Today we’d like to introduce you to Vince Ibarra.
Hi Vince, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I actually started my DJ career in a really unorthodox way. Back in high school (2009), I was burning CDs filled with music I downloaded off Limewire and selling them to my classmates. To make it feel a little more official, I found this random DJ software online called Atomix — which today is better known as Virtual DJ. It had an ‘automix’ feature that basically blended a playlist for you. I didn’t know anything about real DJing, and I didn’t have any family in the industry. This was brand new for all of us.
When I got to college, I joined Sigma Nu Fraternity — honestly, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me a real network and helped me grow, not just as a DJ, but as a brand and a business. Some of my fraternity brothers taught me how to actually DJ properly, and one of them even designed the logo I still use today.
Towards the last couple of years of college, I decided to take my DJ career seriously. I left my full-time job — I had been working with kids with autism for about five years — and I joined Cal State LA’s radio station, Golden Eagle Radio. At the same time, I went all-in on the nightlife scene. Along the way, I met a lot of people involved with the Power 106 Flava Unit. Being surrounded by that level of talent really helped me level up. Eventually, a few of them convinced me to submit a resume and try out. I went for it — and ended up getting hired.
Fall 2018 was when everything started coming together. I was in my senior year of college and just getting my feet wet with the Flava Unit. By the time I graduated in Spring 2019, I had already made a name for myself as a go-to DJ for street team events.
Then came Cali 93.9 — a brand new Latin radio station created by the same company that owns Power 106. When they launched, they needed DJs for street events, and I was one of the few who spoke some Spanish and knew how to DJ Latin music. The opportunities were starting to look great. By January 2020, I was already being asked to submit pre-recorded mixes for the station. And by March 2020, I finally got the chance to go live on-air alongside the night show host at the time, Jessica Flores.
Then the pandemic hit — and everything changed.
Practically overnight, all the DJ gigs disappeared. I was furloughed and eventually let go from the radio station. For a moment, I seriously thought about giving up. But instead, I pivoted. I leaned into technology and started figuring out how to broadcast my talent on my own.
Twitch changed everything for me. During that time, I learned about cameras, building PCs from scratch, green screens, social media tactics — you name it. I truly feel like I came out of the pandemic a better version of myself. That whole experience made me fearless. Now, nothing feels out of reach.
Eventually, the radio station called and offered me a chance to return to the street team — and I came back better than ever.
I rejoined the street team in Spring 2021. Then, in February 2022, I got the call to DJ the 12PM Mixshow Live on Cali 93.9. Three years later, I’m proud to say I’m still holding down that slot.
At the same time, I continued growing my skills in tech, cameras, and content creation. I’ve been able to apply everything I’ve learned into my newest venture — Pa LA Calle Podcast. Created alongside two of my good friends and coworkers, Melissa Rios and Julian Gutierrez (aka JuJu), this new chapter feels like the most exciting one yet.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been through my share of struggles — some my fault, some just tough breaks. One of the toughest, but also the one that changed my life for the better, was getting a DUI in 2014. I got pulled over for driving without my lights on, and it cost me everything: my license, my job, and my DJ equipment, which I had to sell just to pay off my fines. I hit rock bottom — jobless, out of college, and starting from zero. But hitting that low point was exactly what I needed. It forced me to wake up, rebuild, and push myself harder than ever. That year taught me that sometimes losing everything is the first step to finding your real purpose.
Then, just when things were finally coming together, life threw me another curveball. 2018 was supposed to be my breakthrough year — I was entering my senior year of college and had just landed my dream opportunity with the Power 106 Flava Unit. I felt unstoppable. But on Thanksgiving Day, my car — with all my DJ equipment inside — was stolen. One minute I was on top of the world, the next I was scrambling to survive. Living in West Covina (that’s where I lived at the time), going to school in East LA, and working in Burbank without a car was a grind like no other. The number of bus rides and Ubers I took during that time is still wild to think about. But I refused to let it stop me. If anything, it made me hungrier, more resourceful, and even more determined to make my dreams happen.
And then came 2020 — the pandemic hit, and like so many others, I lost my job. Once again, I found myself starting from scratch. But this time, I wasn’t scared. I had been through enough to know that struggle was just part of the process. I used everything I had learned over the years — from bouncing back after my DUI, to hustling without a car — and I leaned into my skills. I picked up new knowledge, doubled down on my passions, and found new ways to create opportunities for myself. Instead of giving up, I leveled up. The pandemic could’ve broken me, but instead, it built me into someone even stronger.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a creative at heart. I DJ, I host a podcast, I create content — but really, I see myself as someone who’s just passionate about connecting with people through art, conversation, and energy. I specialize in telling stories, whether it’s through music, through a mic, or through the experiences I share. I’m known for being consistent, real, and someone who doesn’t give up, no matter how hard things get.
What I’m most proud of is the fact that I’ve never let where I come from hold me back. Growing up in housing projects, with teenage parents, I learned early on that life wasn’t going to hand me anything. But that also taught me resilience, determination, and the power of creating my own path. I’ve had to rebuild multiple times — whether it was after losing my job, my car, or even my DJ equipment. But every time, I used those tough moments to fuel me. I didn’t let failure stop me; instead, I let it teach me and push me forward.
What sets me apart is that I know what it’s like to have to start over. I know what it’s like to have nothing but a dream and still figure out a way forward. That perspective keeps me grounded. It keeps me hungry. And I think it shows in the way I approach everything I do — with gratitude, with heart, and with a mindset that no matter where you are right now, you can always find a way to level up.
How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t just about hitting big milestones or having the most followers. It’s about growth — both personal and professional. Success means being able to look back and see how far I’ve come, the lessons I’ve learned, and how I’ve been able to turn challenges into opportunities. It’s about staying true to myself, doing what I love, and being able to make a positive impact on others along the way. Ultimately, success for me is about finding fulfillment in the journey, not just the destination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djvinniemack.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djvinniemack/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djvinniemack
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/palacallepod/
