HOUSWERX

VOYAGE AUSTIN INTERVIEW

From Austin Roots to Global Beats: The Journey of HOUSWERX Radio

Hi John, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From Austin Roots to Global Beats: The Journey of HOUSWERX Radio
Growing up in Austin, music was more than just a backdrop—it was a way of life. Born and raised in the Live Music Capital of the World, I was constantly surrounded by sound, rhythm, and culture. I started DJing at 16, armed with a pair of Technic 1200s, a Gemini mixer, and an obsession that led to weekly pilgrimages to Turntable Records and Alien Records. The SouthSide House Parties became a staple in my early years.

KAZI radio played a big role in shaping some of my early musical tastes, filling the airwaves with R&B and hip-hop. Around the same time, mix-tapes from Chicago and Miami introduced me to the worlds of house, dance, and freestyle. Soon after, K-98 and Martin “The Hitman” brought house and freestyle to the Austin airwaves, making it feel like the city was finally in sync with the global dance scene.

Like all things, music evolved. Radio stations shifted formats, and the once-vibrant DJ culture started to fade into the background. I became focused on a business career and music kind of took a back seat. I was traveling with work but I held on to my gear and still collected music. Not too long ago, I decided to get back into things, but then the world stopped for a bit. After the isolation of the COVID era, I felt a strong pull to reconnect with the community I missed so much—and to bring back that feeling of anticipation, of waiting to hear what new tracks the DJ’s would break next.

That’s when I launched HOUSWERX Online Radio.

What began as just two weekly mix shows has grown into a full-fledged global platform with over 27 shows broadcasting from places like Ibiza, Germany, Texas, California, and Japan. We stream worldwide, proudly based in Austin—still the Live Music Capital of the World.

Today, HOUSWERX stands as the premier online dance station, dedicated to championing the global DJ community and bringing fresh, underground sounds to listeners everywhere.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Initially DJ’s weren’t recognized equally within the broader music scene. Just as I was gaining early momentum, the pandemic hit and completely derailed my plans—including the launch of my first HOUSWERX event. What little local support I had in the beginning eventually faded, replaced by competition instead of community. And now, with DJ’s seemingly everywhere, the scene feels more saturated than ever.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a DJ who’s active and expanding the HOUSWERX brand. Even in the digital age, I can do an all-vinyl set. I take pride in my musical knowledge and mixing skills. I’m known not just for the music, but for giving back and supporting the community. My record collection? It’s a whole experience—something that truly sets me apart.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve got to give a huge shout-out to my mom for filling our home with Disco, R&B, and Salsa records while I was growing up. And to my dad, who played Rock and Tejano—between the two of them, I was blessed with a rich mix of sounds and artists that shaped my love for music.

Much respect to John “Smokin” Ramirez for his unwavering support and guidance on the business side of radio—a real one.

To my amazing wife—thank you for always letting me spin music anywhere and anytime. Music is a big part of our family, and that vibe continues on with our kids.

And last but definitely not least, mad love to the incredible Shows, Labels, and DJ’s on HOUSWERX:
CHNR, Marvin Acosta, TRAX Records, Souljack Records, Tamio, DJ Bonds, No Light Thing, IBIZA World Club Tour, DJ Lorenzo, House Arrest, Brutus, C1, Christian Vallejo, BPM Studio, Da Beat Mechanic, Chris “The Incredible,” Martin “The Hitman,” DJem, Tony Technics. whO Sessions, and every single Guest DJ who’s been a part of the journey.