We had the good fortune of connecting with Nelson Ivan Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nelson Ivan, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been consistency and work ethic. I’ve been DJing professionally for over 15 years, and what’s kept me growing is showing up with the same passion for every event—whether it’s a packed festival, a club night, or a private party. I treat every gig like it’s the most important one, and I always bring that energy. I also believe in constantly evolving—keeping my sound fresh, learning from different cultures, and staying tapped into what moves people. Talent helps, but it’s the grind, the relationships, and the respect for the craft that have truly made the difference.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is the energy I bring. I don’t just play music, I create an experience. Every set is intentionally crafted to connect with the crowd in a way that’s unforgettable. Whether I’m at a high-end wedding, a block party, or an international festival, I read the room and bring that club-level energy that gets people moving and keeps them there.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I’ve put in years of late nights, constant travel, missed personal events, and nonstop grinding. There were moments where I felt burnt out or underestimated but, I kept showing up. I treated every small gig like it was a headline slot and built my reputation off consistency, professionalism, and never cutting corners.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come without compromising who I am. I average 250 events a year, I’ve played in multiple countries, and I still love what I do. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that longevity comes from passion and preparation. Talent opens the door, but it’s how you carry yourself that keeps you in the room. That’s Ivanco’s secret sauce!

My story is about dedication. My brand is built on bringing real, raw, unforgettable energy to every event. This isn’t just a job for me, it’s my purpose. Some people view these kinds of jobs as simply that, jobs. It’s more of a passion for me. Receiving incredible feedback from guests as they walk out, thanking me for such a fun night, and so many more is what I use as fuel for all of those late nights that make it worth it. Starting a small business with my wife called USnapped305 which is a photobooth biz for small events and little by little growing and learning new things about running a business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This was the easiest question in the whole interview, Flanigan’s and The Bend Liquor Lounge in Miami Lakes. These are my two favorite spots and are perfect for any occasion. My friends have really been pushing me into watching more sports than I normally do so it’s become our thing to catch a game at a near by Flanigan’s for some food and drinks. The Bend on the other hand is perfect for anything and everything. Catching a game, date night, and nights that make you wish you weren’t born. We have fun, sometimes a bit too much fun…

For those of you that want to venture to The Bend, careful with a dude named Mike. He’s one of my best friends and he will make you forget your name. Proceed with caution.

Besides these two locations, we’re in Miami! Anywhere you go will be a fun and exciting place to check out. Non-stop nightlife, bars and luxury restaurants are the main fuel for people that are looking for a good time and Miami has it all!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
No success story is ever truly solo. First and foremost, I have to shout out my family. Their support, especially early on when I was just getting started, gave me the freedom and belief to pursue a path that most people would’ve called risky. I also owe a lot to the other artists, promoters, and mentors who took a chance on me. Those who booked me before I had a name, gave me stages to prove myself, and pushed me to level up. My amazing wife that pushed me through tough times and kept my head above water when I felt like I was drowning. These people are the real MPV’s

A massive shoutout to the best team in the biz, Mike Sipe Entertainment for believing in me and always trusting in me by putting me in front of their most precious clients. I wouldn’t be where I am now professionally if it wasn’t for them.

A big part of my growth also comes from the community. The people on the dance floors, the clients who trust me with their biggest nights, and the fellow DJs who inspire me to keep evolving. Lastly, I want to shout out every sleepless night, every missed holiday, and every early morning flight. Those moments shaped my grind just as much as any mentor did.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivancoofficial/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ivancomusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancoofficial

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