text: Mario Martinez, DJ and event coordinator for ZONA Mix Entertainment
  Rebecca Rodriguez interviewed Mario Martinez from Tucson, Arizona.
  ​R.R- Hello, Can you tell me about yourself and what roles you take in this company?
  M.M - Yes, yes of course. I take the responsibility of being the event coordinator and DJ for events here in Tucson. From a young age I loved music and wanted to go into this field, but I went to college for one year and it ended very quickly and I ran back to the thing I loved most. I reached out to some friends and we were able to open up this entertainment business here in Tucson. There is not a lot of event coordinators especially when it deals with the music industry. I have been able to help expand the music scene here and I enjoy it because I often get to DJ at a lot of the events.
  R.R - Wow thats awesome, what skills do you think it requires to run a business like this?
  M.M- well I think it takes courage first off because you have to be willing to fail. You also need to have good communication skills and be able to talk to people in all types of situations. I also brought my skills of noticing good talent. I have been able to bring 3 upcoming artist into Tucson, and they have expanded since coming here.
  R.R- What do you like most about working in this field?
  M.M- It can be stressful from the jump trying to book artist, trying to help them make music, but in the end it is the best feeling to see people enjoy the shows , shout me out on the internet and see the end project for the artist.
  R.R- Wow it sounds like a great career! Do you think there is a difference between Midwest music and West coast music and its process in the industry?
  M.M- oh yea! West Coast music is behind! Midwest and east coast music pops off and grows a lot quicker in the music industry then West Coast music. A lot of rappers come from the Midwest or east coast and they dominate this field. But, music is growing this way and I feel that in the next couple years we will have some great young rappers come out of Arizona and West Coast.
  R.R- Thats great to hear! Do you have anyone you look up to in the music industry?
  M.M- I do. I look up to Dr. Dre and Boy Wonder Wonder. They inspire me and literally whenever I am having a bad day I put on some Dr. Dre and it just helps me focus and stay driven.
  R.R- Lastly, what would you say to any people trying to work in this field?
  M.M- Fake it till you make it! Never let anyone tell you you're not good enough. If an artist says they wont work with you, say thank you and keep moving on. Do this work because you love it and be confident all the time.