Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ WLF.
Hi DJ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve loved listening to music ever since I was a young kid living outside of Portland, Oregon. I was surrounded by a quiet, slow-paced way of life, where overcast skies and steady rain were the norm—except during the brief months of summer. Under-stimulated by life, I found refuge in digging through my dad’s large collection of CDs and MP3s. With my headphones on, I would close my eyes and let the sound of ‘Trip Like I Do’ by The Crystal Method paint visuals in my mind. I would headbang to The Prodigy and Nine Inch Nails in my bedroom. Eminem, Alice In Chains, Nirvana, and Metallica were my companions to school everyday. I’m not sure if my dad ever realized how well I knew his music collection, but exploring it was one of the most influential experiences of my life.
At 16, we moved to California and it was time to shed some rays on my pale skin. I never did learn to tan, but in San Jose, I developed my own taste—I was exposed to so many new cultures that painted my world in new shades. Shortly after graduating high school, I attended my first rave and was introduced to the sounds of Destroid, Will Sparks, and DVBBZ. It was in that moment I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: to be a DJ, and to make my own music for people to dance to. I bought my first DJ board and music production software not long after the rave. Through my college years, I solicited my DJ services all over San Jose while spending whatever free time I had making beats in my bedroom. Once I had racked up a sufficient amount of student loan debt, I decided to make the move to Los Angeles.
I started as an assistant at a music consulting agency. After only 9 months, the pandemic hit, and I was struck by a sudden clarity. Although I was thankful for my experience working on the business side of the music industry, I needed to get back to my real dream. So, I left my job as an assistant, picked up a part-time, minimum-wage front desk gig, and enrolled at ICON Collective in Burbank. I wanted to dive headfirst into the creative side of my brain and hone my sound with the technical knowledge I was missing, and ICON gave me the tools to bring that sound to life. I felt like this was my second chance, and I wasn’t going to waste it. I completed the music production program at ICON and a year after that, I quit my minimum wage job and decided to focus all my attention on being a DJ, and producing music.
It was October 2023 when I left everything and focused only on the music.
Fast forward to today—my DJ business is finally hitting its stride, with gigs that keep me moving and mixing across the city. I produce a globally syndicated radio show that reaches listeners around the world, curate immersive playlists that helps small businesses shape their atmosphere through sound, and spend my days creating music that spans genres. My journey has been long, and at times challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Through my experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to build a small network of like-minded producers and musicians across various parts of LA. I’m forever grateful for the mentors who’ve guided me and the friends who’ve stood by me, each one helping to shape the person I’ve become today.
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?
Like any artist or performer around the world, I’ve had my fair share of hardships. I faced the same uncertainty that many other artists did during the pandemic. I’ve cut costs and learned to do things on my own to minimize expenses—everything from changing the oil on my car to DIY haircuts. I became my own manager, my own promoter, my own business. It was a crash course in self-reliance, and it was tough.
Despite it all, I feel that my greatest obstacle was myself. I had to learn to get out of my own way. My imposter syndrome had me convinced that I couldn’t make it in music and that I needed a back up plan. I made music over the years but rarely shared because I didn’t think it was good enough. I took on safer jobs and put the dream on the back burner—something I’d get to if there was downtime. I never gave myself a chance to fail.
At ICON, I learned to believe in myself, my creative ideas, and my journey. I learned to stop comparing my own success to the success of others. I learned that everyone was on their own path and timeline. Comparison only slows you down, and it took years for me to learn that. The turning point came when I finally gave myself permission to try—and fail. And in that failure, I learned how to succeed.
I feel there’s an interesting change in a person when they focus solely on their passion or art. This role becomes an intrinsic part of their identity, and it rewires the brain. The mind becomes sharper, more intuitive. You start making choices that align with who you are as an artist, rather than who you think you need to be to succeed. And that shift—mentally and emotionally—is what allows real artistry to emerge. You start thinking differently, moving differently, and creating from a place that’s more honest, raw, and free.
I began creating music that felt like a true extension of who I am, and I came to accept that not everyone would connect with it—and that’s okay. What mattered more was that it was real. I learned to fully embrace my musical persona, to embody my art, and take ownership of the space I occupy as an artist.
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?
Currently, I’m focused on establishing myself as the go-to DJ in Burbank and the San Fernando Valley. Whether it’s a corporate event, a boutique coffee shop, or a late-night bar set, my goal is to bring a professional, fun, and memorable experience to every gig.
Over the past year, I’ve dedicated myself to networking with local businesses and seizing every opportunity to showcase my skills. One of the most exciting collaborations has been with EverFit in Downtown Burbank, where I serve as their Music Director. I’ve had the privilege of curating a unique sonic atmosphere that resonates with their members. I also co-host monthly pop-up events and special classes designed to keep the energy high and the community engaged. In addition, I spin regularly at Cambria Hotel and Republik Coffee, where I bring my signature sound and eclectic taste to local spots that thrive on music and community connection.
When I’m not behind the decks, I produce Passport Approved, a globally syndicated radio show that highlights unsigned or undiscovered musical talent from around the world.
I also co-host a biweekly DJ livestream with my good friend, Fernando Alves (aka DJ Vento, @ventomusik). Our show, OddBeat, is a fun, live experience where we jam for hours, creating dynamic, genre-blending sets from our apartments. Every show has a unique theme, whether it’s based on a genre, artist, or vibe we’re feeling that week.
In my downtime, I produce music that blends ‘90s hip-hop, sampling, and electronic elements, keeping my sound fresh and rooted in my musical influences.
I’m incredibly proud of how I’ve built a thriving business around DJing—transforming my passion into a livelihood. It’s been a rewarding experience collaborating with local businesses and expanding my reach across the LA scene. What truly sets me apart as a DJ is my unique blend of reliability, professionalism, vibrant energy, and vast musical knowledge. I have an instinct for reading the room and delivering exactly what the moment calls for—often before anyone even realizes it.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
It’s no secret that music makes me happy—it’s been a source of energy and renewal for as long as I can remember. Even as a listener, music has always felt like a reset button for my soul. But when I DJ, something shifts. I enter a state of flow driven by instinct, emotion, and creativity. Every set leaves me buzzing, like I’m walking on air. I often struggle to sleep after gigs—my mind still wired from the energy of the night like I drank three cups of coffee in a row.
The same rush hits me when I’m making music, or helping someone unlock the full potential of a track they’re working on. I thrive on feeding the creative side of my mind through artistic collaborations and endeavors.
Outside of music, I’m a passionate cinephile. I gravitate toward artistic, thought-provoking films that challenge conventions and ignite conversation. The visual and sonic elements of cinema often spark unexpected musical ideas, feeding my creative process in powerful ways. Reading, staying active, and spending quality time with friends and family are essential to how I maintain my well-being and happiness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/where.wolfie/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-aman-b9677118a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OddbeatShow
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj-wlf
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Ash Negado and Max Lin
