By Lupe Duran |Staff Writer|
Living a double-life as a student and a DJ, Christian Martinez hits the mark as the most multi-talented, charismatic young man on campus.
Martinez, who is also a public relations major and a Sigma Chi member gives a little insight into why he doesn’t just like but loves being a DJ as well as how he balances it with a hectic school schedule.
So how did Martinez’s interest get started?
“I’ve been a musician my whole life,” said Martinez. ” I’ve been in several bands, been a vocalist, wrote some parts for bass and guitar and after that really got into electronic music and I kind of just took it from there- that’s pretty much where it started.”
A DJ since Nov. 2011, Martinez refers to Diplo, a DJ who’s been a part of the music scene since 2004, as his inspiration and someone who is, “innovative and unafraid to step out of boundaries.”
With so many DJs out there in the scene, figuring out a way to set yourself apart is a must. Martinez, taking what he’s learned from Diplo, has definitely done so.
“I don’t play just one particular genre,” said Martinez. “I’ll do reggae, hip-hop, I’ll do anything but my favorite is electronic.”
Perhaps what also helps Martinez stand out is the fact that he DJs for fun and for the love of music, not just for the money.
“I don’t do this as a job, I do it for fun,” said Martinez. “I don’t care if I ever make money doing it, I just want to have a good time.
Martinez did state however, that even though he doesn’t want to make a career out of the DJ business, if it happens so be it.
To give an idea of what Martinez’s sound is like, he includes Diplo, Dillon Francis and Dave Nada as some influential factors in his style.
Being a DJ is definitely not for everyone. It requires patience and, according to Martinez, the ability and willingness to listen to all types of music, realize that you’re always learning and know that you’re never going to figure everything out right away.
Currently, Martinez does have a few shows lined up DJing at a Sigma Chi party on Dec. 7 and also at an event at Claremont College’s Thursday night parties.
As far as balancing school, work, his duties as a Sigma Chi and being a DJ, Martinez sort of chuckled when he admitted he’s still trying to figure that out.
However, considering the fact that Martinez is on the road towards graduating next June, it may be safe to say that he’s found some sort of balance that’s working for him.
Guess when you really like something finding ways to do that on top of everything else you got going just happens. Who knows, perhaps Martinez will be able to somehow merge his PR degree with being a DJ in the future.