Know Your DJ - Javier Fernandez

Interview

1. How did you get started in DJing? What’s your journey been like so far?

I got started really young. Growing up in Playa del Carmen, electronic music was always around me. It was the original home of BPM Festival and just minutes away from Tulum, where underground parties happen year after year. Being surrounded by that scene gave me a deep passion for discovering new music and understanding how music makes people feel on the dancefloor.

Everything really started during COVID. With all the free time, I bought my first mixer and dedicated myself fully to learning how to mix. I spent hours practicing every day, digging for tracks, and developing my sound.

Now, four years into this journey, it’s been an incredible ride. Every booking is a new story, and music has connected me with so many people along the way. That connection — seeing how music brings people together — is what keeps me motivated and excited for what’s next.

2. What genres do you usually play, and which ones are your personal favorites?

I mainly play house music and its subgenres — that’s where I feel most at home. I connect especially with high-energy rhythms and minimal sounds, and I like adapting the vibe depending on the night and the crowd. House gives me the freedom to build grooves, create tension, and keep the dancefloor moving.

From time to time, I also push into hard house, which I see as house music fused with some trance elements — more drive, more intensity, and a lot of energy. It’s all about reading the room and taking people on a journey.

3. What does DJing mean to you? How would you describe the role and its responsibilities? Like so many others, this is my life's work. I don't DJ to be praised or treated like I'm special; I DJ to lift spirits, to create a space for people to release their stress and anxiety, move their bodies with the rhythm, and recharge their souls on the dance floor. It's not about me, but I am grateful to be able to do it!

With every step toward my goals of being a full-time touring artist, I try to lift others around me who are putting in the work and focused on their dreams. I am a community builder at my core, and I know that when everyone feels good and is supported, we all reap the rewards together.

4. Who are some of your favorite producers right now, and why do they inspire you?

Right now, Marco Lys is a big inspiration for me. I love the way he builds tracks that carry a lot of feeling and energy while still being very dancefloor-focused. His sound also connects with my Latin roots, which makes it resonate even more with me.

Another producer I really admire is Miguel de Bois, a Mexican artist who’s coming up fast. I’m drawn to the energy in his productions and the way he blends modern club sounds with strong retro influences. Both of them inspire me to keep pushing emotion and groove in my own music while staying connected to where I come from.

5. If you could only play one track for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

The Story Continues by Marco Lys. I just love the energy crafted in that track, and a saxophone track never misses.

6. What’s the most bizarre situation you’ve encountered while DJing, and how did you handle it?

So far, so good. I find people in the Maritimes, and in the electronic scene in general, are respectful to our craft.

7. Can you share some of your favorite memories from past gigs?

There’s no better feeling than when people come to you after your set and tell you how you just made their night or played a track that reminded them of a happy moment in their lives.

8. Have you ever had a set go completely wrong? How did you manage to bounce back?

I once showed up with only one USB, and everything was going smoothly until someone accidentally moved it. That triggered an emergency loop, and after that, my USB kept going into emergency mode every 20–30 minutes. The decks were saying the USB was corrupted, and honestly, it was super frustrating in the moment.

But I just tried to stay calm, go with the flow, and keep the energy alive as best as I could. Sometimes that’s all you can do — adapt and not let the crowd feel your stress.

If you actually want to see me suffer through it 😂, the full set is up on my YouTube channel. The funny part is that the video itself turned out sick because it was filmed in a tiki bar, so the vibe was still unreal despite all the chaos.

9. How do you stay connected with your audience and fans outside of your sets?

For me, it all comes down to community. I really love building something real with the people around me. I always try to help anyone who reaches out and treat everyone with respect, whether they’re artists, promoters, or fans.

I don’t see fans as “fans,” I see them as friends. All those incredible nights we share only happen because of them, so I stay genuinely grateful for everyone who’s part of this journey. Being present, approachable, and thankful is how I stay connected, on and off the dancefloor.

