DJing with a Disability & Inspiration with Alex Reyes – E136

Welcome everybody to the Wedding Songs Podcast. I am Matt Campbell. Today. We have a very special story. The one and only DJ Alex Reyes from DJ Alex Reyes Entertainment. He is based in the San Francisco Bay Area Welcome to the show Alex. Good morning, and thank you for having me. How are you today? I’m doing wonderful and happy that you’re here on the show Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be here today.

Memorable DJ Show

So just to kind of get started, I have an intro icebreaker question. Can you just tell us your most memorable DJ show so far? The most memorable DJ shows I have done in the past several years are the. Night to Shine events from the Tim Tebow Foundation. All of those events are very special because these proms are specifically for special needs. I have been honored and blessed to be a part of the Tim Tebow Foundation for the last several years and I’m so happy to be a part of it.

That’s phenomenal. I’ve actually heard very good things about the Tim Tebow Foundation. I’m happy that you’re part of that as well. You know, of course, I’ve been doing this now for the last several, almost, almost 10 years to be on with you long, long time. Even during the pandemic, we did a drive-through Prom and when everything came back in person, we decided to do it again slowly, but everything’s been coming back one step at a time. That just means that you’re doing a great job 10 years in a row. That’s awesome. Oh, I’m trying. We always say that it every year I’m sure is new challenges.

Meet Alex Reyes

So if you would please just introduce yourself to our listeners. My name is Alex Reyes. I’m with DJ Alex Reyes Entertainment, based here in Fremont, California. My company provides mobile DJ sound reinforcement and uplighting services throughout the entire San Francisco Bay Area, and I’ve been doing this now since January 1st, 2001. A long time.

I’ll be honest with you. When I first started the company, I was actually inspired by my dad and my dad was a big influencer in my life. He was a Spanish broadcaster here in San Jose for 40 years since 1984. But that’s what I devoted my life to doing because If it wasn’t for my dad, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.

Dad’s Influence

But sadly, my dad passed away on April 12, 2022, from stage 4 colon cancer. So my dad was a big influencer in my life and he really, really, really taught me the industry really well. And before he passed away, I promised him I was going to keep his legacy through me. So I’m doing everything in my power to make that happen.

Thank you. I know, as you said, he was a big influence. Can you just give a little bit more background about what your dad was doing inside of the DJ industry? So, my dad was an on-air radio broadcaster for, several Spanish, radio stations here in San Jose. he was with, KBRG in the 80s. And then he moved to another radio station, KZSF, and he spent the last 20 years with them.

And then he was with another radio station in Salinas, Valdostegre, out there in Salinas, California. And he would also broadcast from here, from our house. So he would go out there once a month and go to the station. And what my dad really inspired me was what I do as a DJ, he was actually very, very proud of what I did because he saw me at a show.

Actually, I want to share this real quick if I may. My family and I went to a, we went to a wedding or an event back in a couple of years ago in Napa and, I actually saw exactly what the problem was and I went up to my dad and I told him, hey, dad, do you see what I see?

I’m like, what? There is no tech. So basically, the story goes is that. There was this band that was performing, and the guy was singing, and he would go to the mixer to adjust, and then he would come back. And the guy did that several, several times, like around nine or five or six times, I don’t remember how many times he went, but he went back multiple times.

And my dad and I saw it, I’m like, Alex, what’s the matter? Like, something’s not right. I’m like, what’s going on? The guy is singing, but the guy is going to the board adjusting, and he’s going back on stage. I’m like Really? So I took the initiative during the intermission to take the helm out of it.

And be his sound guy. And my dad, there was a gentleman that was right there and he was like, son, do you know what you’re doing? And my dad comes and I was like, yes, my son knows exactly what he’s doing. How do you know? Because my son is a sound guy. He has, it was the mixer that they were using was a ProFX22.

And I was using a ProFX16. So I know. Exactly what I was doing. I mean, I had my headphones, I had everything ready to go. And the guy was like, Oh, thank you so much for helping. I’m like, you’re welcome. So me and my dad have like a sixth sense of when somebody is in trouble, you will always back them up.

But that’s what I love about my dad because my dad was always very supportive of me. So for me, my dad was like a big influencer in my life. So my parents were like, Alex, how did you know the guy was in trouble? Cause I was, he was running back and forth and adjusting and singing, adjusting and seeing. I’m like.

Okay, do what you gotta do. My dad, so basically I was the one who spotted it first before my dad did, because it took him a couple of seconds, to register exactly what was going on. And the guy at the end of the day was like, well, I guess your son was absolutely right.

