Tag: Inspiring

Photo Credit: Brian Bowen Smith

WITH A NEW SANCTUARY IN JAMAICA, HIS 5K RUNNING CLUB, AND A DIVE INTO COUNTRY MUSIC, DIPLO, ONE OF TODAY’S LEADING DJs, IS ON THE THRESHOLD OF A THRILLING NEW PHASE.

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BOWEN SMITH

STYLING JASON REMBERT

GROOMING MELANIE HUGHES-WEAVER

SHOT ON LOCATION IN AGOURA HILLS, CALIF.

It’s not uncommon for parents to name their children after themselves, but for horses? That’s a rarity. Yet, that’s just how Diplo rolls: this globally renowned DJ and producer has a knack for defying expectations, often to his benefit.

When I incredulously exclaim, “You named your horse Wes?” referring to how Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, calls himself, he beams with delight. “Well, he has blonde hair and a quirky look, so calling him Lil’ Wes made sense,” he explains, adding, “I also have a stallion named Megan. Not sure if Megan Thee Stallion knows, but that’s his name.”

Both Wes and Megan — not the human counterparts, but the equine ones — along with a polo-trained horse named Zebra and a sassy mare named Rockabye (who apparently possesses “that attitude”) reside in Jamaica, at Pompey. This is what Wes (the two-legged variety, whose vibrant energy and candid conversation instantly relax me) refers to as “a creative oasis of nature, architecture, design, and art,” which he has spent the last decade shaping into his personal sanctuary (and one he aims to share with more than just Wes, Megan, and his assortment of goats, exotic birds, bees, and a donkey).

It’s somewhat astonishing that Pompey even exists, yet Diplo is a man known for reinventing the norm. In recent years, he has shifted from being the reigning king of EDM — crafting hits for superstars like Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Madonna — to a country music crossover artist who participates in 5Ks and dons 10-gallon hats while living in Malibu (where, believe me, the locals would definitely take note). His recent venture into architecture may not seem unexpected, especially when considering the existence of Wes the horse.

And Pompey is a gem. It’s the retreat where Diplo plans to unwind between tours, a sanctuary where he can slow down, savor the fragrances of orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and palms blooming around him. [While Jamaica doesn’t have its native roses, Diplo got inventive by building a temporary nursery on-site to propagate local flora.]

Contemplating the idea of slowing down has occupied his thoughts significantly over the past few years, and it’s understandable: for the last 20 years, Diplo has been on a relentless pace, starting with the legendary Philadelphia nightclub Hollertronix back in 2003. Since then, he has collaborated with industry giants, including Shakira, Robyn, Kid Cudi, Bruno Mars, No Doubt, Usher, Britney Spears, and Snoop Dogg; produced four studio albums and six compilations; and formed four musical collectives — the electronic group Major Lazer with DJs Walshy Fire and Ape Drums, LSD with Labrinth and Sia, Jack Ü with Skrillex, and Silk City with Mark Ronson. Despite his success, he begrudgingly admits that, nearly hitting 46, he’s living the life of a twenty-something, bouncing from club to club and city to city constantly — but that lifestyle is becoming less appealing. Now, he’s seeking change — and he believes Pompey will deliver.

He shares, “I decided to invest in Pompey about nine years ago. Back then, it was merely a farm and some hills. It’s been a slow but rewarding journey, aided by my architects, contractors, close friends, and artists. This project has been monumental for me, both the biggest undertaking I’ve been involved in and the most creatively fulfilling. I envisioned a space to create and a getaway, a refuge from the chaos. I’ve built a deep connection with this place.”

Diplo has always felt a connection to Jamaica. His first experience with the island came when he worked on a cruise ship in his twenties; a week spent exploring Kingston and Ocho Rios fueled his love for its relaxed atmosphere and dynamic music scene. In fact, Jamaica inspired Major Lazer, which blends reggae, dancehall, reggaeton, soca, house, and moombahton, and over the past 17 years, Diplo has both introduced and popularized that dancehall fusion to a global audience.

His passion for the country is clear: its vibrant art scene, the breathtaking Blue Lagoon, San San Beach, the mist-shrouded Blue Mountains, and its warm, welcoming people. It resonates with him, and having spent so much time there — often visiting three or four times a year — he decided it was time to invest in a place to call his own.

He discovered this oasis in Portland, a safe, picturesque area on Jamaica’s northeast coast, just outside of Port Antonio, the country’s third-largest city, celebrated for its lush jungles, hidden lagoons, cascading waterfalls, concealed caves, charming rum bars, and world-renowned coffee (so much so that Japan even named a holiday in its honor: Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Day). His familiarity with both the town and Port Antonio dates back to the mid-century, when Hollywood legends like Katharine Hepburn would escape there for tranquility.

