We were lucky to catch up with Jose “hzy” Portales recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jose “hzy”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?

One of the most challenging times in my life was when I let alcohol take control after going through a period of my life where things just weren’t the way they were supposed to be after things took quite a turn. It started as a way to cope, but it quickly spiraled into something that consumed me entirely. I lost nearly everything—divorced, home, job, friends, and even the momentum in my DJ career, which led to a two-year hiatus. It was a wake-up call when I realized how much it was affecting not just my career, but also the people around me and my ability to be the person I wanted or even NEEDED to be.

During that time, I made the decision to step away from performing and focus on rebuilding myself. I channeled my energy into producing music, which became both an outlet and a passion project that kept me grounded. I also worked hard on my full-time career and my personal relationships, finding balance and purpose in those areas of my life.

Now, I’m proud to say that the effort has paid off. I’ve signed music to record labels and had the honor of sharing the stage with some of the most incredible artists in the industry—names like Markus Schulz, Bryan Kearney, Morten, Matt Lange, Arctic Moon, Orjan Nilsen, Will Atkinson, Ilan Bluestone and so many others. That period of struggle taught me the importance of resilience, self-discipline, and remembering why I started this journey in the first place. It’s a part of my story that I carry with me as a reminder to stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.

Jose “hzy”, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Name is Jose also known as “hzy” from Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. I specialize in progressive techno and trance, while intertwining a blend of hypnotic, dark, and melodic twist to my sound that resonates with audiences looking for something both energetic and emotionally captivating.

My journey into the industry began with a passion for music and a love for connecting with people through sound. I started DJing and producing as a way to express myself, but over time, it grew into something much bigger—a craft and career that I truly love. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of supporting or sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in electronic music, such as Jerome Isma-ae, Will Atkinson, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Sunny Lax, and John 00 Fleming, to name just a few more.

Currently, I create and perform music that transports listeners, whether it’s at a festival, club, or intimate venue. My tracks have been signed to record labels, which is a milestone I’m particularly proud of, as it represents the evolution of my sound and my dedication to this craft. Beyond the music itself, I aim to provide an experience—one that allows fans to lose themselves in the music while feeling deeply connected to the moment with me and one another through my music.

What sets me apart is the emotional depth I bring to my music. I’m not just focused on creating tracks that move your body, but also your mind and soul. Each set I play and each track I produce is a reflection of my journey—my highs, my lows, and everything in between. That vulnerability and authenticity, resonate with my fans and help me stand out in an ever-growing industry.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my personal journey. After facing some tough times, including a hiatus from music, I returned more focused than ever. That time away gave me clarity and allowed me to hone my skills in both my music and my full-time career. It’s a testament to the idea that setbacks can be setups for something even greater.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know, it’s that my music and performances are all about connection. Whether you’re on the dancefloor or listening at home, I want you to feel something real. My brand isn’t just about the music; it’s about creating moments and memories that people carry with them long after the beat fades.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe that my reputation was built on a combination of authenticity, consistency, and a relentless focus on delivering quality. From the beginning, I’ve stayed true to my progressive sound. while also not being afraid to take risks and push creative boundaries in both producing and djing, which has helped me stand out in an ever-competitive industry.

Another major factor has been my genuine connection with people—whether it’s fans, industry peers, or collaborators. I make an effort to engage with my audience and build meaningful relationships while still being authentic and true to my sound.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My journey to building an audience on social media has been one of trial, error, and continuous learning. In the beginning, I treated my social media channels as a portfolio—just a way to showcase my music and announce shows. Over time, I realized that building an audience required more than just sharing content; it meant creating meaningful connections and providing value to my followers.

To grow my audience, I focused on being authentic and consistent. I shared not just my music, but also glimpses into my creative process, my personal journey, and my growth as an artist. Behind-the-scenes clips, updates on new releases, and recaps from live shows allowed my followers to feel like they were part of my journey, not just observers.

I also engaged with my audience regularly—replying to comments messages, and showing genuine appreciation for their support. I’ve learned that social media is a two-way street. It’s not just about what you post but how you interact with the people who take the time to engage with your content.

Another key strategy was collaborating with other artists and labels. Partnering with like-minded creatives helped introduce me to their audiences, creating a ripple effect of exposure. Leveraging platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok to share short, captivating clips of my music and performances also made a big difference in reaching new audiences.

For those just starting out, my advice is to start by being consistent and authentic. Don’t try to emulate others too closely—your audience will connect with you for who you are. Share your story, your passion, and what makes you unique. Be patient, because growth takes time. Engage with your followers, post regularly, and experiment with different formats and content styles to see what resonates.

Finally, don’t be afraid to invest in your social media presence, whether that’s through professional visuals, ads, or tools to optimize your content. Treat it like a part of your brand, because in today’s world, social media is often the first impression people have of you and your work.

Thank you, readers, for reading into my story and I’m excited for what this year’s to bring!

If I May, I’d like to announce upcoming releases.

‘4:24’
EP Release on SoundCloud 2/14/25

‘alchemy[made]’
Full Album Release on all platforms Thanksgiving 2025—which is also dedicated to someone very special to me who ignites the flame within me. Couldn’t have done it without you, Ashley.
-Love, hzy

Instagram: @hzy_musick

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Linktree.com/hzyshows
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hzy_musick/profilecard/?igsh=dmdndjZwd2o4MmVy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/5bVCR7Nsk2AAVoSr/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/V5UEjgEafzYp5X9o7

Image Credits

Vox (Htx) – Nhat Nguyen
Barefoot Photographer – Jose Camacho
Flowstate Filmz – AJ Aylin – @flowstatefilmz