Today we’d like to introduce you to Joslyn Reed.
Hi Joslyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Jos is a Southeast Texas native and Austin-based DJ who brings soul, energy, and intention to every set. She first discovered DJing when a coworker invited her to try a home setup, and soon they were practicing for hours every weekend. Encouraged to get her own starter board, Jos honed her skills and turned a passion into a career.
Over time, what began as a hobby grew into opportunities to DJ corporate events, bars, nightlife venues, and special occasions across Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. She is the founder of Lez in the Capital, a monthly LGBTQ-focused event series in Austin, and also recently curated Leztopia, a bold new weekend experience celebrating queer women and the culture surrounding them.
With a love for Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Trap, Bounce, and Twerk, Jos is known for creating an undeniable vibe and delivering an adrenaline rush—the moment the bass drops and the crowd locks in. More than just music, her sets are about connection, community, and creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been being overlooked — not getting picked even when I knew my worth. When that happened, I decided to basically pick myself moving forward.That was especially tough after being laid off in April 2024. On top of that, I faced discouragement from others, hearing things like, ‘You’re just playing what you want to play,’ ‘your mic presence isn’t enough,’ ‘you’re boring,’ or even, ‘you’re investing a lot of money into this.’ Often, these comments came without guidance or support, so I continued to produce and improve my own events while encouraging others and striving to be a curator who brings something different to the scene.
The best advice I received from a good friend, DJ PNasty, was simple: DJ where you’re wanted. That mindset has stayed with me, reminding me to follow my passion and focus on the music and spaces that I genuinely love. Ultimately, those challenges helped me grow, pushing me to refine my stage presence and strengthen my craft, shaping me into the DJ I am today
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a DJ who specializes in creating experiences that go beyond just playing music. I work across a wide range of events — from corporate gatherings and bars to nightlife and special occasions but what I’m most proud of is curating my own LGBTQ events here in Austin. Those nights aren’t just about music; they’re about building community and creating a space where people can feel seen, celebrated, and free.
What sets me apart is the way I approach DJing: I don’t just focus on what I want to play — I put a lot of energy into reading the room, understanding the crowd, and blending tracks in a way that keeps people engaged from start to finish. I’m also known for my consistency and presence behind the decks — bringing not just the music, but an energy that makes people want to stay on the floor.
I’d say what I’m most proud of is turning something that started as a personal passion into a career that creates joy, connection, and safe spaces for people to come together through music
How do you define success?
I define success by the impact I create bringing people together, making them feel included and celebrated through music, and continually growing as a DJ. It’s seeing the energy and connection I help create and knowing I made a difference in that moment
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @josthadj
- Other: @josthadj
Image Credits
Kade Fresco
