Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Barrera.
Justin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, music was always a big part of me. Either listening to it or showing someone a new song. In Carson, Ca where I grew up is a small area so everyone basically knew each other somehow. For that reason, songs were always shared around. Without doubt, music has helped me throughout my life.
Last year of 2019 around January, I purchased my first DJ controller. I was always inspired from Dj’s who create mixes. It consists of numerous songs combined into one. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. After I purchased my controller, I went straight home and did a couple of research on what software to use for a Dj controller and how to download music. Once I got that down, I decided to make a mix of some throwback songs and released it on a platform called Soundcloud. Promoted it on my Instagram and most of my friends and family were sharing it. Thats when I realized, “Like wow, everyone is digging my mix. I should make more.”
A couple of days after I posted my mix on my story, a good friend of mine, DJ Mike-E replied to my mix saying he was feeling it. I was surprised as he said that since he is a DJ with years of experience. Then, he asked if I wanted to DJ at my very first club that his friend DJ Adri is running at Catch one in LA. I was on the same lineup as my good friend DJ Eazy who was already upcoming and putting on for our city. I did not know how to feel at the moment when I literally just bought my controller and just made a mix for fun. I mean I do have to start somewhere in order for me to get somewhere. Dj Mike-E told me that I needed to work on my transitions for me to be ready and play in front of a crowd. It was three weeks before I had to learn how to actually Dj and DJ Mike-E was there for me throughout it all. I was in and out of his office constantly learning how to properly mix, count beats, knowing the proper time to mix in the song and learn to read a crowd.
Fast forward to three weeks, I was at the club playing while DJ Mike-E and DJ Adri was behind me, and my friends and family in the crowd supporting me. It was such a bittersweet feeling knowing everyone was dancing to what I was playing. I did mess up a couple of times, but that’s all part of the learning process. I had to the chance to meet other Dj’s which is very important for me as a starting to Dj to make connects. Everything went very smooth as planned. I knew this was a start of something bigger.
Ever since I have gotten closer to DJ Mike-E and DJ Adri, they gave me nothing but opportunities. Most humble and giving people. I thought that would be the only gig for me, but they gave me a chance to spin at a well-known club in Costa Mesa called Mansion. This is where I met DJ Matty-Matt. Another humble and caring guy who helped every time I did not know what to do. He has been killing the game for a while now. We have gotten closer and we would meet up and he’d teach me a couple of things. Now, we would always run the 18+ clubs at Mansion and this New club in Orange County called Union. I also met DJ Gabe C. DJ Mike-E’s brother who is a DJ for power 106, another humble and amazing guy. The one who taught me to use my platform as to bring up underground artists. Not only is he a radio DJ, but gets the recognition some of the artists don’t quite have yet. He is responsible of breaking records in LA.
Now, with all this going on in the world. I have just been making mixes. Working with DJ Eazy and another upcoming DJ, Mattyblends. Looking back, my first ever mix reached 300+ likes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly, there were some struggles along the way. Becoming a DJ, working a job, and being a full-time college student was a major factor. The main thing I needed was balance. I was able to quit my job and work for a photo booth company that DJ Mike-E owns. Work was mainly on weekends so I was able to DJ and have time for school all at the same time. Ever since I felt like I was not trapped in a bubble and was able to do things I love the most.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a self-employed DJ. I provide any type of genre music to an audience giving them a great time. What makes me stand out is I am able to provide a photo booth from Primo Prints that DJ Mike-E owns so not only can you listen to music, but can capture special moments. The difference from others is that I am teamed up with the Primo Prints which is like a family to me and we make sure you guys an amazing experience and only use the only high-quality pictures and sounds.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would not start over or have done anything different. All the obstacles I have faced is what made me who I am today. I try not to live with regrets because everything happens for a reason. I am very proud of who I am and who I have become. It would not be possible without the people I have in my life. Without them, there wouldn’t be me.
Pricing:
- DJ – $100.00 per hour
- Photo booth – 3 hours – $600 , 4 hours – $800 , 5 hours – $1,000
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/j.barr_/
- Other: soundcloud.com/jbarrrr
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