We recently had the chance to connect with Joseph Delgado and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joseph, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
“One of the things I’m most proud of building, that most people don’t see, is the client base I’ve grown and the genuine relationships I’ve built along the way in my DJ career. It’s not just about showing up and playing music—it’s about creating trust, delivering memorable experiences, and being someone people can count on for the most important days of their lives. Over time, many of my clients have become good friends, and that kind of connection is something you can’t put a price on. It’s the behind-the-scenes part of the journey that means the most to me.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Joseph, and I’ve been running my own mobile DJ business for the past 11 years, proudly serving Southern California. Music has been a part of my life ever since I heard my first Michael Jackson record at just four years old—it sparked a passion that’s only grown stronger with time. As an open-format DJ, I’ve had the privilege of playing all kinds of events, from weddings and corporate gatherings to backyard parties and everything in between. I love being able to read a crowd, create unforgettable moments, and bring people together through music.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I first started listening to hip-hop at a young age—not just the beats, but the lyrics. Hearing artists speak out about social issues, injustice, and real-life struggles opened my eyes to things I hadn’t fully understood before. It showed me that music can be more than just entertainment—it can be a powerful tool for expression, truth, and change. Hip-hop taught me to think deeper, to question what’s going on around me, and to use my own voice with purpose.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that nothing in life is guaranteed. If you want something, you have to fight for it—no one’s going to hand it to you or hold the door open. But more than that, it taught me empathy. I know what it feels like to struggle, to grind with no guarantees, and that perspective stays with me. It’s made me more compassionate toward others who are still in that place, trying to rise. I try to be the kind of person I wish I had during those hard times—someone who encourages, supports, and helps others push forward.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that my family means everything to me—first and foremost, they’re my foundation. They’d also say I care deeply about the business I’ve built from the ground up. It’s more than just work to me—it’s something I’ve poured my time, energy, and heart into. I take a lot of pride in both, and I think that shows in the way I live and the way I treat the people around me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
In all honesty—and I don’t mean for this to sound cynical—I’d be surprised if I even had that much time, given some of the health challenges I’ve faced. That said, I’ve already made the decision to cut out the negativity and anything that doesn’t serve me. I’ve shifted my focus entirely to what truly matters: spending time with family and doing what I love most—creating meaningful memories through music and sharing that joy with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djrival.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_rival?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rivalmobiledj?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/L2ZKzMFNTf
