DJ Stingray facts for kids

DJ Stingray, whose real name is Sherard Ingram, is a well-known DJ and music producer. He is famous for founding the music group Urban Tribe and for working closely with the legendary Detroit electronic music duo Drexciya.

Sherard Ingram is known for his unique style of electronic music, which he calls Techno. He creates futuristic electro sounds, often using very fast tempos and creative drum patterns. This makes his music different from the more common, easy-to-listen-to club songs.

Early Life and Musical Start

Sherard Ingram learned how to DJ in the mid-1980s from Kenny Dixon Jr., who is also known as Moodymann. Ingram spent time practicing and improving his fast, complex mixing style. He often DJed at biker bars in Detroit, like The Outcast. There, he would mix small parts of techno songs with other styles like Miami booty bass and West Coast electro and hip-hop.

Becoming DJ Stingray

In the late 1980s, Sherard Ingram worked at a record store called Buy-Rite Music. This is where he met James Stinson, who was one half of the group Drexciya. They quickly became friends.

Soon after, James Stinson asked Ingram to be the opening DJ for Drexciya's music tour. It was during this time that Ingram was given the name DJ Stingray. He once said, "Did I feel like a stingray? Never. But I wasn't going to argue with James Stinson." He understood what Stinson wanted and felt connected to the Drexciya story. From that day on, he was known as Stingray.

Around the same time, he started wearing his signature balaclava mask. At first, he thought about wearing the same mask used by the group Underground Resistance. However, he quickly switched to a SWAT mask because it was more comfortable for him.