Because I didn’t know he was in trouble because, you know, as you know, as entertainers, we know when somebody is in trouble, you know, it doesn’t matter if. You know, because I can read, you know, after doing this for almost 25 years, you can read people’s body language from the get-go. So for me, it’s like, I know what this guy was up to before they even come and tell me.

That’s why I have my ears. If something’s not right, they’ll tell me in my ear without even telling me. And I know, and I know what’s going on. So for me, it’s like. You know, for me, it’s like a six cent. was your dad an influence in you becoming a DJ then? Yes, sir. He was.

He was actually the one who opened up the doors to the disabled. I did an interview with NBC Bay Area slash Telemundo 48 Here in the Bay Area during the pandemic and I’m not gonna lie Dad I miss you. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get too emotional, but I have to let it go.

Getting Through COVID

I have like 25 to 30 shows before the shutdown and I’m not gonna lie. Everybody was dropping like flies. Everybody was dropping like flies because I wanted to give my customers options. It was either A, get a full refund, no questions asked, or B, you can hire me at a later date once everything reopens. The majority of the people who supported me over these years stayed with me.

I had a client who was with me for the last two years, and I still have her to this day. But most of the clients requested refunds, and I honored those requests, there was no question that I wasn’t going to question. But a lot of people were just dropping like flies. But I’m not going to lie, I’ve been so blessed this year because business has been booming.

I mean, it’s like a trend. It goes up one year, it goes down one year. It goes up one year, it goes down a year. So, I mean, I’ve already been slammed already with shows. I’m already getting ready for a big festival that’s coming up next month. And I’m getting ready for a big Christmas party that’s coming up at the beginning of December.

So, I mean, I, I really have my hands full right now. So, I honestly didn’t expect to get this busy, but it’s better, like my dad said, it’s better to stay busy than doing nothing.

Honoring Dad

So, I actually, you know, one of my most memorable moments of my dad, and this is something that I want to share with everybody because this is very passionate. My dad, every time he, like, his last party that I did was when he, when he turned 60. Yeah, 65, when he turned 65 here at the house. We’re having a party and we’re setting up and my dad was like Alex crank up the music and put September. I don’t give a crap about what they say Crank that sucker all the way up and I cranked that sucker all the way up and my dad was dancing like there’s no tomorrow Him and the neighbors got pissed, but you know what?

They don’t, we don’t really don’t care about that. The neighbors really enjoy the music. So, it’s like, they, I mean, they really don’t care. But my dad really, really enjoyed life to the fullest. And believe it or not, he actually still has his license with the FCC to this day. So, because that’s what they told me back then.

Back then, when you started in radio, you had to have an FCC license. I don’t know if that’s true back in the day, but Now it’s different. Anybody can be a DJ, anybody can have a podcast just like this. Anybody can have something like this. But back in the day, it was fully regulated. You know, you have a double license with the FCC to broadcast.

You need to have this. You need to have that. So for for me, you know if my dad’s listening from heaven. Dad, thank you so much for everything. I will always honor you at all of my shows from here on out. And that was the last. moment. That was the last emotional thing before my dad passed away. So me and my dad had a personal, heart-to-heart moment.

And basically I promised him two things. One, I will stop with the cursing, because I was cursing a lot. So I’m not going to lie. I did curse a lot. And B, I would honor, my dad at all of my shows permanently. And. For me, doing that for my dad, especially when I do big events like Carnaval San Francisco, or Relay for Life, or any of those events, really, really gets me emotional, but I have to do what I have to do.

I mean, I have to do my job. And for me, doing this for my family is precious because my father didn’t really get to know my sisters. My niece, my little sister gave birth to a Little girl about a year ago and she is a bundle of joy. And I feel bad that she never got to meet her grandpa, but the bottom line is that if you lose somebody in your life and you honor them like you’re supposed to honor them.

Like look at Selena, Selena has been honored for decades. That’s what I wanna do with my dad. And for me, doing this for my dad is a way of saying that he’s here for me. He’s always by my side. I feel his presence. So for me, it’s like he never left me no matter where I go, even if I go to Chicago, if I go to Milwaukee, for me, if I do that, he’ll know that I’m, that he’s always with you by my side and I sense his presence.

So for me, I owe this to my father. So I love how he has put that passion onto you as well, of, of your passion for DJing and passion for life, you know? Yes. My father, if I can take a moment to say this, my father was a promoter for 40 years, the same time period as, as the honor thing.

