Today we’d like to introduce you to Aileen Castro.
Hi aileen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started DJing back in 2009, but it wasn’t until around 2015 that things really began to take shape for me in a more meaningful way. That’s when I became more involved in the LGBTQ+ community here in Miami, and it honestly shifted everything. Being part of those spaces gave me a deeper sense of purpose behind what I was doing. It wasn’t just about playing music anymore, it was about contributing to an environment where people could feel seen, safe, and free.
From there, I started building real connections within the community, playing events that were centered around queer expression and culture. Those rooms taught me how to read energy in a different way and how important it is to create a vibe that feels intentional and inclusive. It pushed me to refine my sound and lean into what felt authentic to me.
Living in Miami has always influenced my style. There’s so much culture here, and that naturally comes through in my sets. I blend Latin and Caribbean rhythms with club and electronic music, creating something that feels high energy and rooted in movement. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to play across different parts of the city and collaborate with collectives and promoters who are really building something special for the community.
Today, I see DJing as more than just music. It’s about creating experiences that bring people together. Whether it’s a packed dance floor or a more intimate space, I’m always focused on making sure people feel connected to the moment. I’m still growing, still exploring my sound, but everything I do is grounded in those early experiences within the queer community that really shaped who I am as a DJ.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, it’s been a learning curve for me. I’ve had to figure a lot out through experience, from understanding my sound to learning how to navigate different spaces and crowds. In the beginning, it was a lot of trial and error, just trusting my instincts and growing with every set.
When I started getting more involved in the LGBTQ+ community around 2015, that came with its own growth too. Those spaces hold a lot of meaning, so it pushed me to be more intentional, not just with the music I play but with how I show up. I had to learn how to read the room in a deeper way and really connect with people beyond just the DJ booth.
There have also been moments of uncertainty. The industry isn’t always consistent, and balancing everything outside of DJing while staying committed to it takes discipline. But every challenge has helped me build confidence and clarity in what I bring.
Looking back, that learning curve is what shaped me. It taught me how to stay grounded, keep evolving, and create experiences that feel real and connected.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a DJ based in Miami, and my work is really centered around creating experiences through music. I specialize in blending Latin and Caribbean sounds with club and electronic music, building sets that feel high energy, rhythmic, and rooted in movement. My style pulls from different influences, so you’ll hear everything from reggaeton and dembow to house, jersey club, and dancehall, all woven together in a way that keeps people connected to the moment.
A big part of my career has been tied to the LGBTQ+ community. Those spaces have shaped how I approach DJing, with more intention and awareness of the energy in the room. It’s not just about playing tracks, it’s about creating an environment where people feel free, seen, and able to fully express themselves.
What I’m most proud of is being able to grow within my city and build real relationships with the people and spaces that support what I do. I’ve had the opportunity to play across different parts of Miami and be part of events that genuinely bring community together, and that means a lot to me.
What sets me apart is how I curate my sound and read a crowd. I’m very intentional about the flow of my sets and how everything connects. I like to take people on a journey, blending genres in a way that feels natural but still unexpected. At the end of the day, I want people to leave feeling like they experienced something, not just heard music.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is sitting by the radio with a cassette ready, waiting for my favorite songs to come on so I could record them. I used to listen to Power 96 all the time, just hoping I’d catch the right moment to hit record. I’d even re record my sister’s favorite songs for her too.
Looking back, that was probably the first time I realized how drawn I was to music. It wasn’t just listening, it was being intentional about capturing a moment, replaying it, and sharing it. Even then, I was already connecting with music in a deeper way without really knowing it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aileenthedj/
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aileenthedj
