John "Ben Dragon" Puangio
North Hollywood, CA USA
"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."
Career Roadmap
John "Ben Dragon"'s work combines: Music, Technology, and Being Creative
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
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.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
University of California-Irvine
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Music Directors and Composers:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Marketing/Marketing Management, General
Bachelor's Degree: Graphic Communications, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
After graduation, he committed himself to becoming self-sufficient so that he could pursue his love of music without his parents doubting him.
5.
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.
6.
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.
7.
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.
8.
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.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
Music is an unbelievably challenging, cut-throat industry and you need a thick skin and an unwavering belief in yourself.
How I responded:
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.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
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.
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.
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.