And my dad brought big bands. Big Mexican bandas are big hits now because of him. So my dad was like, my dad got connected with Marcus Brothers Entertainment here in San Jose and they would bring big celebrities like Banel Recordo. Charlie’s Banda Machos, Mi Banda El Mexicano, Gloria Trevi, and some other Latin-speaking artists like Marc Anthony, and so on.

And what my dad was like, the last show that we did was like almost 10 years ago, he brought in, Mi Banda El Mexicano. Mi Banda El Mexicano is the equivalent of The Beatles. And these bands are one of the greatest bands of all time. I have the honor of meeting them. I just saw him. Last year, at the Alameda County Fair. And I ran into the singer and I showed the picture of the band with him, with me and the picture of my ex. And I was like, wait a minute. I know you. Are you the son of Manuel Reyes? I’m like, yeah, that’s me.

I’m like, oh my gosh, it’s been 10 years since I last saw you. I’m like, oh my God. Yeah. These guys were like the original Mi Banda El Mexicano de Casimira. So. Original bands, and they’ve been rocking stages for decades. Think as I said, think of it like the Beatles or Elton John or Bruce Springsteen or some other celebrities, because these bands, they really sold out shows and I’m not gonna lie.

It was me and me and my mom, me and my mom, my parents had the honor of meeting Los Wookies. we went to a concert, about three years ago, celebrating 25 years of music. And for my mom’s birthday, I bought her two tickets to go see Los Bukis. So basically, Los Bukis are also the equivalent of The Beatles.

And these are like, these are like big Mexican artists with their singer. When me and my mom went to the concert, we were literally singing all of their songs. I did the same thing with me. We were literally singing all of their songs because we’ve been listening to their songs for decades. So, for me, being raised in a Mexican household.

And me going backstage and me being part of the entertainment, it’s been honestly, man, I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a blessing because I’ve been exposed. I actually, to this day, I still have my backstage passes from 30 years ago. I still have them in my office. At an undisclosed location, but I still have my all access passes from decades ago.

And for me, and I still got my dad’s too because I and my dad went into a lot of concerts and we got to go backstage and we got to come in and see the rigging, you know when you come into the world. Rigging, lighting. I mean, the last time I went to Levi’s Stadium was when they were doing the Elton John farewell concert.

And when I saw the environment, I’m like, oh, I know exactly what’s going on here. Because I saw the rigging and the lighting and I was like, holy cow. I was in my comfort zone, so I loved it.

Living with Cerebral Palsy

Just wanted to ask you then just kind of switch topics a little How would you describe cerebral palsy? Well, honestly, it took me 15 years to figure this one out. It took me a long, long time to figure it out. And after years of accepting this, I finally came to terms with it. Because I found out when I was in college. And, I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t want to talk about my disability. For obvious reasons, of course, because I was made fun of.

I was so offended. And I kept it to myself. I mean, after they changed the law. So, basically, here in the state of California, there is a new law that just passed by Governor Gavin Newsom. it’s called, AB 248, the Dignity for All Act, which basically means it bans the offensive artwork from literature and state law. And after finally coming out, and I’m not going to lie. I wanted to break my silence, but at the same time, I was scared of how people react. When I posted it on my official Facebook page, DJ Alex Reyes, and on my platforms, Twitter and Instagram, DJ Alex Reyes and Facebook, and broke my silence after 15 years, the community, I mean, was in shock.

I was in complete shock. Everybody accepted and when I found out that I was going to be accepted, then I just decided to break my silence because a lot of people had questions. I just didn’t interview a couple of years ago with John Young on this very subject. And especially for the disabled, it’s very difficult for them to talk about their disabilities.

If it’s invisible or not, because it’s, you know. for obvious reasons, I didn’t tell anybody because I didn’t want to be disrespected or treated differently. I just want people to understand who I am, what I do, and what I’m all about. It doesn’t matter where I come from, it doesn’t matter what background I am, it doesn’t matter what disabilities I have.

We’re all human. But for me, opening up on social media, especially on o, especially on coming out day, it really, really opened up my eyes and say, wait a minute, I’m not alone. Mm-Hmm.

Maybe your listeners. Are going through the same thing by saying, well, yeah, maybe I should come out and tell people this because if you really want somebody to know who you really are, you really need to just be upfront. And if they’re your friends and they’ll accept you, then they’ll accept you for who you are.

But if they’re going to start making fun of you. Then that’s when I start cutting ties with certain people because I’m not going to lie. I have told certain people in the past about this, and I’m not going to lie to you on this one. I, the reason, number one, the number one reason I didn’t want to tell anybody about this publicly was that a lot of people have used it against me in ways.

