GT: Tell us a bit about your background and what projects you've been working on?
RM: I am a Latin DJ, MC & local promoter born in Honduras & raised here in Washington. Locally I am the resident DJ & Creative Director for Boxhouse Nightclub Latin Saturdays among hosting other nights in Seattle. Nationally I play in Miami, Chicago, San Diego, Tijuana, San Francisco, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, LA & more. My boy @DJXChicago & I recently released a song on Spotify called "401QUE" & it gained some great traction in the nightclubs, landing on Pitbull's Globalization playlist on Sirius XM Ch.13. We will soon release another single called "No Te Controlan" which is another club banger.
GT: What's your secret to multi-tasking and balancing multiple projects and deadlines at once?
RM: I do this full-time, so luckily I don't have many distractions. From the moment I wake up to when I hit the bed, I am focused on building my brand, throwing great parties & making bad ass music. I guess you can say i'm just dedicated to the grind & if I want to succeed things have to get done. When you work for yourself, you are the only one who can let yourself down - so I just keep pushing on.
GT: Who have been some mentors or influential people you've looked up to in your career?
RM: First I'd like to mention Brian Boyd who was the first one to put my hand on a turntable back in 2000. We actually still work together to this day, he hires me & vice versa. Daddy Yankee & Pitbull have both had a great influence on my energy, MC style & party rocking abilities. Yankee is the GOAT and Pit knows how to get it poppin' every time.
GT: What is it about Seattle that made you want to settle here and build your foundation here?
RM: I have been playing Reggaeton & throwing urban Latin events for 19 years here & that has put me at the forefront of that movement in Seattle. We have made great progress but we still have a ways to go. The Urban Latin market in Seattle is still very young & has lots of potential to grow to the levels of Miami, LA & New York markets. I mean, we don't even have a Radio Station that plays Reggaeton. One day we will though, we just have to keep doing what we are doing and grinding.
GT: What did you want to be as a kid growing up?
RM: I always wanted to work on TV, Radio or be a part of a Band. Definitely something that had to do with Music. While I was learning English at around 6 years old, I memorized Tupac songs and swore I'd be a rapper one day lol.
GT: What do you do to motivate yourself and keep yourself focused?
RM: I love what I do, so it doesn't feel like work and I don't need much motivating. Some people tell me I need to take some time off and chill out. My gears are always turning and I get excited about the next out of town show or the next event here in Seattle. I've been doing it for so long that it's automatic. Now with the singles we are dropping, I'm super hype!
GT: What is some advice for young people who want to get into events and building a brand in the Seattle market?
RM: Don't do it for the clout or the attention. Do it because you are passionate about it & have the talent to do it. Don't step on people just to get to the top and don't fake the funk. Be genuine and if you love what you do, your talent will show. Don't give up on it either, it doesn't happen overnight & you won't start making the big bucks right away.