We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Salazar and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alex, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Patterson, New Jersey, but I spent my formative years in the 864 area. Currently, I reside in Greenville, SC, and I am grateful for the impact it has had on shaping my identity. My cultural background is rooted in my Latino heritage, as both my parents were born and raised in Peru. My father, a talented singer, has his own Salsa band called “Son Del Callao,” which greatly influenced my early musical preferences. Through him, I was exposed to a wide range of genres, spanning from Akon to Chris Brown, Notorious, Marc Anthony, and Don Omar.
At the age of 15, I had my first encounter with a DJ controller, an experience that ignited a deep sense of purpose within me. From that moment, I knew that my destiny lay in the realm of DJing and music. I’m currently working on dropping my first piece of merchandise and expanding the different routes I can take in beat production.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a DJ and musical designer with a diverse skill set. In addition to curating playlists, producing beats, and mixing music, I am venturing into podcast creation. I take great pride in my journey and have had the privilege of meeting remarkable individuals along the way. I am thrilled to announce my participation in my very first music festival, scheduled for September 29-30. This event will feature renowned artists such as Khalid, Teddy Swims, and two friends. Secure your tickets promptly!
What sets me apart from other DJs in my city is my humility and consistency. I firmly believe that with a dedicated team, anything is possible. Although I have only been immersed in this industry for two years, I assure you that it is not as effortless as it may seem. Building connections is crucial for success, and maintaining a professional approach can take you far. My ultimate goal is to become a household name worldwide. I am determined to make my mark and ascend to the throne as DJ Zarr.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The city of Greenville has dedicated significant efforts over the years to develop its downtown area into a vibrant and appealing space for residents and visitors alike. It boasts one of the finest downtown areas in the United States, characterized by a charming Main Street adorned with beautiful trees and offering a plethora of shops and excellent dining choices. Among the various activities one can enjoy in Greenville, strolling around the downtown area is one of my personal favorites. Exploring the heart of Greenville by foot allows you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s essence. Take a moment to visit a locally owned coffee shop or restaurant, or browse through the unique boutiques that line the streets. With a growing reputation as a foodie destination, Greenville owes its culinary appeal to the passionate local restaurateurs. While you may encounter some chain restaurants in the vicinity, the city takes pride in its flourishing independent dining scene, showcasing a love for homegrown establishments. The Falls Park On the Reedy is a very enjoyable view to enjoy with your friends or family. The Pomegranate on Main is one of my favorite spots to eat. The shrimps kabobs are very tasty. Another fascinating place not to far from Greenville is a mountain spot called Bald Rock Heritage Preserve. This natural scenic overlook provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Accessible via a wooden footbridge, the area features a massive rock outcropping, equivalent in size to a football field. The spacious summit allows visitors to enjoy the panoramic vista without any height-related concerns, even if they have a fear of heights. From this vantage point, you can behold the picturesque foothills of Pickens and Greenville counties, as well as South Carolina’s notable geological marvel, Table Rock, a vast granite dome. Take a seat on the rock, relax, and relish in your own awe-inspiring “king of the world” moment.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to express my immense gratitude to my close friends who have been a tremendous support in my journey. Claudio has consistently had my back and serves as a daily motivation to strive for self-improvement. Tyler, a talented musician, has been instrumental in helping me enhance my producing skills, and together, we have transformed Tuneworks Studio into one of Greenville SC’s premier recording spaces. Piez Boutique has always been there for me, ensuring I have the latest fashion trends. I owe a great debt of gratitude to my mentor and friend, Dj Gman (Grffin), who has inspired me to remain consistent in securing bookings and believing in myself.
I would also like to give a special shoutout to Dj Aladdin, a dear friend who introduced me to the Atlanta area and has been a reliable presence in my life since we met. He truly embodies the essence of a steadfast friend. Last but not least, my homeboy Mella deserves recognition as one of the most talented photographers I know. I am proud to call him a close friend.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge and give props to my mom and dad, Gaby and Willy. I love you both dearly. Furthermore, I highly recommend reading the book “The Four Agreements.” It offers a fresh perspective on life and is definitely worth a quick read.
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