For lovers of DJing, music is more than just a passion; it’s a way of life. In our In Session section, we’re bringing together Wavezoo DJs from different generations to share their stories about how they got started, their present experiences, and their perspectives on the current music scene in the DJ world.
On this occasion, we have spoken with Alexander Nunez, aka 7Th Avenue, a DJ from Englewood who shares his experience with us.
1. How did you start DJing? Tell us about your origins
When I was in my early teens, I spent two years practicing DJing on a dual CD player before I began performing professionally. I started out by DJing at house parties and telling my friends that I could DJ their parties. Since I didn’t have a car, I would bring my equipment in a shopping cart and haul it down the block. I have a background as a Latin music DJ and played a lot of Latin music before I became an EDM DJ.
I started performing with the little bit of equipment that I had when I was 13 years old. By the time I turned 16, I had developed enough skills to begin performing in high school. I asked the teachers if I could DJ one of the school dances and they agreed. I requested to be paid for my experience and craft because I always felt that my time and effort were valuable. The high school paid me to DJ the first dance, and I became their main DJ for the rest of the year.
When I turned 20, I fell in love with a program called Ableton Live. This program allowed me to create creative full-length mixes and tell a story through my mixes. My ability to mix live and tell stories with my mixes has led me to teach DJing and Beat Production online.
2. Who would you say are your influences?
My biggest influence as a DJ has been DJ Alex Sensation from New Jersey’s 97.9 FM. He was so technical and creative in the mix that I looked up to him and thought that he could do things that only a person with eight hands could do.
Having the opportunity to analyze his skills and listen to how he selects songs has been a lifelong journey for me. One of his methods for transitioning between songs in the 2000s involved looping two songs at the same time. It was almost unheard of at that time since DJ edits were not yet popular. His unique style and techniques have greatly influenced my own DJing style, and I continue to learn from him to this day.
3. What do you think about the future of DJing? Where we are headed?
In terms of the future of DJing, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I believe that technology will largely remain the same, with the exception of flex effects or sweep, which allows for up to four different effects to be applied and can make transitioning easier. However, for DJs who work on radio stations, I think there may be limited opportunities for growth. The repetitive playlists that are imposed on them mean that their technical skills are rendered almost useless in terms of value. This is because they are no longer selecting songs they feel are good or mixing edits, which are universal skills that most DJs possess. As a result, their creativity is stifled.
On the other hand, I think that there are great possibilities for DJs who perform online. With the rise of online streaming and social media platforms, DJs can now connect with fans and audiences from all over the world. They can also experiment with new styles and sounds, and have the freedom to choose their own playlists without restrictions. However, the downside to online DJing is the lack of physical interaction with the audience, which is a key aspect of traditional DJing.
Overall, I believe that the future of DJing will be shaped by both technological advancements and shifts in the way people consume music, and it will be up to DJs to adapt and evolve with these changes.
4. What can people expect from your shows?
As a DJ, I believe that one of my biggest strengths is my ability to provide a diverse range of music that caters to all audiences. I have a vast knowledge of music across different genres and decades, and I can select the right songs that resonate with everyone in the crowd. Whether it’s 80s, 90s, or current music, I can mix them seamlessly to keep the energy high and the dancefloor packed.
Additionally, I like to create exclusive remixes that are not commonly heard. Sometimes, there are songs that are good but not energetic enough to get people dancing. In those cases, I will take the a cappella of the song and mix it with a more high-energy track to create a unique mashup that is sure to get everyone moving.
If you hire me as your DJ, you can expect a dynamic and diverse set that keeps the crowd engaged and entertained. I take pride in my ability to read the room and adjust the music accordingly, ensuring that everyone has a good time.
I would like to say that Wavezoo is an interesting platform. I’ve never seen it before. I am looking forward to growing on the platform and taking full advantage of all the resources it has to offer I look forward to working with you guys. I really appreciate the opportunity to present myself.
5. What would be your ideal party? Let people know what would be your top tracks
My ideal event would be a festival with a crowd of over 5000 or more. I would love to perform all my mixes and debut any exclusive remixes that I may have created. That would be my ideal event right now. While I enjoy DJing remotely, I also love DJing in person occasionally. But a huge festival with a massive crowd would be the ultimate experience for me.
6. Let the people know what is going on in your life
Currently, I am promoting myself as an EDM festival DJ, which is a new direction for me. I am focused on growing my fan base and establishing myself in this genre. In addition to my DJ work, I am also teaching on several online tutoring marketplaces, including platforms for children aged seven and up and individuals seeking music lessons. I teach my students DJing or how to create music using FL Studio. Moving forward, I plan to release more EDM music mixes soon.
If you are a Wavezoo DJ and would like to appear in our interviews, please contact us!