it’s worth it.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I’ve always been someone who keeps moving forward no matter what. But when I’m overwhelmed, I’ve learned it’s important to pause instead of pushing through nonstop.

This past May was a perfect example. I was booked solid with events and barely had time to breathe, let alone make music. Even though I love performing, not having space for my own creative outlet left me feeling drained. So in June, I intentionally slowed down and re-centered myself. I focused on what grounds me, making music, spending time with people I love, and just being present.

My advice? Don’t ignore the overwhelm. Listen to it. Sometimes stepping back isn’t quitting it’s creating room to come back stronger and more aligned with what actually makes you happy.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Kim Spruill @kimspru

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your