Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Hernandez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Truth be told, I started DJing back in 2017, knowing nothing or no one connected to the music industry. What started off as just a part-time hobby, quickly turned into a full-time opportunity that has since, has opened up many doors for me. Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to open shows for artists, big and small, travel & DJ in different cities, work closely with clothing lines like Legend Apparel, and even recently started a curated a Latin/Hip Hop/Edm party called “Roma” with my friend Toan. About a year ago, I had a chance encounter and started working w/ Grammy Award Winning Producer- Drumma Boy, who opened up my eyes as to what music can really take you to.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I relocated to Atlanta, GA from San Antonio, TX in 2016 after making a career move in which I sold my direct sales company, that I started when I was 20 years old. Here, I was hired as the Chief Marketing Officer for a company in which I oversaw the entire day to day marketing efforts. Being new to the city, understanding my way around Atlanta was definitely an adventure. What was definitely new to me, was the idea of going out on the weekend. When I ran and operated my business in Texas, I was totally against the idea of going out on the weekend, or even take vacations, because I felt it really derailed my focus and efforts. I used to think “GOING OUT” was only when you had a reason to celebrate something important. You can say I was really uptight. I can honestly say I probably went out on the weekend 3 or 4 times between the age of 20-25 years old. But in my office, in the car, or at home, I was always listening to music, so there was always a party going on in my head. Anyways, when I made that career move, I suddenly found myself with A LOT less responsibility, and A LOT more time on my hands, so I gave this “GOING OUT” thing, a shot. I think the first weekend I went out in Atlanta, I ended up somewhere in Buckhead, and I was home by 11:30 p.m dead tired. My body definitely didn’t like this “GOING OUT” thing, but if I was going to meet ppl, I knew I had to put myself out there.
Next weekend, I made it till midnight, the next weekend at 12:30 a.m, and slowly, I built up my endurance. One weekend, I decided to go to this salsa club in the Virginia Highlands called Loca Luna, there I met a guy by the name of DJ Blast. I remembered seeing him spin at another spot a few weeks back, so I introduced myself, and to my surprise, he was actually a pretty cool guy. We talked for a few mins before his set, and he asked him who I was with, I told him I was by myself since I really didn’t know anyone in Atlanta, so he invited me to hang out with him and his friends behind the DJ booth. That night, I remember taking at least 50 videos and snaps because I thought behind the booth with the DJ was the coolest thing ever. The weeks went on, I kept hanging out with him at different spots he would spin at, I even helped him carry his equipment at times, needless to say, we ended up becoming good friends. I was always so fascinated how DJ’s had the power to control a crowd, so I picked up an inexpensive DJ controller, got a Macbook, and started learning the basic DJing principles in my living room. This was months before I even considered the possibility of DJing in front of people, let alone a huge crowd in a club. One of the biggest struggles, in my opinion, was just finding a resource that could help me from the beginning stages of DJing. I really didn’t know what equipment was optimal for what I wanted to do, what music software to use, where to get my music from, etc. It all felt a little overwhelming, but that’s when a guy by the name of DJ Lunee took me under his wing and literally taught me EVERYTHING he knew. I’ll be honest, if it wasn’t for his support and guidance, I don’t think I’d be this involved in music today.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with DJ Real – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m an open format DJ, but I throw in a little Latin flair to my mixes. As of a few weeks ago, I started producing my own original music. I figured, that by being the “DJ”, I have the ability to push play on whichever song I want to play, WHY NOT PLAY MY OWN STUFF!!! So that I do now!!! I make my own edits, remixes, and just now, started releasing my own tracks. I just recently finished a song called “Dance With Me”, that will be released in the next week or so. So, look out for that. To be honest, what I’m most proud of now, is being in a position to help artists and the next generation of “up and coming” musicians, get exposure. For almost two years now, I’ve held a weekly residency at Havana Club, as well as other well-known clubs in Atlanta, and this has allowed me to build a platform for my following. When an artist comes to me and asks for my opinion on a new song they released, I just simply play it in front of a crowd, and let them decide whether the music is good or not. This is how I’ve come across artists like Nino Augustine and Ray G, who are local talent, breaking out in the scene, dropping music left and right. Another thing I started doing, is teaming up on certain nights with DJ’s who are also making moves in ATL and building a name for themselves, just like I am. In essence, they are my competition but I learn so much from watching another person who is just as hungry and passionate when it comes to music, as I am. This is how I’ve come across guys like Rob Session, DJ IOP, Babey Drew, DJ Cano, Black Amigo, London Thomas, and countless ATL DJ’s who have all taught me things that really sped up my cycle of development.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Since calling ATL my home as of three years ago, I came to see how Atlanta is leaving an imprint in music, fashion, and anything artistic that spreads throughout the country. A lot of trends, sounds, and ideas that eventually become popular throughout the country and the world, start in Atlanta. It’s as if Atlanta gives you the “approval”, then you are ready to start tackling other markets. In terms of music, there is A LOT going on here. It seems like every corner you turn, you see someone that has already made it in music, or is on their come-up. THERE IS A LOT OF COMPETITION HERE!!! It’s just as crowded as the bumper to bumper traffic at 4 p.m. on I-85!!!! If you have a weak mindset, competition can overwhelm you. If you have a clear, definite goal in mind, competition is something will force you to get better. My father used to tell me: “Pitbulls hang around pitbulls… and poodles hang around other poodles…” WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO BE LIKE??? Long story short, in ATL, you need to have that PITBULL mentality in order to WIN in the music industry. As far as my plans for the future, by the end of the year, I’m going to release at least 9 more original tracks, making a total of 10 released this year. Continue making myself known in the ATL nightlife scene, and start branching out to other music hubs across the country.
Contact Info:
- Email: djrealatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djreal_atl/
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