Sterling toles
music + Visual Arts
In school arts & Out of school arts

Sterling Toles is an east-side-bred, Cass-Corridor-educated Detroiter who views himself as a healer using sound. Initially a rapper in hip hop groups, Sterling transitioned into music production in 1997, and has since worked with the likes of Invincible, Boldy James and Finale. Sterling holds open space in his home studio for Detroit artists to experiment and express themselves in the rawest of forms. Sterling sees this space as a fitting room for artists to try on their truth within the elastic walls of compassion.

Get to know Sterling!

Q: What is your go-to dance move?

A: The universal two-step.

Q: What was the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

A: Stringing beads.

Q: What is the funniest thing you’ve ever heard a young person say?

A: My 2 year old godson telling his great-grandmother, "I ain't trying to hear all that mess."

Q: If you could be BFF's with any fictional character, who would it be and why?

A: Oscar the Grouch. I would love to hug him.

Q: What is the most memorable or most impactful art experience you’ve had as an adult?

A: Having youth remind me of arriving at the creative process with innocence and joy.