SEVEN-3: The Pulse Behind the Party

7 Spins Into the Spotlight

INTERVIEW BY: EMILY ARAUZA

                JAN 2nd, 2025                    

“As an artist, you’re always going to question yourself—but as long as you stay true to your ideas, you’ll always prosper.” These words from Seven-3, a Houston-based DJ, producer, and event curator, strike a chord. 

At just 20, his journey from the DDS underground scene to international stages is a testament to relentless passion, self-belief, and the magic of community. Known for curating unforgettable nights fueled by dance music’s ever-evolving energy, he’s not just creating beats—he’s crafting moments.

In this conversation, I dive deep into the mind of Seven-3. We talk about his love for Brazilian funk, the grind of finding his place in the music world, and how kindness and persistence opened doors to his first international gig in El Salvador. His story is a reminder that success follows those who show up, stay grounded, and move with intention.

Emily Arauza: “Okay so can you tell me your name, what you do & a little of what that’s like?”

Joseph: “My name is seven-3 people usually just call me 7, I am a Dj / producer and event curator. Being a DJ is one of the most enjoyable jobs you can have. Sometimes you're getting paid to play your playlist; someone trusting you to curate their night is unbelievably fun.”

EA : “Well welcome, I’m really excited to dive into your world as a DJ, producer, and event curator. Let’s kick this off—what first inspired you to step into this scene? Was there a defining moment when you knew this was your path?”

J: “Early on I used to attend all the DDS parties aka deep down south and me being 17 I hadn’t seen anything like that, it made me wanna be a part of something like that; the culture it created, changed everything for me. Just about a year later I was given a chance to DJ for a party called “Feverdream” and ever since then I've been non-stop.”

EA: “That’s so funny—I was in a group chat two summers ago to be on a flyer for a DDS party. Those events pull everyone from all over Houston into one spot, so I can see why they inspired you. You said you were 17 back then; how old are you now, and how has your style evolved since that first ‘Feverdream’ gig?”

J: “No forreal, DDS was a 1 of 1 thing I’d see everyone there; I’m 20 now turning 21 this year, it’s been a lot of evolution. I'm more big on dance music only now rather than me being a big rap music mosh pit guy. House music, brazilian funk are my main two focuses, I spin techno also, I love everything dance music.”

EA: “Turning 21 this year? That’s major—happy early birthday! It’s cool how your focus has shifted to house music and Brazilian funk. With house making such a big comeback lately, what drew you to it in the first place? And how do you keep your sets fresh while balancing different genres like techno?”

J: “A lot of people I met early djing were into it and they kinda showed me the way, shoutout Labando and Nino. I like just always digging for fresh new sounds and subgenres, with dance music for one main genre there are about 10 sub genres for it, so there’s endless possibilities and Houston’s scene is so accepting of this now I can play a dance track at midnight and the whole crowd will erupt.”

EA: “I agree, dance music really is endless with all the subgenres out there. And Houston’s vibe sounds insane—dropping a dance track at midnight and having the crowd erupt? That’s wild. What’s your go-to track to light up the room?”

J: “Depending on the night, you can’t go wrong with a classic like Gypsy Woman or Da Fonk by Mochaak or if I wanna light it up with Brazilian funk. One of my favorites is Baile De Coqueiro 5.”

EA: “Da Fonk—that’s a vibe that never dies. And Brazilian funk? Pretty much classics, but let me ask—especially with the style of music you’re doing now, were there ever moments when you doubted yourself or struggled to find your place? What pushed you to keep going and evolve into the artist you are today?”

J: “Always! As an artist you're always gonna question yourself if you're doing the right thing, but as long as you stay true to yourself and believe in your ideas you will always prosper. At first I didn’t know where I fit but I just started playing music I liked and people happened to always gravitate towards it; my mother has been a big force in why I've pushed so hard. She is my backbone in everything.

EA: “I understand that—every artist goes through that self-doubt, especially when you’re figuring out where you fit. But staying true to yourself? That’s the key, for sure. And the way people gravitated to your sound just by you playing what you love? That’s truly magic. Now, big shout out to your mom—sounds like she’s been a huge influence. What’s the biggest lesson she’s taught you that’s helped you push through the tough times?”

J: “She always taught me to be solid, never take shortcuts and to put the work in, it’ll always reward you and everything you put into the world you’ll get back 10 fold; simple acts of kindness.”

EA: “That’s such a strong mindset—being solid, putting in the work, no shortcuts. It’s crazy how everything you put into the world really does come back tenfold. Has there been a moment where you felt that energy come back to you, like when someone showed you kindness or support that really stuck with you?”

