We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Juan Solano. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Juan below.
Juan, 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 through having a genuine, undying passion for art. I never lost my hunger for learning and evolving at both my lowest and highest points. I think it’s important that whatever you like to do the most that you do it for the love and not the money. If you have the authentic desire to pursue a certain path; the economical benefits will eventually come. Even when the future was not looking good at all for me; I didn’t lose hope.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a full time DJ who is also a partner in a massive monthly Latin dance party (Perreo404), a yearly Latin music and cultural arts festival (OYE FEST) and a large yearly event honoring and highlighting music in Atlanta (404 Day). You can find me spinning at many different locations around Atlanta such as District Atlanta, Blue Martini, Red Martini, The Garden Room, Ibiza Nightclub and Bar Vegan just to name a few. I take pride in being able to spin many different styles of music while continuing to inject my Hispanic culture and heritage across everything I do. When I’m not DJing I’m at different studios around Atlanta offering my recording, mixing and music production services. Lately I have gotten very into motion graphics and 3d modeling as I help contribute to the aesthetics to many DJ friends of mine and local events. What is most exciting about all the things I do is that I bring vision and excitement into peoples lives. Whether its through audio or visually; I provide momentary or long term satisfaction for people doing something a truly love!
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?
-Knowing that bad days will come. Always push through with what it is you have to do even on the bad days. The more you do this, the easier it gets.
-Not every show is going to be packed out. Treat the small gigs like the big gigs. You never know who is in the crowd listening. I’ve met a lot of important in the most empty rooms.
-Take baby steps. Whatever you choose you’re profession is; it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You can never go wrong with doing a little everyday. Unfortunately You can’t become the master of anything overnight. Make the time for it and then good times will come!
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I have the ability to create so many different things that I sometimes get “lost in the sauce.” I like to produce many different kinds of genres and make different kinds of art. It is easy for me to lose focus of some of the main tasks at hand because I venture off on “side quests.” As of lately I’ve organizing myself more with priority tasks lists and treating my personal work as if it were for a client.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: vitillaz404
- Twitter: vitillaz
- SoundCloud: vitillaz
- Other: www.perreo404.com
www.oyefest.com
www.404day.com
Image Credits
Forrest Smith (DV Photo) Shukei Yu Owen-Lucas Jennings
