Draft:Derek Walin
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Comment: The first two URLs do not work and the third is an interview which is a primary source so cannot be used to establish notability and same for profiles like Culture Council. S0091 (talk) 17:20, 30 July 2025 (UTC)
Derek Walin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Boca Raton, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | DJ, talent manager, entrepreneur |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Known for | Co-founder of Super Music Group |
Derek Walin is an American DJ, talent manager, and music entrepreneur. He is best known as the co‑founder of the Miami-based artist management firm Super Music Group, whose roster has included critically acclaimed artists such as Helado Negro and Ape Drums, the latter of whom became a member of Major Lazer.[1][2] In 2015, the company received a minority investment from DJ Kaskade and his management team, Little Empire Music, which Billboard Magazine described as a sign of Walin’s “delivery at every possible opportunity.”[2]
Early life and education
[edit]Walin was born in Boca Raton, Florida.[3] He became involved in South Florida’s DJ and hip-hop culture in his teens, performing at local b-boy jams and opening for acts like KRS‑One.[3] Later gravitating toward electronic music, he began attending the Miami Winter Music Conference and playing DJ sets at Miami Beach clubs.[3] Walin studied audio engineering and music business while building his performance career, ultimately holding residencies at high-profile venues like LIV at the Fontainebleau.[4]
Career
[edit]DJ career
[edit]In the 2010s, Walin held residencies at Miami venues including LIV at the Fontainebleau Miami, and performed at private events across the country.[3] By 2015, he had shifted focus toward artist management while continuing to DJ special events.[3]
Super Music Group
[edit]In 2010, Walin co‑founded Super Music Group with longtime collaborator Brandon Kessler.[1] The company began as a record label and evolved into a boutique artist management firm representing talent in electronic, indie, and hip-hop genres. Early clients included DJ/producer Amtrac, and the company expanded to represent acts such as Craze, Wuki, Silent Addy,, and Helado Negro.[1]
In 2015, Kaskade and his management team at Little Empire Music acquired a minority stake in Super Music Group.[2] Kaskade told Billboard Magazine: “They’re a talented group of executives that operate like a close‑knit family alongside their inspired roster of artists.”[2] The article went on to note, “It became apparent that not only do we have like‑minded taste in music, but that these guys deliver at every possible opportunity.”[2]
Walin described the partnership as a validation of years of building a company from the ground up, adding that the team’s connection to Miami’s music scene and their hands-on approach helped set them apart.[1]
Dream Machine Entertainment
[edit]In addition to Super Music Group, Walin co-founded Dream Machine Entertainment, a high-end private events production company that blends DJ performance with A/V design and creative direction.[4] He serves as co-CEO and regularly DJs events ranging from celebrity weddings to luxury brand activations.[4]
Recognition
[edit]Walin has been profiled in Ocean Drive Magazine and Billboard Magazine, and was featured in the Broward Palm Beach New Times for his influence on South Florida’s independent music industry.[4][2][3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Kat Bein, "Kaskade Buys Into Miami’s Super Music Group," Miami New Times, May 28, 2015. Accessed July 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Matt Medved, "Kaskade & Little Empire Music Acquire Stake in Miami’s Super Music Group," Billboard, May 28, 2015. Accessed July 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Adam Foster, "Derek Walin Talks Music and Fashion and WMC," Broward Palm Beach New Times, March 5, 2015. Accessed July 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Derek Walin – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Dream Machine Entertainment," Rolling Stone Culture Council. Accessed July 30, 2025.