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DJ Bone Discusses Detroit Roots, Palace Collaboration, and Musical Inspirations

artist · 2026-09-03

In an interview with Wallpaper*, Detroit-born electronic music artist DJ Bone reflects on his creative practice, inspirations, and collaboration with Palace Skateboards. DJ Bone, known for his mixing style and 'Detroit vibe,' describes his work as a 'live auditory love letter' to the city that shaped him. He cites influences ranging from Prince and Stevie Wonder to Depeche Mode and Juan Atkins, as well as non-musical sources like fashion, architecture, and science. His teenage interests in engineering and basketball informed his analytical approach to music, leading him to study the creative processes behind his favorite artists. Regarding Palace, DJ Bone expresses surprise and gratitude for the partnership, which began with the Palace x Detroit Tigers collaboration. He praises the brand's creativity and generosity, noting their donations to his Homeless Homies foundation. Currently, DJ Bone is expanding his Further concept to cities like Berlin, Manchester, and Antwerp, while producing multiple projects, including a dance track series and a Spatial Audio release. Since 2002, all proceeds from his labels and releases have supported Homeless Homies. He also shares favorite restaurants (Piazza Duomo in Alba, Lucky Cat in London) and recommendations across music, film, and travel. The interview is part of Wallpaper*'s 'Palace Creative Universe' feature, which highlights collaborators of the skate brand founded by Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis in 2009.

Key facts

  • DJ Bone is a Detroit-reared electronic music artist.
  • He describes his work as a 'live auditory love letter' to Detroit.
  • His musical influences include Prince, Stevie Wonder, Depeche Mode, and Juan Atkins.
  • He collaborated with Palace Skateboards, starting with the Palace x Detroit Tigers project.
  • Palace donated items to DJ Bone's Homeless Homies foundation.
  • DJ Bone is expanding his Further concept to cities including Berlin, Manchester, and Antwerp.
  • Since 2002, all proceeds from his labels and releases go to Homeless Homies.
  • He recommends restaurants Piazza Duomo in Alba and Lucky Cat in London.
  • The interview is part of Wallpaper*'s 'Palace Creative Universe' feature.
  • Palace Skateboards was founded by Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis in 2009.

Entities

Artists

  • DJ Bone
  • Prince
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Luther Vandross
  • Donna Summer
  • The Drifters
  • Depeche Mode
  • Pet Shop Boys
  • Brian Eno
  • Wally Badarou
  • The Electrifying Mojo
  • Public Enemy
  • KRS-One
  • Nile Rodgers
  • Roxy Music
  • Jan Hammer
  • Thornetta Davis
  • Martha Jean The Queen
  • Parliament-Funkadelic
  • Michael Franks
  • Juan Atkins
  • Zelooperz
  • Black Noi$e
  • Mark Williams
  • Dave Angel
  • MAW
  • Lev Tanju
  • Gareth Skewis
  • Stuart Hammond

Institutions

  • Palace Skateboards
  • Homeless Homies
  • Wallpaper*
  • Palace Wayward Boys Choir
  • Detroit Tigers

Locations

  • Detroit
  • United States
  • Amsterdam
  • Netherlands
  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Manchester
  • United Kingdom
  • Antwerp
  • Belgium
  • Dortmund
  • Eindhoven
  • Alba
  • Italy
  • London
  • Belle Isle
  • Michigan
  • Lahaina
  • Maui
  • Hawaii
  • O'ahu
  • Kahuku
  • Nusa Dua Beach
  • Bali
  • Indonesia
  • Eastern Market
  • Beverly Hills
  • California
  • Inglewood

Sources