Home #Hwoodtimes Veteran DJ Tully Diö’s Road to becoming Underground Music’s curator

Veteran DJ Tully Diö’s Road to becoming Underground Music’s curator

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By Renée Santos

Music is the heartbeat of so many pivotal events in a person’s celebration of life, from a wedding to a Bat Mitzvah to a Quinceanera, a DJ has a critical role in making sure these milestone celebrations become a nostalgic memory for a lifetime to the guests and celebrants.

I had the opportunity to sit down with a veteran of this art form, James Bonadio, aka DJ Tully Diö who has been DJ-ing for 25 years.  DJ Diö has carved out a unique space in the music scene, blending his sharp technical DJ skills with a passion for giving underground bands a platform. Known for his dynamic sets, DJ Diö has always had an ear for innovative sounds, but it’s his dedication to the underground scene that truly sets him apart. His deep knowledge of alternative genres and subcultures allows him to seamlessly integrate lesser-known artists into his mixes, creating a raw, authentic soundscape that resonates with listeners who crave something different.

By working closely with underground bands, DJ Diö has expanded his skill set beyond the traditional DJ booth. He’s become a curator, discovering and amplifying fresh, unheard voices in the music industry.

I sat down with DJ Diö to inquire about his pull to be of service to these underground bands.

“Each time I was DJ-ing, people couldn’t find new Rock-and-Roll, it just wasn’t there anymore, so I went on a journey to find new music and share it with everyone in 2016.”

Check out the full interview on our YouTube Channel by clicking below!

Diö found there wasn’t representation of this style of music anymore and he knew somewhere it was being made.  DJ Diö commented, “ I love every genre of music, but many genres have a voice, and it’s my call to dig through every corner of music, dive deep and bring all of music to audiences.”

His collaborations with these bands go beyond just playing their tracks; he incorporates their work into his podcast, “The Outlaws of Rock,” jumping into a conversation with his podcast Co-Hort Meister Matt , transforming their conversation around music into something both familiar and reimagined. Their podcast can be found anywhere you can find music.

Click on the direct link below if you want to slide into their most recent magical conversation and find additional links to all the places you can hear their content!

https://meistermattproductions.podbean.com/

What makes Tully Diö’s work exceptional is his ability to merge his technical prowess with a genuine commitment to showcasing underground talent. He takes risks, explores uncharted territory, and breaks away from mainstream trends. In doing so, he not only hones his craft but also elevates the artists he believes in, giving them a broader audience and helping to shape the future of music in the process. DJ Diö isn’t just a DJ—he’s a cultural bridge for underground bands looking to be heard.

To connect with Tully Diö for collaboration click on his LinkedIn profile below…

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Renée Santos
Renée Santos is a multi-hyphenate — stand-up comedian, solo performer, actor, writer, and freelance journalist for The Hollywood Times. Known for blending raw truth with bold humor, Renée made her national TV debut on Showtime’s Pride Comedy Jam and later showcased for NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She has performed worldwide, from iconic comedy stages including The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and New York Comedy Club, to international cruise lines. Her debut comedy special and album Outside the Box—released through UPROAR Entertainment—continues to stream on Amazon Prime, Roku, and Tubi. She recently taped for HBO Max’s HA Comedy Fest, and is currently in pre-production for a new stand-up variety special slated for 2026. As an actor, Renée’s credits include NBC’s New Amsterdam, Showtime’s Californication, TNT’s Murder in the First, and CBS’s Eleventh Hour, alongside celebrated independent films and national commercials. A storyteller at heart, Renée’s critically acclaimed autobiographical solo show CROSSROADS—rooted in her lived experience in the foster care system—is touring nationally and aligning with social-impact organizations to elevate stories of resilience, community, and healing. She has also collaborated with comedy legend Craig Shoemaker, contributing to creative strategy and promotional content for his nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation, Laughter Heals. Through journalism, long-form storytelling, and performance, Renée continues to champion diverse voices and amplify stories that matter—onstage, on-screen, and in print.