GET PWNED!

How Did I meet DJ Pwned? Hmmmm - I knew who he was due to the Bongcheon-Dong Ghost inspired face paint he wore to the shows. I'd see his name on flyers, but we didn't have a face to face conversation. I knew his involvement with Touching Infinite and as of recently he is also a resident DJ (congrats!). Thank you to Lil Duende for telling me more about Pwned and his upcoming endeavors.

This is Pwned and founder of Chronicallyonline

Photos used in this article are by @camerafino on Instagram

Here are a few shout-outs from Pwned“A bit of a lengthy list but here on some of my inspirations shout outs.... shout out to F.I.S.T., DJ Nemesis, Dj Irene, Dj Bam Bam, Space Djz, Lil B, Rabit, AMFM Alexander, The Nightslugs, 1Morning, The Advent, Dj Miss Parker, Wetmusik and a whole lot more.... if you know me, you know my sound changes every month or so.”

But first how do you pronounce "pwned"

Now, onto the interview -

Now as an introduction who is DJ Pwned? As an artist and a DJ – how would you describe your sound and what do you wish to push/evoke with what you bring with your music?

“I am a gamer whose roots run deep in the internet’s endless rabbit holes. I draw a lot of my influence from the early 2000s and mid-90s rave culture, The sound I go for channels that raw, underground energy. My mission? It's all one big history lesson of classic techno, showcasing its evolution and reminding everyone just how far we've come from those gritty, analog beginnings. I really try digging deep in that soul to make sure your arms are flailing, your face is melting and your body is sweating all at once.” Whenever I think of "underground energy" I always think about this one Touching Infinite show that was hosted behind a restaurant and the entrance was behind an alleyway. I remember I went with a friend of mine and the inside was PINK! Felt like BLUR walking in - without it feeling like a blur in my mind thinking about it, does that make sense? There's always something different to be experienced in the thought of "underground energy." We all have that one show we remember and it's thanks to the artist behind the set who set the room in "place" for us.

You mentioned to me that you began when you were 16–17 years old. How did your interest in DJing begin? What brought it forward and what kept you going?

“Funny enough, it goes all the way back till I was 6 or 7, I remember my mom bought me dj hero on the WII and I thought that shit was the coolest thing ever. It wasn't until I was about 12–14 that I started hanging out with my uncle from San Antonio more and he was a huge techno head and the stuff from his collection really got me sucked into the rabbit hole, then around 16–17 I started Chronicallyonline with my friend Kuro... which was a series of record discord dj sets.. fast forward a bit.. when I graduated highschool, my godparents got me a dj deck, a DDJ-400 and the rest is sorta history from there...” Wait - hold up ... record discord DJ sets? That actually sounds pretty cool and pretty fun! It's funny to me how there always seems to be that one family member who gets us hooked onto a specific genre, hobby, or some sort of interest.

Doing the math – about 4 years of DJing, mixing, meeting new people, new sounds, new techniques—and along this even creating Chronically Online and becoming a Touching Infinite resident. How has this journey been for you? How do you wish to continue?

“The journey has been nothing short of a blessing. I started by playing backyard shows, sometimes performing for crowds of less than 30 people. Fast forward to sold-out nights at La Bandida & Cine El Rey, a moment that once felt like a dream come true. On July 29th, I'll celebrate my second anniversary in the McAllen DJ scene —a true testament to manifestation (if you deserve it, the universe will serve it). Moving forward, my vision is to continue hosting my own events and curating dream bookings from artists around the world. The goal is clear: keep pushing, keep growing, and keep making magic happen.”

Interesting enough - just look at this flyer

Pwned already started by putting up a show under Chronicallyonline. I have not seen the name DJ S4TURN before (already got me wondering on what the sound will be like) - but this is just the beginning into a dream and seeing who Pwned brings down to the valley.

What does it mean to you to be a resident DJ under Touching Infinite? I'm interested in knowing how that moment was for you – bearing the announcement – the title!

