Meet Michael Angelo Dimatulac | DJ Artist & Turntablist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Angelo Dimatulac and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael Angelo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business stemmed from wanting to explore something I never had the time for before. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to reconnect with a passion I had since I was young—music. It all began with me making mixes in my bedroom, curating sounds that reflected the culture I grew up with and sharing them in a way that felt unique. Once I started gaining traction and people showed interest in booking me, I realized this could be something more. That’s when I launched my brand ‘MAZD,’ an abbreviation of my full name, and it’s grown into what it is today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is that I don’t limit myself to a niche music selection like I used to. When I play a set, you never know what you’re going to get. I love to mix different genres and create an experience that keeps the energy dynamic and fresh. It’s about curating a journey that reflects the diverse cultures and sounds I’ve been inspired by.

What I’m most proud of in my career so far is having the opportunity to play in Las Vegas, particularly at Encore Beach Club and Wynn Field Club. It has always been my dream to perform in Las Vegas, and achieving this so early in my DJ journey is truly astonishing. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the people who helped me get here.

Djing is important, but building connections in the industry is even more crucial—relationships can trump any skill a DJ may possess. It wasn’t easy to reach this point; I had to make tough decisions along the way. I overcame challenges by being confident in my choices and trusting myself to know what’s best for my career.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in the nightlife industry—and something I share with aspiring DJs—is that DJing is 20% skill and 80% marketing. Effectively marketing yourself to nightclubs, on social media, and within your community will take you further than just technical skills alone.

I want the world to know that I’m an immigrant from the Philippines, having come here in 2011. I aim to inspire others from different backgrounds, showing them that it’s possible to achieve your dreams. My brand ‘MAZD’ represents not only myself but also a collective of immigrants who are afraid to take risks. I want to be a beacon of hope for those in need, encouraging them to pursue their passions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First Half of the Week: LA’s Filipino Flavors and Nightlife
To kick off the trip, I’d take them to my roots in Los Angeles, specifically Carson, to introduce them to the best Filipino food. We’d start with Tita Celia’s for classic homestyle dishes and then stop by Dollar Hits for a street-food experience. After that, we’d explore Downtown LA, visiting speakeasies like Lock & Key for a hidden cocktail experience. In the evening, we’d hit Korea Town for a stop at Terracotta, and close the night with some late-night eats at Sun Nong Dan for some hearty Korean food.

Second Half of the Week: Orange County Vibes
For the second half, we’d head to Orange County. I’d show them my favorite spots like Vita Italian Bar & Grill for a delicious Italian meal and Nova Kitchen & Bar for a mix of fusion cuisine. During the day, we’d unwind at the beaches, soaking in the OC coastline.

Sunday: Day Party at Mesa or La Vida Cantina
On Sunday, we’d go all out with a day party. We’d either hit up Mesa for a party with Rewind OC, or head to La Vida Cantina for the OC Day Party vibes. It’s the perfect way to cap off the week, with great music, lively crowds, and a fun atmosphere.

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?
My first shoutout goes to Rewind OC, my nightlife family, who saw the potential in me from the very beginning. So much of what has blossomed in my career is credited to their support. I also want to give recognition to DJ BRKN for putting me on and showing me the ropes of the industry, and a big shoutout to DJ Eazy, whose inspiration ultimately jump-started my DJ journey. A special thanks to my college friend Ian To, who supported me from the start and let me borrow my first controller. And, of course, a huge shoutout to all the DJs who’ve been part of my journey, including Good Morning Gabe, Jbarr, Lucky Lou, Adri, Zeb, Jakob Mesina, Bawsa, Way2pac and Matty Matt.

Website: https://mazdmtlc.wixsite.com/mazd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djmazd/?hl=en

Other: https://linktr.ee/djmazd?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_vRH4z7O85vzavk6U9bW40NYzCSOK1f1iwICVRWTUsShvfCw8I87Hkwk_aem_Hgi9pCGLfw4SkF-YIQIFNg