We were lucky to catch up with Tony Slumz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

It’s funny answering a question like this after making music for as long as I have. I started back in 2003, just as producing on computers was becoming more accessible. Back then, it wasn’t all smooth sailing—there were technical limitations, and some purists dismissed the approach. But for me, it was what was available and I was appreciative of it.

Looking back, the first project is always meaningful. It’s when we, as creatives, take that leap of faith—taking an idea that’s been living in our heads and putting it out into the world to be judged, heard, and, hopefully, embraced, or not… at that point you just want some sort of response that feels more than a canned, “Good music bro”. What made that leap easier for me was not doing it alone. I came up with a group of creatives, and together we formed Deranged Affiliates. It was me, Milio, LBS, Corry Dimes, DJ Nuqular, and Mic G. Yeah, almost all the names have changed or evolved since then—it was the early 2000s after all—but that sense of community and shared vision made it special.

Fast-forward to something more recent, though, and I’d have to say my 2021 project, Sketches, is another deeply meaningful chapter. It came out of a moment where I felt a disconnect between what could be and what is. I was bored but restless—itching to create and just put something out there. The songs on Sketches were incomplete in a way, almost like rough drafts. That’s where the name comes from—like a kid sketching in the margins of their notebook, these tracks captured that raw, unpolished energy.

What made Sketches truly resonate with me, though, was collaboration. Nearly every song featured another artist, and those contributions brought out something unique in each piece. It reminded me why I fell in love with music in the first place: the joy of creating with others. I’d love to revisit Sketches one day with a follow-up project—maybe build on those ideas and see where they take me next.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

The short and sweet of it is: I’m Tony Slumz, a producer, writer, and engineer based in Southern California, specifically the Imperial Valley. My journey into music started back in 2003, first as a DJ for parties like quinceañeras, before evolving into rapping and eventually finding my home in production.

Once I dove into the world of creating music—the beats, the writing, the recording, the mixing—it was game over. Music became one of the biggest constants in my life. Even when I joined the military, I made sure to keep a laptop with me at all times, crafting beats wherever I could. I even set up shop in my CHU while stationed overseas.

Over the years, my love for and understanding of music has grown and evolved. It’s incredible to see how accessible music creation has become, and witnessing the resilience and creativity of artists even in the face of challenges like the rise of AI technology is truly inspiring.

These days, what I offer to clients, collaborators, and fellow creatives is a unique perspective rooted in curiosity and experience. I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge along the way, but I’m also humble enough to know how much I don’t know—and I think that openness is one of my greatest strengths. At 38, I’m still learning and growing in this craft that I fell in love with at 16, and that’s a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Oooof, definitely YouTube! When I first got into music, resources were scarce. There were maybe a few forums here and there, but you really had to know someone willing to share their knowledge. I was incredibly lucky to find that in my original mentor, Miguel (LBS.), who was generous with his experience.

But honestly, I’m glad I didn’t have all the resources back then. It forced me to learn by doing—making mistakes, figuring things out, and rolling with them. That process taught me resilience and resourcefulness. I started with Fruity Loops Studio and have since learned multiple DAWs, how to edit videos, and how to tackle whatever random obstacles come my way.

One area where I still feel I’m playing catch-up, though, is the business side of music. I say that with a grain of salt because, truthfully, I’ve never been that interested in the business side. I love creating without the weight of expectations, and I’m fortunate to have my bills covered outside of music. That freedom allows me to approach my craft purely out of passion, and I consider myself extremely lucky to still carve out time to pursue what I love.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

This is one of those questions with a lot of answers, and honestly, the answer will keep evolving as life goes on. But there are a few constants that have significantly shaped my thinking.

First, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. I remember reading it in high school when I was an avid reader, but I had begun to get bored with the standard library selection. My English teacher, Mr. Phillips, recommended it, and it stuck with me ever since. The story’s exploration of feeling invisible, of striving to belong but ultimately walking away from it all—it’s timeless. It’s one of those books that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you reflect on your own sense of identity and place in the world.

Next, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Oddly, this is a newer addition to my reading list. While I’d always come across his quotes, it wasn’t until this year that I sat down to read the entire book. It came into my life at just the right time. The stoic mindset has deeply influenced my journaling and how I reflect with more intentionality, especially in balancing both personal and creative growth.

And finally, Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut. This book is pure gold. Vonnegut’s wit, humor, and brutal honesty are qualities I aspire to weave into my own creations, no matter the medium. He has a way of tackling heavy themes with such accessibility, and it inspires me to do the same in my work—keeping things honest and real, while still engaging and clever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tonyslumz.gumroad.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tony.slumz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyslumz

Image Credits

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN AND EDITED BY FABIAN HURTADO
@SHOT.BY.FABI