Jose Robles, also known as DJ Shot, began his music career as a DJ throwing parties at his home in Los Angeles. Now, with more than 3,500 fans on Facebook and a fan base ranging from high school teenagers to post-grad students, Robles spins his turntables at some of Los Angeles’ most well-known venues including the Avalon and the Belasco Theater. Robles spoke to Daily Bruin’s Marjorie Yan about his new residency at SOL nightclub as well as how he has grown as a DJ within the past two years.
Daily Bruin: How did you come up with the name DJ Shot?
Jose Robles: I used to throw house parties when I was younger, and … someone started calling me “Shot Caller” and it kind of just stuck. For the three years I was throwing parties (back then) I just went with it, and when I picked up my first set of turntables, I simply cut it short to “Shot.”
DB: Growing up, did you know you always wanted to become a DJ? When did you start DJing, and what made you want to start?
JR: As a kid, I do remember my parents providing the entertainment for a lot of the family parties we hosted. They are a big reason why I listen to so many different genres and know such a wide mix of artists. People eventually get tired of hearing the same top 40 songs at every club they go to, so I make it my job to switch it up.
DB: What do you guys love most about performing live?
JR: I think the best part about performing is reading the crowd and watching them have fun. … I’m sure I’m having just as much fun, if not more. I take it upon myself to give the crowd my all and make sure whatever stress or problems they walked into the club with are forgotten.
DB: How would you say you’ve grown or changed since you began DJing?
JR: When I first started messing around with my turntables I remember forcing a lot of what I was trying to do. After about two years of constant practice, I began to develop my style, which is still nowhere near perfected, but it helps me rock just about every club I go to. The crowd has to be your motivation whenever you’re on stage, especially as a DJ. My job or any DJ’s job is to keep the people moving and having a good time.
DB: Do you look up to any already well known DJs? If so, who and why?
JR: DJ AM, who passed away, has definitely been my favorite since I started. He had some of the best cuts, track selection and he could get a crowd moving like no other. … I used to listen to his “Fix Your Face” routine he had with Travis Barker everyday on my way to school.
DB: What other venues have you performed at? What would be your dream venue to DJ?
JR: I’ve had a chance to perform at some of the biggest venues here in Southern California like The Belasco, The Avalon and The Fox Theater in San Bernardino, which all hold a couple thousand people, so I’ve been really fortunate. I don’t really have a dream venue to perform at, but I would like to perform at a big outdoor music festival. … That would be something new for me and something I’m definitely looking forward to doing in the future.
DB: How would you describe your musical style?
JR: If I were to try to describe it, I’d probably go on forever because my style consists of many styles. When I started to DJ, I began with hip hop. Then, I started working with electronic music, and now I add a lot of Latin flavor to it. When I’m on stage, you’ll hear me change it quite often, but I put it all together so that it gives it a constant good flow to dance and sing along to.
DB: What advice do you have for aspiring DJs?
JR: There’s a lot to say. … To start off, do what you love. … If you’re a DJ because you’re trying to fit in or get popular, or even for the money, then you’re in the wrong business. Think of playing at every gig you get as if you were getting paid five million dollars and maybe one day you will.