DJ, turn the music up: Seniors join DJ business

One rainy day last winter, seniors Peter Auvil and Angel Hernandez were driving to a friend’s house when a techno mix played on the radio. The tune caught their attention and the two realized that they shared the same love for base-heavy beats and house music. On that very winter day, the two seniors decided to try to join the DJ business together, and the dynamic DJ duo was born.

“Angel and I began DJing four to five months ago after being inspired by a YouTube video,” Auvil said. “Angel’s dad was also a DJ so he hooked us up with equipment.”

Working almost every weekend, the DJ duo performs mostly at house parties and birthday parties. They have DJed at a few SHS rallies and the special education dance in December. In order to expand their DJ business, Auvil and Hernandez hope to perform at school dances and underage clubs soon.

The duo works together at all events and keeps pre-recorded 15 minute mash-ups at hand for when they want to take a break or join the party. The two seniors have ideas to expand and improve their business for future events.

“Right now we only have one set of turn tables, so we switch off,” Auvil said. “But we’re looking into buying a new set because it would be legit if Angel and I could ‘battle’ when we DJ at events.”

Hernandez and Auvil primarily use mainstream music because they find it fitting to their audiences. Hernandez said he likes playing electropop and house music and said that music by hip hop producer David Guetta also has good beats for dancing.

The duo does not yet have a name, but Hernandez’s personal name is DJ Verona. For Hernandez and Auvil, DJing is an outlet for them to enjoy themselves and release stress from academics.

“DJing is definitely a way to relax,” Hernandez said. “But it does take a lot of time because I’m constantly looking for new artists and music to use.”

In order to add to his repertoire, Hernandez listens to radio stations from other regions, such as those of the East Coast, for inspiration.

“Other regions have different types of music and new songs that are different from what we have out here,” Hernandez said.

In terms of advertising, Hernandez previously kept a Facebook page, but could not maintain it because of time restraints. He hopes to restart the page for publicity.

Hernandez aims to continue DJing after high school and possibly even make a job out of it.

“Right now, I’m just DJing for the fun, not so much for the money,” Hernandez said. “But I think it would be fun to do it in college for money, and I think Peter might do the same.”