Meet Noah Hernando | DJ, Producer, & Event Coordinator

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

Hi Noah, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose to pursue a career in the arts (yes, DJing is an art) because I wanted to share the way music made me felt – how it allowed me to “escape” during low points in life. DJing is one of the best ways to showcase your favorite selections to an audience, so originally in high school, I wanted to share the new wave of electronic music with peers that were looking for a new sound/new flame.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would say the biggest characteristic that sets me apart from others would be my originality. Whether it be from my DJ sets, my productions, or my own events such as the #RNBBASEMENTPARTY, you know that it is my own perspective in each category.

It is usually never easy to come up as an artist, let alone a DJ. Personally, I overcame these challenges by networking with other like-minded individuals – which led to becoming friends with multiple different artists across the metroplex, Texas, and eventually the United States and other foreign countries. Sometimes you’ll meet 100 people just to find the 1 that rocks with you and helps you on your journey.

I understand artists may have social anxiety, as do I. I encourage all up-and-coming artists to introduce themselves to at least 1 other person when they are out in the nightlife. No one will do it for you. You must be the one to step up and make that first impression. Some artists may say, ‘Nah I don’t need to do that; I’m popping enough.’ It honestly doesn’t matter if you are popping already – knowing someone that may have 5x the size of your network will help you in the long run. We are all friends in this industry, so introduce yourself and STAY HUMBLE.

Do not be afraid to be yourself. A lot of the time artists feel as they need to conform to certain criteria when in reality, the best art comes straight from the heart of the artist. Sure, you can conform to the criteria. No one will judge you. But as an artist, you have a voice of the unheard, so what are you exactly trying to say with your art? Art is limitless with infinite perspectives.

Stay confident in your art. Stay true to your perspective. Never forget the path that you have taken to get where you are now. In the words from the late Nipsey Hussle, “You’re closer to where you tryna get than where you started from; Keep at it, that’s it.” It’s better to keep going than to turn around.

I first started out as a house DJ in high school where no one listened to electronic music. When I got to UNT, I was able to find other DJs that were interested in electronic music, however, most of the parties out there were traditional house parties with hip-hop so I decided to become more hip-hop heavy. This led to me wanting to learn how to scratch and DJ on turntables, which then led to being in a DJ battle, which then led me to my first residency. That residency allowed me to meet other DJs and create a community, which led to being invited to travel with DJ groups, which then led to doing mixshows on Sirius XM. Sometimes you may not know where your path will take you, and that’s the best part of the journey.

One major thing I’d like the world to know about myself as DJ Spadus and my #RNBBASEMENTPARTY, is that I stroll this Earth with Awareness, Love, and Consciousness. Meaning everything I do is for the greater purpose. As a DJ, I love being a part of the turntablist community, which in turn keeps the awareness and art of DJing alive. My #RNBBASEMENTPARTY is a realm for those who do not wish to partake in the traditional nightlife, but rather enjoy stepping into a safe space to find new friends, discover new artists, and sing your heart out to some of your favorite R&B. It allows others to heal, and maybe start a new perspective of what they truly want out of life.
How does this tie back into Consciousness you may wonder. Being conscious just means you are actively making your own decisions that a) help you grow as a human being and b) help others along your journey.
An example would be like this: Say you’re at the coffee shop and an elder drops their bag/purse, do you a) do nothing, as they are capable of doing it themselves or b) step in and help as it may be slightly difficult for them. If you choose a) that is fine, but it is your choice. If you choose b) you then make the elder feel compassion, and set an example (awareness) for others that noticed you helping the elder. This then has a ripple effect on everyone’s day, just because you were actively making a choice.

Awareness, Love, and Consciousness are the mantras built into my brand. I will admit, it does get hard sometimes. However, that’s where meditation helps significantly. I hope this inspires anyone who may be needing a new perspective at this time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I will always recommend going to Wabi House off Greenville Ave. It was the first place I had ramen when I was 17 and working in a sushi bar in Flower Mound. I love their Chicken Kaarage and Black Sesame Creme Brulee! But for sushi? Uchi – I had a great experience at this restaurant. Very high-quality fish and fresh perspectives on traditional dishes.
Oh, you wanna *Brunch*? I recommend Stirr in Deep Ellum for Sunday Funday if you want a good selection of dishes alongside some turn up with those mimosas. But make sure to get a reservation! This place packs out.
I love going to the Perot Museum! I highly recommend that museum for all ages as it is very interactive.
Sweet Tooth Hotel is always fun for photoshoots! Or you can go to the Dallas Arboretum for some beautiful flower arrangements.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man… there’s a lot! I’ll have to start off with my family – they have always been supportive in my craft and are my number 1 fans.
Secondly, two of the DJs I consider my mentors – DJSC & DJ Dupree. They have taught me so much game over the years that influenced my life, perspectives, and goals. Alongside them, DJ Boogie, DJ Rizza, DJ Ekow, and Danny West have all helped me progress as a DJ in Dallas,
When it comes to skill-wise, I wouldn’t have ever touched turntables if I hadn’t gone to DJ Does It All’s #TurntableRemix DJ workshops back when I was in college. I learned how to scratch and beat juggle in his mom’s house in Oak Cliff, and now he is hosting major networking events for the DJ community.
I want to shout out my true day 1 homies in the DJ scene as well; Shelter, DJ Brax, JunkFood, DJ Kmor, Darish Mash (MashBit), and Reckless Ryan.
Massive thanks to my photographer for nearly three years, Eddie Reynoso, 2×2 Media.
I’d also like to give credit to all the service industry employees that I have ever worked with as they are an extremely vital part of the nightlife industry.

Instagram: instagram.com/djspadus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-hernando-630b88144/

Twitter: twitter.com/djspadus

Facebook: facebook.com/djspadus

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQ9ma17qxeVtwv6Zp_vXuQ

Other: twitch.tv/djspadus

Image Credits
Edward Reynoso (1, 2, 7) (2×2 Media) Dupree Images (8) StayBryght (3) Z-Johnson (4)