Saturday night you are meandering around campus, trying to find something to do. Then, suddenly like God descended from the skies, you hear America’s Top 40 blasting out of the 1962 room. Wait, is there a Cro dance going on?  9 out of 10 times your guess was correct and 10 out of 10 times you end up there. Sound familiar? But, do you ever wonder who the man behind the music is? Well, we would like to introduce this week’s Campus Celebrity: Jourdan Perez, more commonly known as DJ Empez. Bringing us all the way from the Jersey Shore to an Endless Summer, he never fails to disappoint.
Here is what he had to say… Â
Major:Mathematics
Hometown: Lynbrook, NY
Extracurriculars: Soccer, Training, SAC, DJ, Club 3peat
How did you get involved in DJing?
When I was 13 years old, my older cousin moved his DJ equipment into my basement while he was moving houses. I thought it was really interesting so he taught me how to use it, and, from there, I taught myself the rest. I started off using vinyl records and only my ears and hands. Later on, I converted to CD players that I could treat like vinyls, but still only used my ears. Now, I have a laptop system with the CD players so that I don’t have to burn CDs anymore, but I still only use my ears when I mix. I was DJing Sweet 16s and graduation parties by the time I was 14 and 15, then clubs and bars by 17 and 18, and now at Conn and still doing private parties, clubs, bars, lounges, shows, etc. I have done gigs from all around the NY area and some stuff in Boston, as well.
Highlights of studying abroad in Barcelona last semester?
Studying abroad in Barcelona was amazing. First of all, being that I’m an avid soccer player and fan, Barcelona  was probably one of the coolest places to go for that lifestyle. I also ended up in a fantastic home-stay with some good roommates, which made the experience 100 times better. I loved the culture and the nightlife…I’m already missing it tremendously. Being able to travel to amazing cities in a 2-3 hour plane ride was also really convenient! Oh, and the food was phenomenal!
Did Europe influence your taste in music?
Yes. I always had a very broad taste in music so I had already liked the music that was played over there prior to going. However, it made me start to love it even more than before. They are very into an electro-house genre and Avicii-esque type of music.Â
Describe a Cro dance from your side of the DJ table.
From my side of the table, I guess you can say Cro dances look the way they are. (Laughs) I mean, I’m not that close to everyone so it’s nice having space, but I can see basically everything that goes on; you can see that when it is packed, it’s packed. Sometimes it can seem more like a concert, while other times it’s more of a packed dance. I also love it when people come up and say hi, or are so excited about the music that is being played. Please don’t ever be hesitant to come up and say hi or request a song; I always do my best to play the song requests.
What is your most memorable DJing moment at Conn?
My most memorable DJing moment at Conn has to be the Floralia gigs with DJ E@ZY. First working with DJ E@ZY as part of The Takeover was always a blast! Also opening and following those big name artists has been really fun and the crowd is always so into it because it’s Floralia. Also, the first Jersey Shore Dance in Cro’s nest and the first Endless Summer Dance this year in the 1962 room both were top parties at Conn I’d have to say. Usually, my most memorable moments tend to be when the crowd is most into it.
Do you have a signature DJ style?
My style tends to be whatever the crowd is wanting at each gig. I DJ almost all genres from hip-hop and pop, to house and electronic, to Latin and reggae, etc. I usually like playing some good lesser-known mashups or mashups that I make live; but, it always has and always will be whatever the crowd best responds to. If a DJ isn’t pleasing the majority of the crowd, they’re not doing something right.
What song right now makes the crowd go wild?
I’d have to say Avicii – Levels and LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem both seem to really kick it off when I played them this year. Â But, I’m always looking for new ones to work. The throwbacks also will always be a crowd pleaser.
Who is your musical inspiration?
My musical inspiration would have to be my older cousin DJ Kidace a.k.a Acito. He has always been the one I look up to when it comes to DJing. He not only got me started, but he can also DJ all genres effortlessly, putting his own twist on them. He has all the technique and skill that puts him above the others.
What are you excited most for senior year?
I am very excited for just spending time and going out with all my friends. It is our last year here and I think we just need to have a good time (as well as finish off classes that actually matter) and live it up while we can. I also am very excited to DJ whenever I get the chance to.Â
Upcoming events/plugs?
Club 3peat will be hosting a launch party on the Thursday right before Fall Weekend on Oct 20. It will have performances for the beginning hours of the night and then a dance/after-party with music provided by 3peat DJs, including myself. Also shout-out to Shake The Baron coming that Friday, an alumni band, and shout-out to my brother DJ E@ZY coming back to DJ the Centennial Gala that Saturday night. Also get ready for Halloween costumes!! Finally, a special thank you to all the members of SAC and all other clubs who have hired me over the years. If it weren’t for people like them having faith in what I do best, I wouldn’t be able to be giving you guys the parties and nights that I have been.
Follow him on twitter @ DjEmpez