Monterey-based producer and DJ Jason Kushy is making waves with his distinct take on Tech House. His recently released three-track EP Keep It Moving, which dropped via Direct Action Records, highlights his hunger and passion for building a career on authenticity and intention.
Not phased by the viral and often fleeting nature of releases today, Jason is carefully crafting his own lane, while steadily emerging as someone to keep a close eye on. Keep it Moving climbed to #18 on Beatports’s Tech House chart, and has received support from the likes of Bingo Players, Jauz, Wolfgang Gartner and BIJOU.
Jason Kushy’s journey proves that consistency and determination are key. In the interview he discusses his journey into DJing and producing, his creative process, reaching #18 on Beatports’s Tech House chart and more. 
Stream Keep it Moving, while reading the interview below:
What first inspired you to take music seriously and turn DJing from a passion into something professional?
I started DJing in middle school with a Numark Mixtrack Pro, a free trial of FL Studio, and a pair of Rockville speakers. My setup lived in my parents’ basement, and I’d drag it anywhere that would let me plug in — birthday parties, school dances, you name it. I spent hours on YouTube learning transitions and structure until I finally felt confident enough to start my own DJ business.
My brother Hunter pushed me to reach out to Wesley Works, a premier entertainment company in Pennsylvania. After about a year and a half of persistent emails, they finally gave me an interview. That’s when I started playing weddings, proms, and sweet sixteens while also training full-time as a gymnast. The crowds weren’t big on EDM, but that didn’t stop me — I was obsessed. I listened to Armin van Buuren, Nicky Romero, Calvin Harris, R3HAB, and pretty much anything Spinnin’ Records released back then.
Outside of music, I’ve always chased challenges. I’m an Eagle Scout, a black belt in taekwondo, a retired college gymnast, and I’ve even run ultramarathons. All of that taught me the same lessons: patience, consistency, and mental toughness are what separate goals from results. That mindset is what drives my brand now.
When I moved to California for my career in meteorology and oceanography, I finally had the structure and free time to dive back into music. I went to EDC Week in Vegas by myself, watched my favorite artists perform, and after seeing clips from James Hype and John Summit, I thought, “Why can’t I be up there? I used to do the same thing.” That trip flipped a switch for me.
After my first releases and some initial traction, I realized I needed to tighten up my brand and build an infrastructure to go the distance. One of the biggest things I needed and felt was importantly was professional photographs and visuals. Most photographers I reached out to didn’t take me seriously at first — they either ghosted me or ignored me. The one who didn’t was Jason Collin. He believed in my vision early on and helped create the cinematic, minimalist look that defines my visuals today. Having someone like that in my corner from day one made all the difference.
Your debut EP Keep It Moving reached #18 on Beatport. What did that project represent to you?
Keep It Moving is exactly what it sounds like. It’s about pushing forward and staying focused even when things get tough.
The artwork shows three otters holding hands, inspired by Monterey and a photo of me with my three childhood friends. When those same friends — now doctors, professionals, and even Olympians — reposted it, it felt like a full-circle moment. We’ve all gone different directions, but that same drive is still there.
That EP was a reminder to just keep going and find ways to win each day.
You’ve earned support from some big names in the scene. What does that mean to you right now?
It’s wild, honestly. These are artists I’ve looked up to for years. I used to sit in my room studying their buildups and trying to figure out how they made their drops hit so hard. Now they’re sharing my tracks. It’s a crazy full-circle moment.
Streams and numbers are one thing, but respect from people you’ve admired forever? It means everything!
When you sit down to make a track, where do you usually start?
Before I even touch the laptop, I think about what I want to do with the song. Am I trying something new, or expanding on a sound I’ve already explored? I always start with drums — that’s where the groove lives. Once that feels right, I build basslines and textures to match the energy. Vocals or melodies come last unless the production already says enough on its own.
I’ve been lucky to meet some incredibly talented people who’ve helped me level up as a producer, including freelancers I’ve worked with on Fiverr for mixing and mastering. I test my tracks everywhere — in the car, random Bluetooth speakers, even my old Skullcandy headphones. If it doesn’t sound good there, it’s back to the drawing board.
How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard your music yet?
It’s energetic, clean, and structured. Every track needs intent behind it. I want people to move, but I also want it to make sense musically. My sound blends underground tech house grit with a polished finish so it connects whether you’re in a club or wearing AirPods at the gym.
Your visuals have a distinct look. How do they connect with your music?
All my artwork is hand-drawn and ties back to the story behind the track. I wanted to get away from using random abstract art or random generated designs. Each one is simple, clean, and intentional — kind of like how I approach music. I treat visuals like another layer of sound; they should tell you what the track feels like or what’s going to happen before you even hit play.
You’ve said before that music should be about fun and connection. What do you want people to feel when they see you live?
Every show should feel like something you can’t get from streaming. I want people to feel present and connected — no distractions, just music.
When you’re at one of my sets, leave everything else at the turnstile. For that hour, it’s just people, sound, and energy. If I can help someone forget about everything else for a little while, I’ve done my job.
What advice would you give to upcoming DJs and producers who are trying to carve their own lane?
Don’t chase trends. Build habits. You don’t need to go viral to build something meaningful. Focus on improving with every release and surround yourself with people who believe in what you’re doing.
Plenty of people have told me I’m crazy — that’s how I know I’m on the right track. Consistency and showing up every day win every time.
Looking ahead to 2026, what’s next for you?
My biggest goal is to play more shows. I want to take everything I’ve built and bring it to life — clubs, festivals, rooftops, you name it. I want to collaborate with more vocalists and labels, expand my catalog, and keep refining my live sets.
Even if my name’s at the bottom in disclaimer-sized font, I’ll still show up and give it everything I’ve got. Just like in my parent’s basement at 13 years old.
2025 was the foundation. 2026 is the year I take it all live.
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