Meet Luis Flores

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luis Flores a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Luis, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose after I started producing a few years ago. I realized I can just be more than a local dj. If it wasn’t for Covid and picking up a controller I don’t think I would be where I’m at today.
I’ve been going to raves since I was 18. On my 18th birthday I went to my first rave at Lizard Lounge in Dallas. RIP. Since then I never looked back. From shows to festivals I always enjoyed the music and the energy it captivated. When I began to learn how to DJ and produce I told myself “man why couldn’t have I started djing and producing sooner.” But, looking back, it wasn’t for me. I don’t think I was mentally ready, even though I was constantly looking for music and crate digging. I was more in it just to have fun, but now that I’m making music, playing shows, and making more friends in the industry I’m having way more fun. I found my purpose for where I am today by being who I am and staying true to myself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

It’s funny when you tell people you’re a dj and producer they think you’re out at the club every night playing top fifty or singing to your own music. In reality I’m just a regular guy who works in the supplements and body care department at a major grocery store. I love my position and enjoy working here. It’s helped me be more social and that’s what pushed me to talk to more people at shows and get more connections in the industry. Whenever I’m at work I’m always listening to music or thinking of new ideas for music. If I have a certain idea I just keep replaying it in my head and throw it into Ableton as soon as I get home. Sometimes these ideas turn into full fledged songs, and sometimes ideas are just better off as ideas. Whenever I’m not working I usually work on new designs for myself. New cover arts or new logos. I graduated college with a degree in design so I keep myself up to date with the latest trends. Figuring out what fits best with my brand.
The brand I’m trying to build is what I want to represent who I am as an artist. I adopted the phrase “Bring the Ruckus” as I feel like it represents exactly who I want to be. I took this phrase from my favorite Wu-Tang song, can you guess..? Bring Da Ruckus. Their don’t give a F attitude is what I was drawn to. Generally bringing the ruckus as in “no hold barred”genres of music since I like to play all kinds of genres. I’ve been in the rave scene for quite some time, and I know a good set from a bad one. It’s all about taking risks and not looking back. Some people may not enjoy it, but there’s always that one person who will always stay on that ride with you.
I recently just played one of the largest touring festivals in North America. It was a the most surreal moment of my life. I feel it’s everyone’s dream when they become a dj. Even tho it was a silent disco I’m still forever grateful for the opportunity as it opened more doors for me as a small artist. I was able to open up a pre party for a large artist the night before the festival. It was another monumental moment as I was able to achieve my goal of standing on stage and feel like a rockstar.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Networking, being supportive and always believing in yourself. 

Networking is very crucial when it comes to being a dj. You literally cannot get booked anywhere unless you’re social, and it’s the hard truth. I was naive at first and didn’t care and waited patiently when I first started, but you can only wait for so long when you see everyone but you on line ups.
I was very shy at first, to the point that I was intimidated by promoters. I think I was afraid of being seen trying. I held back from reaching out, introducing myself, or sharing my work because part of me feared rejection.
  Yet, here I am now very good friends with them, getting on line ups and making crucial connections with larger artists. The doors didn’t open overnight, but they opened. And they opened because I stopped waiting to be discovered and started choosing to be seen.

Being supportive is very crucial as well as you want to let others know you will be there for them. We’re all on the same ride together, it might be easier for some but it shouldn’t discourage anyone from being an artist. Showing out for someone can lead you to larger opportunities as well. Listening to their music, and sharing their music it helps reach to a larger audience. Everyone starts somewhere.

I can’t stress this enough but never stop believing in yourself. As cliche as it is, you cannot let it get to you. There was a point in my career where I lost confidence in myself, but I didn’t let it stop me from becoming the person I am today. Much more confident as an artist, a producer, a husband, a son. It’s all about taking risks and not looking back. You have to build yourself brick by brick. The experience I’ve gained and the sacrifices I’ve had to take, I was able to build connections with other supportive people who look up to me. It’s all because I believed in myself.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m open to collaborating with anyone. Whether it’s with music or some form of medium that will help me reach the next level of my career.
I don’t want to limit myself from just 1 type of sound. Working with other artists could help me get their side of music production, thought process and sharing pointers to expand my production level.
Where I’m currently located, it’s generally all the same sound, events, and people it’s getting over saturated in some ways, but it’s all because they’re already well rounded and have the connections.
I’m ready to work with anyone who wants to be the change in the community, so far I’ve met a few people who are ready to switch things up here. It’s a matter of time developing our talent and representing what symbolizes us the best.
I’m ready to bring the ruckus anywhere.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: henry_k.exe
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/henrykmusic
• Other: BOOKINGS:
  [email protected]

Image Credits

Austin Tran
Alejandro Quintanilla
Andrew Bobbitt
James Tran