John "Ben Dragon" Puangio
DJ & Music Producer
“The more you do what you love and it’s authentic to you, the more people will notice. Doors will open and the path will just keep unfolding before you.”
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By Roadtrip NationJohn "Ben Dragon" Puangio
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Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
He was born in Chicago, IL—says the first music he remembers listening to is house music, a genre of electronic dance music created by club DJs and music producers in Chicago.
His parents immigrated from very poor provinces in the Philippines and put a lot of pressure on him to become either a doctor, lawyer, or engineer.
Attended the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where he received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, but felt his skills would never be good enough to translate into a career.
After graduation, he committed himself to becoming self-sufficient so that he could pursue his love of music without his parents doubting him.
His electrical engineering degree landed him a job as a software programmer, which enabled him to become financially independent and move out of his parents’ house.
Through a connection from UCI, his music career started to take off as he got more opportunities to produce commercial music for artists in Los Angeles.
In 2015, he decided to found his own label, “Fire To My Ears,” which enabled him to release and promote his own music on his terms.
He debuted his trademark tech-house style at the famous house club, FOCUS, and has since gone on to play the Amsterdam Dance Street Festival, KAABOO Festival, and shows all over the world.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
University of California-Irvine
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
University of California-Irvine
Career
DJ & Music Producer
I'm a producer, DJ, and movement artist burning melodies into time and space.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Music
Technology
Being Creative
Day to Day
When not working my day job as a software programmer, I'm focused on creating quality music, content, and how to get it out to the world.
Skills & Qualities Beyond School
Listen to a lot of music, be an action taker, be resourceful, and think outside of the box.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Go to a lot of events that play the music you like, become friends with everyone you can, become a student of what you want to do, and always be humble and work hard.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Bachelor
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
Bachelor
Graphic Communications, General
Graphic Communications, General
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"Music is an unbelievably challenging, cut-throat industry and you need a thick skin and an unwavering belief in yourself."
Always remember to make music for the love of it and let it come from your soul. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something and always put your mission in life first.
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Financial
My day job allowed me the financial stability and flexibility to invest in my music and once I was financially independent, nobody could tell me what to do with my life except for myself.
First-Generation Immigrant
First-Generation Immigrant
My father immigrated from a very poor province in the Philippines and lived a very driven life. My parents were very strict when I was growing up and they had particular ideas about what I should be doing. My interests kind of disappointed them.
Learning Issues
Learning Issues
I majored in electrical engineering in college which was one of the hardest majors at UCI. I definitely struggled and barely graduated. I had a lot of support from smart friends and classmates that helped me through.