Today we’d like to introduce you to MiguelAngel Villalobos.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My interest in music and event organizing began when I was really little, always wanting to be involved in party planning for friends and family. I then quickly realized that a huge part of the success of the party is the music, so I began to curate the sound selection for parties for my friends in middle school. And that’s where it all started!
As I got more into my adult life, I was able to work with local venues and organizers and other DJs from my community to curate events around our city. It’s been thanks to my community that I’ve been able to have all of the opportunities that I have today. Connecting with people on and off the dance floor for so many years, learning what moves people from real experience has helped me understand what is needed for a good party. Now that’s boots on the ground journalism!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I want to say yes… because it hasn’t necessarily been the hardest thing ever. But I wouldn’t be able to say that if I hadn’t had the support and love that this community of family, friends, dance partners, neighbors, and strangers provides every single time.
I would say a personal struggle would be the work life balance… I struggle to find the energy to work on musical projects and events once my 9-5 ends. I’d say that’s a pretty real struggle for all of us, we want to do what we love but NEED to do what pays to keep a roof over our heads. but we somehow make it work! The work isn’t always glamorous but we do it because we love it and the happiness that it brings others. It’s a struggle overall to keep going, that’s the real challenge.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a dj and event coordinator here in Salt Lake! I specialize in curating a groovy dance floor for every single kind of person in my city. My sound consists of anything techno, hardgroove, trance and just overall dance and electronic music! I like to put on an event that carries not only a killer sound selection but also gives back directly to our local community! Funk the System is a bimonthly event (for now) that brings people together for some common goals; to dance, laugh, connect, and provide resources to local organizations doing life saving work here in our city!! Music is and always has been political, techno is anti-fascist, funk the system!!
I needed a way to give back to my community and do a form of protest… so Funk the System was born. I have a firm believe of treating others the way you want to be treated. And so if I want the support of my community then I should do everything in my power to provide my community with support. Bringing people together to dance during truthfully really dark and heavy times is so necessary. It’s freeing, and comes with hope of a better future.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Consistency is key! That’s really all you need to know… don’t STOP!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: whocriedwolf
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/FDNl9ZUPgpFI5o21kK
