Sh1elds reflected upon how DJing has evolved from its incongruous roots in Detroit and Chicago houses to technos emerging from hip-hop and disco. He says how these genres have become more accessible thanks to technological development but warns that this excessive ability has resulted in a clash of motivations. "You got people that just download a bunch of tracks and play 'em off and make it look like it's their thing, and then you got the people who spend ten years trying to get their foot in the door, developing a sound that actually connects."

Sh1elds continues to draw parallels with skateboarding: "With skateboarding, there's no cheating. It's just board and feet. But in DJing, the lines are blurred and the promoter often plays referee." He also draws on how social media has removed focus from the emotional core of the music to personal fame. "The internet flipped that upside down with social media," he says, citing how high school popularity has bled into the music scene, where money and influence often take precedence over talent. Shields' personal journey has been tinged with success and loss in equal measure. He remembers losing five close friends to overdoses, which really hurt: "I lost five of my best friends who taught me this stuff." The loss, added to the moves the artist made between cities — Detroit, Miami, Salt Lake City, Arizona, and Portland — has set his frame toward the music community. "I've watched this whole culture grow and shift right in front of me."

Now, Chris is looking forward to paying back into the community with his experience. "I want to put the right people in the right moment, allowing each artist and every attendee to feel connected and valued," he says. His transition from DJing to VJing because of a spinal injury is yet another example of his dedication to taking part without being in the middle of the action. "I couldn't bend over, and I couldn't really get into DJing anymore ... so I took up VJing to stay part of the culture," he says. Shields now finds fulfillment in supporting visual artists and curating experiences that tap emotionally into the spirit of the scene. "It's almost like you're an admin, you're the orchestra that creates those moments."

On the technical side, Shields has developed expertise in creating 3D models using geo grids from Google Maps. “It uses the geogrid from Google Maps to then, like, give you out an object or an FBX or like a ply file that then you could bring into After Effects,” he explains. Having used

After Effects since 2007, Sh1elds has become a go-to resource for fellow VJs and artists, often helping others with technical issues. He emphasizes his willingness to share knowledge and contribute to efforts in technical education, straying from gatekeeping information. Shields is committed to fostering a community around his work. “I want to be able to help because I understand that if people don’t have the tools, they stop doing what I’m doing.” His dedication to supporting others is reflected in his approach to mentorship. “I would never go and take credit for any of that shit,” he added, stressing that his focus is on helping others understand and appreciate the work he does. Shields often connects with others through Discord, offering guidance on everything from equipment choices to personal struggles.