You don’t even want to think about it. And for me, talking about this now is a sensitive subject to me, but in the end, I have to come out and let it go. I mean, I have told my story numerous times to a lot of people, and most of the people I talked to in the past are completely understandable. And I’ll be honest with you, despite my disability and despite my challenges, is.

I am one badass DJ who rocks the house, so to speak, and travels all over the country to the part where my family is so jealous of me because I just got back from Chicago. It was a couple of weeks ago. I just got back from Chicago and I just got back from Milwaukee recently. So for me, I’m just doing a lot of traveling.

My next trip is Harvest of Sound in Boston, so I mean, I’m doing a lot of traveling for business. I’m So for me coming out and telling my story publicly and I want your listeners to take this to heart. If you or anybody in your family is having a hard time expressing yourself on your disability, my advice to all of you is to just tell the people you trust.

And if you want to share it on social media, that is your choice. If you want to share it, that’s great. If not, I respect your decision and I understand where you’re coming from. Because maybe they’re scared. Maybe they’re going to be like, Oh, what if they don’t like me? It’s like if you’re performing in a show and they don’t like you, then you’re going to get diagnosed and you’re going to get put off the stage.

But the bottom line is that we want to make sure that you’re comfortable posting that information then let them decide if they accept you for who you are, then that’s great. When I posted it, I had so many comments on my Facebook page, it overwhelmed my social media platform.

Sharing Personal Story in the Press

Like, what the heck? Even the networks were calling me. The, you know, the TV, the radio station, they were calling me left and right. And they’re like, Alex, is this true? I’m like, yeah, it’s true. I’m like, you want to talk about it? Yeah, let’s talk about it. I’m like, okay. But. You know, by the grace of God, I am so thankful and blessed to come out with this information, because a lot of people now are coming out openly in a positive way.

And I want them to feel comfortable with how they feel. And my advice to your listeners is that if you really have two friends out there who admire you and respect you, they should, you know, they should give you props and they will give you props, because I had to commend myself for coming up publicly with this.

It’s like saying I’m coming out as a disabled man with cerebral palsy, but despite my challenges and my disabilities, I’m still kicking ass and I’m still rocking the house on a monthly basis. I mean, you have no idea how busy I am. I mean, I have, I have my job, I have my State of California job. I have my DJing. I have, oh my gosh. I mean the, I mean, my schedule is like. I feel like I’m going on tour.

Disability Challenges

Let me ask you has the disability created any challenges for you as a DJ? Yes and no, but I have learned to keep my disability and check. I know I have my challenges, such as processing, because what?

What cerebral palsy does, it impacts your central nervous system, especially the part for critical thinking. That’s the part where it got to me. And I want to share this publicly, and I never share this with anybody, but I’m going to break the ice right here if it’s okay. I had two seizures. One when I was 18 months, and then again when I was 7 years old.

I’m not going to lie that actually happened the last time I had a seizure when I was 7 years old and I’m and I’m and I want to share this because I want this too I want people to understand this. I was with my mother at her sister’s house in River City, California, and my mother was asleep and I was asleep.

I don’t know exactly what happened because when you have a seizure, you’re blacked out. The only thing that you know is the aftermath. It’s like your brain draws a total blank before the during portion. Basically how it started was my mother and I were sleeping in the bedroom, peacefully, of course, and my mother tells me that around 4 o’clock or 3 o’clock in the morning, I was starting to shake violently and uncontrollably and she was like, Oh, go, go call 911.

Alex is having a seizure. And when I woke up, the only thing I remember. And this is the only thing I remember is that they put the oxygen mask over my nose and mouth and I just started crying. What happened during and after the seizure? I have total no recollection, excuse me, I have no recollection of what happened.

I have no idea what happened. The way it works for me is, the way I can process it like, your brain draws a total blank. And you don’t know anything that happened before and during.

The only thing I remember is the after. But after my mother told the story, I was like, really? I’m like, yeah, this exactly happened. And I’m not gonna lie to you. This actually did occur. and I don’t remember what year it was, but that’s what I was informed when it happened, and basically when, when you have a seizure, you basically have permanent brain damage, especially with, especially with your critical thinking and your thoughts.

And even though I haven’t had a seizure since I was seven years old, which by the grace of God has been great, I am kind of suffering with some of the other symptoms that Impact my cerebral palsy, which I’m not gonna lie. I might need help with this, but I’m going to get help. The only thing I’m having a problem with right now is just process.

