Sound & Style reflects a global shift in how music and fashion move together, shaping identity, influence, and cultural expression across cities and scenes. From London to Africa to Atlanta and beyond, DJs are at the center of that exchange, translating sound into style and presence in real time. As Sound & Style continues, we take a closer look at the DJs defining how music and style intersect across scenes and cities.
As we continue in the series, today we spotlight Nello, an Atlanta-based DJ and founder of Nello Vintage, a curated vintage space rooted in individuality, sustainability, and Black fashion culture. Moving fluidly between music and fashion, her work reflects a clear understanding of how sound, style, and presence exist in the same space. Whether behind the decks or building community through Nello Vintage, she approaches both with intention, using each as a platform for cultural expression and connection.:
A: When people experience you DJing, what do you think they learn about you before you ever speak?
N: “When people experience me DJing, I think they learn that I am a very intentional and eclectic person who is not afraid to move toward the things they love. I think they learn through sound that I am deeply connected to my work and to the way I make people feel. When people experience me DJing, I think they learn that I engage in their ex- perience as an audience member just as much as they experience me while I’m DJing. I think they learn that I am not predictable, that I pay close attention to patterns and details, and that I’m a good listener.”
A: How do you think sound and style work together in shaping your presence?
N: “Sound and style work together in shaping my presence by allowing me to express myself through liberation, joy, and experimentation with- out boundaries. As an African American woman, I pride myself on having an intersectional creative lens that is often overlooked and devalued. Being able to experiment through sound and style is a form of therapy and reflective practice that helps me make sure I am prioritizing my creative expres- sion and peace. As a vintage store owner, I am surrounded by forgotten and neglected pieces of clothing, and I get to bring them back to life through styling and showcasing them in a new light. I have always led with my curiosity throughout life, so thrifting has always been a way for me to shape my style and taste through exploration. The process of vintage clothing curation and find- ing my personal style is similar to my process of finding music and my sound as a DJ. Both worlds allow freedom through curiosity. With sound, I find myself “thrifting” through music and making selections based on what resonates with me en- ergetically—the same energetic pull I have when combining pieces together or selecting a forgotten piece at a thrift store. I believe that finding your sound is the same as finding your style. When you finally find it, your confidence builds, you remain grounded in your individuality, and your presence becomes undeniable.”
A: Is there a moment in your career when your image and your sound finally aligned?
N: “I honor that I’m constantly evolving as an artist, and I take time to reflect on my journey—not only as a DJ, but as a human whose goal is ulti- mately to align with peace. My image and sound began to align when I un- derstood that I had to continually do the work of aligning with what I truly wanted for myself.”
Explore the full Sound & Style feature in Issue 008, now available in print and digital, and spend time with the DJs shaping culture across sound and style. Follow and support Nello as she continues to build her presence, and tap into the Spotify soundtrack to experience the artists and sounds moving through each DJ’s world.
