If you are into Auburn’s nightlife then chances are you are probably quite familiar with Benjamin Neuffer, aka DJ Catalyst! The Seattle, WA native is all over the place these days and let me tell you, he sure knows how to get the party started!
HC Auburn: Where are you from?
Benjamin: I am originally from Seattle, WA but I spent most of my life growing up in a small town in North Alabama.
HC Auburn: What is your major?
Benjamin: I am currently studying Geology, very enjoyable looking to enter into the oil industry upon graduation!
HC Auburn: How long have you been DJing?
Benjamin: I have been DJ-ing for four years, since early 2009. It has been some of the best times of my life!
HC Auburn: What sparked your interest in becoming a DJ?
Benjamin: While in high school I threw a few dance parties (I used to be an amateur breakdancer), I really enjoyed making other people dance and have a great time, which led me down the path of becoming a DJ.
HC Auburn: Think back to all of the venues/events you have been a DJ at. Which would you say was your favorite, and why?
Benjamin: My favorite venue/event would have to be performing at Club La Vela for Spring Break 2013. It was one of my first goals when I became a DJ to one day play there (it was the first club I had ever set foot in!). Second favorite would be the Red bull Thre3style: University competition hosted in Tuscaloosa this past February, where DJs from different universities in Alabama battled for first place, I took home the title, and it was definitely a great accomplishment! And of course my local spots (17-16 and Quixotes) have a special place in my heart, I have met so many great people and formed great friendships and I could not be where I am today without them!
HC Auburn: What type of music do you typically play?
Benjamin: I play an assortment of genres ranging from your current Top 40, Hip-hop, House, and anything else I believe might be best for the dance floor!
HC Auburn: Is there a story behind why you go by DJ Catalyst?
Benjamin: I’ve been a big science nerd my entire life and when creating the image I wanted to market I thought of what I wanted my name to embody. It came down to what exactly a DJ does: creating a fun and enjoyable environment by making sure all the people at your event have an amazing time. So essentially a DJ is a “catalyst” for the party, and that has been my goal since day one.
HC Auburn: What type of music is your favorite?
Benjamin: I don’t have one specific type I enjoy the most. I really like music that can make me want to dance and bust out a few moves the first time I hear it!
HC Auburn: What are some of the perks of being a DJ?
Benjamin: Perks… let’s see, you get a lot of free stuff, you get to meet a lot of interesting people and form relationships with some of the higher-ups in different industries. The best perk of all, you get an amazing adrenaline rush when you are performing that can’t really be described!
You can catch DJ Catalyst at Kappa Sigma this Friday, performing with the Ying Yang Twins!
For more information about DJ Catalyst you can check out his website, Twitter, and Facebook:
Website: www.djcatalyst.net
Twitter: www.twitter.com/catalystdj
Facebook: www.facebook.com/catalyst0