Bringing a new beat

Senior Melrow Combs started disc jockeying two years ago and is hired through his self-employed father.

Bringing+a+new+beat

Sara Tifft, Staff writer

How did you become interested?

I started two years ago. My dad is the main person that DJs and he asked me if I’d want to try it. I got more into it and started doing my own parties.

How did you learn to DJ?

My dad taught me how to scratch, what songs to play at different times and how to read the crowd to see if they like the song or not.

Who hires you?

People call my dad or myself and say, ‘I wanna have a party, and I want you to DJ for it.’

What is your favorite part?

My favorite part is when the crowd likes the song. That’s a good feeling. When they like the song that lets me know the type of music they like and I’ll play  more songs like that one. It’s also my favorite part because it lessens the likelihood of someone requesting a song.

What is the hardest part?

Choosing which song to play. The main point is to choose a song that makes people happy, but it’s hard to choose one that makes everyone happy.

What is typical shift like?

You get there, set up all the equipment, and I usually DJ for about four hours.

What does DJing mean to you?

DJing to me is more of a hobby than an actual career. I really enjoy it, I really like music and it influences me to go out and find different types of music. I used to only listen to rap and R&B, but then I started to listen to pop and electronic music.

Is there anything about DJing most people don’t know?

I feel like a lot of people don’t think DJs get annoyed with requests, but they do. I like to do my own thing.

Is it difficult to get the necessary equipment?

It’s pretty expensive. I usually go to Guitar Center and once in awhile Craigslist.

Who are your favorite artists?

I like Kendrick Lamar, Kanye, I kinda like Justin Bieber now, and Lorde.

Do you plan on doing anything with your DJ skills in the future?

I don’t know yet, I was thinking not because I want to focus on college. I would probably do it on the side.

Have you had any weird experiences while DJing?

I DJed for this girl’s birthday party, and she got really mad at me because I didn’t play the song she wanted me to play. She stopped the music for me.

What is the biggest gig you’ve gotten? 

I DJed for North High’s homecoming dance.

How do you advertise yourself?

On Facebook I’ll post pictures of the event that happened where I was DJing or on Instagram.