BRISBANE, Australia — Meet Erl Francis Guillen, a talented Cebuano making a name for himself as one of the most in-demand DJs in Queensland, Australia. Known for his electrifying beats, Erl brings the party vibes to big events in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, even performing at Brisbane Broncos rugby games at the famous Suncorp Stadium.
From Cebu to Australia
Erl’s journey began in Cebu, where he graduated in Engineering from the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR). In 2018, he moved to Australia with his then-girlfriend (now wife) Diana. He planned to pursue an MBA in Project Management and start a new life. Initially, they stayed with family, but soon, Erl landed a job as a project manager in telecommunications.
An Unexpected Career as a DJ 🎧
Despite having a solid career path, Erl’s passion for music never left him. Back in Cebu, he was a skilled drummer and formed a band called Groove Street when he arrived in Australia. But when COVID-19 hit, the band had to pause. That’s when Erl decided to try something new—becoming a DJ.
“I bought DJ equipment and started practicing at home during the lockdown,” Erl shared. He taught himself to be an open format DJ, capable of mixing anything from 60s hits to the latest club tracks. His first gig was at a Pinoy-Aussie wedding in March 2022. By April, he was already booking paid gigs, and in June, he joined a professional DJ agency.
Rocking the Queensland Party Scene
Erl quickly became popular for his versatility. He spins tracks for weddings, corporate events, bars, and festivals. Some of the top venues where you can catch him include the newly opened LiveWire at The Star Casino in Brisbane and the lively spots of Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast.
He now works with top agencies like Sydney’s Star DJ Agency, Brisbane’s G&M Event Group, and other boutique event groups. As Erl’s DJ career took off, he had to leave Groove Street, but he’s proud of his former bandmates, who continue to make waves, opening for famous Filipino bands like Parokya ni Edgar, Silent Sanctuary, and Mayonnaise.
Giving Back to the Filipino Community
Erl loves his work as a DJ, creating unforgettable moments for his clients. He also enjoys helping fellow Filipinos who are starting their journey in Australia. “It feels good to share our experiences and support others,” he said.
Family and Roots
Erl met his wife Diana during a college band competition back in Cebu. They’ve been each other’s biggest supporters since. His mother, Dolly, works as an engineer at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and his father, Cerlito, is a retired overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who now runs a small store in Cebu.
Erl’s story is an inspiring tale of passion, talent, and hard work. From his humble beginnings in Cebu to becoming a star DJ in Australia, he’s a true example of following your heart and embracing new opportunities, even if they take you on an unexpected path.
