Meet Jasmine Tovar of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Tovar.

Hi Jasmine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a deep passion for music. I grew up singing and dancing, and performing has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I always thought learning to DJ would be really cool, but I never imagined I’d actually do it—until I met someone who changed that.

It was my last semester of college, and I was about to graduate with a degree in Theater Arts & Dance. At that point, I had pretty much given up on my dream of being an artist and was set on becoming a choreographer. That’s when I met Eddie. He casually mentioned that he was a producer, and I shared with him that I loved to sing and write songs. We became friends and started working on music together. He reignited my passion for music and brought my dreams back to life. I was completely consumed by it.

Eddie is an open-format DJ. After spending many hours in the studio with him, he eventually gave me a quick tutorial on his decks—just one short session. That was all it took. I was instantly obsessed. For my graduation present, I received my first Serato controller, and I never looked back.

From there, I made it a point to meet as many people in the scene as possible. I observed their mixing styles, practiced whenever I could, and spent countless hours searching for music, developing my own sound, and finding ways to improve. I was fortunate to have many friends who vouched for me and gave me opportunities as they watched me grow.

Eventually, I was advised to create a mix. I shared it with “Ritmo,” a collective focused on Latin Tech House under Blind Tiger. Getting the chance to play there completely changed everything for me. They invited me back, and I started performing there regularly. Today, I’m proud to be a resident DJ with Blind Tiger, and I absolutely adore my team.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly wasn’t smooth in the beginning, and the truth is, challenges continue to arise—they just transform into something else. Right after graduating college, I told myself I wanted to move out of the place I was renting, which meant I needed a new job with a higher income. I pursued a managing position in my industry, but it left me completely exhausted. I struggled to say “yes” to DJ opportunities, and that ultimately held me back from moving forward.

After two long years of managing, I made the difficult decision to quit the job I had worked so hard for. When you first start DJing, a lot of gigs are unpaid. Not to mention, DJing itself is expensive. You need a reliable laptop, a DJ controller, practical speakers, durable headphones, quarter-inch adapters, USBs, various cables—and that doesn’t even include the constant demand for new music, which can cost up to $2.50 per song. It really adds up.

On top of that, there’s the commitment to professional press shots, staying active on social media, and promoting yourself, which can get tiring. It’s always been challenging for me to find a job that gives me both the time and the financial resources to keep chasing my dream. As you move up the ladder, everything just costs more—photographers and videographers more frequently, visuals for major shows, travel, and hotels. Just as you start getting rewarded with fair rates and recognition, the expenses suddenly put a bigger hole in your pocket.

While I’m thankful to live in Los Angeles, the cost of living here can be heavy.

Even with all of that, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. I truly love living in Los Angeles and I’m deeply passionate about DJing. Yes, the struggles are real, but every late night, every sacrifice, and every small win makes it all worth it in the end. The music, the energy on the dance floor, and the connections I’ve made along the way remind me every single time why I fell in love with this in the first place.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a vocalist, songwriter, dancer, and DJ. My main focus right now is DJing, but I’m constantly finding ways to incorporate my other crafts into my sets. Producing music is definitely next on my creative agenda.

I’m best known for my Latin Tech House music, but I also really enjoy playing House, Minimal, and regular Tech House. What I’m most proud of is that my peers recognize me as a DJ who represents the Latin community. I also get excited every time someone calls me by my artist name — “Nycto.” It’s funny how most people don’t even know my real name. One day I just decided I was “Nycto,” and somehow everyone went with it. It still feels pretty incredible.

Growing my brand and realizing how far I’ve come has been the biggest reward.

What sets me apart from others is my performance experience. I’m very used to spending long hours rehearsing and polishing my craft — dedication like that is essential for success. Because of my background, I also deeply understand the importance of connecting with the crowd. They really appreciate the little things: eye contact, a smile, just being fully present on stage. If I mess up, I recover quickly and act like it never happened. I’ve learned that if you get nervous or overwhelmed, the audience can feel it. That’s why it’s crucial to remember that you are the source of energy in the room. Keep your head held high, whether there are only 3 people watching or 200.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are so many people who deserve credit for my journey. First and foremost, my family. They have always cheered me on, and their unwavering support has truly propelled me forward. My mom loves coming to my daytime sets and proudly letting everyone know I’m her daughter. My dad has branded himself as my official “merch manager.” My siblings, cousins, and aunt have shown up for me countless times as well—especially my sister, who’s been my partner in crime through it all.

Aside from my family, I’ve been fortunate to have so many friends in the industry support me. Their uplifting compliments are not only flattering but incredibly motivating. Most importantly, I want to give credit to those who have recommended me for gigs. It created a beautiful domino effect, where each opportunity opened the door to the next. Every person who has vouched for me has played a major role in my success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Nyctoofficial

Image Credits
Andrew Leon-Bercovich
Jason Vongdara