Today we’d like to introduce you to Zamythi.
Hi zamythi, 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 was born and raised in Guatemala, in a household where my music options were pretty limited. For most of my early life I only got the opportunity to listen to music outside of my home like at school or events, I listened mainly to Latin genres like cumbia, bachata, reggaetón, and lots of dancehall. The most outside-the-box I got was artists like YMCMB, Mac Miller, and Kid Cudi. It wasn’t until I turned 19 and moved to Los Angeles that I really started exploring other genres, and it felt like stepping into an entirely new world.
I started making playlists for friends, and through that, I met a lot of people in the music industry. Many of them encouraged me to try DJing, but at the time, I was working as a computer science teacher and didn’t think much of it.
Things changed in July 2024, when my mom and brother gave me a DJ controller and speakers for my birthday. I didn’t use them right away, but that shifted when my roommate Babz (@babzaf) invited me to a DJ mixer called “Thursday’s at Alex’s,” hosted by Alex The Lion. That night, I met a beautiful community of DJs, including Smokey Alexander, who invited me to play my first set at her party Smokey Sunsets in September 2024.
That same night, I also had the chance to open for the event series Diaspora at Blind Barber in Highland Park, which is one of my favorite bars in L.A. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Since that debut, I’ve been lucky to stay booked every week. To keep growing and sharpening my sound, I’ve made it a habit to add daily hours of practice and regularly attend open decks around the city. These spaces have helped me test new blends, connect with other DJs, and stay inspired. I’ve played at some of L.A.’s favorite spots like High Tide, Sauced, Apt200, and the new Florentin Rooftop Bar in Downtown. I’ve also played at private events, launch parties, workout classes, and one of my favorites: Ambiente Central, a party that celebrates Central American culture.
This journey has helped me reconnect with my roots, discover, and share my love for music, especially global sounds. I believe global music adds something unique to L.A.’s culture, and I want to keep pushing it forward. That’s why I started my own DJ series called At The Crib, where I invite my favorite DJs to go back-to-back for an hour, focused on global sounds.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, one of the biggest struggles was just finding the confidence to even call myself a DJ. I was coming from a completely different world. Working as a computer science teacher, switching jobs in November of last year, and starting over in a creative industry felt scary and unfamiliar.
There was also the pressure of catching up. Since I grew up with limited exposure to different types of music, I had to put in a lot of extra hours studying genres, practicing techniques, and building my own style from scratch. I’ve spent countless hours practicing every day and showing up to open decks just to get comfortable performing in front of people.
On top of that, balancing my full-time job, and small gigs here and there, with DJing was exhausting. Many nights, I would go to work my 9-5 during the day and then stay up late practicing or playing small gigs. Losing my job was hard at first, but it also gave me the freedom to finally give this dream my full attention.
One of the biggest blessings throughout this journey has been the relationships I’ve built and the community that has embraced me. From friends who believed in me early on to DJs and organizers who gave me my first opportunities, their support has made all the difference. Having people who genuinely want to see me grow has kept me motivated through the highs and lows—and I feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such a beautiful and inspiring community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I come from a pretty diverse background. I studied computer science and biomedical engineering, which gave me a solid foundation in tech and a wide range of skills like web development, data analysis, and project management. After graduating in 2022, right during a wave of tech layoffs, I had to pivot. That led me to dive deeper into education, a space I already loved since I had been working as a private tutor since I was 17 back in Guatemala. I still tutor today, which keeps me connected to that part of my journey.
Later in 2024, I made another switch into working as a Bid Specialist and data analyst, but I was laid off, which honestly turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It gave me the space and motivation to fully invest in my passion for music and DJing.
Along the way, I also became a certified personal trainer. Fitness has always been an important part of my life, and earning that certification gave me even more ways to help and connect with people.
Recently, I’ve also started getting more involved in fashion. It’s a new creative outlet for me, and I love how it allows me to express myself and connect with another side of my personality. Fashion, like music and fitness, has its own way of creating community, and I’m excited to explore more in this space.
I’m also known among my friends as the “side quest queen” because I love picking up all kinds of different jobs, like modeling, tutoring, web development, babysitting, hospitality, and to be honest, anything that aligns with what I believe and that pays me well. I genuinely love teaching, learning, and staying curious. It’s one of the things that keeps life exciting for me.
What sets me apart is my ability to adapt, stay committed, and bring a mix of creativity and technical skills to everything I do. Whether it’s working with data, spinning tracks, or helping students, I approach everything with heart, curiosity, and a real love for connection.
I’m most proud of the community I’ve been able to build through my journey. Despite the ups and downs, staying open to new experiences and staying curious has helped me turn every challenge into an opportunity, and I’m excited to keep growing from here.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is connection, growth, creativity—and bringing more visibility to Guatemalans, Latinos, and women in spaces where we are not always seen.
I grew up in Guatemala in a home where music and outside influences were very limited. While I’m grateful for the character I built in my grandma’s lovely home, I didn’t have access to many different experiences. Now that I’m older and living in Los Angeles, I really value every relationship I build and every opportunity I get to grow. The community I’ve found through music, education, and creativity has completely changed my life.
Representation is also something I care deeply about. Whether it’s in tech, music, fitness and wellness, fashion, or education, I want other Guatemalans, Latinos, and women to know that we belong in all of those spaces. Seeing someone like you doing something you dream about can make a huge difference, and I want to be part of creating that visibility. I’ve also always been very curious, and I love learning new things. Growth is something that keeps me motivated.
Through DJing, tutoring, fitness, fashion, and just being present for the people around me, I hope to keep building spaces where others feel seen, supported, and inspired. Staying curious and connected to my community is what keeps me grounded, and that’s what I want to continue pouring into everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zamythi/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zamythi
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/zamythi
Image Credits
@fredosfavorites (Fredo)
@deeznunz (Daniel Maldonado)
@valentinedaymassacre (Ino)
@a6records (Apollo)
