Today we’d like to introduce you to Javi Cruces.
Hi Javi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started making music back in Guadalajara Mexico, where I am from. I began in 2013 playing as a DJ in different clubs around the city and producing electronic music. This first stage in my career made me realize the passion I had for music which led me to take my career a step further.
In 2015, I decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a degree in Music Production and Audio Engineering at Los Angeles College of Music. This move was a defining one for me because it was where I met some very close collaborators and got exposed to new perspectives, music genres, and artists from all over the world. I became a keyboard player for a couple of alternative rock bands where we toured around California, started working at a studio in highland park and for the first time, I started to produce other artists’ music.
Eventually, my main focus became producing and mixing other artists’ music, something I still do today, and I love it!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s that even a thing? Haha, It has not been a smooth road at all.
Living in LA and pursuing music is no easy task especially when you start as a student. It is not easy to support yourself. This usually means that if you want to be successful in this city, you have to work twice as hard. That can mean different things for every person but for me meant (and still does) working countless hours every day, being away from my family for years at a time, dealing with stressful situations (professionally, financially, emotionally, etc.), and just constantly being out of your comfort zone.
All these experiences and challenges humble me and make me grow in many areas of my life so I would not have it any other way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a music producer and mixing/recording engineer working with various artists of different genres, lately focusing on indie pop, hip hop, and r&b.
As a recording engineer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with very talented people such as producer Khris Lorenz and producer Eric Rosse. While working with Eric, I got to do a bit of production, programming drums for a couple of songs on the artist ‘Vanesa Martin’s album which ended up going platinum in Spain.
As for my favorite projects, it’s hard to tell…I have recently been producing songs for REGGII who is an amazing singer-songwriter based in LA (check them out) as well as Mexican rapper ‘Cxsinensis’ who is rapidly gaining popularity back in Mexico. I also have very exciting stuff coming with many amazing people that I cant wait for you guys to hear!
I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m good at understanding the artist’s vision and using that to guide the creative process. I am also very easygoing which allows for the artist and musicians to feel comfortable at sessions and ends up creating a great vibe in the studio.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy apart from the obvious of making music and creating in general is that I like to take myself out of my comfort zone and find new things that challenge me. It is nice to look back and see the progress made.
Other things that make me happy: My dog, my roommate’s cat, The Office, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, The Marias, Clairo, Tik Tok, new gear, Highland Park, sports and more…
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.javicruces.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/javiermcruces/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/javiermcruces