It’s like if somebody gives me something, let me just process this and it might give me a minute to think. So I can think of something rather than getting a critical call. But the bottom line is that I’m alive. I almost died. I was in a coma for a long time. And the doctors were telling me.

That I wasn’t going to make it, not even by a long shot. But for me, it’s like, I’m a miracle. And for me surviving these seizures, it’s like, and I feel like I had an epiphany or a second chance at life. And I’m not going to, I’m not going to waste it.

DJing with Cerebral Palsy

So do you think that today, has it shaped your approach to DJing and interacting with the crowds because of the critical thinking? yes. But I keep it in check. I always keep it in check. So I’m in control of it, not the other way around. We’re not wind-up dolls. But for me, being an interactive DJ, especially, you know, I got to meet so many famous people over the years. I got to meet DJ Casper, may he rest in peace.

I got to meet him in Davis a couple of years ago, during the market, during some conferences. In the past and for the first time in 10 years, I got reunited with DJ Scribble. I met this guy in Las Vegas, during the other conventions. That I go in the past, but me and scribble as soon as we saw each other in the hallway.

He’s like Alex Reyes is scribble. He gives me a hug. You’re like, how are you doing, man? It’s been back. It’s been almost. It’s been 10 years. I’m like, yeah, it’s been a long time. I’m like, where the hell have you been? What’s going on? Just busy. And then he knew about my dad too. So I called him. I also, he was the first person that was on my mind when I called him. during the last couple of weeks of his loss. But we were able to hang out and I was able to go to his Q&A session and he told everybody. This man is one of the greatest inspirational people I have ever met in my life and I’m honored to be his friend. I mean, when I heard that, that brought me to tears because I have been so blessed to meet so many people from Mike Walters to Shaney to, Mark Beckham, and some other speakers in the industry.

For me, for me being inspired by those people. You know, I’m not gonna lie. I am not good at public speaking, guilty of that. Okay. I’m just a DJ. If my dad was here, he would have been like, okay, Alex, you’re just a DJ to just play the music to whatever, let somebody else do the speaking. Everybody has their strengths and weaknesses. For me, my strengths is DJing and sound reinforcement and uplights.

My weakness is public speaking. The only method I can embarrass myself while I’m speaking in public is like, just picture everybody naked. Yep, exactly. Or just picture them in their underwear. Inside of like, oh, okay, here we go. But that’s the thing that it’s like for, you know, for me and I’m not gonna lie.

I have done countless, countless interviews, on TV, and radio over the last 20 years on subjects that were important to me, especially when I did the interview with Telemundo and NBC, about my business. Coming back despite the pandemic, was a real eye-opener for me because, for me, nobody’s been trained for this pandemic.

Nobody was prepared for this. And if my company took another hit. Then that’ll be the end for me. I’m, I’m going to be history, but by the grace of God and in the, in the support that I’ve been rallying from the community, I’m not gonna lie. Everyone knows me here in Fremont, California, you go to a police station and be like, Oh, I’m looking for, do you know a guy named Alex Reyes?

And I’m like, Oh, you mean the DJ? Yeah, I know this guy is really cool because everybody knows me from the chief of police, the chief of fire, the Fremont city council, my employer, the state of California. It’s like, eh, like wherever I go. I mean, I don’t know how or why this happened, but like, for me being a popular guy, it’s better because I am, I don’t know if you guys saw my post on social media, but I am so out in the community how I got my company started was.

Overcoming the Disability

I had an epiphany, a long time ago when I was in junior high. It was, it, I, and I had an epiphany. And I had two options in my life. It was either A, sitting at home, or doing nothing all day, which was crap. Or B, get your butt up and go do something for a living or to make a name for yourself. And I made that choice.

And I just said, you know what? Chinga tumare, I’m gonna go out and make a living and do what I gotta do and all that. That’s And I’m not going to lie over the last 20 plus years, 23 years of this business. I honestly didn’t expect to be where I am today. I honestly didn’t expect it. I thought it was going to last for 10 years and I’m done.

But I didn’t expect to get this busy. I didn’t expect to get this popular. I mean, everybody in town also. I am everybody here in the Bay Area knows who I am. I mean, I don’t really promote myself anymore because it’s self-promotional social media by 1st, and because it’s worth about, but the bottom line is, is that as long as you know what you’re doing.

And you bring your A Game, and I want to give this advice to anybody who has a disability or anybody who has challenges in their lives about bouncing back. I want you guys all to know, that despite what problems you’re dealing with in life, I want you guys to bounce back strong. And that’s what I did with my company, Matt.