“I spotted an ad for the land and had a real estate agent take me for a tour. This woman — I think her name was Jackie — wore heels. I remember her climbing a hill in the jungle with me in those heels to check for an ocean view. And there it was! We navigated through the jungle to find it, but I was sold,” he reminisces. “Surveying the 50 acres took time, but I found access points to build a house and a studio, which set the project in motion.”

It took years for the property to come to life, largely due to the ambitious scope and material choices: Diplo preferred a brutalist aesthetic using raw materials, a stark departure from Jamaica’s traditional wooden designs. He collaborated with Freecell Architecture and Gia Wolff for the architectural framework while working with his long-time creative director, Sara Nataf, and Katelyn Hinden on the interiors, which harmoniously blend primitive furnishings with luxurious textiles. The artistic vision was fully Diplo’s — truly a labor of love. “While I didn’t physically nail things together, I was hands-on, suggesting rearrangements and brainstorming ideas. I’ve always been captivated by architecture and the interplay of harmony and futuristic concepts. Jamaica has yet to embrace such styles, and being able to bring that here has been remarkable.”

He was involved in every aspect, considering not only his desires for paradise but anticipating what others might appreciate as well. The majority of work unfolded during the pandemic, allowing him to fully concentrate on the property. His dedication truly paid off, as Pompey caters to every whim. It features a music studio enveloped by mango trees and clusters of bamboo; a yoga pagoda; a horse stable; multiple organic farms yielding bananas, guava, coconut, avocado, jackfruit, pineapple, and breadfruit (which he plans to learn to cultivate himself); multi-tiered landscapes with stunning coastal views; and additional services including 24-hour concierge, security, in-house chef using locally sourced ingredients, wellness and spa amenities, drivers, guided excursions, and more.

Photo Credit: Brian Bowen Smith

A guest house featuring five rooms, six bedrooms, and four bathrooms (with the master suite boasting a private deck, balcony, sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub) is adorned with artwork from global artists such as Sofía Londoño, Pedro Reyes, Lucas Muñoz Muñoz, Asafo Flag, Garnett Puett, Veronica Ryan, and Vince Kelly, each piece meticulously chosen by Diplo himself. Common areas are designed to banish monotony, with amenities including a piano, TV, library, bar, chess table, vinyl collection, and BBQ grill.

Given Diplo’s passion for health and fitness, Pompey’s gym is equally impressive. It’s equipped with every essential an athlete could desire — from a treadmill and bike to weights, a water rower, Pilates reformer, punching and speed bags, and a climbing wall. For recovery, there’s a cold plunge and sauna, along with recreational gear like a portable volleyball court, snorkel equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, e-bikes, hydrofoils, and ATVs.

Not surprisingly, Diplo dedicated significant effort to an industry-standard recording studio, a sprawling 2,000 square-foot jungle sound paradise, featuring a live room and a control room. The studio is stocked with top-notch equipment — PMC MBD-XBD-A Mains, an SSL XL-Desk 24 Channel In-Line console, vintage keyboards, a Yamaha upright piano, and Fender and Martin guitars, among other essential tools.

“I envision different musicians coming here because Jamaica is a muse in its own right. The cultural richness has been influential for decades. Recording here offers a unique experience compared to West Hollywood, Nashville, or Miami: it’s a space to immerse oneself in creativity. At Pompey, artists often arrive ready to collaborate. Some are captivated by the view, others dive right into work. We have an amazing library for enjoying cigars and listening to records. When artists stay, they bring their teams and friends, working during the day but enjoying communal dinners and perhaps a little celebration in the evening. Essentially, I want this to be a hub for creativity,” he shares.

Nearby, other creatives also flourish. Keith Richards is a neighbor, and Grace Jones has a residence about an hour away. Currently, Pompey is even hosting an unnamed rapper who is likely crafting vibrant tunes. And why shouldn’t this be the case? After all, its owner is constantly on the move. Following an intensive week bouncing across the U.S. from coast to coast, he’ll soon embark on a series of European gigs. But it’s comforting to know that Pompey — where a more serene lifestyle is a possibility (despite little annoyances like goats nibbling on his bananas) — awaits his return.

Diplo would have been content with any outcome from his efforts, but deep down, he recognizes true success. “We’ve created something beautiful; everything merges beautifully together — we’ve struck that balance between the landscape and the structures. It was my dream, and it’s finally taking shape. I’m thrilled with how it turned out.”

