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

Hi Mathew, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I’d have to say the amount of dedication, discipline, passion and hardwork it actually takes to get the level you want to be at. Alot of people quit at a certain point for alot of reasons, but it’s at those times when one has to keep going. Pretty much if you really want it, it will reflect. Also you gotta stand out from the crowd somehow and contribute to the culture.

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.
Been at it for 10+ years. Lots of practice. I’d have to say my introduction to the world was me livestreaming myself mixing, all i would use to live stream was my phone and work with the acoustics of what ever room i was in. I started getting bookings the past couple years, got my first booking at Organized Grime which was on Mondays, since then ive started getting recognition in the dance music community. I’ve played a few desert festivals, underground events, day parties, a few after partys and even some charity events as well. As of now i got a residency on a internet radio show Know Love Sessions  and will be in rotation at a new weekly “High Contact” in San Diego. How can something you love to do be work? For me the work part of what i do is the digging for tracks and listening to those tracks, figuring out which tunes pair well together, the hours of practice and preparation. What sets me apart is the ride I’ll take you on when im in the mix. I provide a whole experience and take you to another place where time dosnt exists. It took alot of practice, trial and error. I’ve learned many lessons but the thing is that everyone has their own journey. The most important lesson I’ve learned is preparation, it makes all the difference in your sets. Always have your tunes ready for which ever platform your playing on whether it be Rekordbox, or Engine Prime.

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?
The whole San Diego DNB/Jungle/Bass/House/Tecno music and Rave community. It just wouldn’t be the same. Cant forget the Los Angeles dance music community, I went to my very first underground jungle event there

“Hidden Jungle” in 2006 if you know you know 😉 that was how every Drum and Bass/ Jungle event should be and it was literally underground.

Also Koollondon has had a major influence on my sound. Anyone who has had an influence on my art and craft you know who are. Lastly the world because it’s my muse.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are alot of things to do in San Diego to list. A whole tour of the city would do. I like to go with the flow and things on the fly. I’m spontaneous like that lol but I’d probably start in Ocean Beach.

Instagram: @the_real_dj_rah_jah

Facebook: Rah Jah

Other: Twitch @rah_jah_ Mixcloud @Rah_Jah.

Image Credits
@cpt_playdoh

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.