We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luis Araya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Luis, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
Self-discipline for me is all about trying to become better every day, whether it’s learning something new or improving on what I already know. It’s that constant drive to keep leveling up, and I feel that it’s always been in me. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant from Chile, I had to mature quickly. Since I understood the American system the most, I ended up taking on a lot of responsibilities early on—helping my parents figure things out or handling stuff they weren’t familiar with. A funny example is when I was 10, I was already translating legal documents for my parents. That experience of stepping up and taking charge definitely shaped my work ethic and taught me the importance of being disciplined and responsible.
That drive to improve is a big part of who I am, but I also understand that not every day is going to be perfect. Some days just don’t go how you plan, and I’ve learned to live with that. I know tomorrow can always be better, so I try to keep that in mind when things aren’t going my way. I don’t let the rough days stop me; they’re just part of the process.
I also know there are times when you need to step back, reset, and recharge. Burnout doesn’t help anyone, so I make sure to take care of myself too. Whether it’s taking a break or just giving myself some time to relax, I know that sometimes I need to slow down to come back stronger. And hey, sometimes that means binge-watching a Netflix show all day, putting my phone on Do Not Disturb, and just disconnecting from the world for a bit. It’s all about finding that balance—staying disciplined, but also knowing when to hit pause and recharge.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Luis Araya, but I go by BKA when I’m DJing. The name is a twist on “vaca,” the Spanish word for cow. Growing up, my friends started calling me “big cow,” and for some reason, it stuck—so I turned it into my DJ name. The funny part is, I don’t even remember how I got the nickname. Maybe I ate four bowls of lettuce one day, but who knows! It’s crazy to me that sometimes people call me BKA now instead of Luis!
I’m currently based down the Jersey Shore, and I’ve been pursuing DJing alongside my school and work commitments. Music has always been important in my life. From an early age, I was fascinated by bass-heavy beats and discovering new sounds from around the world—whether it was different genres, cultures, or countries. One of the songs that really got me into a deep rhythm is Biggie Smalls’ “Hypnotize.” The bass, lyrics, flow, and everything about that song made everything feel so alive. Music has a universal power to bring people together, no matter their age, background, or language. It’s this power and seeing people dance that keeps me motivated and excited about DJing!
In 2021, I bought my first DJ controller, and that’s when I started practicing and mixing house music here and there. I wasn’t fully dedicated at the time since I had to balance school and work, but DJing was always something that was my escape when I had the time. It was like DJing would take me into another dimension, where I could forget about all my problems and just get lost in the music. My first gig came in 2022 at a wedding, and I learned so much—one of the funniest lessons was realizing that I brought small studio speakers, thinking they would be enough for the big ballroom. But despite the hiccup, people still had fun, and I learned! After that, I slowed down a bit to focus more on my professional career and master’s degree, but I still kept practicing whenever I could.
In 2024, I decided to dive back into DJing because I wanted to challenge myself again. I bought a DJ course, watched YouTube videos, and started attending live DJ sets from artists such as Mau P. and Beltran. I look up to Mau P. and Beltran, and I would actually study their sets. I was in awe of how they experiment with different sounds and connect with the crowd. To challenge myself, I also offered to DJ at some of my friends’ house parties and learned a lot from these experiences.
By 2025, I was tired of just impressing myself and my close friends. I wanted to share my journey with a wider audience, so I started an Instagram page to post about the events I was doing, my favorite tracks, mixes, and even some DJ memes to keep things funny. I also started attending open decks for a house music organization called Make Jersey House Again, and that’s when things really started to open up. It’s been such a blessing, not only because I’ve had the chance to meet amazing people, but also because I’ve connected with other talented DJs who have been incredibly supportive. One of the best moments recently came when I was offered the chance to support DJ MYFRIENDJEFF, who is the co-owner of Make Jersey House Again. I got to support him at my favorite lounge/bar down the shore, which was a dream come true! Make Jersey House Again is building something special, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
Looking forward, my goal is to dive deeper into music production so I can focus on creating my own sound and grow the BKA brand even further. One thing that gets people excited during my sets is my catchphrase, “VIVA la BKAA,” which the crowd loves to yell out at times, haha. I’m also planning to attend events in other states and counties to make myself known and get my name out there. One of my strongest points as a DJ is my ability to mix quickly and play a wide variety of house genres, keeping the crowd entertained, dancing, and on their toes. The fact that I can always improve and learn something new excites me. Most times I learn something new by messing up! Another goal of mine is to throw a BKA pop-up party down the shore and collaborate with other DJs , vendors, brands, etc .. to create something special for the people! The future is exciting, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me! VIVA la BKAA!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are people skills, self-belief, and stepping out of my comfort zone. I believe this can apply to anyone whether they are a DJ, teacher, athlete, father, artist, judge, etc!
People skills have been huge for me because I understand that everyone is different—whether it’s in how they learn, what they believe in, or what they’re passionate about. I make an effort to connect with people by understanding their likes, dislikes, and where they’re coming from. I try to meet people in the middle, respecting their differences while finding common ground. This has been important, especially when collaborating with other DJs, promoters, or interacting with a diverse crowd during events.
Believing in yourself is something that has really stuck with me. We only have one life, and every day is an opportunity to test yourself and be the best version of who you can be. Time is limited, and while there will always be doubts—both from others and within yourself—you have to push past them. Keep believing in yourself and seize the opportunities that come your way. If you don’t, you might miss out on something great!
Lastly, stepping outside of your comfort zone is very beneficial. Life is all about trying new things. It can be as simple as going to a new restaurant, joining a friend in their favorite hobby, or picking up a completely new skill. There’s always something to learn, and you never know what might come of it. Whether it’s discovering a new passion or finding joy in something unexpected, the outcomes are often worth the risk.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, one of my go-to strategies is to write down my goals, thoughts, and anything else I have planned on paper. I find that breaking things down into smaller, more manageable mini-goals makes the bigger picture less daunting. Instead of focusing solely on the end goal, I focus on the steps in between, which makes everything feel more achievable. It’s also a great way to remind myself of the small accomplishments that often go unnoticed. Writing things down helps me see the progress I’ve made, and it brings a sense of clarity and control. It’s all about taking things one step at a time and celebrating those smaller wins along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bkabeatz
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bka_135
- Other: Email: bkabeatz1@gmail.com
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