Meet Israel Madrigal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Israel Madrigal.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Israel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my journey as a DJ helping my brother carry and set up his equipment for free. I’ve always enjoyed music and helping him introduced me to what a DJ was and what they did. I have been around music my whole life, growing up in Mexico watching my dad playing in a band, my brother being a DJ, not to mention countless cousins that were in the music business. I tried picking up a guitar, playing the keyboard, even the drums, but It was when I heard mix shows on the radio that I was hooked. Listening to the DJ’s on the radio blending songs, scratching, mixing between genres really caught my eye.

Back then It was much tougher to get started in this business, It took a big investment in equipment, records, sound, not to mention the countless hours of practice needed to be good. It was the mother of my kids, Carmen, that bought me my first set of turntables, and got me started on this path. I’m forever thankful to her because without her I would not be where I am today, doing something that I love.

Let’s just say that I was not very good for a long time….. a very long time… It took countless hours of practice, many mistakes, vast amounts of trial and error to get any good. I still don’t think I’m very good, I try to tell myself that so that I can keep improving. I worked myself up to booking a couple of gigs here and there, and It wasn’t until college that I started to get weekly gigs. Those were some of my busiest times and met some of the best friends and mentors that I keep in touch with until this day. Once I graduated I backed off for a bit and focused on my career as a Respiratory Therapist. I didn’t quit all together, I had weekly gigs and was on a local radio station for a while, but most of my focus was on my sons Giovani, Gael, and my job at the hospital.

It wasn’t until I got one of the biggest opportunities in my life that I got back into Djing full time. I received a text from a friend telling me that the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show was having a contest to find the best DJs in the country to be a part of their show and provide mixes for their new segment on Fridays called Flush The Format. I thought about it and asked myself what I had to lose? I locked myself in my room for a couple of days, put a mix together and entered the contest. A couple of months later I found out that I was one of the winners from the North Texas Region. I was shocked and proud of myself for winning a spot on the RadioDjs roster, an extremely talented team of guys. Thanks for going out to my good friend Mike Morse for that huge opportunity.

Now I am lucky enough to DJ and work at the hospital full time, fortunate to play at clubs and bars all around the DFW area, blessed to work with large companies that I would never have dreamed of working with, all because of the family and friends that surround me. I am even in the process of starting my own company, Elv8 Ent, here in the DFW and surrounding areas.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been easy like I mentioned, I was not very good for a long time. It was frustrating at times when I did not see improvement, I kept at it and eventually started to improve. Having friends in the business helps tremendously, they can give you advice, they can challenge you to be better and you can learn from each other. I’ve been lucky enough to meet people along the way that have mentored me and have given me guidance to point me in the right direction.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’ve been Djing for over ten years, and over that time I have learned and have done a lot of different types of events. I pride myself on reading the crowd and finding the right type of music to get them to enjoy themselves. I try and excel in bridging the new style of music with an old school twist. That makes me able to DJ for clubs, bars, corporate events, weddings, concerts, etc. You name it and I have music to make that event memorable. I am also currently starting an entertainment company that will provide a bride or a company a one-stop shop for all their event needs. Elev8 Ent will provide, music, lights, decor, photo booth, videography, photography and more for clients all in one place so that they do not have to worry about dealing with multiple vendors.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I plan to continue to improve myself, my company, my services and focus to be the best that I can be. I want to start traveling and doing guest spots with my friends from out of town.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.facebook.com/elev_8_ent
• Phone: 469-742-1466
• Email: djmadd87@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/djmadd87
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/djmadd87
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/djmadd87
• Other: www.instagram.com/Elev_8_ent

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