394. Daniel Costello - Stello

Daniel Costello, known as Stello, reveals how a torn shoulder injury during college became the unexpected catalyst for his DJ career—leading him to take formal lessons at Garnish Music School in Brooklyn and eventually open for legends like Tiesto and Zoom. What’s most striking is his philosophy: he didn’t chase viral fame or quick wins, but instead built a sustainable, long-term career by merging his day job at Posh (an event company where his boss is also a DJ) with his music passion. He argues that true success in music isn’t about blowing up overnight, but about staying true to your sound, maintaining boundaries (like refusing to do top-40 weddings), and using your day job as a foundation for artistic freedom. His upcoming self-released track 'Waters'—created with a serendipitous vocalist met at ADE—symbolizes his belief in taking control of your career when labels say no. Stello’s journey proves that consistency, emotional authenticity, and a deep love for the craft matter more than chasing trends or fame. Stello’s approach to DJing is refreshingly grounded: he values crowd reading over ego, embraces the cyclical nature of music (from dubstep revivals to extended marathon sets), and sees sober events as valid, not a threat. He’s not chasing a manager yet, believing the right opportunities will find him when his music speaks for itself.