Andrew Hypes has spent the last two years travelling all over the world: Paris, London, Romania, Vegas, Poland and California, to name a few.
After growing up in Waynesboro, Virginia, population 23K, it’s a little surreal: working in Dr. Dre’s studio, flying on private planes, standing in front of the Eiffel Tower – the real one, not the one at Kings Dominion – all stemming from his role as the official DJ for Justin Timberlake’s recently wrapped “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour.”
“I got into music so young, and it was kind of like all I knew and, it’s just something that’s always felt right, so I kind of just followed it, and it brought me to some cool places, for sure,” Hypes told AFP.
Hypes began DJ’ing when he was 13 years old: he was also doing remix CDs, mashups of country and rap music and even setting up to perform as part of pre-game football tailgating.
While he was no doubt dedicated to the art, he’s still pretty astonished that someone from the 540 area code has come so far in the music industry.
His social media presence, and it’s big ya’ll, shows a young man who remains humble despite his immense success as both a DJ and music producer – literally putting Waynesboro on the map – even donning a Sam’s Hot Dog hat – with posts like “Waynesboro to the world, baby,” and “from my parent’s basement to this.”
‘I want to give back wherever I can’
In part, he credits the community for helping him get where he is today – motivating Hypes and encouraging him to dream big.
“Waynesboro made me, you know. While it’s a very small town, it is very diverse, you know. My graduating class was super diverse, which is one of the things I loved about Waynesboro.”
He’s out to prove that it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can make it anywhere.
“Virginia doesn’t get a ton of looks within the industry, because it’s not a hot market or a hot spot like in Atlanta or LA or New York, so to be where I’m from, where we’re from, it just takes the proud level to a completely different stratosphere.
“I eventually would love to teach production or DJ’ing classes at some point,” he said. “I want to give back wherever I can.”
Family crucial to Hypes’ success
In addition to Waynesboro, Hypes’ parents and family helped him find his love of all genres of music.
Hypes’ dad, Randy, is a well-known drummer in the region playing with groups including the Crystal Armentrout Band and The Findells. He introduced his son to all kinds of music, from hip hop to funk.
His mom knew Andrew was destined for big things in this world. As a huge fan of NSYNC and Justin Timberlake, long before Andrew was on the world’s biggest stages, she sent a press kit to Justin’s record label.
“She definitely believed,” Hypes said. “She always said I was going to work with Justin in some capacity.”
Turns out she was right. Neither could have imagined 15 years later, Hypes would join Timberlake on his world tour.
“She was a huge JT fan but also a huge NSYNC fan,” he said. “So fast forward, and to share a stage with those guys was pretty wild.”
Some of the coolest moments from the tour involved his children. His son got to walk out with him at a show in Chicago, and his daughter, he brought her on stage at Madison Square Garden, and the crowd sang happy birthday to her.
His mom, well, she finally got to meet JT.
“There were so many just incredible moments.
“I got nervous before every single show, though. Every single time before I had to go out, I would be nervous, like I was going to throw up or whatever … but the second I walked out there, it’s just like, OK, you know, it’s showtime.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be able to direct and command so many people at once, and you are doing it by music. It’s the greatest gift.”
When AFP caught up with Hypes recently, he was busy straightening up his house before his kids got home from school, getting back into a more normal routine after a couple of years on the road.
He quickly shifted from dad mode to music mogul though with the addition of a hat and a quick change of venue, from his kitchen to his home studio, with his own drum set.
What’s next for Hypes? He’s currently working with several songwriters, with artists who are nominated for Grammys and playing at Stagecoach, one of the largest country music festivals in the world.
“Other than that, you know, working on breaking some of my own music and working on getting into some of these festivals next year and Vegas, and you know, all the things.”
Giving back: Toy drive, night of music planned in the ‘Boro
Hypes, 38, now lives just outside of Richmond, but he has a special place in his heart for his hometown of Waynesboro.
He’s partnered with a couple of friends, Cutter Chisnell and Jeffrey James Placide with Heard the Store in Staunton, to do something to give back to the place that he has not forgotten, the 5-4-0.
He’s been dreaming of doing something big for families in Waynesboro, and he’s finally making that happen with what he hopes is a massive toy drive that will conclude with an event he calls “Hypes for the Holidays” on Dec. 20 starting at 8 p.m. at The Foundry.
“I hope that we’re able to make a difference and have an impact on as many families as possible this year,” he told AFP.
He bills the Dec. 20 event not just as a party but as a night of music, hometown pride and giving back, for ages 21 and up.
“I really want to encourage anybody and everybody to dress up,” he said. “It’s Christmas. Get in the holiday spirit. You know, come happy and joyous and all the things.
“Expect an amazing fun time. Come ready to dance. I will be DJ’ing. I may have a couple of guest DJs with me from the area, but you know, we just want to provide a good atmosphere for such a good cause.”
Proceeds from ticket sales to the event will be donated to some of his favorite local charities, and toys will be distributed the following Monday, just in time for Christmas.
Tickets for the event are $10 in advance or $20 at the door, but more than the monetary gift, he’s hoping guests will come with an arm full of toys.
“I’m hoping with everything I’ve done in the last two years, you know, to propel myself and allow me to do things with the community more.”
Video: Full interview with DJ Andrew Hypes
Toy drive details
Drop off new, unwrapped toys, crafts, books and games at one of two locations:
- First Baptist Church, 301 S. Wayne Ave., Waynesboro
- Heard The Store/Heard & Friends, 16 S. New St., Staunton
In addition to toys, donations of basic necessities like deodorant, body wash, shampoo, toothbrushes diapers, baby wipes and laundry detergent will also be accepted.
Andrew Hypes on socials
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