Inspiring Conversations with Joel Cortez-Castillo of DJ Lord Izac

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Cortez-Castillo

Hi Joel , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Los Angeles, I immersed myself in music at an early age—learning the trombone, viola, and double bass—and even had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York during middle school as an upright bass player with my orchestra. Despite initially pursuing mechanical engineering in college as well as track & field as a decathlete, I soon realized that a life without a creative outlet wasn’t for me. That realization led me to fully embrace music, eventually evolving into what I do today: DJ’ing.

My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There were times when life’s circumstances demanded that I prioritize a steady income over nurturing my craft, testing my commitment to DJ’ing. Yet, those experiences only strengthened my resilience. I’m proud to have DJ’d in Ibiza for my 30th birthday, become a resident DJ at Aspen Gay Ski Week, and performed across various iconic Los Angeles venues—from Long Beach and West Hollywood to North Hollywood and Downtown LA.

Deeply connected to my community, I care about creating safe, welcoming spaces where the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond can come together to dance, express themselves, and let go of daily pressures. Pride events, in particular, inspire me with their celebration of individuality and bold self-expression. Looking ahead, my vision is to elevate these experiences even further—continuing to transport listeners to a place of joy while expanding my reach from hundreds to thousands.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been smooth. There were periods when balancing financial stability with the time and energy needed to nurture my craft felt overwhelming. Early on, transitioning from a conventional path—immersed in academics and athletics—to a creative career in music and DJing meant confronting self-doubt and the many voices that disapproved of my decisions. Losing jobs, working with clients who didn’t pay on time, and being a self-starter all required energy that had to be cultivated, managed, and learned. Essentially, entrepreneurship demands a lot of discipline and forethought.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As DJ Lord Izac, I create music experiences that resonate deeply with every audience by engaging with them—whether it’s buying someone a drink, asking for a song request, or dancing with them from the DJ booth. My brand is built on cultivating inclusive, safe spaces—especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. I prefer working in 21+ venues such as clubs and bars that feature elaborate lighting setups, striking wall art, go-go dancers, and excellent bartenders.

Drawing on my roots as a Los Angeles native, I blend cultural influences with years of musical experience to craft unique, memorable sets. I’m proud of milestones like performing in Ibiza and serving as a resident DJ at Aspen Gay Ski Week. What truly sets DJ Lord Izac apart is my dedication to transforming every event into an unforgettable journey—whether it’s an intimate club night or a large-scale festival.

I approach DJ’ing not merely as a performance, but as a carefully curated experience, with each set designed to connect with people on a personal level. I invite readers to discover the energy, passion, and community focus that define the DJ Lord Izac brand by following my Instagram.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I seek out new sources of inspiration and practical advice to elevate both my work and personal life. For instance, productivity tools like Google Calendar and Google Sheets help me manage my creative projects and daily schedule efficiently. On Spotify, I listen to self-help resources such as “Do the Work” by Sabrina Zohar and “The Mountain Is You” by Brianna Wiest—books and podcasts that empower me to overcome self-imposed challenges and resonate deeply with my journey. Additionally, I follow numerous thought leaders online to gain valuable insights into navigating life’s experiences. Each of these resources plays a crucial role in helping me perform at my best, both on and off the stage.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lordizacdj/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lordizac

Image Credits
instagram: @ravenswoodpictures
Instagram: @neoncometmedia