Nick Shades is an American DJ/Producer hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. He began exploring his natural connection to music via guitar lessons, and exposure to rock, metal, hip-hop, and early forms of electronic music through his elder brothers. Shades was involved heavily with the Hardcore/Metal band scene prior to his introduction to electronic music. Along with his best friend, Ricky, Nick utilized his education in guitar to recruit a band. Unfortunately, Ricky was killed in a car accident shortly after. The loss not only destroyed the group, but sent Shades spiraling into a deep depression.

Nick was later introduced to the evolved sounds of electronic dance music through the auto tuner community in 2008. Attending live Dubstep and Drum & Bass shows in Baltimore sparked the lively new passion for sound design and production, which birthed the Nick Shades of today. He purchased the proper DJ equipment and diligently practiced until finding himself opening for the seasoned Baltimore