In this episode, AJ Naylor—better known as Sounds by Fred—reflects on his legendary Bang Bang parties and the cultural waves he curated that reshaped the Frederick music scene. He takes us on a journey from his early years as a crate-carrying DJ to becoming the creative force behind his fashion label, Made by Fred. Influenced by the local community, Yo! MTV Raps, skate shops, and more, AJ reflects on his relentless drive for self-expression and opens up about building a brand with no business plan—just pure artistry.

In this episode, Ricole Barnes and I had the pleasure of interviewing Roy Ghim, a film and music columnist who has long been an active member of the Frederick arts scene. Throughout his career as a freelance writer, Roy has contributed to notable publications such as The Frederick News-Post and The New York Times. In his free time, he enjoys coaching soccer and curates an online publication called Western Machines.

Daryl Campbell, or Daryltron, began his artistic journey as an obscure hip-hop artist. After experiencing a series of transformative life events, he decided to chase his long-held dream of becoming a multi-faceted creator. Drawing inspiration from iconic musicians like Beck, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Prince, Daryltron boldly expanded his creative pursuits.

Although leaving behind his previous lifestyle was challenging, Daryltron initially faced difficulties finding his place in the music world. However, the pandemic became a pivotal period for introspection and artistic growth. This renewed dedication led to the release of his first official video, which quickly amassed thousands of views, and the production of three upcoming albums.

With his passion and unwavering focus, Daryltron is establishing himself as a dynamic, visionary force in the music industry.