From DJing some of Atlanta's most iconic venues to maintaining a spontaneous creative process, DJ EU (@djeu) has become quite well known in the industry. We sat down with the music master to talk starting ono a new path, chasing a passion, and if partying on the job is really a thing.
PHOTO BY DARENKA VALLES
How did you get into DJing?
Long story short, I started DJing in college with some friends—if you can call it DJing. It was more like creating a playlist and letting them play at our college house parties. Friends kept saying, ‘You are pretty good at it,’ which I wasn’t. During that process, my mom got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and DJing helped me get through that; it distracted my mind. Once my mom passed, I took a semester off and never looked back on my decision to pursue DJing.
As the DJ for Atlanta United FC and the Atlanta Braves, do you feel a different energy when working with each team? How so?
Each team is different, from the fan base to the culture of the sport. It’s a matter of catering to those differences while still bringing my style to each team.
Atlanta United FC is definitely home. The players, fans and the culture behind the sport definitely influence my sound. I have been with Atlanta United since day one, the second home game from our inaugural season in 2017. I always say that I am a fan first then the team’s DJ. As far as the Braves, I began as a guest DJ during Hispanic Heritage Month at the ‘Dia de los Bravos’ game. From that point onward, I began DJing for the team during batting practice, playoffs and later consulting for their Los Bravos marketing team.
Was this the path you always envisioned?
Honestly, no and yes. I always wanted to make a difference in Atlanta with my DJing. That was the end goal: Put Atlanta on the map and have people think of Atlanta the same way they did about Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, etc.—another big city that had an amazing nightlife scene and was cool to come visit. I never knew how far DJing could’ve taken me, but I am grateful for where I am at.
PHOTO BY DARENKA VALLES
What does it feel like when you’re fully in the zone, on an artistic high?
I think to reach that ‘high,’ each song blends and works great with each other, but the crowd, production manager and staff have to be in sync with you as well. Everyone has to be having fun. DJs feed off the crowd. As frequently as I achieve those highs, there are nights that are harder to achieve that high, which I’ve learned is OK. I take those ‘off’ nights and learn from them.
How would you describe your creative process?
Very spontaneous is what I would call my process. Like we say in Puerto Rico, ‘a la manga productions.’ A lot of my mixes and routines I come up with are in the moment. The crowd influences a lot. If I have to do a mix, that mix is getting turned in the day before the deadline, if not on the deadline date. I listen to music very differently, meaning I hear the beat/music first then the lyrics. Most of the time I don’t even know the lyrics to the song. If the beat is dope but the lyrics aren’t great, sometimes I’ll take the song, edit it and remove what I don’t like.
What do you feel has been a turning point in your career so far?
Becoming the DJ for Atlanta United FC was definitely the biggest turning point in my career. I am forever grateful for those who provided me with the opportunity, for those who mentioned my name in the right room and trusted, and continue to trust me to do the job. DJing for Atlanta United FC has given me a different sense of responsibility. It wasn’t just about DJ EU anymore, it was about something bigger. It was about the team and the city.
Do you party while you’re working on the job or is it strictly business?
While on the job I treat my work as strictly business. My job itself is a party and it’s all about striking a balance. DJing has the perk of being able to consume alcohol while working. It’s very easy to get consumed with everything surrounding me. I admit I have made some mistakes in the past, a few drinks too many. I’ve learned from those mistakes and haven’t repeated them. I am very passionate about my job, so I will always carry myself as a professional.
Being based in Atlanta, where would you recommend as the best atmosphere for clubbing?
What I love about Atlanta is how much it has to offer. From MJQ, Tongue & Groove and an EDM show at District to my monthly Latin party, Candela, or weekly Perreologia, Whine Global and The Groove by WERC Crew, Perreo404 and so many more, Atlanta has it all. I am a fan of the Atlanta nightlife. It’s both diverse and well curated.
Photography by: Darenka Valles
