Meet winston t | Music Producer/DJ/Co-Owner of om*

We had the good fortune of connecting with winston t and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi winston, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking is everything to me, I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t taken risks. The biggest risk I’ve taken is switching my major halfway through college. I started at ASU as a Journalism student and in the middle of my sophomore year, I realized this wasn’t what I wanted to do professionally. I had been making beats on the side and saw myself getting better, I also began purchasing equipment such as speakers, interfaces, VSTs, etc., and wanted to learn more. I discovered ASU’s Popular Music program and talked to Samuel Peña and Erina Barra-Jean, who helped me with the transfer process. My mother wasn’t too stoked about the idea at first, but after some convincing, she was on board and I made the switch. I was terrified of what could happen next, I never played an instrument and even getting into the program wasn’t guaranteed. Luckily, everything worked out well for me, and I accomplished a lot for myself, the program, and my company. If I hadn’t taken that risk I wouldn’t have grown as a person, musician, DJ, or entrepreneur. I’m so blessed and grateful that I took that risk, and I am excited to see where the future takes me. To anyone reading this – know that sometimes you really just gotta bet on yourself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started producing in 2020 but started taking it seriously in 2021 and since then my art has been everything. Being able to create something that gives emotion is a blessing and it should be shared!

I am most proud of how far I have come, from not knowing any music theory or playing an instrument to incorporating music theory techniques in my productions and passing multiple piano classes with flying colors. I’m excited to keep going, I have a tape I’m working on with my boy Stirlingsims and a tape for om*, I can’t wait to get them out – it’ll be huge for us!

My art is a culmination of all my influences – Kanye West, Pi’erre Bourne, Zaytoven, the music my mom would play growing up, my music discoveries, and my friends. I feel like a little bit of all of this bleeds into my music and it’s audible. Because of this, I can make a variety of genres and I think this is what really sets me apart. Combining my drum & bass knowledge to create a trap beat or even mix Jazz and West Coast rap into a DJ set. I just like to have fun with what I’m doing.

I got to where I am professionally through hard work and dedication. I could’ve been lazy and there were times I wanted to but I didn’t. I worked two jobs while trying to complete a 4-year major in 2 years, I was educationally behind most of my peers when it came to music, and I also had to juggle gigs and studio sessions. I’d be lying if I said it was easy and I didn’t want to quit multiple times – but the love I have for my company, music, and my future consumed me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’ve learned that it’s you against yourself most of the time. You can hold yourself back and actions speak louder than words. Stop telling people what you’re about to do and just do it.

I want the world to know that I am a creative who’s going to keep creating regardless and my company, om* is about to take the world by storm, more shows, more music, and more clothes.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve had a lot of friends visit me in my four years out here and I always take them to the same spots so Imma try and add some new ones too. I always take them to Taco Boys because Mexican food out here is INSANE, I love that spot personally. I take them to El P’s as well, I just have to show them the atmosphere of a college town. I love Downtown Phoenix’s bar scene a lot so I’d for sure take them to Walter Studios, Valley Bar, Crescent Ballroom, Cobra, Ghostdonkey, and my favorite From The Rooftop at Cambria. Valley Bar made me the best Moscow Mule ever so shoutout them lol.

As far as hanging out, South Mountain and Papago Park are vibes to get a view of how big and pretty Arizona is. I love chilling by Tempe Town Lake as well. The buildings look so pretty at night time. I’m a DJ so I’d have to take them to some DJ shows as well, if om* was hosting a show I would for sure have them come to om*radio LIVE. Afropiano is going crazy so if that was happening I’d show them that for sure. I would also have to show them my favorite DJ out here DJ J-ME LEE, she’s so live, I’ve had the honor to work with her a couple of times, always a good time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my Mom, she has supported me with everything I do for 22 years, she’s my biggest cheerleader. Without her, I know I wouldn’t be here today. I am blessed to have her in my life, I will be forever thankful. She helped me figure out my life and navigate my business. She gave me the music taste I have today and she guided me into the human I am today. I hope one day I can repay her for all that she’s done for me, I love you, mama!

Also gotta shout out my business partner and best friend Donovan Johnson, we’ve created so much together and been a major support system for me. Super proud of everything we’ve achieved together through om* and I’m proud to work alongside him.

My last shoutouts go to Samuel Peña, Erin Barra-Jean, and the entire ASU Popular Music program, I am so grateful to have stepped foot in Fusion on First. Great people over there for real! So many stars are gonna come from that program.

Website: https://omasterisk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamwinstont/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGLZaCcjNk-TS2aF4iAiHnQ

Other: https://soundcloud.com/om-radio-319452986

https://www.instagram.com/om.asterisk/

Image Credits
Kaiden Fesler
Matt Vasquez
Aaliyah Brambila