Today we’d like to introduce you to DeCarlos Askew.
Hi DeCarlos, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, music has been more than entertainment to me—it has been a way of life. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind albums, the creative process, and the way music can bring people together. That passion has shaped nearly every creative endeavor I’ve pursued over the last decade.
In 2015, I released NIRVANA, a compilation project that brought together incredible artists and creatives from all over inspired by “Saint Heron” a compilation album by Solange Knowles released in 2015. Around that same time, I co-hosted the Nashville Noize Podcast w/ Krystle,Toni, Greg & Justin where we highlighted the city’s growing music scene as well as highlighting events in the city. In 2021, I was honored to be recognized as one of Nashville’s Black 40 Under 40 and alongside my friend A.D., I launched IV The Record, a podcast dedicated to authentic conversations about music, culture, and the people behind the art.
My entrepreneurial journey expanded in 2025 with the launch of The Turnupington Experience, a mobile bartending company built around creating unforgettable experiences for celebrations of all kinds. While it may seem different from music, the two are closely connected—both are about creating moments that people remember.
That same passion eventually inspired me to create Couchella. What started as the simple idea of inviting a few friends into my living room to intentionally listen to classic albums & dissect them quickly became something much bigger. I realized that so many of us consume music every day without taking the time to truly appreciate the artistry, production, songwriting, and cultural impact behind it. Couchella was created to slow that process down. It’s a space where music lovers gather to revisit timeless albums, engage in thoughtful conversations, hear different perspectives, and celebrate the albums that have shaped our lives.
Today, Couchella has grown into a unique community experience that blends music appreciation, storytelling, conversation, and fellowship. Whether we’re revisiting legendary albums or introducing people to records they’ve never heard before, the goal remains the same: to remind people that music deserves to be experienced, not just consumed.
Every chapter of my journey—from NIRVANA to podcasting, entrepreneurship, and now Couchella—has been driven by one thing: a genuine love for music and a desire to create spaces where people can connect through it. I believe music has the power to educate, heal, inspire, and unite us, and I’m grateful to continue building platforms that celebrate its lasting impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every chapter has been really different. When creating NIRVANA ( which means the state of perfect peace/happiness) I was at a really happy place in my life and creating that compilation was such a dope experience. Both Nashville Noize & IV The Record were music focused so again super smooth. Creating The Turnupington Expereince just made sense because I’ve always loved to create and mix drinks. Couchella is my baby and I still get kinda nervous each month but I can say it’s been easy because it’s what I love.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So again The Turnupington Experience is a mobile bartending company I started in 2025 focus on more of an experience than just mixing drinks. I’m all about the vibes and just enjoying yaself. People who know me know I love to turn up and always have hence the name “Turn-up-ington” S/O to Kari for giving me that name. Creating Couchella and watching an idea from my living room grow into a community of people connected through music has to be my proudest moment rite now. I’m proud of everything I’ve done but at this moment it’s Couchella.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One that sticks out is roadtripping to Michigan with my daddy to visit my great grandmother & my siblings. He brings it up a lot how I would sing all the songs he played & always read all the signs when going into a new city
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theturnupingtonexperience.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loso_decar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DVBhyYhbg/
