We recently connected with Sean Alvarez and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sean thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning the craft came from a passion and love for music that started in the 70s. Often I would hear DJs Ron Hardy on WKKC, Farley Jackmaster Funk and the Hot Mix 5 on the radio in the 80s. At the time I was 12-13 years old and wasn’t old enough to attend parties. It wasn’t until I was 14 that I began going to parties. My first few experiences were basement parties and house parties. Shortly after turning 15 I had a chance to experience my first club-like party when I checked out Lil Louis at The Bismarck. Hearing the music that was being played especially on that sound system was very inspiring.

Still inspired I first learned how to mix by DJing on two tape decks using music from mixes I recorded over time. I would set up an additional boom box to record my sets so I could monitor my progress. Once I realized I was getting better my crew and I would put our money together and get 2 turntables a mixer and some speakers. We started DJing at parties of some of our friends throughout the remainder of high school. I continued to hone my craft when I went away to college at Clark Atlanta University. There I learned how to play a variety of music. Hip Hop, R&B, Old School Classics, and Reggae along with my already extensive knowledge of House Music. Learning how to read a crowd and rock a party was something that was necessary because you were playing for a crowd made up of people from a variety of places like Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Miami, DC, Philly, Detroit, and Cali, etc.

These days I still attend DJ sets as a fan and although I’m not inspired as often as I was back in the day I appreciate a good DJ set and try to remain open minded to continue to observe and learn.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into the industry because I am originally a music fan and became intrigued by learning how to mix and DJ. After college I took a brief hiatus from DJing mainly because I wasn’t a fan of the music that was being produced, but eventually fell back in love with music; mainly the burgeoning Neo Soul scene in Atlanta and the Atlanta House Music scene. In the early 2000s I moved back to Chicago and began DJing again. After spinning a few guest spots I eventually maintained a weekly residency for a little bit over a year while becoming more visible and heard on the Chicago music scene. Having a residency gave me a crash course in promoting. Having to promote my events to make sure people attended is one of the ways I met some very important people and lifelong friends simply because we bonded through music.

What sets me apart from a lot of other DJs is my taste in music, my range, being open minded and bold enough to play music that is flying under the radar and even brand new. I also pride myself in being versatile and able to play a variety of genres, make the music relatable while not compromising my integrity and playing music I believe is dope whether it be underground or mainstream. Also, understanding how to play for a crowd with a variety of musical tastes. My goal is to entertain, educate, and spread love through music and positive vibrations.

What I am most proud of is being able to play music I love while responsibly using my platform to provide good energy, great times, memorable experiences, and earning the respect of those I respect and admire.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist/creative is having an outlet to express another side of who I am and what I’m really passionate about. Also rewarding is learning how to be creative in a variety of related areas such as marketing, graphic design, music production, and dance.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Spreading Love through music not only because I believe music can affect a person’s vibration which can in turn help create positive vibrations throughout society. Part of my mission as a result of this is to balance the equation and offset the amount of low vibration and toxic music that is being consumed by the masses.

Contact Info:

• Website: DjSeanAlvarez.com
• Instagram: @DjSeanAlvarez
• Facebook: facebook.com/sean.alvarez1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-sean-alvarez-a4838b308/
• Twitter: @SeanAlvarez
• Youtube: WeSoulLove
• Other: www.WeLoveSoul.net Soundcloud.com/SeanAlvarez