Jesus Medina: Finding His Voice One Set At A Time
Past the Nerves, Into the Sound
INTERVIEW BY: EMILY ARAUZA
JUNE 7th, 2025
“Closed mouths don’t get fed.” That mindset has carried Dina, a rising Houston-based DJ, through every opportunity, setback, and breakthrough he’s had so far.
Even though he’s only been in the game for about a year, his approach feels seasoned. What started with experimenting on his cousin’s FLX10 turned into a real pursuit, fueled by community, curiosity, and a deep love for music that moves people. From opening his first show at Untitled to dreaming of sets in Berlin and London, Dina isn’t just learning the ropes—he’s building something with purpose.
In this conversation, we talk about everything from stage nerves and family support to the freedom of Europe’s music culture and the importance of staying true to your sound. Dina keeps it honest about the grind, the inspiration behind his journey, and what it really takes to build something lasting in a scene that’s always evolving.
Jesus Medina: “Hey! my name is Jesus Medina, my stage name is Dina! I am an up and coming dj, been in the game for almost a year now and have loved it ever since.”
Emily Arauza: “What first drew you to DJing, and do you remember the moment you knew this was something you wanted to pursue?”
JD: “What initially drew me into DJing was the energy and presence of the people behind the decks. Watching a skilled DJ play the music they love and seeing the crowd respond to every beat is an incredibly surreal experience. I hadn’t fully grasped the impact a DJ could have until I attended an underground event here in Houston. In that moment, I realized the DJ truly becomes the focal point—surrounded by people who are there purely for the music and the atmosphere. The moment that solidified my desire to pursue this career was seeing a now friend of mine perform live. His ability to connect with the crowd, read the room, and curate the perfect set sparked something in me. It made me want to be that person who creates those unforgettable moments through music.”
EA: “I like that, the way you describe that underground event and the connection between the DJ and the crowd really paints a picture of what music can do in a room. It’s clear that moment left a big mark on you. How old were you when you started DJing, and what was that very first experience behind the decks like for you?”
JD: “I first got my hands on a DJ controller when I was 16. My older cousin had a FLX10, and he’d let me experiment with it from time to time. I’d play around with the knobs and try to transition tracks — not very well at the time — but it sparked my curiosity. Two years later, I saved up for my own computer and DJ board, and that’s when I really started practicing and developing my style, focusing on playing the music I truly connected with. My first professional experience came in October at an event called Untitled. The owner gave me the opportunity to open, and I remember feeling incredibly anxious leading up to it. When it was finally time to perform, I was literally shaking from nerves. What helped me push through was having my friends there — cheering me on, supporting me, and celebrating that milestone. It was a defining moment for me, and it made me realize this is exactly what I want to keep doing.”
EA: “That’s such a real story. It’s cool how something as simple as messing around on your cousin’s FLX10 sparked something so meaningful. You went from being curious to really stepping into what feels like your purpose. That first gig at Untitled sounds like it meant a lot—not just because it was your start, but because you pushed through the nerves and had your people backing you. Moments like that leave a lasting mark. What was that experience actually like once you got behind the decks—were there any parts that felt surreal or unexpected? And now that you’ve had that moment, what are you hoping to see in the future? Who inspires the sound and energy you’re working toward?”
JD: “I was actually running late to my first gig ever, which definitely added to the nerves. But once I got behind the decks and saw people dancing and reacting to the music I was playing, it really reinforced the feeling that this path I’m pursuing could actually turn into something real. What felt most surreal was sharing the same stage as DJs I had looked up to. Being able to observe their different styles up close made me realize that there’s no one “right” way to DJ. Everyone has their own approach—whether it’s their music selection, mixing techniques, or pre-set rituals. That really opened my mind and gave me confidence in developing my own style. Looking ahead, I want to continue building my name here in Houston. I want people to recognize the work I put in—from digging deep to find rare, unheard-of tracks, to constantly refining my sets. A quote I live by is, “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” I’m always reaching out to promoters and venue owners to get myself on lineups, no matter the genre or time slot. One of my goals is to help people become more open to different styles of music—to break out of the box and feel free on the dance floor. Someone who really inspires me is my friend Seven. Seeing the level of effort he puts into his events and sets motivates me to keep pushing. Surrounding myself with people who have a similar drive and vision has been powerful—we challenge each other, share ideas, and keep each other sharp.”
