Meet Jose Portales | Music Producer/DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Portales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
You know… it never really was something that I had ever intended on doing. I began my career with music because I just enjoy everything about the electronic dance music scene. I began as a fan, “raver” by going to afterhours raves, warehouse parties, music festivals, club shows and then eventually made a lot of friends and acquaintenances through it. From there I then became a club promoter, selling tickets to festivals, club events, etc. I got so caught up with staying busy and challenging myself every day with new projects and while I was in college, I decided to give djing a shot. I did that and music production for several months but had to stop because of how expensive it was and it was incredibly difficult to balance with my undergraduate studies… so then I stopped and continued on as a typical raver/promoter. A few years after obtaining my masters, I decided to pick it back up and that’s where I began to really take control of my craft with djing and that’s when the shows came about from the relationships I built through the years as a typical raver. I met a group and we held events at a small taco shop right as covid hit but as it hit, we had luckily landed a weekly event at a music venue in the west 7th area and I got to host my own stage with its own genre! Things just took off from there. Overall, I liked to challenge myself every single day and I enjoyed showing my creative side to others, even though I was so shy about it. I loved the way my art makes people feel. Theres always a sort of energy that everyone gives off in reaction to ones artwork/music and playing in front of a crowd or seeing/hearing someones reactions to a song of yours or seeing a dj set, it’s an amazing feeling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a music producer specializing in melodic and/or progressive techno, trance, or house, my craft is a fusion of technical skill and creative expression. What sets me apart in these genres is my dedication to crafting intricate melodies and progressions that evoke emotion and tell stories through music.

My journey to where I am today has been a mix of passion, persistence, and learning from both successes and setbacks. It hasn’t always been easy, but overcoming challenges, whether technical, creative, or personal, has been essential for my growth as an artist.

Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons about the importance of experimentation, staying true to my artistic vision, and continually honing my craft. Collaboration with other artists, seeking feedback from mentors or peers, and staying open to new ideas have all played a crucial role in my development as a music producer.

What I want the world to know about me and my music is that it’s a reflection of my passion, creativity, and dedication to my craft. My brand and story are unique, and my music has the power to connect with listeners on a deep and meaningful level. Whether they’re dancing in a club or listening at home, my goal is to create an immersive experience that resonates with people and leaves a lasting impression. I want listeners to feel exactly what I am feeling with the story that I am telling with my music. I want to know that in some way, someone out there was able to listen to one of my tracks and that they felt some form of emotion.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Definitely a taco spot. My favorite spot in all of DFW is Guajardo’s off of 28th street in Northside Fort Worth. 10/10 would recommend!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible group of individuals who have been instrumental in helping me discover and nurture my creative talents. Foremost among them are Pulsation Nation and NRG Music Events, two entities that have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey.

At the helm of Pulsation Nation stands Lex Magallon, also known as Lextra, whose visionary leadership as the Founder/CEO/Head DJ provided me with invaluable guidance and support, particularly during the challenging times surrounding the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Together with Brandon Velasco, affectionately known as Grumpz, we embarked on a transformative journey, propelling our music careers to new heights. As managers of an esteemed music venue, and with our own dedicated stages for weekly events, we collaborated to curate unforgettable experiences for our audiences, showcasing diverse talents within the realm of dance music. Lex’s unwavering mentorship, coupled with his remarkable character, work ethic, and magnetic charisma, has been a constant source of inspiration for me. His belief in my potential has been unwavering, witnessing firsthand the evolution of my career from its nascent stages to where it stands today.

Additionally, I am indebted to Raul Sarmiento, the CEO of NRG Music Events, whose faith in my abilities reignited my passion for music production. Raul’s encouragement and influence have been instrumental in empowering me to reignite my music career and explore new horizons within the realm of music production.

Without the steadfast support and belief of these remarkable individuals, I would not have achieved the level of success and fulfillment that I enjoy today. Their impact on my journey as a DJ/producer is immeasurable, and I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering support and guidance.

Website: https://linktree.com/hzyshows

Instagram: @hzy_musick

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/hzyofficialpage/?locale=cy_GB

Other: hzy-2.creator-spring.com
https://www.nrgmusicevents.com/artist

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hzy/1741694265

Image Credits
A Barefoot Photographer (Jose Camacho) @abarefootphotographer
Voltage Afterhours (Next Level Events) @nextlvlevents
Stereo Live Dallas
AQ Media (Alejandro Quintanilla) @_aqmedia_
Galaxy Station Music Festival @galaxystationevent
Pulsation Nation Promotions
@pulsationnationdjs
NRG Music Events
@nrgmusicevents
Strictly Underground Clothing
@strictlyunderg
Flavor Core Records LLC
@flavor_core
Ridglea Room Ft Worth
@ridglearoom