By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach
For DJ FoulMouth J, music is more than entertainment. It is a necessity. Born in Roswell and raised in Artesia, he has spent the last decade in Portales, where he has become a staple in the local DJ scene.
“I’ve always been a collector of music,” he said. “People just started handing me the aux cable, and it went from there.”
His influences stem from hip-hop legends like DJ Quik, Mac Dre and Nas, but his sound is diverse. Whether it is a car show, county fair, wedding or festival, adaptability is key. “Reading the crowd is essential,” he said. “I don’t rely on set playlists. I watch reactions and adjust.”
Beyond mixing tracks, he views DJing as an art that impacts people deeply. “Music fills a need. It can work like medicine when administered properly,” he said. “Every event is a chance to create a memory that changes someone’s outlook.”
Like any profession, DJing comes with its challenges. Traveling for gigs can be tough on equipment, and New Mexico roads take a toll. Pay rates in the state are also lower than in other areas, making it a difficult career to break into. Despite this, the local DJ scene is growing, with more artists experimenting with new styles and bringing fresh energy to events.
“We always need more DJs,” he said. “Our job is vital.”
Find him on social media as FoulMouth_J or djfoulmouthj.