SECR3T KEY is a New York-based Producer and DJ known for his distinctive sound and captivating musical journey. With releases on top labels such as Café De Anatolia, Kosa Records, Cosmic Awakenings, and La Perle Records, his music has captivating listeners worldwide. Discover the story behind his latest contribution, Subway Hustle EP, his journey, inspirations, and what’s next on the horizon.

HMWL: SECR3T KEY, welcome! Your background is truly fascinating—from the world of tech and cybersecurity to electronic music. Can you take us back to the beginning of your musical journey? How did you first get into DJing and producing, and what inspired you to embrace your passion for music? 

SECR3T KEY: Music has always been my first love—it’s like oxygen to me. It’s one of the most powerful ways to express emotions and connect with people on a deeper level. I’ve always believed in the healing power of sound, and creating and sharing music brings me immense joy.

Even before I officially became a DJ, I was already curating music. As a teenager, I was the one making mixtapes for house parties, blending tracks to set the vibe. But my career took me down a different path, and I never got the chance to pursue music seriously—until now. After exiting my business, I decided to follow my true passion and dive into DJing.

Funny enough, while I was learning to DJ, I kept telling my instructor that my mixes felt like they were missing something. He got frustrated and said, “Well, you should start producing then!” That was my lightbulb moment. Once I started producing, I fell in love with the creative process, and I haven’t looked back since.

HMWL: How has your experience as a tech and cybersecurity entrepreneur influenced your approach to music production and DJing, and how do you balance your creative pursuits with your role as a mentor and investor for other entrepreneurs?

SECR3T KEY: Tech and cybersecurity gave me financial stability, which, in turn, gave me the freedom to fully explore my creative side. The music industry is incredibly competitive, and very few make it purely on music alone. I’m grateful that my background has allowed me to take this journey without compromise. My philosophy has always been: follow the money, then follow your passion.

From a creative perspective, there’s a strong parallel between tech and music. Music production is both an art and a science—understanding structure, sequencing, and harmony is not so different from coding. My tech background has definitely shaped the way I approach music, helping me break down complex ideas and put them together in a logical yet emotive way.

HMWL: What’s the story behind the name SECR3T KEY?

SECR3T KEY: I wanted my DJ/producer alias and logo to reflect my journey. In cybersecurity, a secret key is what unlocks everything. In music, key is fundamental to composition. The name bridges both worlds.

I flipped the second “E” into a “3” to make it feel like an encrypted message—plus, let’s be honest, the domain secretkey was already taken!

As for the key symbol, it actually incorporates my full name in waveform. That is the key!

The Path to Hearsay

HMWL: Besides producing music you are also a resident DJ at one of Manhattan’s prestigious invite-only clubs – Hearsay. Can you tell us what that residency means for you and how it came about?

SECR3T KEY: Honestly, I was surprised when one of the managers at Hearsay tapped me on the shoulder and invited me to be a resident. It was a reminder that hard work, persistence, and putting yourself out there can open unexpected doors.

While residency isn’t an official title in this case, Hearsay has become my home base. It’s where I play regularly, test out new sounds, and connect with an intimate, music-loving crowd. It’s been an incredible platform to shape my identity as an artist.

Unveiling the ‘Subway Hustle’ EP

HMWL: Congratulations on your new EP, Subway Hustle! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this EP and your creative process when producing it?

SECR3T KEY: I’m beyond excited for this release on Beats on Time! The EP features two tracks: Subway Hustle and Bounce.

The inspiration for Subway Hustle comes straight from the streets of New York City. I’ve always been amazed by the incredible talent of subway performers—the way they bring so much energy and emotion to those underground halls. This track is my tribute to them and the relentless NYC hustle. Of course, nothing could truly capture their magic, but this is my way of reflecting that energy.

Bounce was a happy accident. I was working on a rhythm for another track and fell in love with the groove, but it didn’t quite fit the original idea. The next morning, I woke up with fresh inspiration and built an entirely new track around it. It’s a fun, bouncy ride that I hope makes people move!

HMWL: How does this EP differ from your previous releases in terms of your creative process?

SECR3T KEY: I always aim to bring something new to each track I create. Whether it’s experimenting with an instrument I’ve never used before—like the trumpet in Subway Hustle—or stumbling upon a rhythm by accident in Bounce, my goal is to evolve with every release.

More than anything, I want my music to have soul—to make people feel something. That’s what I strive for, even though it’s not always easy to achieve.

Future in Focus

HMWL: Outside of the music world, do you have any other hidden talents or passions? Anything your fans wouldn’t expect from the man behind the beats?

SECR3T KEY: No other secr3t talents! Haha. But I do love sports and have a passion for cars.

HMWL: Finally, after this release, what’s next for you? Any exciting upcoming projects or gigs for 2025 that you would like to share?

SECR3T KEY: After my last release in March 2024, I took some time off to refine my sound and production. I worked hard over the past year and now have a solid collection of road-tested, release-ready tracks. I can’t wait to start unveiling them!

More releases, more gigs, and more music—I’m excited for what’s ahead!

HMWL: Thank you for sharing your story with us! Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!

SECR3T KEY: Thank you! The best is yet to come!