I came back stronger than ever. I prevailed. I defined the odds. And I really, really turned my life around because, with this pandemic, nobody knows what the heck’s going on. Nobody knows what is gonna happen. I have seen mom-and-pop stores go out of business after 50 years and they’re calling it quits.

But I’m not gonna be throwing in the towel as of yet because I promised my father. That I will do everything in my power to keep this legacy through my business as long as possible. And if anybody would like to learn more about him, please visit manuelreyes.djalexreyes.com. That’s manuelreyes.djalexreyes.com because I want them to know that any business, big or small, can make a difference. And what my dad also really taught me was that, doesn’t matter what type of equipment you have. The clients don’t care about the equipment you have. You don’t have to tell them what you’re going to be bringing.

Just bring your A-game, your charisma, and your talent to the dance floor and watch. It’s going to come in dividends. So. For me, doing this, it’s an honor for my dad, it’s an honor for my family, so I’m happy to, I’m happy to be the man I am today. And just for the listeners too, we’ll have a link in the show notes as well to your dad’s website, so that way they can see, And learn more about him wanted to say to, you know, congratulations just on making it through and surviving the 10 years.

One of the famous sayings that I, that I like is Mike Tyson said, everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. And when you can say, you’ve been punched in the mouth and gotten back up. That’s just a testament to your fortitude and, and your personality, to make it happen. Oh, yes. I believe that.

I really believe that Matt, because it’s a way of saying, if you fall off a horse, what’s the first thing you’re going to do? You’re going to get back on it again. And if you try and you try, you try again. I mean, I’m not going to give up. I mean, I never gave up. Alex, DJ Alex Reyes never gives up, on anything he puts his mind up to.

I never gave up. I mean, I fought tooth and nail to be where I am today. I struggle just like everybody else because when you start out, it’s always a struggle. Mm-Hmm. , it’s always going to be challenged, and no. Correct. It, there’s going to be roadblocks in, in, in your path. So, for me, doing what I do and doing what I do best, it’s like, oh, call Alex Reyes.

I mean, I belong to a couple of DJ organizations, but everybody comes to me, you know, I actually have a relay for life this weekend. And my friend, he’s like my friend, DJ Mike, he’s like, Alex, let’s do a relay. You bring your stuff. I’ll just bring my laptop and I’ll just bring in whatever I need and we’ll make it happen.

I mean, I’m already preparing. I mean, even though it’s Thursday, I’m preparing it now because we have to do it. I got it. But, the bottom line is that, As long as we just do what we do best, I’m very proud to say this, I am very honored and privileged to do what I do. If, if I wasn’t a DJ, I could be sitting in jail I’ll put it this way. I could be going down a different path. I could have a different interest. And for me, just doing what I do, it’s like, for me, it’s like, okay, Alex, go, DJ, stay out of trouble, don’t go to jail, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But for me, it’s like, this is perfect because music’s been in my blood since I was a kid.

And once you have that in your system, it’s almost impossible to impossible to get it out of your system. It’s like if somebody comes to you and they say, Oh, we’re not going to be doing DJing anymore, ever again, or the industry went out, went down to tubes, then you’re living the, you’re basically.

Telling me inside by destroying the things that I love to do and I spend a lot of time effort and money on everything new DJ equipment, new speakers, and brand new websites. I mean, during the pandemic, you know, I was really busy. I was overhauling everything. I mean, I went from analog to digital. And overhaul my website from scratch and

I really did all that because a lot of people really just think, Oh, it’s just because of the pandemic make yourself busy. But the bottom line is that as long as you can rise from the ashes, then you’re able to make a comeback like I did. And want to thank my family, my followers on social media, my friends, and everybody who supported me over the years. I mean, this was a challenge for everybody.

I bet you. It was a challenge for, I mean, not just for me, for everybody, the restaurant industry, the aviation, but the bottom line is like, as long as you guys prevail. And you come back strong and that’s all that really matters. And there will be adjustments down the road, but if you’re coming back at 50%, and you’re giving it your all, it’s a start. So, for me, I’m so happy to come back. Stronger than that. There you go.

Advice for Aspiring DJs

I think that’s a great transition one question I definitely wanted to ask you was what advice would you give to an aspiring DJ, especially those with disabilities who might feel discouraged by their challenges? My advice to, upcoming DJs, especially if you’re going through challenges in life.

Or having a disability is to never give up. I want you to get on that horse and try. And if all else fails, try again. Try a different approach. Try different strategies to make a name for yourself. Because that’s exactly what happened to me. I did so many strategies. I would say, okay, this works, this doesn’t work, this doesn’t work, this will work.

