Name: DaVaughn Canterbury
Degree/Class/Major/Minor: History, Minor: African American Studies
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Instagram/Twitter: IG: thecanterburyt | Twitter: djpeter_parker
Campus Involvement During Your GSU Years:
Official Disc Jockey for Spotlight Programs Board, University Housing, and GSU Athletics
Most memorable GSU moment(s):
“Deejaying the 2013 Homecoming coronation and ball was probably my most memorable moment as a deejay at GSU. Playing a different array of music to suit a diverse student body was my most memorable moment for me because I created a musical environment that was simultaneously enjoyed by different ethnic groups. That would be defined as the “perfect party” in deejay terminology, and being able to bring a massive amount of people together through music during that event was probably one of my most memorable moments in my career, let alone GSU.
Where have you worked/what have you done since you graduated?
“Since graduating, I work as a teaching assistant at the Scratch DJ Academy in Downtown Atlanta. The Scratch DJ Academy was founded by Jam Master Jay of Run DMC in 2002 before he passed. It’s a music school dedicated to teaching the art and craft of deejaying which is solely defined as the live manipulation of music.”
What inspired you to become a deejay?
“My uncle, who was a deejay in the 80s in New York, inspired me in my youth. When I was a kid, I would go over to his house and spend hours playing with his turntables and playing his old vinyl records. That’s where the flame was sparked I believe. At the age of 15, I had my first official deejay lesson and I haven’t looked back ever since.
Who/what is your biggest music inspiration?
“My biggest inspirations musically are actually my own life experiences and the people I encounter. I truly believe music is life and life is music, so I draw the majority of my inspiration from life.”
What do you do to stay at the top of your game?
“I definitely try my best to challenge myself and push the envelop by thinking of new and innovative ways to play music. With that, I spend a large amount of time going over new and old music, different genres, and deciphering different ways to play it. This activity may get a little time consuming, but it has proven to be most effective.”
What are your latest/upcoming projects?
“I released on my soundcloud a post valentines day mix called “The Morning After”, and I have an underground hip hop project called “Smoke From The Kitchen II” on Audio Mack.”
Biggest lesson learned since you finished college?
“Organize your time and plan accordingly for whatever endeavor you find yourself in.”
Biggest accomplishment since graduating?
“Since I graduated, I have deejayed concerts with Big K.R.I.T., Kevin Gates, Curren$y, and traveled this past year to the South by South West Music festival in Austin Texas and worked major stages with Travis Porter, 2 Chainz, Casey Veggies, B.O.B, The Migos, OG Maco, and Dipset.”
How did your years at GSU prepare you for post-graduate life?
“GSU prepared me for the rigorous and spontaneous work life of the entertainment industry, especially being a full time student and deejay in the city of Atlanta. GSU gave me a sense of balance.”
Have you stayed connected to GSU since graduating?
“I most definitely do. Outside of deejaying some events on campus from time to time, My job where I teach is close to campus, so I can be around whenever I want to be.”
What advice would you give current/incoming GSU students?
“Value the time you have as a student. Set long and short term goals for yourself, and be organized. Organization is the key to success.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“On a Beach. Hopefully. (Laughs) I hope to have gained a significant amount of wealth through my passion of deejaying.”
Words/Quote that you live by?
“Don’t let anyone in this world tell you what you can and can not do, even your parents. At the end of the day, only you know what’s best for you.”