Kid Pain

At 25 years old, my identity as a DJ is shaped by my cultural background, personal interests, and lifelong passion for electronic music. I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, into a Mexican family, growing up as a first-generation Mexican American surrounded by different cultures and perspectives. These experiences influenced the way I see the world and ultimately shaped my musical taste. Today, I bring those influences into my DJ sets, blending electronic music with familiar sounds, unexpected references, and elements of the things I love most.

Growing up in Charlotte, known as the Queen City, exposed me to a city with a rich mix of Southern and multicultural influences. Charlotte has grown into a diverse urban center where different communities, traditions, and musical styles intersect. Being raised in a Mexican household while growing up in the United States gave me an appreciation for the way different cultures can coexist and influence one another. That diversity became an important part of my identity and taught me to approach music with an open mind, finding inspiration in sounds and experiences beyond any single genre.

My connection to electronic music began when I was 11 years old. I discovered “Equinox” by Skrillex, and the track immediately introduced me to a sound unlike anything I had experienced before. Its heavy bass, aggressive energy, and experimental production sparked something in me. I became fascinated by the way electronic music could transform sounds into powerful experiences, combining rhythm, emotion, and energy in ways that felt limitless. That moment marked the beginning of a passion that has stayed with me ever since.

As I continued exploring electronic music, my interest gradually evolved from simply listening to imagining myself behind the decks. I became drawn to the creative possibilities of DJing: the ability to control the energy of a room, connect different sounds, and take listeners on a journey through music. What started as an interest sparked by a single song grew into a desire to develop my own style and share the music that inspired me with others.

My approach to DJing reflects the variety of influences I grew up with. Rather than limiting myself to one sound or aesthetic, I enjoy exploring how different elements can come together to create something distinctive. Electronic music provides the foundation, while my cultural background and personal interests influence the atmosphere and character of my sets. For me, DJing is more than playing tracks; it is a form of self-expression that allows me to communicate my personality through sound.

Outside of music, anime and video games are two of my biggest interests. Both have shaped my appreciation for storytelling, immersive worlds, and the emotional impact of sound. From iconic soundtracks to recognizable effects, these forms of entertainment have their own musical identities and cultural significance. They have influenced the way I think about building a set, encouraging me to create moments that feel familiar, exciting, and unexpected.

I also have a strong appreciation for memes and internet culture, which bring humor and spontaneity into my creative process. Growing up alongside online communities has exposed me to countless sounds, references, and trends that people instantly recognize. I enjoy incorporating some of that energy into my sets through familiar songs, sound clips, and playful transitions. These elements add a personal touch, creating moments where an audience might recognize a reference, share a laugh, or experience a song in a completely different context.

What connects these interests is their ability to create shared experiences. Whether it is the excitement of an electronic drop, the nostalgia of a video game soundtrack, or the humor of an unexpected meme reference, each element can bring people together in its own way. I want my sets to reflect that sense of connection while maintaining the energy and musical flow that first drew me to electronic music. Finding the balance between creativity, entertainment, and a cohesive sound is an important part of developing my identity as a DJ.

My Mexican heritage and American upbringing remain central to who I am, just as electronic music remains at the heart of my musical vision. Growing up between cultural influences taught me to appreciate different perspectives, while my interests in anime, gaming, and internet culture gave me additional ways to explore creativity. Rather than separating these parts of my life, I bring them together to create a style that feels genuine to me.

At 25, I continue to build on the inspiration that began with “Equinox” at age 11. What started as a discovery of electronic music has become a creative pursuit that allows me to express my identity, explore new ideas, and connect with people through sound. Every influence, from my upbringing to the media and music I enjoy, contributes to the perspective I bring behind the decks.

Ultimately, my goal as a DJ is to create sets that are energetic, engaging, and unmistakably personal. I want to combine the sounds that move me with the references that reflect my personality, giving people an experience that is both musically exciting and culturally familiar. My journey is still evolving, but the foundation remains the same: a deep love for electronic music, an appreciation for the cultures that shaped me, and a desire to turn my inspirations into experiences that people can feel, remember, and enjoy.