The music industry is a dynamic field that fosters creative freedom of expression, offering various paths to success.  For example, one group could tour with their own music, while another could play music for people’s enjoyment at a private party or event. It all just depends on the individual people and what their preferences are as well as how committed they are to continuing their musical journey.

For senior Oscar Gomez Pena, or DJ Chicano, that journey has already begun.

Gomez Pena was 14 years old when he decided to take the jump from simply playing instruments, to joining the business-side of the industry. His job is to attend events or parties and use his expertise.

“When I am working, I either DJ or sing and play the accordion,” Gomez Pena said. “I enjoy doing both and don’t prefer one over the other. I like my job because it is not very difficult [for me] and I get to hype people up and make them have a good time.”

In addition to his two primary roles, Gomez Pena plays a variety of diverse instruments. Being able to accomplish this has positively changed his life doing something he loves.

“I feel like it is just a passion I have and [I] think it plays a big part in my life because it has influenced me a lot,” Gomez Pena said. “These skills could benefit me in my future by either becoming famous or [by] playing an instrument for a living. Even if that doesn’t happen, I wouldn’t mind as long as I can [share] my passion for music [with] my family and friends.”

Having a business can come with some trade offs. One major trade off for Gomez Pena is balancing his musical work with his school work and free time. However, even with those drawbacks he’s successful.

“Working this business can affect…school because working weekends sometimes takes away time from doing my homework, but I always pull it off anyways,” Gomez Pena said. “It also affects me because I go out on weekends with [people] because of work. Even though it takes away from my free time, I do wish I could work more.”

This business has evolved with Gomez Pena. It has changed and grown with every improvement he has made for himself and his abilities.

“Something I believe about myself is that I have become successful in this business because I never gave up and…dedicate my time to get it running,” Gomez Pena said. “The business overall is great because in my opinion music is life and if you make or play music you help bring cheerfulness to the world.”

With Gomez Pena’s knowledge of the business, he would like to offer some advice to those wishing to have their own business.

“To succeed in any business you must not wait or hope for the right time,” Gomez Pena said. “You reach your dream by working on it one day at a time.”

Gomez Pena’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/@oscar_g_p_?si=IcMSgLshNOPp3NaD