Making ‘Noise’ with Sterling Alexander
A Life in Sound
By Monica Jones
When Sterling Alexander steps behind the turntables, he makes “Noises.” This isn’t just a clever name for his bi-weekly gig; it’s the signature brand of a dynamic DJ whose presence consistently thrums through the region. From his childhood in Columbus to commanding local stages, Sterling’s entire life and creative output resonate as a vibrant, ever-evolving project built around his unique sound.
After some early years in Ellerslie, Sterling transitioned to the city proper around age three or four. He fondly recalls a cul-de-sac childhood, brimming with friends, including his childhood best friend Adam Woodall, and the genesis of his lifelong love for skating.
A pivotal shift occurred with a family move to Harris County, a decision initially met with resistance from young Sterling. “Honestly, I absolutely hated it when I moved out here,” he admits, despite the serene beauty of his current lakeside surroundings. Growing up immersed in baseball, the transition to a more rural setting was jarring. He humorously recounts showing up to practice in proper cleats, only to find peers in boots and shorts. Yet, over the years, he adapted, learning to navigate this new terrain. This early experience of being “unplugged” and learning to adapt would prove to be a recurring theme throughout his life.
Skateboarding quickly evolved beyond a pastime; it became a sanctuary and a powerful shaper of his identity. During a challenging time when he needed an escape and an outlet, Sterling found unexpected solace and mentorship through his high school engineering teacher, Ryan Miller. This mentor, recognizing his potential, helped him create a skate brand and enter competitions.
“Skateboarding has always helped me conform into … the highest version of myself,” Sterling explains, highlighting how his unique style and perceived origin (often mistaken for Los Angeles or New York) stem directly from the skateboarding community. It offered an escape, a way to “run away from my problems at home.” This pursuit led him to the renowned Skate Park of Tampa from 2015 to 2018, where he managed the retail department. This was a significant chapter of his life, allowing him to rub shoulders with not only the renowned owner, Brian Schafer, but also legends like Tony Hawk, Bam Margera, and Ryan Sheckler. These figures provided a blueprint for life beyond professional skating, a valuable lesson as Sterling recognized that “skating doesn’t last forever.” His time in Tampa was a crucial step in understanding the professional landscape of his passion.
Sterling’s return to Columbus was born out of personal transition. After a short-lived marriage in Tampa, he found himself back in his hometown, initially working as a bar-back at The Uptown Tap. This period marked a new beginning. He vividly recounts the tragic passing of Emily Robinson Evans, a beloved bartender at Picasso’s, who lost her life in a motorcycle wreck. “I told them, ‘I’ll cover it all,’ ” Sterling recalls, working tirelessly for two weeks straight to allow colleagues time to grieve. This act of compassion and commitment cemented his place behind the bar.
His journey through the downtown bar scene between The Tap, Picasso’s, and eventually Smoke Bourbon and Barbecue, honed his craft. He even considered a significant opportunity as a camp director at Woodward, a world-renowned action sports facility in L.A., but ultimately chose to stay in Columbus. This pivotal decision, guided by his mentor Stephanie O’Neal (whom he affectionately calls “Steph”), solidified his commitment to building a stable life and career in the local bar industry. “It was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made,” he reflects.
The transition into DJing emerged as a natural progression, subtly nudged by Steph’s keen observation. “She told me, ‘You should try to DJ, you have the flair, and the knack for it,’ ” Sterling recounts. His eclectic music taste, already beloved by patrons, had already set the stage. His initial attempts to learn were self-taught, driven by a desire to master the craft. He embraced online instructional videos, meticulously breaking down complex techniques. He also forged his own innovative solutions to the logistical challenges of DJing, utilizing his personal hotspot and leaning into the vast world of SoundCloud to access and play music “right now,” when it’s most popular.
Sterling’s deep affection for Columbus is palpable. “Columbus is the second largest city in the state of Georgia, and people don’t realize that,” he notes. For Sterling, the city offers unparalleled convenience, with everything within a 15-minute radius of his Lakebottom home. He speaks with genuine warmth about the comfort of being a recognized face in his community, likening it to the familiar setting of Friends. Places like “Plucked Up Chicken and Biscuits” and the local bars have become extensions of his home, where “everybody knows your name.”
His personal journey mirrors the city’s unique charm. He views his life as a baseball game, with each “base” representing a significant move or challenge—from first base in Tampa, to second base back home, to third base in Ohio (where he cared for his grandmother), eventually leading him back to “home plate” in Columbus. “If the grass is greener on the other side, maybe you should water your lawn,” he observes, having certainly cultivated his own.
Sterling’s return to The Uptown Tap as a general manager marks a profound “full circle” moment. His career trajectory in the bar industry, from bar-back to manager, reflects not only his professional growth but also his unwavering loyalty to mentors like Stephanie and Josh O’Neal. The transition to The Tap, while initially requiring patience, has been a resounding success. He’s found a true professional home where he can thrive. As Sterling explains, “The Tap is such a diverse bar, and I think that’s why it’s found so much success… Jay Patel and Ryan Lake have done so much to bring the city a space where people can just express themselves to their full potential.” This environment, where he not only feels at home but also gets to work alongside his current best friend, Fez (affectionately known as “Lil Hand”), creates a comfortable setting for both staff and patrons to be their authentic selves.
For now, mark your calendars for Friday, July 25th, because Sterling is throwing a massive birthday celebration at The Uptown Tap that you won’t want to miss. He’ll be commanding the main stage, and with Sun Cruiser and Lucky One sponsoring the event, attendees can expect special pricing on these drinks all night long. It’s set to be an electrifying evening for locals looking for a great night out.
While “Noises” is a core part of his current focus, Sterling’s entrepreneurial spirit keeps him open to new collaborations. He’s particular about the vibe, often preferring settings like pool-side events or rooftop parties, always ensuring any project aligns with his vision and doesn’t detract from his beloved main job. For Sterling, DJing isn’t about booking endless gigs; it’s a passion project, a way to introduce new music and connect with people. He sees it as almost a “non-profit,” doing it “for the people.” This selfless approach to his art further reinforces the idea of his work as an evolving, community-driven sound project, driven by a genuine passion for connection.
As Sterling looks to the future, with his 32nd birthday approaching, he expresses a profound sense of gratitude for how everything is “piecing together.” He acknowledges the unexpected blessings and the realization of his creative aspirations. “Everything that I have ever had in my mind, as a creative, is all coming to life,” he says.
Want to experience Sterling’s sound for yourself? Sterling Alexander is most active on Instagram. You can find all updates on his DJ sets and other happenings by following @noises.9pm (his primary feed for these). For a broader glimpse into his life and creative endeavors, you can also check out his main page, @beingsterling. Whether he’s dropping beats or simply being the welcoming face at The Uptown Tap, Sterling is making his own unique brand of noise, and he is undoubtedly a cool local DJ whose sound is worth listening to.