We recently had the chance to connect with Leonardo Machuca Larios and have shared our conversation below.
Leonardo , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I’m aware that intelligence, energy, and integrity are all important, especially in the music industry. But for me, integrity stands out as the most important. As a DJ, your skillset matters, and bringing good energy to the room is essential but none of that lasts if you’re not a person people can trust and respect.
Integrity shows up in a lot of ways in this scene. It means sticking to your word, arriving prepared, and ready to give 100%. It means respecting the people you work with: promoters, sound engineers, other DJs, and of course the crowd. It also means staying true to your sound and values, even when there’s pressure to follow trends just to get more bookings.
For example, I’ve taken time to help newer DJs & people in general without expecting anything in return, just because I remember what it was like starting out and needing that support. That’s integrity to me, doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching, and building a career that’s solid from the inside out.
At the end of the day, talent and hype can come and go, but your character is what truly builds a lasting presence in the industry.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
WiLLi is an open-format powerhouse, known for seamlessly blending hip-hop, house, reggaetón, EDM, and throwbacks into a sound that’s uniquely his. His sets are crafted with intention—every transition, drop, and build-up is carefully designed to keep the energy flowing and the dance floor alive.
From hypnotic late-night grooves to feel-good party anthems, Willi knows how to read a room and guide it on a journey. No two sets are ever the same, and that’s exactly how he likes it.
WiLLi’s ability to connect with diverse crowds has landed him gigs across Southern California and Arizona, including:🌈 San Diego Pride Festival,🎡 San Diego County Fair,🔥 Nightclubs, Bars, lounges, and underground parties throughout San Diego County, Imperial Valley, Riverside County, Inland Empire, and beyond
WiLLi — Where music meets movement, and every set tells a story.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
One thing I’ve always believed about myself—even from a young age—is that I wasn’t just going to DJ for fun or as a hobby. I always saw this as the beginning of something bigger. I’ve had a clear vision of building an empire within this culture; something rooted in passion, purpose, and community.
For me, DJing isn’t about chasing a quick check or clout. It’s about creating experiences that matter. I take this seriously because I truly love the culture, the art, and the emotional connection music brings. I’ve always felt I have a unique perspective; my taste, my mindset, and my energy are different—and I use that to curate spaces where people can feel safe, seen, and free.
The most powerful thing about music is that it gives people an escape. Even just for a night, they can let go of whatever they’re going through and just be. Knowing that I can be the one to help create that shift for someone that I can be part of their joy, their healing, or their best memory—that’s what drives me. That’s the empire I’m building.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: “Trust your vision—what you feel in your heart is real, and it’s going to take you places you never imagined.”
There were times when I felt like I didn’t fully fit in or that my visions were too big for where I came from. But the truth is, that passion for music, that obsession with sound, vibe, and energy—that was the spark. I’d remind myself that it’s okay to stand out, to take risks, and to move differently.
As a DJ, the journey never stops. You’re always growing, always learning—whether it’s staying ahead of trends or figuring out what people truly want to hear in the moment. But through it all, never lose sight of why you started. Keep that fire close. Stay true to your sound, your energy, and your vision.
There will always be people who doubt you or don’t want you to be in the same room—but there are also people who genuinely love, support, and believe in you. Focus on them. Focus on the craft. Focus on the culture. That’s where the real love is.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. As a DJ, having a persona is really important — it’s part of the craft and the art. But that persona doesn’t fully define who I am. When you meet WiLLi, you’re not just meeting the DJ on stage or the brand behind the name; you’re also meeting a 30-year-old man, a father, and someone with a heart of gold.
Even though performances are carried out as “WiLLi,” the real conversations, the laughs, the opinions, and the values all come from within me & from what I truly stand for. My persona just amplifies the energy and creativity, but my core my integrity, my beliefs, my love for people and music stays consistent whether I’m behind the decks or just being me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Totally. I do it every single day — whether as a parent, a friend, or a DJ. Giving your best isn’t about who’s watching or clapping, it’s about the pride you take in what you do.
That’s the beauty of the entertainment industry — it takes a whole team to make one event, one concert, one night come to life. A lot of those roles go unnoticed, but that doesn’t make them any less important. I don’t do this just for recognition or a paycheck — I do it out of love, passion, and the drive that lives inside me.
As a DJ, yeah, it’s an amazing feeling to look out and see people dancing, hands in the air, vibing with the music but that moment on stage is just one part of it. I also work behind the scenes on sound, on event planning, making sure every little detail hits right and I give that my all too, even when no one sees it. Because at the end of the day, it’s about the joy we bring to people.
If you’re constantly chasing praise, this might not be the right industry for you. Real fulfillment comes from knowing you gave your all not from the applause, but from the impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Leo_willi?fbclid=PAdGRleANLsTxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp3bt6h9GUlnpvUpcU6X_OyjmrO7RxUFEAiCDDELDYQFILEKJY6NengzP0XoH_aem_ciRjR_OhYAgHaGTq3va7HQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eldjwilli/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5PRcU3m4c3pdAUSBZcoKg
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/leowilli
