This week we have not one, but two campus cuties! You might remember these guys from the Kap Slap concert a few weeks ago. Not only are they making names for themselves at Conn Coll, but they are also making headway in the music industry. We have the scoop on this dynamic duo! Meet this week’s Campus Cuties: Jeff Celniker and Ethan Feldman.
Jeff Celniker
Class Year: 2017
Major/Minor: Undeclared
Hometown: Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
Relationship Status: Ask her, she makes the rules
Ethan Feldman
Class Year: 2017
Major/Minor: Undeclared
Hometown: New York City, NY
Relationship Status: Single and ready to mingle
Jeff, tell us about your management company. How did you start?
Copacetic Life is a talent booking and management company that I started about 3 years ago. My first show was with White Panda at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ. My interest in event planning began in my hometown town because I threw a lot of house parties. I heard White Panda’s music and really liked it, so I had my first themed party– the White Panda Party. Everyone dressed up in white and neon with only White Panda’s music playing the entire night. The kids loved it so it kind of became an annual event in my town. After my second White Panda Party, some of my friends mentioned I should try to book the White Panda to come to my party and perform at my house. So, naturally, I contacted their manager. Originally it was supposed to be a small 200-person party with my friends but it ended up becoming a massive 1,000+ person concert at a legitimate venue. Meeting them and seeing the response from the crowd was incredible. After that show, a lot of people from music agencies and blogs approached me and I realized this could be more than just a one-time thing. Since that show three years ago, I’ve worked with about 10 artists including the Dean’s List, YONAS (who has opened for Macklemore a few times), Kap Slap, and Mike Stud. Ethan Feldman is the first official talent I am managing myself through Copacetic Life.
Ethan, when did you start DJing?
Well I come from a very musical family; I was in piano lessons at 4, and had a guitar in my hands at 5. However, I only recently became interested in EDM. I would say I started DJing about two years ago.
Jeff, how did you and Ethan meet?
We met through Ethan’s roommate. We were together in his room one night with a bunch of our friends. Somehow my company was brought up in conversation. I noticed Ethan’s face light up and he immediately began playing some of his tracks for me. Everyone in the room reacted positively to his music, so I was instantly intrigued and knew we could do some damage together.
Ethan, how do you feel about Jeff as your manager?
Jeff is a bro. It’s been great. We’ve been friends from the start.
How do you feel about working with Ethan as a client?
I was very impressed with his energy on stage. He did very well opening for Kap Slap and the response from the crowd was unbelievable. Right now, we are still in the honeymoon stage of our business relationship, but I am excited for the future.
Ethan, how did you feel about opening for Kap Slap?
Awesome– the crowd was incredible. It was an blast to play for my peers and of course an honor to open for someone as established as Kap Slap. Also, seeing my peers react well when I threw in some of my own tracks was really a thrill.
What do you have in mind for the future? What are some of your goals while at Conn?
Jeff: I definitely want to continue booking concerts. The support I received from the students at Connecticut College has motivated me to keep doing what I love to do and I am looking forward to partying with everyone again soon. I would also like to help the men’s ice hockey team clinch the NESCAC playoffs.
Ethan: Well, short term, I’m excited to play more shows at Conn; Long term, I look forward to helping advance and promote the good things going on at Copacetic Life as well as expand my own musical reach.
What is your favorite place on campus?
Jeff: I love my room, even though it’s small. My roommate Greg keeps me on track and we keep the room extremely organized. That is where I do all my work so I feel I am most productive in there.
Ethan: Late night on the Harkness patio.
Describe yourself in three words?
Jeff: Innovative, determined, and outspoken.
Ethan: Wild, energetic, and copacetic.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Jeff: Really girly movies and songs. I always listen to that stuff in my room and see those chick-flick movies in theaters. At first, I think I just did it to help me spark conversations with girls, but now I actually like them.
Ethan: Taking taxis in New York when I could have easily walked.
If you really liked a girl, how would you win her over?
Jeff: I call it the Gatsby Effect. I’d just throw a huge party and instead of chasing her, she has to come to me. Game over.
Ethan: I have no game.
Biggest turn on?
Jeff: A little attitude.
Ethan: Confidence and New York sassiness.
Biggest turn off?
Jeff: Co-ed bathrooms.
Ethan: Sloppy drinkers.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Jeff: I would buy an all black 2014 Mercedes CLA, then go to the nearest Brooks Brothers store and by out pretty much every suit in the store. After that, I’d probably buy a few clubs in NYC and Las Vegas and continue planning events. I would also buy an NHL franchise just because I could.
Ethan: Buy a sweet house in Malaga, Spain and then go to space. I also want to buy bigger legs, because I’ve always wanted to be taller.
What’s your favorite meal in Harris?
Jeff: Chicken patty with two eggs over easy and cheese on top (aka The Sunrise Patty)
Ethan: None but Chicken Piccata in general.
Favorite artist:
Jeff: Backstreet boys (I’ve been to 4 concerts), Eminem, and I’m huge Rob Thomas fan.
Ethan: TJR
What other activities are you guys involved in on campus?
Jeff: Hockey
Ethan: Ski Team
How do like college so far? Is it what you were expecting?
Jeff: Kind of what I was expecting. Coming from a prep school, it’s very similar. I am having a lot of fun and already know I have made life long friends but I would love to be part of a boost and upgrade in the social life at Conn. The Kap Slap concert was just the beginning in my mind.
Ethan: Yes, but could be crazier.
How do you feel about being this week’s campus cutie?
Jeff: I actually don’t like being called cute; I would prefer “campus ruggedly handsome.”
Ethan: Legendary