J: “A promoter I had been DJing for pretty consistently and never really folding when he asked, he got me booked in El Salvador. Which was my first international gig and to have that come to me so soon was surreal. I met so many amazing people down there and he said he saw how hard I worked and gave me the gig.”

EA: “Getting booked in El Salvador for your first international gig? That’s huge! It must’ve felt surreal, especially having someone recognize your hard work and give you that opportunity. By the way, I’m Salvadorian too, so I love hearing that connection! What was the experience like performing there? How did the crowd respond, and what did you take away from that trip?”

J: “They loved our music, the crowd was very receptive to what I was playing. It was mostly a techno show and they seem to have a deep rooted techno scene there, even conversations with dj; they are dedicated to building something there. I took away that there are scenes like that all over the world that I didn’t even know about, it makes me wanna travel more. I also need to return to El Salvador. It was a very nice place and cheap!”

EA: “That’s amazing—having a crowd that’s so receptive and seeing that deep-rooted techno scene in El Salvador is next-level. It’s wild to think there are so many hidden scenes around the world just waiting to be discovered? It’s awesome to hear you’re planning to return to El Salvador—it’s cool that you not only had a great experience, but it was affordable too. What’s one place or scene you’d love to visit next on your travel list?”

J: “Berlin, I hear the techno scene there is absolutely insane and Ibiza, I  feel like every dance dj wants to go; very much affordable. You could do a whole weekend there under 1k; I’m  Mexican and I hear the scene in Mexico City is insane also.”

EA: “Berlin—I’ve heard the techno scene there is a dream and Ibiza, of course, every dance DJ’s dream. Mexico City’s scene is also huge—being Mexican, I’ve always wanted to experience that firsthand. I’m actually super eager to hit up Ibiza too. And hey, I just got a DJ board for Christmas! Do you think you could teach me a thing or two? Seriously”

J: “Most definitely I'd love to show you, hit me up anytime and I got you. What genre you think you’d wanna learn first?”

EA: “I love house music.”

J: “Ahh easy then, we gon have you mixing somewhere within a month.”

EA: “I’m ready for it! So, shifting gears a bit, I’d love to know—who are some of your biggest influences in the industry? And looking ahead, where do you see yourself 10 years from now in your career?”

J: “Someone you recently interviewed: Melendez. He’s someone who has definitely influenced me, him coming from the same city and he gives me advice a lot when me and him talk. He helped me when I was still tryna get my name out there. Definitely Carl Cox, him doing it for as long as he has just for the love and sake of the music. I see myself touring the world just sharing  my music with everyone and taking care of my family, I want to have many original releases out by then.” 

EA: “That’s awesome—Melendez has been such a big influence for you, especially with him being from the same city and giving you advice along the way. And Carl Cox? His dedication to music after all these years is truly inspiring. I can totally see you touring the world, sharing your sound, and taking care of your family. It’s clear you’re driven. How do you envision balancing all of that, like touring and making sure you’re still releasing original music while staying connected to your roots?”

J: “I’m pretty sure it’ll be hard, but that’s what life is all about as long as I'm doing what I love. I don’t think I could ask for anything more, I think if it comes to how i’d like it to be, i’d take a month off every now and then.”

EA: “I love that mindset—it’s all about doing what you love. Nothing worth having comes easy, right? I just came out with a new book, and I talk about that in a chapter—how challenges are part of the journey, and that’s exactly what makes the rewards so worth it. But back to you, it’s clear you’ve got a lot of passion and drive. With everything you’ve achieved so far, how do you stay motivated when things get hectic?”

J: “For me when things are crazy, I always know it’ll be worth it; that it’s better than me having nothing going on. I'd love to give your book a read! I always try and put my foot in front of the other and keep pushing. I believe what I'm doing now is worth the hard work.”

EA: “I’m glad you’re interested in checking out the book! We can definitely get to that after the interview. But for now, any advice for someone just starting out, especially if they’re looking to break into the scene like you did?”

J: “Was hoping you’d ask me this, BE EVERYWHERE, if there’s an event that you wanna be a part of go to it: talk to people, meet people, be present. People will notice you, I always tell newer djs to be annoying. You want people to be like “damn he’s djing AGAIN”, especially just starting out in any field and always make sure you're doing it for the right reasons.”

EA: “Such solid advice—‘Be everywhere’ is key! It’s all about showing up, meeting people, and just being present. I love the ‘be annoying’ part too—people will definitely take notice if you’re always in the mix. And keeping your intentions right from the start is so important. Thanks for that, seriously. Any last words before we wrap it up?”

J: “I just wanna say thank you and to Houston for building this type of community.”