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One of the greatest things about UCF events is the music behind it. Almost every time you attend a UCF event, no matter what it is, a campus DJ is always present. UCF Live! is a student run organization that produces an Internet radio station and hosts live DJ services. Their vast music library and equipment that is available to them makes their services worthwhile. This week I got to interview Brian Tewes, UCF Live! DJ Director, who manages, directs, and oversees all DJ services.
What is your year and major?
I am a senior majoring in Business Management.
Where are you from?
I am originally from South Florida – Miami to be specific.
How did you get started with KnightCast?
I originally got started with Knightcast my freshman year at UCF as one of their LIVE! DJs. I had just started DJing in high school and wanted to pursue it in college. I wanted to be involved with the community as well rather than just going to class. In a nutshell, Knightcast was the answer to what I was looking for.
How many DJs are there in the organization?
We currently have eleven DJs along with five DJ shadows. The DJs perform throughout the entire campus on an almost daily basis. As for the shadows, they are currently learning how to DJ.
Do you personally get to DJ at events?
No, my DJ days are past me. I am currently the LIVE! Director and focus on managing, directing, and overseeing all of the DJs and the services we put on.
What is the coolest event you’ve ever done?
The coolest event I ever did when I used to DJ was one of the Late Knights events. I was playing in the Pegasus Ballroom that believe it or not, was filled up to capacity. That had to be one of the coolest experiences that I was ever a part of.
What is the funniest thing that ever happened at an event?
Probably one of the funniest things to happen at a Knightcast-ran event was the most recent tailgate for the UCF vs. USC game. It was family weekend and I got on the microphone trying to encourage parents to start dancing. Next thing you know, we had several moms and dads dance battling it out in front of our DJ. It was one of the most unique and entertaining scenes I’ve seen.
How do you decide what music you’re going to play at an event? Is it preplanned, or do you just wing it?
Knightcast DJs are required to be able to play anything and everything. Before every event, we are in communication with a contact to see if there are any specific song requests or genres to add. Other than that, it’s all up to the DJ to read the crowd and keep the party going.
Of all the tunes you have, which one never fails at events?
Songs that have typical dances to are always a hit. If I had to choose one, I would say the Wobble. Everyone either knows the dance or acts like they do; it’s always a crowd pleaser.
Is there any music that you refuse to use?
Knightcast DJs play anything that is requested. The only aspect of music we NEVER play is any unedited songs. All of our music is required to be edited.
What gave you the inspiration to want to be a DJ?
The inspiration I had to initially become a DJ was my passion for music and love for entertaining people. I learned to grow out of it though, taking management of a team of doing what I used to do as the next step.
What are some other interesting things about you that no one would guess?
I have a passion for the Miami Heat and actually worked for one of their nonprofit organizations as an intern a few years ago. Also, I have a Belizean background, being one of less than a million people in the world from Belize.
Do you have any advice to young DJ wanna-bes?
Be different. Becoming a DJ is a huge trend right now and to become successful, it’ll be more than just consistent practice. One must know how to network, try unique things, and bring his or her own personality into the music being played.
Joshua Ospina, one of Knightcast’s very own campus DJs, recently performed at our College Fashion Show. Brian tells us, “Josh is a sophomore and has been a DJ for Knightcast for a little over a year. He is from Miami, Fl and has a passion for music matched to no other. He is one of our hardest working DJs and always plays to the crowd’s liking. His image as DJ Freestyle is huge for our agency and we are more than thankful to have him as part of our team.”
So Knights, if you need a DJ for your organization’s event, you know who to call!