At Princeton University, amidst the hustle and bustle of academic life, a vibrant electronic music scene thrives, powered by talented student DJs like Kendall Jeong, known to her fans as DJ KJ. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, we caught up with Kendall to delve into her journey as an electronic dance artist, her inspirations, and her aspirations in the dynamic world of EDM.
From Childhood Raves to College Stages: The DJ KJ Origin Story
Kendall’s foray into electronic dance music wasn’t a sudden spark but a gradual burn, ignited in her childhood home. Unlike typical elementary school car rides filled with children’s tunes, Kendall’s were soundtracked by the iconic sounds of Electronic Dance Artists like Armin van Buuren, Eric Prydz, and Tiësto. “My dad listens to this kind of music,” she explains, highlighting the early influence of her parents, who were not just fans but active participants in the rave culture. This early exposure laid the foundation for her deep appreciation and understanding of electronic music.
Years later, fueled by this lifelong passion, Kendall took the plunge and purchased her own DJ deck. Initially, it was a personal endeavor, a way to experiment with mixing tracks and creating mashups in her free time. These private sessions soon evolved into performing at pre-games for friends, honing her skills and building confidence. The turning point came when she secured her first official gig at her eating club, Charter, marking her transition from bedroom DJ to performing for larger crowds. This momentum continued as she recently DJed at Tiger Inn for Halloween, further solidifying her presence in Princeton’s electronic music landscape. Kendall acknowledges the increasing mainstream popularity of house music as a contributing factor to her opportunities, noting, “People are more receptive to EDM and different types of party music now.”
The Sonic Palette of DJ KJ: Exploring Genres and Finding Inspiration
DJ KJ’s sets are a testament to her diverse taste within electronic music. While house, tech house, garage, and Jersey Club form the core of her signature sound, she’s constantly exploring and incorporating new influences. A friendship with a Brazilian native introduced her to Brazilian funk, adding a vibrant and rhythmic dimension to her sets. In her personal listening time, she draws inspiration from artists like Sammy Virji and Oppidan, and has recently been captivated by the alternative house sounds of 1tbsp. This eclectic approach ensures her performances are fresh, dynamic, and reflective of the ever-evolving electronic music scene.
Crafting the Energy: The Art of DJ Set Preparation and Live Performance
For DJ KJ, creating a memorable set is a meticulous process that blends preparation with spontaneity. It begins with immersion – hours spent exploring SoundCloud, Spotify, and Beatport, constantly seeking new tracks and sounds. This extensive music library becomes the raw material for crafting her sets. The next crucial step is tailoring the music to the specific event and audience. Kendall describes this as finding the “sweet spot” within a Venn diagram, balancing her personal taste with the preferences of the audience and the event organizers.
Once the music selection is narrowed down, she meticulously plans sequences – threads of songs that she knows will transition seamlessly and build momentum. However, DJing is not just about pre-planning; it’s about reading the room. During her sets, Kendall emphasizes the importance of “reading the crowd” and dynamically adjusting the energy. She aims to start with a slower tempo, gradually building to a high-energy climax, typically around midnight, aligning with the peak of the night’s energy. This ability to adapt and respond to the audience’s vibe is what sets her apart as a skilled electronic dance artist.
New York Dreams and Princeton Memories: Looking to the Future
Reflecting on her journey so far, DJ KJ fondly recalls her Brat Night performance as a highlight, not just for the large crowd but for the overwhelming support from her friends. “My favorite night has been Brat Night so far because it was the first time I’d ever performed in front of a crowd that big and all of my friends showed up,” she shares, emphasizing the joy of sharing her music with loved ones.
Looking ahead, DJ KJ harbors aspirations of performing in New York City venues, a dream fueled by her post-graduation plans to reside there. While acknowledging the ambition, she maintains a grounded perspective, “At this point, I’m taking it as it goes and trying to have fun in the moment, not trying to take it too seriously and just be there if someone wants me at a gig.” This blend of ambition and present-moment enjoyment is characteristic of her approach to her craft.
Advice for Aspiring Electronic Dance Artists at Princeton
For Princeton students considering venturing into the world of DJing, DJ KJ offers practical and encouraging advice. “If you have an interest, go find someone who has a deck or purchase a deck on your own,” she recommends, emphasizing accessibility and experimentation. She encourages aspiring DJs to start by having fun, experimenting with sounds, and then gradually testing their skills at friend gatherings or pre-games. For those seeking larger platforms, she suggests reaching out to eating clubs, highlighting the welcoming and supportive environment within the Princeton community. Her key takeaway? “My main advice would be to get started and see where it takes you.” She also points out the unique opportunity Princeton offers, stating, “The barrier to entry at Princeton is low… College is the time to start.”
The Thriving Electronic Music Scene at Princeton University
DJ KJ’s experience underscores the vibrant and accessible electronic music scene at Princeton. The university environment provides a fertile ground for aspiring electronic dance artists to explore their passion, gain experience, and connect with a receptive audience. Eating clubs and campus events offer numerous platforms for student DJs to showcase their talent, fostering a community that appreciates and supports electronic music in its diverse forms. For students with an interest in becoming electronic dance artists, Princeton, as DJ KJ highlights, is the perfect place to begin their journey.
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