Now that he has one project under his belt, Diplo is sure this is just the beginning. “I would love to pursue more projects like this,” he admits. “I find the idea of developing similar ventures in various locations really appealing. It took an extensive amount of time, and I handled the investment and financing myself. It would be wonderful to oversee projects without diving into the manual labor. I’m not cut out to be a project manager. What excites me is conceptualizing, promoting, and marketing projects; that’s where my strengths lie. But when it comes to the execution, I prefer to leave that to the experts.”

Interestingly, he already owns a smaller property in his home state of Florida — a 40-acre farm near Orlando, populated with cows and alligators (which he affectionately calls his “homies”) — that’s quite eager for a Diplo transformation. Yet, the timeline for that remains uncertain, as he isn’t aiming to become the next Chip Gaines. We can all agree that his priorities lie elsewhere, too, as no one wants Diplo to abandon his primary career.

Despite all he has achieved in life so far, Diplo feels that Pompey might just be his ultimate accomplishment. “I’ve worked on countless albums, hosted numerous events, created films, and experienced so much more that I can barely recall. However, I genuinely believe that establishing this creative space in Jamaica is my most significant project thus far. Building a home, a studio, a sanctuary required years of dedication — without my team, it would still be a mere brutalist vision. Initially, I imagined it as a refuge amidst the apocalypse, a place to learn farming, but now it’s evolving into a home and studio, a nurturing space for artists. It feels like I released a masterpiece album, and I hope it becomes a breeding ground for legendary music, as that’s what this island does. On a personal note, I just want to create songs there, as that’s the purpose for which I built it; it’s my source of inspiration.”

Photo Credit: Brian Bowen Smith

“I’ve been incredibly busy over the past four nights and have barely managed any sleep,” Diplo tells me from his Malibu residence during a late September afternoon, tousling his short blonde hair absentmindedly. “I caught three hours on the plane, which has rendered me completely exhausted. I rushed here because I need caffeine — I really need to wake up.”
He has just landed from the East Coast, squeezing in a quick shower, yet hasn’t had the chance to eat. At this moment, he’s indulging in a protein shake — a following act to an appetizer of C4 for energy — as our conversation unfolds. Afterward, he’s off to Agoura Hills for our photo shoot, and the next day, he’s back off to Milan. Such is the life of an international, three-time Grammy-winning DJ.

He’s currently regretting his choice of opting for something synthetic over the exhilarating rush of running since he’s feeling a bit jittery (though not on the same level as running the L.A. Marathon on LSD, a feat he accomplished last year). “That pre-workout drink made me feel wild! Right now I’m thinking, damn, I should have just gone for a run.”

Recently, running and wellness have taken center stage in his life. He illustrates this by recounting a not-so-stellar gym session with his Silk City collaborator, Mark Ronson.

“I’m not really into weightlifting. I’m old now. I’m 45, approaching 46. I feel weights can lead to injuries. I worked out with [Mark] yesterday, and he’s been lifting — he’s really getting buff — and I was like, I’m strong, but I couldn’t even lift half the weights he can, it’s so absurd. But I don’t lift weights these days; as I grow older, I’m convinced there are more advantageous ways to work out. I’ve incurred too many injuries from activities like CrossFit in my younger years, so I now do yoga three times a week. It’s great for opening up my hips, which is key for maintaining mobility as I age, allowing me to move freely and avoid injuries. My mantra is to engage in an hour of physical activity daily, either running or yoga, because then I can pretty much indulge in anything without worry.”

Photo Credit: Brian Bowen Smith

Diplo has yoga covered too. He frequently attends classes wherever he finds himself — it doesn’t matter what style, as long as it fits into his hectic schedule. Additionally, he clearly recognizes the necessity of stamina for those long, late-night performances. Being clever, he devised a unique solution: Diplo’s Run Club, a revitalized 5K series boasting what he calls “the ultimate after-party,” encapsulated by the tagline: “We run hard with friends and celebrate even harder after.” The inaugural events took place in San Francisco and Seattle earlier in September, with future dates lined up in cities like Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, London, Miami, Philadelphia, and New York. International appearances are also planned in Sydney, Toronto, and Paris, among others. Essentially, it’s a method of merging his two passions — and it appears to be working splendidly.