EA: “That’s wild that you were running late to your first gig like as if the nerves weren’t already high enough. But it’s not a coincidence how everything clicked once you got behind the decks and felt that energy from the crowd. That kind of moment really does make it feel real. And what you said about sharing the stage with DJs you looked up to? That’s a full-circle moment for sure. Seeing different styles up close and realizing there’s no single “right” way to do this, it sounds like that opened you up creatively in a major way. Also, that’s crazy you mentioned Seven since he was actually one of the first people I interviewed. He’s seriously inspiring. The way he curates his sets and puts intention behind everything he does, it’s clear how much heart he puts into it. Makes total sense that he’s in your circle and pushing you forward. With everything you’ve experienced so far, what’s a piece of advice or a mindset you live by
something that keeps you grounded or pushes you when things get tough?
JD: “My family has always been my greatest source of motivation. Early on, they were understandably skeptical about my DJing ambitions—until I invited them to one of my events. Seeing the passion I poured into my set, watching the crowd dance, and feeling the energy around me opened their eyes to how meaningful this is for me. Now, they’re my biggest fans, encouraging me to aim higher, take bold risks, and even consider relocating if it means advancing my career. A mindset I live by is to be outspoken and proactive. I continually push myself out of my comfort zone—reaching out to venue owners, promoters, and fellow DJs—because you never know which conversation will lead to your next opportunity. Every booking I’ve earned, every connection I’ve made, came from taking that leap and striking up a conversation. I’m proud of the network I’ve built and the doors it’s opened, and I’ll keep pushing forward with that same boldness.”
EA: “That’s truly special. There’s something powerful about having your family witness your passion firsthand and then fully stand behind it. That shift from skepticism to support says a lot about how real this is for you and how much you’ve grown. I also really admire how proactive you are. Reaching out, building relationships, and putting yourself in the room even when it’s uncomfortable takes real courage. That kind of consistency is what creates momentum. You’ve clearly learned a lot just by stepping into it and figuring things out as you go. On a more personal level, what keeps you grounded when things start to feel overwhelming or uncertain? And looking back, is there anything you wish someone had told you earlier that might have made the journey a little easier?”
JD: “What keeps me grounded is seeing how much is possible when you truly commit to something. Watching other DJs reach the positions I’m striving for reminds me that this path is real and achievable if you’re willing to put in the work. At the end of the day, it comes down to how much passion and intention you bring—because that’s what fuels growth, especially during the moments that feel uncertain or overwhelming. Looking back, I wish someone had told me earlier to focus more on playing the music I believe in. It’s easy to fall into the habit of playing what’s popular or familiar, especially when you’re just starting out. But what really stands out is giving the crowd something new—curating a set that reflects your taste and takes people on a journey they didn’t expect. That’s the kind of experience I aim to create now.”
EA: “That’s such a grounded perspective. The way you talk about commitment and intention shows that you’re not just chasing a moment; you’re building something with real purpose behind it. And the part about trusting your own taste rather than just following trends really stands out. It takes confidence to bring people into your world musically, especially when you’re still earning that trust. I know you mentioned your friend Seven earlier as someone who inspires you, but I’m curious, who would you say is your biggest inspiration overall? Whether it’s someone from the scene or someone outside of music, who’s had the most impact on how you move and create?”
JD: “ I wouldn't say a person but overall a country, i resonate with europe, playing similar sounds and just overall playing whatever they want and the people love it. Seeing how fans and communities come together to see a certain DJ or an event show how much passion and love they have for music. Of course there's places here in the US but it's less outgoing and felt more pushed away due to there being clubs and bars that generally play specific genres. There's a reason why europe djs only come to certain clubs in the US and don't have tours here.”
EA: “That makes so much sense, and honestly, I feel that too. I’m actually about to live in Spain for a few months, and I’m so excited to experience the music scene over there. I already know I’m gonna be hitting a few clubs and seeing how people move to sounds that aren’t boxed in. There’s just a different kind of freedom in the way Europe embraces music. If you had the chance to play out there, where would you want your first set to be? Any cities or spots you’ve got your eye on?”
JD: “I feel like ibiza is such an obvious answer but it’s too saturated, everyone wants to be a part of the culture and DJ there. If i had to pick It would be between Berlin or in London.”
EA: “I get what you mean, Ibiza is legendary, but it’s definitely become that go-to answer. Berlin and London feel a lot more rooted in the culture, like there’s real depth to the scenes there. You can tell people show up for the music itself, not just the image. And honestly, both cities seem like the kind of places that would really connect with the sound and energy you bring. You’ve dropped so many gems just by being honest about your journey. To close things off, do you have any advice you’d give to someone who’s just starting out and trying to find their sound or place in the scene?”
JD: “Always record yourself when you practice, listen back to your mistakes and better them. Find you a group of people who have the same goals and interests and build something positive that helps the community. No matter what, always reach out for help and get out there and network as much as possible.”
