Meet Dj Icy Ice | DJ/ Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dj Icy Ice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ Icy Ice, how do you think about risk?
Growing up in a Filipino/Asian household, my parents had clear expectations for me to excel in school and pursue a prestigious career as a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. But from an early age, my true passion was always music. As a child, I played the violin, later transitioning to the saxophone and piano. Then, in middle school, a few friends introduced me to DJing, and everything changed. I had finally found an art form that I truly connected with. From that moment on, I knew this was my calling.

Choosing to pursue DJing as a career was a major risk. Especially in the early 90s when it was seen more as a hobby than a legitimate profession. But I’ve always believed that risk is better than regret, so I threw myself into the world of music with everything I had. I started small, DJing birthdays, quinceneras, school dances, community events, and company parties. I made mixtapes and CDs, promoted flyer parties, and eventually worked my way into nightclubs grinding to build my name and do what I loved, all in an era before social media made self-promotion easier.

Sometimes, life is about risking everything for a dream only you can see. Despite the challenges, the high probability of failure, and the doubts from others, I chose to follow my passion and commit to making DJing my career. I’ve had the privilege of being a DJ on major radio stations here in LA. I’ve DJed at sporting events for LA’s biggest teams: the Dodgers, Angels, Kings, Sparks, Galaxy, and Clippers. I’ve played for celebrities and traveled the world doing what I love.

If you have a true passion for something and the work ethic to match, don’t be afraid to take the risk. You never know how far it might take you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Art of DJing: Moving the Crowd with Music

DJing is more than just playing songs, it’s an art form, a way to connect with people on a deep, emotional level. The music you choose and how you mix it can completely shape the atmosphere, taking listeners on a journey through sound. A great DJ doesn’t just play music; they move spirits, tap good memories, and create moments that stay with people forever. That’s the ultimate high of being a DJ, guiding the energy of a crowd in a way that few can.

What sets DJs apart is their personal library of music, especially for vinyl DJs whose collections are unique and carefully curated. In today’s digital world, where many have access to the same files, true distinction comes from skills….how you mix, blend, remix, and perform live. It’s about performing with music with your: cutting, scratching, beat juggling and creating something fresh in the moment.

One of the things I’m most proud of is being part of the DJ world for multiple decades. I have lived and experienced all the changes with music over the years, especially being on the radio, when TV and radio were the only two major media outlets out there (long before social media changed everything). As radio and club DJs, we had the power to break new artists and make songs into hits simply by including them in our sets. Working for some of the biggest radio stations in Los Angeles, the second-largest market in the U.S., was a major accomplishment. It wasn’t easy, and it was a big risk, especially coming from a Filipino/Asian background. Being one of the first Filipino American DJs in L.A. is a huge honor, opening my own Vinyl Record Store called “STACKS” and getting to travel the world, perform on major stages, and share the music I love has been an incredible journey.

It’s also amazing to see how far DJing has come. What started as a hobby has evolved into a major part of the entertainment industry. DJs today wear many hats, you can be a DJ artist, producer, or personality on TV, Radio, YouTube, or Twitch. DJs are at sporting events of every kind, from soccer and basketball to baseball and hockey. You’ll find DJs everywhere, from steakhouses and coffee shops to corporate retreats and conventions, etc. The role of a DJ has expanded into every corner of life, and I’m grateful to have experienced it all from the early days of turntablism to the global movement it has become today.

Exciting Things Happening This Year:

Even though I still DJ multiple times a week, you can catch me streaming live daily on Twitch at 11 AM and TikTok around 1 PM, Monday through Friday.

This year, I’m also celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Debut, a Filipino American film I was part of, with a special screening at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood this March. I’ll be speaking on a panel at WonderCon at the Anaheim Convention Center, and I’ll be featured in a comic book about DJs called On the Ones and Twos and got some shows/ tours lined up with my drummer that’s gonna be amazing! This summer, I’ll be DJing at an LA Galaxy home game and even throwing out the first pitch at an Angels game for Filipino American History Month.

A lot of exciting things are happening, and I am loving every moment of this DJ journey!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Los Angeles for its diversity, and whenever I have visitors in town, the first thing I do is take them to eat. No matter what you’re craving, “whether it’s street tacos, a cozy mom-and-pop spot, fine dining or anything in-between” LA has it all. The city’s food scene is unmatched, and exploring it is always at the top of my list when hosting guests.

If it’s someone’s first time in LA, I play tour guide and make sure they experience both the iconic landmarks and some hidden local gems. Griffith Observatory is always a must see, no better view of the city than from up there. The beaches are another highlight, whether it’s the energy of Venice and Santa Monica with their boardwalks and piers or the more laid-back, scenic shores of Newport and Laguna in Orange County. If they’re into the outdoors, the Inland Empire offers incredible mountain hikes, desert landscapes, and wide-open spaces that showcase a different side of Southern California.

For a mix of old-school charm and modern dining, the Original Farmers Market at The Grove is a great spot, offering everything from classic food stalls to high-end restaurants. If my guest is a basketball fan, a stop at Crypto Arena (formerly Staples Center) and LA Live is a must, snapping pictures with the statues and soaking in the energy of downtown.

Since I grew up in the South Bay, I love showing visitors around my hometown area driving over the Vincent Thomas Bridge, stopping by the Korean Bell of Friendship for stunning ocean views in Palos Verdes, and heading into Long Beach to explore the harbor, check out the Queen Mary, or grab a great meal.

LA is full of incredible places, and whether you’re into food, history, sports, nature, or just soaking in the city’s energy, there’s always something new to experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to all the special people in my life who have helped shape me into who I am today.

First and foremost, thank you to my parents for supporting me on this journey. I know it wasn’t easy for them “leaving the Philippines, leaving their families and friends to come to America and give their kids, especially me, a chance at a better life”. They went through all that struggle, only for their son to want to become a DJ (which they had no idea even existed at the time).

To my wife, Heidi, thank you for always holding me down, supporting my passion, and taking care of our family, our four boys aka A Tribe Called Dacio. I couldn’t do what I do without you.

Shoutout to my brothers from all the crews that have been part of my DJ journey: SPECTRUM, Legend Entertainment, the Beat Junkies, SnapBack, Real Ones, and my Twitch family, The Ice Pack. A special thank you to my mentor and teacher, Jimmy Corpus, and my big bros Tony G and Julio G, who helped me get on the radio. Much love to all the radio stations and crews I’ve been part of: 92.3 The Beat, 93.5 KDAY, 90.7 KPFK, Movin’ 93.9 (Rick Dees in the Morning Crew), and Power 106, big thanks to my guy E-Man for believing in me at Power 106. Shoutout to Toquon tha MC, who’s been rocking by my side with me as my MC for all these years. Thank you Robert Rene for the nomination!

And finally, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has ever dubbed my mixtapes, bumped my mix CDs, tuned into my radio shows, come out to party with me, or watched me perform at my events. Shoutout to all the promoters across the U.S. and internationally who have booked me for their events. And of course, big love to everyone who tunes in and watches me daily on Twitch and TikTok for my live streams.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

Website: https://hoo.be/djicyice

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

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@djicyice

Image Credits
Thanks for the interview!!! Appreciate it!!!