Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Helios.
Hi DJ Helios, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m an open-format DJ, audio engineer and music curator based in Austin, TX and my pronouns are she/her.
I attribute my musical beginnings to my father – who would buy CD’s at every opportunity and who played everything from Kenny Rogers, Mana and Los Angeles Azules during our road trips to Mexico. My parents bought my sister and I a keyboard one year, though I ultimately overtook it and taught myself how to play. I went on to learn multiple instruments – guitar, violin and voice; and decided during my junior year of high school that I wanted to pursue a degree in audio engineering.
I studied at Texas State University in San Marcos and received a B.S. in Sound Recording Technology. During this time, I worked on various professional projects as an Assistant Audio Engineer with artists such as Blue October, Dave Messier and the Supersuckers.
During college, I started listening to a ton of electronic artists and DJ’s and became really fascinated with music production and the history of EDM, and filmed a documentary for my undergrad thesis that I titled P.L.U.R.: An Inside Perspective Into The American Rave Culture. From here, I went on to interview show producers, DJ’s, ravers and the like and met Adrian, DJ Wizard, my mentor. When listening to him spin live, I knew I had to convince him to teach me. I was drawn to how DJing encompassed everything I loved and had learned up until that point. Wizard agreed to show me the ropes and let me borrow some turntables to practice on, and the rest is history.
I’ve been able to DJ all over Austin and the surrounding areas – on 6th street, the Warehouse District, The Domain, for local markets and for private/corporate events. During the pandemic, I was able to livestream weekly and honestly fell in love with DJing all over again. I’m inspired daily by the universality of music and how people can celebrate community, culture and life on the dance floor.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It seems I’ve always chosen roads less traveled… by women, but particularly by WOC. From interning at recording studios to working with production and A/V houses to DJing, these fields were severely lacking in diverse representation. When I first started my DJing back in 2015, I never gave that much thought until I would see the surprised looks on people’s faces or hear misogynistic comments when I would show up to a gig.
I’ve been extremely lucky though, to have had mentors and bosses who have pushed for more equal representation, not only in the Austin entertainment industry but all over the country. I love the fact now that more female, queer and BIPOC DJ’s are getting opportunities and opening doors. The evolution has been amazing to witness.
I think another incredible thing to note hast been the growth of our Latino community. I remember moments when DJing downtown when I was asked not to play Latin music because owners didn’t want to “attract” a certain demographic. Look at us now. I get hired for more events now based on the fact that I’m a bilingual MC and have a deep understanding of the culture and of the music.
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?
Integrating my passion for music and artistry with my technical background in audio engineering, I launched my DJ career in 2015. I am a creator of moods and vibes by fusing beats together and I pull inspiration from my Mexican roots through cumbias and reggaeton as well as my love of hip hop, house and funky edits. I coined the term “Hype You Up” to describe my mixes and DJ style, bringing high-energy tracks and seamless transitions between genres, decades and artists.
My favorite quote by Bill Brewster encompasses my passion for spinning records. He says, “A truly great DJ, just for a moment, can make a whole room fall in love. DJing isn’t about choosing a few tunes. It’s about generating shared moods; it’s about understanding the feelings of a group of people and directing them to a better place.” Witnessing the smiles from the audience and feeding off of that positive energy is a truly incredible feeling.
Being truly bilingual has been a skill set that has set me apart and given me many opportunities. I’m proud of the path that I’m paving not only for myself but for the Latinitas and for the other young women coming up behind me. I’m determined to show them that if I can do it, they can too.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
This is such a great question. I used to define success by achievements and was extremely competitive with others in the industry. My parameters for success have evolved over time and now are only in comparison to self. Have I improved from the year before? Have I learned new skills? Have I achieved the milestones I set for myself? Is what I’m doing creatively making me feel happy and fulfilled?
When I’m able to answer yes to those questions, I define that as being successful.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been incredibly blessed with having a supportive community of family and friends behind me every step of the way in my DJ career. My husband, Emmanuelle, is my biggest advocate – being everything from photographer, roadie and promoter. Donnine Canamar, who shoots so much of my professional content and curates my brand and marketing. Lastly and most importantly I would like to thank my parents, who through their hard work and sacrifice gave me the opportunity to achieve all of this.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@thedjhelios.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/djhelios
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedjhelios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedjhelios
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedjhelios
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thedjhelios
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedjhelios
Image Credits:
Donnine Canamar Amber Vickery Photography She Works Austin
