Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Morales.
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely. My DJ journey started back in 1988 when I was just 12 years old, hanging out with a friend whose older brother was a DJ. I was instantly hooked. My first real gig happened kind of by accident — I was helping my friends Gonzalo and Enrique set up for a school party at the Guttenberg Community Center. One had to leave early, and the other had a family emergency, leaving me alone behind the decks. I was the youngest kid in the crew, and no one expected much… but once I started playing, the whole room lit up. That night, I felt something powerful — I knew this was what I was meant to do. I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
Throughout the years, I’ve evolved with the craft. I started with turntables (sometimes six at once!) and was one of the first DJs in the NY and Miami scene to go fully digital. These days, I DJ everything from weddings, corporate events, pool parties, and Disney gigs to small clubs and bars — always bringing a high-energy, custom-tailored vibe to every event.
Music-wise, I specialize in Latin Dance parties but love mixing everything from EDM, Techno, AfroHouse, Disco & 80s Classics, Dancehall Reggae, RocknRoll, mashups, and remixes. I’ve released several tracks and remixes over the years — including two Top 50 Billboard Dance hits in the early 2000s. My most recent single Drums 2 Liberty is available now on all streaming platforms.
I’ve had the honor of being the youngest resident DJ at Limelight NYC (age 16), ranked in the Top 20 DJs in NYC in the ’90s, and held residencies at Ultra Music Festival and The Groove Cruise from 2008 to 2014. I take pride in my ability to read a room and curate an experience — you can feel the difference when a DJ has been doing this for over 30 years versus someone who just picked up the decks.
Today, I’m building ProDJAgency.com, a full-service platform to help DJs manage their bookings and grow their businesses — essentially, a one-stop hub for DJs, by DJs. I’m also the founder of DelPuma Consulting Group, where I help business owners integrate AI into their workflows so they can reclaim their time — the same way I’m trying to do more of that for myself, to be present with my kids and family.
Looking forward, I want to dive deeper into music production again — I’ve worked with many artists behind the scenes, and it’s time to release more of my own sound. I’d love to go back on tour — this time with a European run, plus stops through South and Central America and Canada. The energy of live events, the people, the music — there’s nothing like it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not even close — but that’s what makes the journey real. Being a DJ looks glamorous on the surface, but behind the scenes, it’s a hustle. In the early days, I was just a teenager trying to break into clubs where I technically wasn’t even old enough to be. I had to earn respect through skill, not just age — and that meant outworking, out-mixing, and outlasting others who underestimated me.
Then came the industry shifts. Vinyl to CDJs to full digital — I had to constantly adapt and invest in new gear just to stay relevant. Being one of the first computer-based DJs in New York and Miami was exciting but also lonely — not everyone embraced the tech at first, and there was resistance in the scene. But I stuck to my guns and helped pioneer a movement that’s now standard.
There were also personal setbacks — burnout, travel fatigue, balancing family life, and at times, dealing with shady promoters or gigs that didn’t pan out. Add in a constantly evolving music industry, and you’ve got a career that requires not just creativity, but stamina and strategic thinking.
Now, as a dad and entrepreneur, one of the biggest challenges is balancing the love for music with the love for my family. That’s why I built Pro DJ Agency — to empower DJs to work smarter, not harder, and reclaim their time the same way I’ve learned to reclaim mine.
So no, it hasn’t been a smooth ride — but every bump in the road taught me something valuable. And I’m still spinning, still evolving, and still loving the ride.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core, I’m an artist who uses music to move people — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As a DJ, I specialize in creating unforgettable dance experiences. I’m known for throwing high-energy Latin Dance parties, but I don’t stick to one genre. You’ll find me blending EDM, AfroHouse, Disco & 80s Classics, RocknRoll, Dancehall, and remixes into seamless sets that keep crowds hyped from start to finish. I build every set live — in the moment — by reading the energy in the room and curating a musical journey that connects with every ear and every heartbeat.
What sets me apart? Experience, instinct, and innovation. I’ve been doing this since I was 12. I’ve played clubs most DJs only dream of, from the legendary Limelight in NYC to Ultra Music Festival and Groove Cruise. I’m proud of those moments, but I’m even more proud of the consistency — showing up decade after decade, still pushing boundaries and leveling up.
I’m also proud to be a builder — not just of beats, but of businesses. I created Pro DJ Agency, a platform to help other DJs thrive by automating the chaos of bookings, schedules, and client management so they can focus on what matters — the music.
Beyond the booth, I run DelPuma Consulting Group, where I help other business owners integrate AI into their systems so they can do less busy work and spend more time with family, passion, or both. I believe in working smart, living fully, and lifting others along the way.
At the end of the day, I’m not just playing music — I’m creating moments. That’s what I’m known for. Whether it’s 50 people at a wedding or 500,000 at a festival, my goal is the same: make you feel something unforgettable.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Honestly, after decades in the game, I’ve developed a sixth sense for what’s trending — but that comes from staying plugged into the industry from the inside. I used to work at Sam Ash Music Store, so I’ve always had access to the latest gear, tech, and tools before they hit the mainstream. That experience taught me to rely less on hype and more on real-world performance and feedback from other working DJs.
I still stay sharp by reading DJ industry insider reports, visiting pro audio forums, and following sites like Digital DJ Tips, DJ TechTools, and Reddit’s DJ community. These help me keep a pulse on what’s working in the booth and what’s just noise.
In terms of apps, I use software like EngineDJ, and Ableton Live for DJing and production, plus Notion and Trello to manage both my businesses. I’m also a big fan of using ChatGPT (no joke) to brainstorm marketing ideas, write content, and automate some of the daily grind — especially through my AI consulting firm, DelPuma.
I believe success comes from combining experience with adaptability. Tools are great, but it’s how you use them that counts. I’m always learning, testing, and leveling up — because the moment you stop evolving, you start fading.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lakecountydjs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LakeCountyFLDJs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFLDJs
Image Credits
Chris Young – The image with me DJing at Ultra in white shirt
