Today we’d like to introduce you to JP Alves.
Hi JP, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I go by the name JP. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, my home is Houston, Texas. Growing up, Having Little to no Guidance, I was no stranger to trouble and constant relocations, which made it difficult for me to find my place and fit in. However, these challenges molded my mindset into one of trendsetting and embracing my uniqueness. I went to great lengths to stand out, even sporting different-colored shoes that shared the same style (I’ve always been a big sneakerhead). In high school, I tried starting a clothing brand called Mauvais Archives, fusing high fashion with streetwear. Like anyone else, I was on a quest to discover my path, but the one thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to be different and make my mark.
Fast forward to my college days at Lone Star College in Houston, where I made a complete 180-degree shift, transitioning from engineering to psychology. However, I’ll admit I always ended up skipping classes and going to the library to learn the world of currency trading through forex. On a side note, during high school, I spent a considerable amount of time sneaking into festivals like Day for Night, Middlelands, and Free Press. Through my currency trading ventures, I managed to accumulate enough funds to comfortably experience EDC—the mecca of the EDM scene in the USA (at least for me at the time)
This immersive experience at EDC solidified my determination to pursue a career in the industry by any means necessary. Art, music, and fashion were my true passions, and I decided to channel my energy by working for another clothing brand. During my tenure there, I played a pivotal role in rebranding the entire company, acquiring valuable knowledge about the intricate workings of the industry over the span of a few years. However, as time went on, I realized that I was exerting a great deal of effort for something I couldn’t call my own. Being an overachiever and having an innate sense of royalty, I made the bold decision to break away and establish my own company. There was no better industry for me to venture into than the one that had captivated my heart over the years—the House and Techno scene, infused with my own unique essence.
And so, in 2019, Blvcklist was born. I reached out to two close friends, Yan and Nick, who brought their expertise, tools, and connections to the table. Together, we crafted the first collection, aptly named the “Blvcklist First Collection,” featuring five shirts. With my clothing brand established, the next question that loomed over me was, how do I make it known to the world? The most ingenious idea I had was to personally deliver gifts to DJs backstage. Thus, during the initial year of Blvcklist, I found myself stealthily making my way behind the scenes at shows and festivals, offering DJs a thoughtful present or two. Through this tenacious hustle, I forged connections with remarkable individuals within the industry, garnering overwhelming support. Sales weren’t my primary focus during this time; instead, I aimed to build genuine relationships.
Within that first year, I established significant connections, particularly with the teams at Relentless Beats in Arizona and Real Music Events in Austin. They warmly embraced me and have consistently provided unwavering support throughout the years. Simultaneously, I held a job cleaning pools, which afforded me the freedom and time to run my business after my shifts. Finishing work by 1 PM on most days, I would grab lunch and dedicate the remainder of the day to designing shirts, reaching out to influencers, DJs, venues, festivals, and clubs—essentially anyone who could help spread the word
In the beginning of 2020, the second year of my business, I was filled with optimism and saw limitless possibilities ahead. I kicked off the year with the release of the “Holy Trinity Collection,” which encompassed the essence of House, Techno, and Trance music. Shortly after, I launched my first collaboration with a renowned artist, Kendoll. At that moment, I felt invincible, as if nothing could impede my progress. However, in March of that year, the world was struck by an unprecedented event—the global pandemic. While people still required pool cleaning services, the primary source of income for Blvcklist, events, and festivals came to a halt.
Faced with this sudden obstacle, I wondered how to keep the momentum and continue growing. It was during this time that I recognized a golden opportunity for marketing and online expansion. The circumstances compelled me to delve deeper into the branding aspect of Blvcklist. I honed in on the concept of being perceived as Dark, Underground, Sexy, and Classy, solidifying this idea within the brand identity.
From 2021 until the present day, the journey has been a rollercoaster ride with its ups and downs. Nonetheless, I managed to vend at major festivals, collaborate with notable artists, and acquire invaluable knowledge about the industry, which propelled me toward the next stage of my business. Currently, my clothing is in the hands of influential and up-and-coming DJs, and I have fostered genuine relationships with many of them.
Feeling the need for change, I relocated to Dallas in September 2022. Life had become stagnant and comfortable, and I was looking for new opportunities and experiences. As mentioned before, the clothing company served as my foot in the door. This year, we expanded our ventures by launching an event company and an artist management agency.
With that being said, Blvcklist MGMT is currently focusing its energy on an Austin-based DJ, channeling our resources and efforts into nurturing their career. On the Blvcklist Events side, we recently executed a successful takeover of Green Light Social’s Sunset Sessions. I say “we” and “our,” but to this day, I remain a one-man team. However, I anticipate that this year will bring about significant changes, allowing me to expand my team and continue the growth of Blvcklist.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Covid and my own self-discipline
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Blvcklist is my Main source of income
– I design everything down to the website
– I print and ship everything myself
– I am the janitor and CEO
Kre8 is another business I own
– More of a branding firm
– Everything I do for myself I offer to other companies
– T-shirt printing, logo design, web design, email marketing,
-Branding overall
Blvcklist Events & Blvcklist MGMT
– New parts of the company
– Currently under construction
-All you need to know is that if you know what we can create you’re in for a treat
Most proud of making it even this far, yet I still feel like I am close to the start line
What sets me apart from others is my work ethic and determination mixed with discipline.
I can’t name many people with the same internal drive as me
that is one thing I take pride in, don’t talk about much, and really just shows when you see me working
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice is always going to be follow you gut, take action, and stay disciplined
Very simple formula for success
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blvcklist.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blvcklist.co
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/blvcklistco
