Some see their vocation in life as mentoring children, while others prefer to work with adults. This applies not only to school teachers, but also to musical figures. The well-known DJ and music producer Diplo chose to pursue music projects as his professional path, and leave teaching in the past. He enjoys and earns from music lessons, and also actively seeks talents and promotes them.
Childhood, the interests of the future DJ Diplo
Thomas Wesley Pentz, who would become known as Diplo in the future, was born on November 10, 1978. His family lived in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA. They later moved to Miami.
The boy was actively interested in dinosaurs. This hobby was instilled in him by his father. He not only showed interest in the animal world of antiquity, but bred and sold manatees, crocodiles, and other living creatures, originating from ancient times. It was in his parents' store that he spent most of his time as a child.
In his youth, like most teenagers, Thomas became interested in music. He managed to master playing the guitar and keyboards.
Diplo artist education
After graduating from Thomas Pentz High School, he moved to Florida. Here in 1997 he entered the university. Soon he decides to move to Philadelphia. Here the guy goes to Temple University, after which he remains to work at an educational institution.
Aliases used
Having started his musical activity, Thomas Pentz began to call himself Wes Gale. He later adopts the Diplo alias. This is an abbreviation for "diplodocus" - the name of an ancient lizard. Taking this name, Thomas paid tribute to his childhood passion for paleontology. It was with this pseudonym that he became famous. In some works there is a name with the full name of the dinosaur: Diplodocus.
First working activity
After completing his studies at the university, Thomas Pentz began to work here as a teacher, a social mentor. He got difficult students who needed help to adapt. He worked with children, helping them to learn reading, mathematics. It took a lot of time to do this. Often, Thomas used after hours. He calls this work hard. High tension, negative emotions, strong involvement made me quickly leave this type of activity.
Prerequisites for the start of Diplo's musical career
While still at university, Thomas Pentz began to appear on stage as a DJ. He liked not only to listen to music, but also to change it to his liking. The young man was impressed by the cheerful atmosphere of the parties. He gladly reigned at the DJ console, additionally studied music.
Duet on stage
In 2003 Thomas met DJ Low Budget. The guys quickly found common interests, decided to create music together. They formed a band, taking the name Hollertronix. The duo's performances were a success. The guys decided to release a mixtape "Never Scared". The album was ranked in the top ten by The New York Times.
Diplo solo activity
In 2004, Thomas Pentz released his own debut album under the pseudonym Diplo. The record "Florida" was a success. The album was the beginning of the active musical activity of the artist. In 2012, Diplo released the collection "Express Yourself". The next album of the artist appears in 2014. Since 2018, he has been releasing a record every year.
The emergence of PhilaMOCA
After receiving the first earnings, Diplo created the music platform PhilaMOCA. It housed recording and video studios, as well as concert halls. The venue has become a reflection of the interests of the artist. Many famous musical figures used the studio's services: MIA, Christina Aguilera, Shakira.
Collaboration with other artists
In 2004, the musician met MIA. They began a personal relationship, and a creative duet also arose. The album "Piracy Funds Terrorism", created with the participation of Diplo, was called by some popular sources the best of the year.
The girl introduced the musician to DJ Switch. They created the Major Lazer project. In 2009, their collaboration "Paper Planes" was nominated for a Grammy. The composition took 4th place on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2011, Switch ceased their collaboration with Diplo, and Major Lazer joined Jillionaire, Walshy Fire.
In 2013, the duet Jack Ü appeared together with Skrillex. Three years later, the project brought 2 Grammys: for the best dance album and the best track. In 2018, the artist, along with Sia, Labrinth, created the group LSD. Their track was used in an advertising campaign for a Samsung smartphone. Composition in collaboration with French Montana, Lil pumpbecame the soundtrack for Deadpool 2.
Diplo's personal life
Thomas Pentz is not married, but leads a colorful personal life. Starting in 2003, he was in a relationship with MIA for 5 years. The couple were too young, did not think about marriage, aiming at career advancement.
The next girl for a long period was Kathryn Lockhart. The couple did not formalize the relationship for 5 years, but gave birth to 2 children. Since 2014, the artist has been dating Katy Perry for about a year.
In 2017, it became known about a short relationship with Kate Hudson. And in the same year, Thomas began dating Nadya Loren. In 2018, a month before the birth of their daughter, the relationship broke up.
Artist Achievements
Diplo is the founder of the label Mad Decent. He writes music, is engaged in producing. He often visits Jamaica. The artist was imbued with a free spirit, rhythms reigning on the island. Here he composes music, helps to promote young talents. With his filing, African, Latin American motifs are often heard from the dance floors of developed countries.
The artist is broadcasting on BBC Radio 1. In 2017 DJ Magazine ranked him #25 among the world's DJs. In 2018, Diplo has already taken the 6th position in this list. Thomas Pentz wrote a book about the world of music, and also played himself three times in the movie. He is actively developing as a DJ and producer, systematically reaching new heights.