And I want to add this. So my advice to everybody who wants to become a DJ, but having the challenge is to just follow your heart. If music’s in your blood like I am, do what I do and just follow your heart and listen. And by the way, this is the most important advice. If you have never been to a convention, such as Midwest DJ’s Live.

Or the marquee show or harvest of sound attend those conventions because those conventions really, really, really have great content. And I want you guys to be very successful. I want to get emails from you guys by saying, hi, Alex. My name is. Ben and I just want to email you because I wanted to thank you for inspiring me.

I heard this podcast and I want to let you know that I’m also a DJ. I mean, I actually have a friend who’s also a DJ who’s disabled. So I inspired him, but I want them to, you know, to, to really just follow your heart and my also advice is like, if you’re doing kids events, keep the events kid-friendly, I have done.

I have heard so many more stories of DJs. One DJ in particular, which I won’t mention names here, but one DJ in particular here in the Bay Area was hired to do an event, and this guy did everything wrong. This guy was too loud, and this guy was playing music with a lot of profanity, and I’m not gonna lie, they should have called me.

Because I know the environment. I mean, I’ve been working for the school district now since 2015. So I know the environment that these kids want. Do you want it kid-friendly? Yes, I understand there’s a bunch of subliminal messages out there, but you want to keep it clean. And that’s also going to the DJs out there who want to be started.

Make sure you guys play the right music. Play the clean, clean versions because you’re being an inspiration to the youth. If you set the wrong precedence, then it’d be like, oh, it’s okay to play a lot of rap music with a lot of No, no, no. You want to make sure that everybody plays the right music, like Taylor Swift or Bruno Mars, but you can keep the clean version. If you want to listen to the dirty version of home, go for it. But when you’re out in public, play the clean version.

Biggest Accomplishment

So let’s end, on a high note, what would you consider your biggest accomplishment as a DJ? Well, my biggest accomplishment, and I didn’t really expect this because I was really surprised.

I have gotten so many awards from mine, the last award I just received, was by Assemblyman Alex Lee here in California for Unsung Hero. And I’m going to share with you why I got this award. Number one, I received this award because of my passion for music Alex Lee and I go way back. We go back years. And I actually wanna share the story with you before I get outta here. But one of the last memories that my dad and I shared was, and I’m very proud to say this because this is something that you’re, this is gonna blow a lot of people’s minds, so please hear me on this.

Government Appointment

On March 30th, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed me DJ Alex Reyes to the California State Council. On developmental disabilities, proudly, let me repeat this, proudly representing the entire San Francisco Bay Area region.

 And when I told my dad that, my dad was in hospice care here at the house. My dad was so proud of me with this appointment. And that was the promise I made to my father to honor him, stop cursing and live, and live my life to the fullest. When I came back from Milwaukee, two years ago in April of 2022, I went to Sacramento and I got sworn in by Assemblyman Alex Lee.

So basically when I got appointed. I had the choice of who I wanted to be sworn in by. I was originally supposed to chose Congressman Eric Swalwell, but he was busy that day. But since Alex and I go way back, I asked him, Alex, I need a favor, name it. I would like for you to swear me in. And I broadcast this live on Facebook.

And I’m not going to lie to you on this one, the networks were watching the broadcast, even as I speak, because they mentioned my name on TV, and the governor had a list of appointees. And I got a call from NBC Bay Area. I have a, I have a lot of friends that work there at NBC Bay Area can TV, and the assignment editor, John Z calls me and he’s like.

I’m like, Alex, this is John at NBC Bay Area. How are you, brother? I’m like, I’m doing well. I’m like, well, I am confused. I’m like, what’s going on, John? Is it true? I’m like, what? Is it really true that you got appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to sit on SCDD? I’m like, yes, John, that is. I’m like, okay, we want to interview you.

We want to send a news crew. Well, I’m actually in Sacramento right now But if you watch the live feed you can use it like a deal So they put me on they actually put me on that newscast that night and everybody on the network was like I have friends who are reporters producers anchors. I have friends On the networks.

I mean, I, I have all over and I was like, even then, even the station manager, I know too well. And she’s like, Alex, is this really true? Like, yeah, I’m like, oh my God, I can’t believe this. When I told my employer, Fremont Unified School District, what I did, and I told the chief of police of the Fremont Police Department exactly what I did, because I had a meeting with the police on a sensitive subject, they did the exact same thing, which I’m about to tell you.