10. When you’re not behind the decks, what kind of music do you usually listen to? Any guilty pleasures?

I honestly listen to everything, but most of the time I’m still digging for music 24/7. I usually have SoundCloud or Spotify on the radio section, just letting it play so I can discover new tracks and stay inspired.

When I’m not digging, I like to disconnect from music for a bit. That’s when I switch to self-development podcasts — it helps me reset, get new perspectives, and give my ears and mind a break. That balance keeps me motivated and creative in the long run.

11. What’s your current DJ setup? Any favorite tools or gear you swear by?

Right now, I have 2 CDJ-2000NXS and a DJM-2000NXS. Honestly, I absolutely love that setup, especially the mixer.

The DJM-2000NXS is my favorite piece. I love how intuitive it is to select FXs and filters, and the screen in the middle is a game-changer for me. I use it almost like a mini RMX, throwing in snare rolls and different effects to add movement and energy to the set. It just gives me more freedom to get creative in the moment. I swear by that mixer, man, haha.

12. How do you go about discovering new tracks and shaping your sound?

For me, it’s all about constant digging. I’m always going through SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify, and I also spend a lot of time listening to live sets to catch new tracks and ideas in their natural environment.

When it comes to shaping my sound, I focus on the music I connect with the most. Once I buy a track, I don’t just leave it in my library — I play it properly on my speakers, the way it’s meant to be heard. Hearing how it really sounds helps me understand where it fits, how it moves a room, and how I can incorporate that sound into my sets. That process slowly shapes my identity as an artist.

13. If you could host your dream party anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what would the vibe be like?

Definitely Tulum. I’ve always dreamed of going back home and throwing a big event there. The vibe would be all about bringing people together: my childhood friends, plus everyone from around the world who’s ever connected in that magical part of Mexico.

It would be sun-soaked, tropical, and full of energy, celebrating music, friends, and that unique Tulum spirit. A night where everyone feels like they’re part of one big family.

14. What’s something unexpected or surprising about you that fans wouldn’t guess? Something fans might not guess about me is that I’m a big MMA fan and practitioner. I actually see my DJ career in a similar way to how a mixed martial artist trains — you have to be good in every area, stay disciplined, and work hard if you want to be at the top.

I’ve been training in MMA for 5 years, and what I love most is how it teaches you to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations — something that really translates to performing live and handling whatever comes my way behind the decks.

15. Are you a cat or dog person?

Dogs for sure. Cats are okay, but I feel most of them just ignore you until they’re hungry.

16. Favorite cuisine?

I eat everything, but my top picks would be Mexican, Thai, Greek, and Italian.

17. Favorite drink?

Michelada (Mexican drink) same thing as a Cesar, but instead of vodka, it’s with beer, or for late-night drinks, a Negroni or gin and tonic.

18. Favorite place/travel location?

Nothing beats being in Playa del Carmen at home with my family and friends — that’s my happy place.

But if I had to pick somewhere else, I’d go with Amsterdam or Dubai. I love meeting interesting people and blending with different cultures. Plus, there’s so much to do — from partying to exploring museums, enjoying the views, and soaking in the vibes of a completely different place.

19. What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey as a DJ in today’s music industry?

My advice: find your community — and if you don’t find it, create it. Always stay professional, both in and out of the booth, because that reputation will take you far.

Work hard. There’s so much noise in this industry, and it’s easy to get distracted. Never compare yourself to anyone else; everyone has their own path. This is a marathon, not a race, so discipline is key. Motivation comes and goes, but if you stay disciplined toward your goals, you can achieve big things.

One last thing: no matter how big you get, stay grounded and always treat everyone with respect.

20. What’s something exciting or new that’s happening in your life that you can share with your audience?

There’s so much exciting stuff coming up! I’ve got more music releases lined up — both from me and from new artists on my label — plus more bookings in different cities, and maybe even a few international shows by this summer.

If you want to follow my journey and stay updated on all the announcements, give me a follow on Instagram @Javierfedez06. Can’t wait to connect with you guys!