Daily Inspiration: Meet Murad Gastelum

Today we’d like to introduce you to Murad Gastelum

Hi Murad, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Murad Gastelum’s journey in the electronic music scene is deeply rooted in his hometown of Juarez, Mexico, a city known for its raw underground energy. His passion for music and community-building led him to co-found Cross Border Warriors (CBW) with Victor, an initiative that started as a way to bridge underground electronic music scenes across borders. Over time, CBW expanded into multiple chapters—CBW Juarez (CBWJRZ), co-founded with NÜ Same, and CBW Austin, co-founded with PCMX—allowing the movement to grow beyond its origins.

Murad’s dedication to pushing underground music led CBW to evolve into We Are Warriors, a record label that showcases emerging and established talent in techno and house music. He also played a crucial role in developing REZET Festival, with editions in both Dallas and Tampa, bringing artists like David Lindmer, Konstantin Sibold, Eagles & Butterflies, and Bloody Mary to new audiences.

Beyond event curation, Murad is the creator and host of the Destroyed x Humans (DXH) Podcast, where he and his team dive into the creative minds of DJs, producers, and industry leaders. Through DXH, he’s featured names like Pleasurekraft, Yulia Niko, Shay de Castro, Lara klart, and Henri Bergmann, while also shining a light on collectives like MNTRA/Techno Taco Tuesday and NRG Music Events. The podcast has taken him to cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, New York, Houston, Denver and Dallas, strengthening his connections with artists worldwide.

Throughout his career, Murad has been instrumental in bringing cutting-edge techno and house artists to the U.S., including names like I Hate Models, Charlotte de Witte, Klangkuenstler, and Rebekah—well before they reached global festival-headlining status. His work continues to shape the underground electronic music scene, creating spaces for artistic expression and cross-border collaboration.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Murad Gastelum’s journey in the underground electronic music scene has been anything but smooth. Building a movement like Cross Border Warriors (CBW) and expanding it into a record label (We Are Warriors) and a festival (REZET) came with its fair share of challenges.

One of the biggest struggles has been navigating the ever-changing dynamics of the music industry. Bringing underground electronic music to new cities—especially in places where techno and house weren’t as established—meant taking risks on events that didn’t always guarantee success. There were times when turnout was unpredictable, venues were difficult to secure, or external factors like local regulations and financial constraints made things complicated.

Another challenge has been the cross-border aspect of his work. Since CBW started as a way to bridge music communities between Mexico and the U.S., logistical hurdles like visas, international bookings, and cultural differences had to be constantly navigated. Ensuring that both artists and audiences could move freely between these spaces required a lot of planning and persistence.

Murad also faced the personal challenge of balancing multiple roles—event curator, podcast host, label manager, and community builder—while maintaining his own creative vision. The underground scene thrives on passion, but it also demands resilience. There were moments of burnout, setbacks with events, and learning curves in growing CBW into what it is today.

Despite these obstacles, Murad has remained committed to the scene. His ability to adapt, collaborate, and push forward has allowed him to bring world-class techno and house artists to the U.S. while fostering a tight-knit community of like-minded creatives. Every challenge has only strengthened his mission to build something lasting in the underground music world.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
.What sets Murad apart is his ability to connect people across borders, whether through music, events, or storytelling. His work is not just about putting on shows—it’s about building a community that thrives on underground electronic music. He takes pride in seeing artists he’s supported grow into major names and in creating spaces where people can experience the raw energy of underground dance culture.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, Murad Gastelum was always drawn to creativity, music, and the energy of underground culture. He had a natural curiosity for discovering new sounds and a passion for bringing people together, which would later shape his role in the electronic music scene.

Personality-wise, he was the kind of person who thrived on connection—someone who enjoyed deep conversations, pushing boundaries, and thinking outside the box. He wasn’t just a passive listener; he wanted to understand the mechanics behind the music, the culture, and the experiences that made underground scenes so unique.

His interests weren’t limited to just one thing—he was into music, visual art, storytelling, and the raw energy of nightlife. He was always seeking out new artists, digging into different subcultures, and finding ways to create something meaningful out of those experiences. This naturally led him to start curating events, working with artists, and eventually building a platform like CBW and DXH to showcase the voices shaping electronic music today.

From an early age, he had a strong sense of purpose: to break down barriers and create spaces where music and culture could thrive without limitations. That drive has stayed with him, fueling everything he does today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cbwofficial.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelastmurad
• Facebook: Murad Gastelum
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@destroyedxhumans