Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to DJ Helios. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
DJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I definitely feel like the most authentic version of myself when I’m creating – making mixes, djing in real life and creating content. I can say without a doubt that I’m happier when I’m playing music and creating memories than if I were to have a regular 9-5.
I think the only times I consider that it would be nice to have a regular job is when sometimes I need a mental separation from what I would consider “working” and with resting or having a social life. With an hourly job you have the luxury of clocking in/out and once you’ve left your place of work you can disconnect, but with being a creative it’s almost like you’re working 24/7. You’re always “on” – thinking of ideas for mixes, listening to music actively, or trying to promote yourself online.
Something that I’m learning (and still working on) is to give myself structure and boundaries so that I know when I should be “working” and when I should be “resting”. Of course if I get inspired by something I’ll head to my studio and make a mix or film some content, but mainly giving myself permission to relax and enjoy life outside of djing has been really helpful with this problem of feeling constantly on.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I get asked pretty frequently, “Why Helios?” or “What does Helios mean?” My DJ moniker was inspired by Helios, the Greek Sun God, a figure that I felt described my personality and high-energy style of djing. I’m a female Latina DJ and music curator who loves to play everything from reggaeton, cumbias, house, hip hop and anything else with a funky beat. Being a musician my entire life and then an audio engineer, becoming a DJ seemed like a pretty natural segue and something I always wanted to learn as a teen. I was fortunate to find mentors along the way who taught me the ins and outs of blending songs and genres together. I officially launched my DJ career back in 2016 and was able to go full time at the end of 2019.
I’ve been able to DJ everywhere from rooftop bars and markets in Austin to nightclubs in Mexico City. I love the party atmosphere music can create and how it unifies people from every walk of life. Music is powerful and creates memories for all of us. During every show, club gig or even corporate event I consider myself the bridge that ties it all together and that is such an incredible experience. I’m honestly really proud of my growth and of the path I’m paving for younger female DJ’s. I try to demonstrate that with a big dream and hard work anything you want can be possible; something I learned from my parents who immigrated to this country.
I truly enjoy working with Latinx brands and organizations, movements inspired on empowering women, WOC or BIPOC and entities who’s mission is to give a platform to communities who are typically unheard and under represented.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The first step that I would say people can take to support artists and creatives are things that are entirely free – liking, commenting and sharing our online content is extremely helpful in a world that’s so driven by social media nowadays. Secondly would be more involved support – buying an artist’s paintings, purchasing from a local business creative and for me it would be attending a show or event I’m spinning at. To build a thriving creative ecosystem sometimes it’s as easy as showing up; to demonstrate support for those makers and creators. If you’re able to spend some money and support us in that way too that makes all of the difference in the world!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Imposter syndrome has always played a huge part in my path as a DJ and music creative but I’m glad to share that it’s less of an obstacle now than before. I speak a lot about being first generation, because I think it’s important to shine a light on some of the struggles that we deal with as children of immigrants. I’ll always feel extremely indebted to my parents for all of the risks and sacrifices they took to give me a better life; but something I think first gen children struggle with is this idea of “gratitude”. That we should always be grateful for all of the opportunities that come our way and not that we deserve them. Having to unlearn that sort of definition of gratitude is hard, and instead believing that doors are opening for you because you’ve earned that with your work and with the skills you’ve learned.
But having a strong support system and sense of community has been so important to me unlearning those ideals. Seeing my friends, family and especially my parents rooting for me every step of the way has given me the sense of confidence to know that I deserve everything coming my way. And finally doing the self work – of going to therapy and integrating positive self-talk makes you feel less of an imposter and more like the bad ass that you are!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedjhelios.com/
- Instagram: @thedjhelios
- Facebook: @thedjhelios
- Twitter: @thedjhelios
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRMpuwz60JTO6o32U8dq5aQ
- Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/djhelios (includes link to mixes, merch & upcoming events)
Image Credits
Ashlee Crianza Photography ELE Mexico Donnine Canamar Scam Likely Garcia Art Jay Ybarra