We were lucky to catch up with Comp 1 recently and have shared our conversation below.
Comp, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
There are many project that I would think as meaningful for me. Going back to my first event in 1999 Project 1 @ The WAXX Museum. Reprogram / Still Digging days, I learned a lot from Eric Castillo aka Dj Cee Plus and Adrian aka Mr Bristle. Learning at 20years old about promotion, turntables, scratching, records, graphics, organization, sound, show agenda, rocking crowds, closing out and breaking down.
In 05′ I ventured into the night life with my man B Boy Craig aka BBC. We went by The Bench, representing Local Houston Hip Hop the best way we new how. Running through a couple clubs such as, Warehouse Live, The Rhythm Room, and others. It started at industry cafe then the rhythm room then walters on washington then warehouse live then ended at the proletariat.
Between this time I was Traveling the World with Havikoro, performing in countries like Azerbaijan, Turkey, India, Vietnam, Germany, Peru, Bolivia,
In 07′ I started All City Underground at The Grab downtown and moved to TOC Bar in 08′ with a Studio in the Basement of a night club in Downtown Houston. The nights where interesting with B Boy Battles, Beat Battles, Beat Box Battles, and Graffiti Battles.
14′ I moved to California, I was able to do a set with Delicious Vinyl at there Delicious Pizza shop on Sunset. I currently run their website, analytics, social ads, and the Broadcast Director for Delicious Vinyl Radio on Dash Radio since 19′.
When I moved back to Texas in 19′, all was good then the pandemic hit and needed something to occupy my time. So I created The WAXX Crew. https://linktr.ee/waxxmuseum
Throughout my life, music, community and vibes has made me feel good. It’s hard to stop, but learning from mistakes will get me through so I don’t have too.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
The Events I mentions in the previous section is how I got in to the industry. I was always around artists, performers, club owners, promoters, dancers. Soaking up as much information that I could. The night life, Djing and promotion was really only a side hustle.
Helping small businesses has alway been a business of mine. Examining the bosses ideas and bringing a graphic to life for a business card, logo, brochure, or billboard. I moved up from graphics to Flash / Video Editing and later learning to building WordPress websites. I have a couple of clients to keep me above water when times get hard. To offer my support for their business over these past years has been a big blessing and very glad that they keep me on board. Check out the style: https://itsrealtea.com/
Along with The WAXX Crew I have been getting back into performing with the BNG crew with Brew, Nosa and Grinch. Been banging out some beats for Brew.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 09′ being in and out of clubs and most of the night not having to pay for alcohol had me flipping my car over on to some stairs in downtown Houston. Drill to the head, 1 month recover in the hospital and 30 days in county for DWI. They offered probation, but spent two weeks and got out. I had tons of support and I love anyone who showed it. I have a memory book with people that showed up. I will always thank you.
When you think you are on top, better check your self before your break your self.
That time was kinda rough, and I still do night clubs but it is way more seldom these days. Keeping it grown folk day / evening hours.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Learning to leave the night life, this was something I did for over 2 decades. Did not really know anything else and I was comfortable. Partying all the time, damn near living under a night club… I had to slow down.
In 2010 I packed up the Underground Downtown and started working for Dr. Spiegel a Laparoscopic surgeon. I would manage his media, website, online and physical store for a couple of years.
In 2014 I moved to California, found some work and got a condo in Anaheim. Big ups to my cousin Hamid Hajazifar, for holding me up for the first couple of months. This is when I met Delicious Vinyl.
Traveling the world, and moving state to state showed me where ever I go, I can make it happen. No excuses, gotta make money, spend it and go make some more. That’s Life, always learning new ways and forgetting the bad ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/djcomp1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscomp1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseluishernandezii/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-hernandez-6033b696/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBx8apitUusm7U0a5Oq0-Q
- Other: https://linktr.ee/waxxmuseum https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7FHX_CeveMqUQuNrh_L8w/featured https://itsrealtea.com/members/