Jose “Crazy Legs” Perales Sets His Sights on Music With His GoFundMe Campaign

Jose “Crazy Legs” Perales believes firmly that everything happens for a reason—something that isn’t easy for a person who ended up paraplegic after a surgery to correct his scoliosis went awry in 2006. While many of us have an emotional connection to dance music, Jose’s is extra special. “Once I got myself out of my depression phase, I leaned on dance music to get me through life,” he says. He’s now set his sights on producing those very beats that helped him surmount his life-altering event; through his GoFundMe campaign, Jose hopes to buy the tools needed to begin producing music.

Chances are you’re familiar with the 24-year-old from his part in the EDC documentary Under The Electric Sky. Since attending his first rave, Beyond Wonderland 2010, the Moreno Valley, CA, resident has become a fixture at Insomniac festivals and club shows, garnering a legion of friends wherever he goes. He’s now calling on that same legion to further his musical endeavors.

“Everything I’ve been through in life has gotten me to where I am today,” says Jose. “I know there is a force at my side guiding me to better the world through music.”

You waited a while before swallowing your pride and starting your campaign. What eventually prompted you to launch it?
The GoFundMe idea was presented to me a few times, first by my best friend (who is currently serving overseas). A month or two later, Jake Ryan mentioned it during my birthday, which made me realize that the universe is pushing this idea toward me for a reason. The final push came in August from a conversation I had with producer Mike Hovsepian during Markus Schulz’s open-to-close set in Los Angeles. Being in that environment, with the music going off and Mike’s support, is really what got me to start the campaign.

It’s no secret there are lots of producers out there. What unique perspective can you bring to dance music?
The answer is hope. I believe that the frequency I will emit through my creations will have individuals returning home believing there is something far greater than our physical world. I can’t sit here and explain how, but I know once people listen, it’ll change their lives.

So far, you’ve received lots of positive comments from people about your campaign. What do you think it is about the dance music community that elicits so much support?
As a member of the community, we support ideas that we know will make a positive difference in the world. We support ideas that bring liberation, happiness and love into our lives. I know if I was just a normal, average guy looking at someone else who went through everything I’ve been through, and seeing all that he or she has accomplished, I’d do what I can to support them in any way I can. It’s just who we are as humans.

What’s your ultimate career goal?
If the opportunity presents itself down the line, I’d like to open my own record label and run a weekly radio broadcast show. My ultimate career goal, however, is to make a difference in people’s lives with what I have to offer.

What’s your most memorable crowd-surfing experience?
There are two answers to this question. One time was when I crowd-surfed during Armin van Buuren’s set at ASOT 500 in Miami in 2011, my favorite year for ASOT. The second would have to be at ASOT 600, during Markus Schulz’s set (also in Miami). I had just arrived at the event and was strolling backstage when I noticed Markus walking next to me. I asked him if he was ready for his set; he nodded and said, “Yeah.” I told him that I would be there, and we went our own ways. Halfway through his set, I crowd-surfed to one of my favorite tracks, “Spiritual Gateway.”

Who are your favorite artists, and what’s the best live set you’ve ever seen?
I would have to say Bryan Kearney, Aly & Fila, Markus Schulz, Ferry Corsten, Solarstone and Astrix. My favorite live set I’ve ever seen was Above & Beyond’s acoustic show in Los Angeles. I really want to go back to that one; it was beautiful!

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