We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a creative career as a DJ because I genuinely love what I do. Music has always been a passion of mine, and DJing gives me the chance to share that love with others. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a crowd, the way music brings people together, and the joy of creating moments that people will remember forever. It’s incredibly rewarding to turn a playlist into an experience and to know I’m helping people celebrate some of the most important days of their lives. For me, it’s not just a job—it’s my art and my way of connecting with the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a DJ, my work is all about creating unforgettable experiences through music. What sets me apart is my ability to read the crowd and adapt the vibe in real time. I don’t just play songs; I craft seamless sets that tell a story and bring people together on the dance floor. My attention to detail—whether it’s curating a couple’s perfect wedding playlist or hyping up a crowd at a party—is something I take great pride in.

I’m most excited about the personal connections I build with my clients. Every event is unique, and being trusted to bring someone’s vision to life is an incredible honor. One of the proudest moments in my career is seeing the smiles and hearing the cheers when the perfect track drops—it’s a feeling that never gets old.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. There were late nights, self-doubt, and plenty of lessons learned the hard way. Early on, I struggled with balancing creative expression with the business side of things. I overcame these challenges by staying disciplined, learning from mentors, and always striving to grow. I’ve learned that resilience and adaptability are key in this industry—you have to embrace change and trust the process.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s built on passion, authenticity, and a genuine love for music. My goal is always to exceed expectations and make every event I’m part of unforgettable. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, or a celebration, I put my heart and soul into ensuring the soundtrack of the day is nothing short of amazing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome & Relaxation

Morning: Start the trip at a classic local breakfast spot like The Mission in San Diego for amazing chilaquiles or pancakes.
Afternoon: Hit the beach at La Jolla Shores for some sun and maybe some kayaking or snorkeling.
Evening: Dinner at George’s at the Cove for incredible ocean views and gourmet California cuisine. End the night with a stroll along the La Jolla Cove to see the seals.

Day 2: Downtown Vibes

Morning: Coffee and pastries at Better Buzz Coffee.
Midday: Explore Balboa Park—visit a few museums, take in the architecture, and enjoy the gardens.
Evening: Head downtown for dinner at Born & Raised, a swanky steakhouse with rooftop views. Afterward, drinks at Noble Experiment, a speakeasy hidden behind a wall of kegs.

Day 3: Surf & Tacos

Morning: Surf lesson at Pacific Beach for some fun in the waves.
Afternoon: Grab tacos at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood—their smoked fish tacos are a must.
Evening: Hang out at Amplified Ale Works for craft beer and a laid-back beach vibe.

Day 4: Explore North County

Morning: Breakfast in Encinitas at Honey’s Bistro & Bakery.
Afternoon: Walk along Moonlight Beach, then check out the meditation gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship.
Evening: Sushi dinner at Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub in Oceanside, followed by live music at Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.

Day 5: Day Trip to Temecula

Morning: Head to Temecula for wine tasting at Wilson Creek Winery or Ponte Winery.
Lunch: Enjoy a charcuterie board at a vineyard picnic spot.
Evening: Return and have a chill dinner at Crack Shack in Little Italy for gourmet fried chicken.

Day 6: Local Gems

Morning: Breakfast burritos from Lolita’s.
Afternoon: Explore Old Town San Diego for some history and margaritas at Cafe Coyote.
Evening: Sunset at Sunset Cliffs, then dinner at Juniper & Ivy, known for its creative, upscale dishes.

Day 7: Farewell

Morning: Brunch at Morning Glory in Little Italy, one of the coolest breakfast spots in town.
Afternoon: Spend a relaxed last day at Coronado Beach, and end the trip with cocktails at Hotel Del Coronado while watching the sunset.

I mean San Diego Its Always A Good Win !

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 want to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible mentors and supporters who have been part of my journey as a DJ. My family and close friends have always encouraged me to chase my dreams, even when the road felt uncertain. A special thanks to the seasoned DJs who shared their knowledge and wisdom with me early on—it made all the difference in helping me grow and develop my craft.

I also want to recognize my clients and event coordinators who trust me to be part of their special moments. Their belief in my work pushes me to keep raising the bar. Lastly, a huge shoutout to the community of music lovers out there—your energy fuels my passion every single day!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpthedj_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpthedj760/

Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/djgrande

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.