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

Hi Juan, how do you think about risk?
Life is all about taking risks. Taking risks is a gamble, you can succeed taking a chance or fail but still learn from it. Either way you’ll gain something. I took a risk on going solo musically when my band members needed time off, I ventured into acting, producing and supporting independent films as well and my career has been getting noticed and recognized around the world. You never know where the risk will take you but its all worth it in the end.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a musician at heart. Music is life for me. I write music and perform it when possible. I love to entertain, I tell people I do not want to be labeled as an influencer as todays celebrities are known to be, I am an entertainer.

I recently released a music video called Dirty Freaken Joe- Sci-Fi Sam which was inspired from Sean Haitz upcoming feature film Area 5150 which I make a cameo in. The music video has won so far 27 awards from film festival events in Los Angeles to festivals in Europe, Greece and all around the world. Im so proud of this project because I produced the whole project myself and gathered a great team of talented people including special FX artist Joe Castro, actor Brett Wagner, Sean Haitz, Ryan James and some of my family and friends.

I got into acting in independent films in Sept 2022 and love that I can involve music in movies. It has been tough trying to do projects while juggling a day job but it is possible, you just lose a lot of sleep in the process or use up your days off still working on a project. A lot of stress occurs but I say I’m stressed but blessed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Los Angeles, I am a huge Funko Funatic so I definitely would recomend checking out Funko Hollywood where you can even make a funko of yourself and lots of fun photo ops while your there.

While in the Hollywood area you have to check the Rainbow Bar and Grill. If you love music, there’s so much rock memorabilia there to see and of course you have to pay respect to the Lemmy Kilmister statue at the Lemmy Lounge. Have a drink, get some grub and rock out. The Whiskey A Go-Go is right around the corner to enjoy a concert. It’s one of my favorite venues that I’ve had the honor of performing in. They always have great shows there.

Theres so much to do in Hollywood. Walking down Hollywood Blvd is also fun, watching the stars on the floor of famous celebrities. There’s lots of museums to check out down the way as well and cool shops.

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 wife Llesica Gonzalez aka Jane’s Earful Creations has always been by my side encouraging me to take risks and join projects. I thank her for supporting me and letting me advertise my projects at her booth at horror events such as Creep I.E Con, O.C Creep It Real and others.

Ryan James and Sean Haitz took me under their wing and guided me through the independent film industry. I have learned a lot from them and was able to experience a lot because of them, inviting me to their red carpet premieres and shoots.

Timothy A. Bennett has been my music video director since day 1. He’s always looked out for me and made a lot of my success possible, it was thanks to him I got infront of camera for the first time. He also took me under his wing and guided me through my entertainment career. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.

Website: https://linktr.ee/dirtyfreakenjoe?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=ca95feb6-41c5-4a9f-8d5f-fa73dfaea7ea&fbclid=PAAabOmvAA5T_6ieGPVIb34W5TqNljNplDkwufuluFCzUBeazaN8v18g_yua4

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirty_joe87?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyJoe87?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dirtyfreakenjoe9695?si=viAj8oTWBGwULl4f

Image Credits
Steve Escarcega Ryan Penington Iryna Glavnyk Ryan James Llesica Gonzalez

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