Check Out Omar Guzman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Guzman.

Hi Omar , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, I was born and raised in the 805, in Simi Valley. Just outside the SFV. I definitely always felt like a black sheep in my city, whether it was at home or amongst peers. I started going to art shows and eventually joined the Valley/LA art scene when I was about 21. Once I found myself in this scene, especially the Valley scene at first, it was the first time in my life where I felt like I could simply exist as I was. Somewhere with like minded people, creative people. A community where I felt like seen and heard by my peers and friends who I’ve made since joining. I started out as a painter and sketch artist. Eventually I pivoted into photography, more specifically portrait photography, along with doing the occasional modeling here and there. Today, while I’m slowly coming back from my photography hiatus, I’ve been an active DJ in LA for about a little over a year at this point in time. I’ve had friends who were DJs as well and watching them be able to curate these space and to tell stories through the art of DJing was something that really moved me and something I wanted to dabble with, as someone who also found sanctuary within the LA bar/nightlife scene.

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?
I would say it’s been a good run, however I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t had its fair share of adversities. While I have my scene background and what not, I’ve mainly been paving my way on my own and have been simply doing my best to put my name out there, whether it be in my community or outside of it and more just in the general LA DJing scene. In a way, for me, it’s both a rite of passage and a humility trial. One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn from DJing is that you can’t control everything around you, both at a gig and in life. Once I made that realization, I’ve been able to carry myself more confidently, both as an individual and as DJ/creative

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a DJ, my main genres I love to spin are new wave, darkwave, disco. I’m a very alternative DJ to say the least however I also spin other genres such as cumbias, sonideros, reggaeton, techno, house, etc. I love blending my love for the alternative and underground genres of music I grew up listening to along with genres I grew up listening to culturally. A way for me to create community as well as safe spaces of joy, for joy is one of the biggest ways we can resist the ongoing challenges against our BIPOC, indigenous, queer/trans communities, etc. I want to be able to host sanctuary spaces where we may all look out for one another and enjoy the pleasures this life has for us.

My photography, in the past, was more focused on cultural elements, as I’m a first gen child of Mexican immigrants, however, in recent attempts to step back out into the photography game, I’ve focused more on trying to capture and curate artwork that is synonymous with my alternative side, as well as capturing other hidden gems on photo.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Whether it be at a gig, Photoshoot, or just life in general, you can’t control everything around you. You have to be able to deal with anything that comes your way and get through. If not, you truly won’t grow as an artist or as an individual, in my opinion at least.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGkB_TsRo2G/

Image Credits
Omar “Milagro” Guzmán