They almost fell out of their chairs. I swear to God that almost happened because I went to the police station to go talk and he’s like, how have you been doing and he’s like, well, no chief.

But if you read that, if you read my post on social media, because they follow me, they said, I got appointed by the governor to sit on and he almost fell out of his chair. I am not gonna lie. I wish I had that on camera because he was like, wow, this is a big honor. And because of him, I got a special invitation.

To join the chief’s advisory board for the Fremont police department. I was a former cadet for Fremont PD for 17 years. So I know my way around. I know my way around the department. And when I got the message of joining the chief’s advisory board, The chief said to me, he told me at night, folks, I would love to have you, it would be an honor if you would sit on the chief’s advisory board.

So basically what the chief’s advisory board does, is they advise the chief on how to run the department. What works, what doesn’t work, I know a lot of the tactics, but I’m not going to discuss it here because of privacy. But I told that to my manager at Fremont, it’s my school district. And my manager calls me on the phone, it’s like, Alex, I need to have a meeting with you.

I’m like, oh great, I’m in trouble. I walk into her office, and the superintendent’s there, my managers are there, and she shows me this paper that they printed out. And she’s like, Do you want to explain yourself? Why are you doing this? And there was a picture of me being sworn in. And they were throwing me confetti, and they were congratulating me, and I’m like, And they were in shock as well, I’m not gonna lie.

They were absolutely in shock that somebody like me, a disability advocate who’s been doing this now for 25 years, Would be appointed to a state government job fighting for people with disabilities who don’t have a voice. So basically as an advocate, our job is to Let them know and I say this a thousand times a day I’m proud of this.

People with disabilities are part of our community and we’re proud of it And I’m really damn proud of saying that because the disabled have a big purpose in life making a huge difference. I mean, with the passing of AB 248 and SB 639, which eliminates the minimum wage here in California. So basically before it used to be like this, the regular people are right here and the disabled are right here, but now it’s equal pay across the board.

And the Dignity for All Act, as I said, bans the offensive R-word from state law and literature permanently. I really, really wish, and I hope I can say that because I’m in trouble for this, but I really, really wish this was a felony because I have seen so many people say that R word offensively to the point.

I don’t want to be their friend. Now, if it’s used in avionics, like retard, retard, that means pull the throttle back, come in for a landing and flare, flare, flare. If you’re using it for that context, that’s different. But if you’re using it offensively, that’s like saying, okay, okay. I am not your friend.

Have a great life. Don’t call me. Don’t email me. We’re done. So get the hell out of here. Don’t ever come back. I never want to see you again. Because I have been told that so many times when I was a kid. It and I’m not going to lie, it really, I mean, in the beginning, I didn’t know what it meant. Because I was, I was just a kid, but now that I’m an adult.

And I finally come full circle though, you know, that’s, you know, I’m not going to go into it, but you, you know what it means for me, it’s like, no, I can tolerate the abuse to a certain point, but when you cross the line and you start saying those things. That’s when I get really upset and I’m like, we’re done. I agree.

So let’s focus on the positive and I have to congratulate you on your appointment to the office position. That’s a wonderful thing and all the best with that. Oh yes. I’m actually in year two of year three. So if the governor reappoints me again sometime next year, it’s another three years. So it’s a six-year term. That, that’s fantastic. All the best. And I’m sure you’re representing very well.

Connect with Alex

To close it out with our listeners, can you tell them how to connect with you hire you as their DJ, and follow along? Oh, yes, yes. And I just want to thank your listeners for really listening to this story because I, I want them to listen to this podcast.

And let them know that there are people out there who are making a big difference in a big way. But if anybody would like to get in contact with me, please feel free to call or text me at 510.754.5383 my email address is alex, a l e x, at djalexreyes.com, alex[at]djalexreyes.com. And you can find me.

People find me here all the time. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, or X. I just call it Twitter, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @DJAlexReyes. So if you see the logo behind me, look for this logo on the platforms that’ll let me know that the big A with the half moon is the official page of DJ Alex Reyes and nobody else.

So, Matt, my friend, thank you so much for allowing me to be here today. I am humbled and honored to be a part of this. And, I hope this podcast will reach people who need lifting and need inspiring.

So they know that people with disabilities are not alone. And a lot of people can make a difference one step at a time. Thank you very much, Alex, I really appreciate you being on the podcast and sharing your story. And to all of our listeners, stay tuned for next week for another episode of the Wedding Songs podcast, released every Thursday morning.

Thanks for listening and have a great day. Thank you.