We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cliff Stanford. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cliff below.

Cliff, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

This year being the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, I wanted to do something significant to celebrate the art form. I knew that I’d be able to use my weekly and daily radio broadcast platforms, but I hoped to do an event that would bring others together to celebrate with me in person. In late 2022 I started planning and reached out to a number of creatives who I’ve built with over the years. I used the live Hip Hop showcase that I curate called Mic Check PDX as the vehicle and partnered with a number of groups and organizations to make it happen. The event turned out better than I could have imagined with a great turnout, great performances and a special surprise guest. Encouraged and supported by local non-profit Friends of Noise, I was not only able to make this an all ages event, but feature a number of under 21 performers,
The event truly represented the art form in a special way being an example of community, together and entertainment.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was influenced by art from an early age. Like many folk, I remember always having music in the house, being exposed to museums and poetry. My childhood friend was the younger brother of Guy O’Brien aka Master Gee of the Sugar Hill Gang. This introduced my to an element of Hip Hop that I found relatable to art and culture I knew of, writing and storytelling with rhythm.
I started rapping in the lunchroom and with friends, then got into production, recorded a demo with thoughts of possibly doing work in music.
At the same time, I pursued a career in healthcare. While working with a client involved in community television, I was invited to DJ for artists performances of his T.V. show and this led me into community radio in Portland, beginning with internet shows three7 Radio on Portland Radio Authority and DJ Klyph presents on Radio In The Trees. Then transitioning to FM radio with Welcome to the Neighborhood (WTTN) now on XRAY FM weekly and The Rhythm on The Numberz FM daily Monday thru Friday.
Building with artists on-air led me into podcasting as WTTN is primarily a music show with artist interviews, but I found their stories so compelling I wanted to capture them in a longer format. I created the Klyph Notes podcast (big ups to DJ Zimmie for the name) and have been able to provide a platform for artists, creatives, community members to tell their stories and support their works.
Doing radio also kept me on stages. I was able to work with a friend, local promoter Anthony Sanchez of Runaway Productions often hosting a number of events he put on in the city of Portland, then worked with promoter and a good friend STARCHILE to curate local hip hop showcase Mic Check. After STAR’s passing, I transitioned to not only curating but hosting the event and celebrating the 7 Year Anniversary in August of 2023.
I was invited by DJ Ambush of The Numberz FM to DJ in Pioneer Square in Portland during the pandemic at The Dome. It was such a cool event, an opportunity for us to play a set of music that was driven by our love for hip hop, differently from what we do on radio or in a club setting. I reached out to McMenamins who I’ve had a great relationship with over the years and been a great supporter of what I’ve done with music in the city. Specifically White Eagle Saloon, the original home of Mic Check. They were open to the idea of us bringing this concept to the venue, and our monthly event No Requests found a home in late 2022.
I feel very grateful and really blessed to have been able to build what has become DJ Klyph Productions while at the same time working in a career in healthcare. I feel they have a common goal in being a service to others. There is no way though that I could do this without the support of my wife though. As well as a belief in God and that gives me purpose.
I have learned the importance of reinvesting in myself. This lead to the creation of the Fitness Is A Habit (FIAH) lifestyle brand. It brings together my two worlds of healthcare and production and I hope to influence folk through FIAH in wellness.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I learned of a number of resources available to creatives in my preparation for the Mic Check anniversary event. There are a number of organizations and groups that are positioned to help support creatives, events and programming. Organizations like Music Oregon, Portland Events and Film, Regional Arts & Culture Council, Friends of Noise, PWG…just a few groups that have been amazing support for helping push the arts.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

There is a saying that says something like, “be the change you want to see”. Though there may be obstacles and challenges to overcome, I have seen and experienced the amazing talent here in the region. But also globally, those that continue to create such great art that leans towards the positive while being true to the foundation of excellence. I also believe in the idea of putting actions behind what is said, so much so I put it on a t-shirt #louderthanwords I hope to be a living example of good, leaving footprints of positivity and inspiration. Maybe that’s my purpose in this life.

Contact Info:

• Website: djklyph.com
• Instagram: djklyph
• Facebook: djklyph
• Twitter: djklyph
• Youtube: djklyph

Image Credits
Brian Carano Greg Hastain Nate Ilebode Mike Peters