Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Velasquez
Hi Carlos, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Performing all over southern California, DJ Cali Los is one of LA’s most diverse, respected & down to earth DJs. From touching his first turntable at the age of five years old, he knew what his passion for music was. Mixing Open Format style. For over 17 years Cali Los has inevitably brought the party to some of Los Angeles County’s most elite venues, nightclubs & trade shows. From InterContinental Spire 73 in Downtown Los Angeles, Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, and Bamboo Room in Westlake Village.
He has performed along side acts such as NAPPY ROOTS, TALIB KWELI, TOO SHORT, KRS-ONE E-40, Warren G & KNOC-TURN’AL. In April 2011 he devoted his time & DJ skills to the CHAKA KHAN Foundation. Fast forward to 2015, DJ Cali Los got the opportunity to perform at NAMM Trade Show on the Pioneer DJ Stage. His keen ear for music and quick style makes DJ Cali Los one of the most sought after DJs for performances and club appearances. In 2021 DJ Cali Los started booking his own DJ roster of Djs & opening doors for them at venues to expand their DJ career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles that I faced throughout the years. We’re looking for venues that needed DJ entertainment but never got the chance or got shut down. From experiencing bad clients to not being prepared for an event I signed up for, because I didn’t ask for specific details. Hearing the word “No, we’re not looking for DJ’s right now” or “Sorry we found someone who can do it for less money.” I gain more of understanding & pushed myself more to where clients started requesting me. But one thing for sure it didn’t happen overnight. I learned & gain from all those experiences.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My professional life, I studied in Digital Film Making & Audio production. I’ve been working at California Lutheran University the last 10 years as Audio Visual & Supervisor of Sports Broadcasting streams. Each year I have 10 intern students who are looking for on campus jobs. I instruct them on how to film sports, how to create graphics, how to work as a team. It’s quite fun to see how they start as freshman then after 4 years how they progress as a student & person as they become seniors & graduate. It’s good to guide them into the world from the experiences they had within the university under my supervision. I’ve had multiple opportunities Djing for the senior students each year at various events the university has hosted. It’s been a lot fun to be part of the entertainment for the graduating class.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One thing I learned that I tell those who are starting is to treat people the way you want to be treated & respected. The industry that we love to work in will have good & bad experiences along the way. But it’s up to you to gain from those experiences and grow from it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djcalilos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djcalilos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djcalilosla
- Twitter: @DjCaliLos
- Youtube: @DJCaliLos
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/djcalilos/
Image Credits
Alex Martinez (Foto’s by Alex)
JFraser Photography
Spirtmade Visuals
