Wynn, who grew up in Chicago, was heavily influenced by the University of Chicago's radio station WHPK. He particularly liked the way hip-hop manipulated sounds, as well as its use of static. He spent much time hanging out around the station during his high school career. Later, his interests in music led him to CalArts, where he studied acoustics, music theory, and other related subjects. He earned a bachelor's degree in music technology, but was intrigued by the Balinese Gamelan, African drumming, and hand percussion. He has put out three electronic/hip-hop albums under the name of Deru and helped compose an eight-part score for a ballet during his professional career.