“It’s the sword and shield to me, being given the honor to be called a resident to not even a show... but a fcking movement.. before me, the only resident T.I. had was just Grim figment and he's been a resident for a long while now, and 2 years later they just barely got a new resident and it's me? fck that feels good.” Yeah - Grim Figment has been the first resident for years now and now you're the second. As they say - it's not about the quantity but the quality. I can only image how you were asked or how your expression was, but congrats!

It really is a "movement" as mentioned - everything Touching Infinite stands by - is brought forward - from it's individuals, it's residents, it's sound, experiences, and it's never just for a the sake a "show." It's much more. Attending - DJing - makes you involved in more ways than one.

Now, Chronically Online – what is it that you wish to do with what you founded? What would you say your mission is? What do you wish to bring forward to the valley and the community?

“Mission is the same as my personal mission, bring back old techno, showcase what the underground has to offer and have a cult following of headz to come witness... and also break the narrative in the valley of ‘There's nothing to do here’ yes there is, they aren’t just looking hard enough.” It's like these monthly curated shows, other shows, events, workshops - there's always something happening - in terms of music, there's a new sound to be heard - a dance floor to be shared. I mean after a show I always end up going back to car looking up the DJ/Artist on soundcloud for any mixes uploaded.

August 2nd – a solo set, right? For those coming out – how would you express your vision for the sound you'd bring, the moment, the entrancement, the NIGHT OF WHAT AUGUST 2ND WILL BE! Describe how your set will be that night?

“Yes, it is a solo set... the vision is 2000s in San Francisco, California... you see a young cat on stage with barely any lights shining on the floor... the entire room is almost black and he's ready to rip it all apart with heavy hitting sounds from Coast to Coast, even ranging as far as analog techno from CDMX... it's probably going to be my most wildest set to date. This is that real vintage techno - raw analog and heavy bass.. no nonsense.. While others drop mixes full of trends and filler, I'm just playing what actually moves a floor. No clout chasing, no copy-paste — just deep cuts that speak for themselves.”

For those who didn’t attend – the recorded mix will be added in the final draft. What’s the best way for someone to enjoy this mix? Whether in their room, at home, a friend’s house – what sets the tone to take it in accordingly?

“Honestly, the only option is to actually be there to get the best experience possible... but if you really can't make it, listen to it in your car or somewhere where you can just turn the volume knob all the way to max.”

It's funny because I told someone you sent this over to me and she was like "WHAT!? I recall his set - it really stood out to me that night." I'll be playing this in my car today for sure. (I was already playing since the day I received it)

What’s your message for those who attended the show on August 2nd and for those who didn't?

“If you're asleep, stay sleeping. to those that do make it, you're the reason why we keep going.. you're apart of a piece of rave history.. plus every rave is never the same, you'll always have an interesting story or experience you can bring back to your friends or loved ones.” That's something I've learned - it's never truly the SAME! I've missed my fair share of shows and witnessing via instagram stories is LAME and gives me feeling of AHHHHHH!!!!

What can you say about these safe spaces that encourage “being in the moment,” so to speak. What can you say about the moments shared/experienced?

“That ‘being in the moment’ feeling is addicting, and once you get a lick of it, you'll want it over and over again, that's why you come to raves... to dance, to let out every hardship and problem behind you for one night.. hearing that one song that got you in your ‘Raver's High’ and be your very own star to your own movie.. a movie I advise every watches is Groove (2000) directed by Greg Harrison.” I ALREADY GOT MY TICKETS FOR OCTOBER 24TH, SEPTEMBER 6TH BECAUSE SILKYYYY IS DJING, AND NOW AUGUST 23RD! The experience of seeing my friend DJ for the first time, experiencing Chronicallyonline and Oct 24th is SIX SEX. I'm so excited for all of this! For the "ravers high" - and especially finding the right FIT.

Now August 23rd – flyer OUT NOW – a few words, or even one word—could you give us a clue or a tease of what this show holds?

“A new era has entered the club and they're here to party.”

Final comments?

“My final comment is... don't try to act nonchalant.. no one likes a zombie.. life is short and you chose to stand there for five hours?!?!? go out there and dance, you might just find new friends or possibly a lover, but by all means just dance , no one's there to make fun of you or shame you, everyone's there for the same exact reason.. to just let loose and let your body do all the talking!”