“Now that I’ve proven the Run Club concept can thrive, I aim to expand it further. Next year, we might introduce a 1K race for kids the day before the 5K to make things even bigger and safer, reaching broader audiences. This whole initiative is really rewarding as it promotes better health and fosters community engagement. If you take a look at the crowd, you’ll see 14-year-olds running alongside 60-year-olds; there’s a group of moms from San Diego running together; some brave souls from Seattle even dressed as Shrek, complete with body paint and ears, and they rocked it! [Side note: Apparently, Shrek is enjoying a resurgence, according to Diplo.] The Run Club culture is vibrant right now, which encourages me to boost our numbers; I’m aiming for ten cities next year. That’s the goal.”

Here’s another: “Instead of performing 200 shows a year, I’d prefer to focus on 10 Run Clubs and 10 country music festivals, ensuring they are as epic as possible rather than flitting from venue to venue, which has been my routine this year.” He pauses and adds with a smirk (or was it a joke?), “If I didn’t have to tour nonstop, I’d become one of those buff influencers living in Nevada, just coasting without real responsibilities. I think that would be a better lifestyle.”

In all seriousness, as appealing as that life sounds, Diplo — an alias derived from “diplodocus,” stemming from a childhood fascination with dinosaurs — is a natural creator. Although a holiday might be enticing, remaining stationary isn’t in his DNA. His essence thrives on movement, exploration, and learning — a trait he has harbored throughout his 20-plus year career. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and raised in Florida, he persistently champions genres and artists globally through his labels Mad Decent and Higher Ground, a publishing company, and assorted book, film, and television ventures. His latest endeavors include a stream of successful Higher Ground singles, 2023’s Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 – Swamp Savant, marking his second album as country persona Thomas Wesley, and 2022’s Diplo, his first complete electronic album in 18 years.

Thomas Wesley, the man, fascinates me because his evolution signifies a significant transformation for Diplo, the artist. It feels like a return to origins — stripped down and intimate, ready to unveil something new while remaining authentic. But what ignited this shift, I ponder?

Photo Credit: Brian Bowen Smith

“I began exploring country music about five years back, collaborating with various artists, and found it far less stressful compared to constantly chasing rappers and pop stars while running from rave to rave. I discovered just how into it I was. Growing up in Florida, I was surrounded by a mix of dancehall, hip hop, and country; they all mingled together. When the electronic-country genre emerged a few years ago, it just clicked — I was already making country tracks. I collaborated with Morgan Wallen on the track “Heartless” in 2020, when he was still an up-and-comer in Nashville. I’ve been doing that alongside my dance music, but this year, I plan to slow down, focusing more on country music and the Run Clubs, just embracing more.”

Above all else, more means spending time with his sons: Lockett, 14, Lazer, soon turning 10, and Pace, 4. This is a challenging feat when you’re jet-setting around the globe. “One of my favorite things is just hanging with my kids, doing nothing,” he reveals. “I love suggesting activities — like snowboarding or something exciting — but truly just sitting back and watching them play music or engage in activities brings me pure joy.” [Especially now that Lockett has started high school and finds his dad “cool,” Diplo is soaking it in.]

Following that, he hopes to increase his personal travels. He fondly recalls a recent visit to Singapore for a private party, relishing the joy of spending eight hours wandering the city alone. He was in his element. “I enjoy solitude,” he confides. “I appreciate exploring a city by myself, immersing in its culture without being recognized, just enjoying the environment. It seems absurd, considering I’m discussing taking more time off the road, but travel alone still inspires me — it’s a meditative experience, almost like I’m channeling my inner Anthony Bourdain.” He draws a parallel, though I wonder if Bourdain ever shared tequila shots with durian fruit as Diplo did (which he humorously labels “a little ratchet”).

But I digress. Circling back to more, it also encompasses music, of course. “I dropped a single with Miguel titled Don’t Forget My Love in 2022, for which I received a Grammy nomination [for Best Dance/Electronic Recording]. I lost to Beyoncé that year, as she had a massive dance record, but I was thrilled just to be acknowledged. Continuing along that path, I have an array of house and electronic music I produced over the last year, which has primarily surfaced in clubs, and I plan to reissue it alongside new records come November. I’m also continuously putting out unique projects, like my work with LSD, and with Major Lazer, we’re celebrating our first album, Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do, on its 15^th anniversary with some added tracks.”

This brings us back to Pompey, considering that this very album — and the whole concept — was birthed there. “It’s rewarding to see everything come together at this property I developed, a place to celebrate the culture and music of Jamaica, which I fully intend to make my home — that is, when it isn’t being rented out.”

On that uplifting note, he concludes, “Next year, that’s my focus. I really want to dedicate my time to what truly matters.” He grins, “I also have ambitious plans for some much-needed naps.”

Good to know he has a spot where that can happen.

Photo Credit: Brian Bowen Smith