Quick Takes With TOBEHONEST: Rapid Fire Highlights

TOBEHONEST, it’s hard not to vibe with a DJ who knows how to bridge the best of both worlds. Hailing from Los Angeles, this DJ and producer fuses Latin grooves with European house influences, creating tracks that fire up fans across the globe. With releases like “Daka,” “Maquina de Bailar,” and “I Am The One,” TOBEHONEST has secured spots on Beatport’s Top 100 and earned support from heavyweights like Chris Lake, Gordo, and John Summit.

But there’s more to him than just his music. TOBEHONEST’s story is one of authenticity, from helping his uncle build cars as a kid to finding his passion for DJing while balancing a 9-to-5 job in LA. His love for old-school hip-hop and Latin classics brings a distinctive flair to his sound, one that feels nostalgic yet fresh. Beyond the studio, he’s a sports enthusiast who finds peace on the volleyball court or playing tennis and basketball—especially when the beach is involved.

With a growing tour history that includes performances at iconic venues like Brooklyn Mirage, Concourse Project, and Sound Nightclub, as well as sets at EDC Las Vegas and Splash House, TOBEHONEST is building a reputation for bringing energy and precision to every performance. His sets often include hidden gems, like his track “Conga,” a secret weapon for those in the know.

In this exclusive interview, TOBEHONEST opens up about the highs and lows of his career, his approach to creating music, and the moments that have shaped him into the artist he is today. Whether it’s his favorite pre-show snack, the memory of his first Latin American gig, or his honest take on rejection and growth, TOBEHONEST keeps it real.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I helped my uncle work on and build cars when I was younger.

If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be?

I would probably be stuck in an office job in LA. When I first moved here, I wanted a stable income, and that was my job until I got too consumed with music and was fired haha.

What’s the most memorable moment of your career?

Probably this past weekend. I played in Brazil, and it was the most humbling/amazing experience I’ve ever done in a long time.

Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?

There are a couple—AYYBO, Chris Lake always, and this Brazilian named Ragie Ban.

What’s a track you play when you want to get the crowd hyped?

"Horny" for sure. Or Adam Ten and Mita Gami’s Rufus Du Sol remix.

What’s your go-to snack or drink before a show?

This is going to sound bad, but definitely a shot or two of tequila. It calms the nerves. I love Asian cuisine. Korean BBQ to sushi, it doesn’t matter to me. All of it is so good.

What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?

Favorite city is New York or Rio. I love the energy in both of these places so much. Unmatched in my own opinion.

How would you describe your sound in three words?

Groovy, nostalgic, and impactful.

What’s one non-music-related thing that makes you happy?

Playing tennis, basketball, or volleyball. I’m a big sports guy, and anytime I can get out of the house to do something active, it always makes my body and mind feel brand new. Unmatched vibes.

What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?

"Full Clip" by Gang Starr. I pull a lot from old-school hip-hop, and I love the simplicity of it. Or "Evil Ways" by Willie Bobo. My best friend’s family used to play Latin music from the ’90s on repeat. Willie was one of them.

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

Man, this one is tough. Probably anybody part of the Wu-Tang Clan. The cadence and their come-up is something I feel is unmatched.

If you could time travel to any era of music history, when would it be and why?

The ’90s. Music was peaking back then in my own opinion. A lot of what you hear today are samples of music during that time!

What’s a record that never leaves your crate or USB?

"Conga." It’s a little secret weapon of mine I released back in 2023, and not many people know it. The true heads continue to dig it up. Adam Ten, James Hype, and more. The song for sure has legs.

If you weren’t touring or in the studio, where would we find you?

On the beach in the Caribbean. Can never get enough of that part of the world.

What’s a fun fact or hidden talent that has nothing to do with music?

I can build you a desktop with all the right tools. I used to be a huge computer nerd and would create desktop computers for my friends and myself from age 12–16.

What is simple that makes you smile?

Fluffy dogs or cats. Can’t go wrong with them if they cuddle you too.

What’s a memory you never want to let go of?

My first show in a Latin American country, the Dominican Republic. Gordo invited me out. It was such a culture shock and a phenomenal experience. I want to go back and play as soon as possible.

When do you feel at most peace?

In my bed watching cartoons.

What are some things you forget but feel better when you are reminded about?

How far I’ve come in just three years of producing and DJing. I still have a lot to give as well :)

What’s something meaningful to you, but not to others?

My necklace my grandmother gave to me when she passed. I’ve never taken it off.

What personal prison have you built out of fear?

Rejection. It’s easy to point out your failures instead of your successes. Don’t focus on the rejection and do not get discouraged. Everyone gets told no. What matters is what you do about it.

What’s something normal to you that other people find weird?

I’ll eat the plain Cheerios with nothing else on them…. Might be my serial killer trait hahahah.

If you could compliment yourself, what would you say?

I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished so far. When you feel invisible, remember how far you’ve come and how much more you have to prove and give.

As someone who deals with technology and computers to write music, has there been a gut-wrenching story where you lost your music or the track/beats you were working on?

Yes, multiple times I’ve made a beat, forgot to save it in the process, and Ableton crashes. Such a depressing thing to happen.

What makes you cringe when you listen to your early material?

No sidechain on the bass. The mixes are also terrible hahah. Can’t even feel the bass when the drop kicks in on one of my earliest productions.

What do you find yourself obsessing about most in the studio? From every perspective of creating a track.

If I truly like the song and where it would fit in my sets and others. I take a lot of chances when I make music. Sometimes it works out and other times it doesn’t at all. So I’m always nervous to see how my material is perceived.

What is your favorite set time and duration?

2 hours right at 11 in North America. 2am outside of North America. Most people head home early in the US and are too drunk or tired by around 1. Besides LA, New York, and Miami.

If you had the power to erase & abolish one musical genre—what would you abolish for all eternity?

Man…. It might have to be dubstep. I can’t do it, man. I respect them and the genre, but I can’t stand through a set longer than 30 mins.