Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Icon.
Hi DJ Icon, 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 have to say that my journey started from a very young age, driven by my deep passion for the arts. Since childhood, I have been obsessed with music, acting, and drawing. This passion was instilled in me by my grandparents on my father’s side, who used to perform together with a band during their travels in Mexico. My grandpa played the guitar and sang, while my grandma was the lead vocalist. Their influence inspired me to explore music further.
In middle school, I decided to join the band and began pushing myself to excel in my musical endeavors. I achieved milestones such as making the all-region band, advancing to top bands, and even traveling across the country. Music was a significant part of my life, and I was determined to pursue it.
After high school, I faced the challenge of balancing my passion for music with the desire to have a successful career that would make my parents proud. I tried forming cover bands with friends, but it didn’t resonate with me. However, attending festivals and organizing parties while studying at the University of Houston sparked a new interest in DJing. In 2013, during the peak of EDM, I purchased my first mixing board and immediately fell in love with the art of DJing.
I started hosting my own parties at warehouses and small bars, bringing people together with the energy I brought to the events. With the incredible support from my wife and friends, my DJing career quickly took off. Within two years, I secured a residency at AURA, one of Houston’s premier venues. Being a resident DJ there for three years exposed me to world-renowned DJs and artists, inspiring me to aim higher.
Breaking into new markets became a priority for the Icon brand, and soon enough, I secured bookings in Miami, New York City, Phoenix, San Francisco, All Across Texas, and more. Along the way, I had the privilege of working with Joe Arbeely, one of my mentors, and took on the role of Entertainment Director. This opportunity allowed me to handle bookings and organize events for esteemed artists like Cedric Gervais, MORTEN, Borgeous, and Bingo Players, among others.
Currently, I am fortunate to travel across the country, performing at premier nightclubs in Miami, Puerto Rico, Chicago, & more while opening for major electronic and Latin artists. I am dedicating my time fully to DJing, Music Production with my colleague Mulitface, and Event Organization, focusing on niche events like Canela Candela and Mutha FN Mondaze.
I am grateful for the path I have taken and excited to continue pursuing my passion for music while making a positive impact in the industry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. The road has been far from smooth. Throughout my DJ career, I’ve faced numerous challenges while juggling multiple responsibilities. Being a full-time student, working a full-time job, buying my first home at 21, and becoming a father at the young age of 23, I had to constantly stay focused on my passion for music. I’ve experienced many ups and downs along the way, but I’m grateful for the journey and the opportunities it has brought me. Not everyone has the chance to receive bookings from all over the country or build such a strong network within the industry. I owe a great deal of my success to my mentors and, above all, the unwavering support of my wife and family.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
In my market, I have established myself as a DJ who goes beyond the local Houston scene, steadily expanding my reach and growing across new markets. What sets me apart is my proactive approach to staying relevant and ahead of the curve. I understand the importance of adapting to changing trends, both in music and marketing strategies.
One of my proudest achievements is the remarkable growth I have experienced both locally and beyond my market. When I embarked on this journey, I faced the challenge of starting with minimal support or handouts from the local DJ community. However, fueled by determination and a relentless work ethic, I forged my own path to success. Throughout this journey, my crew has been an invaluable source of support, cheering me on with every victory.
What truly sets me apart from others is my entrepreneurial mindset and constant drive for innovation. I treat my DJ career as a true business, always seeking new opportunities for growth. For example, I recently delved into video editing to enhance my content and started exploring music production to release my own original music. I believe that continuous learning and improvement are essential to staying ahead in this industry.
Overall, my work is driven by a deep love for music and a genuine desire to connect with others. I am dedicated to constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve as a DJ. I am excited about the future and the potential for making a meaningful impact in the industry.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One key aspect is to actively immerse yourself in the industry and engage with the industry leaders you admire. However, it’s important to note that building a network and finding a mentor requires showing your own initiative and dedication. Take the necessary steps to establish yourself independently by organizing your own events and creating a buzz within your community and social circle. I have been incredibly fortunate to have the guidance and support of industry legends like DJ Chachi and Dainjazone, who have played a pivotal role in my journey in recent years.
Contact Info:
- Website: thedjicon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedjicon/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thedjicon
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedjicon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/djicontv
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thedjicon
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedjicon
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/heyday_moments/
https://www.instagram.com/optimisticreality/
https://www.instagram.com/visionsbyk.dinh/
