Meet Isabel Reyes of Bishop Takes Queen – Analog x Digital DJ’s in Highland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Reyes.

Isabel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m originally from Newbury Park, CA.. .the 805. My big move to “Los Angeles” happened thanks to getting a job working on the hit show “Party of Five” back in 1999… I’ve been working in the entertainment ever since. I started as an accountant but have had opportunities to produce but ultimately landed in casting.

I love casting because I enjoy learning about people from different walks of life… I’ve cast for shows LA Ink, NY Ink, Fear Factor, The Bachelor and many more.

Several years back I created a production company with my then husband. We’ve shot music videos, promos, a feature film and working on developing multiple shows.

I’m social person and consider myself a “connector.” Bring people together makes me very happy.

In 2016, at 38 I picked up amateur boxing after my friend asked me to box for a charity match. That’s when I discovered my City of Angels Boxing family. I train with the amateur team and have been in 4 total matches, two against the LAPD as a sub. I’ve lost every match.. we could go over the details of each but it’s not important. Being able to compete in a boxing match is so incredible that it really doesn’t matter too much to me whether I win or lose.

I’ve always been a music lover and have been curating music for friends with mix tapes, cd’s and playlists for as long as I could remember so it only seemed natural that in the end of 2017 I would find myself at the Beat Junkies Institute of Sound where I was taught how to DJ by the Beat Junkies. I graduated from their foundation program, am currently enrolled in their advanced Structure course and slated to graduate in January.

DJing has taken off in ways that I could never really explain or understand. I’m just going with the flow. I am currently partner of a DJ crew Analog x Digital and we DJ all over Los Angeles. I had the pleasure of playing with friend Madame Gandhi in Palm Springs and have several monthly residencies all around Los Angeles, including a weekly residency at the Little Easy in DTLA for brunch on Saturday from noon-3pm called Brujas & Brunch.

I’m a loud-mouthed activist. I’m an advocate for immigrant rights, social justice reform and reproduction rights. I strongly support organizations like Border Angels, Cage Free Cannabis and Planned Parenthood.

That’s where I am today. Surrounded with more than three decades of friendships and support, trying to help wherever I can. 🙂

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Living in Los Angeles is not without struggle but one thing I’ve learned is to surround myself with strong, supportive and inspirational friends. So I feel really supported by my community at City of Angels Boxing, my DJ community, my family and the friends I’ve made along the way.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bishop Takes Queen – Analog x Digital DJ’s – what should we know?
This is what our publicist wrote. “At Bishop Takes Queen, you’ll find thoughtful, deeply experienced filmmakers hungry to explore new tech while aspiring to the imaginative prowess of their 90s influences.

In some ways, BTQ is the formalization of a social circle, a collective of artists that has gathered at Bishop and Reyes’ Highland Park compound over the years. It’s a tight-knit community that continues to evolve organically into an expanding network of colleagues and professionals, including friends and family as far back as elementary school.”

My love has always been casting and now that has developed into wanting to create programs around the amazing people and social circles I’ve been able to explore. I’d love to create programming that is cutting edge, original and inspirational.

What sets me apart from the others? I guess I don’t know many 42-year-old amateur boxing casting directors who DJ around town… but if you’re out there, holla at me!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people deserve credit. Often times, I say that I am where I am out of sheer luck but the reality is I’ve met so many people on my path that have contributed a great deal to my drive and success. I am amongst so many mentors and advocates. My friends and family are extremely important to me and I am forever trying to do right by them. All of my friends play such a giant role in my life. Right now I’m really appreciating my gym mates, Alex & Jesse, my buddy Gilly, my sister Mari and my DJ partner Taylor Tosh.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1032 cresthaven dr. Los Angeles CA 90042
• Website: www.bishoptakesqueen.com
• Phone: 8054693317
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/labellatini
• Facebook: facebook.com/labellatini
• Twitter: twitter.com/bellatinicast
• Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/labellatini/

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