The lights dim in the auditorium. As a stillness falls over the room, there is a mix of anticipation and thrill in the air. Music suddenly cuts through the silence and songs blend into one another seamlessly. The lights focus on a figure in the center of the stage, the one behind the tunes. It is sophomore Neil Bhatia, more commonly known as “DJ Neil” and as the morning quote spokesperson. He is remixing and mashing songs, getting students excited for the pep rally. 

Bhatia has had a fascination with music since he was five years old. He began to carry out his passion in 2020, when he first started DJing. His first gig was at a New Year’s Eve Party that same year. “The thing that inspired me was when I saw the entire crowd–old and young–dancing to the music beats and feeling happy. It was so cool to see everyone having a good time,” he says. 

Moreover, he has a love for making people happy with his tracks. For example, his biggest feat was at an event he played for when he saw one shy kid standing in the corner of the dance floor, hesitant to join in on the fun. By playing the type of music he liked, Bhatia was able to get the boy to dance alongside the others. “I didn’t even have to ask him or talk with him,” he explains. “I knew from his reaction [that I had played] the kind of music he liked. I could tell by the expression on his face. He was smiling and that shows he liked that song.” This was a special experience for Bhatia. “I am super proud of myself that I was able to get a shy kid to dance to my tunes. My biggest accomplishment is figuring out the kind of music different people like and making people even with two left feet dance to my tunes.” 

DJing is not without its challenges. Bhatia’s biggest obstacle was overcoming his nerves when MCing, which is when performers communicate with the audience through a microphone. “I used to feel very nervous to speak in front of a crowd and I would get shaky,” he admits. However, he worked diligently to build up his confidence by practicing in front of a mirror and in front of his family. DJing is a skill that takes perseverance and effort—and Bhatia’s own effort paid off, for he now feels much more comfortable MCing at events.  

Bhatia advises those interested in DJing, “A good place to start is with just an app on your phone called, ‘We DJ.’ I started with this app before I got my equipment. Another option is Spotify because it allows you to fade between songs.” In addition, he suggests that a good way to get yourself out there is to DJ for a barbecue or a small birthday party when you are just starting out. However, his most important piece of advice for people interested in DJing is, “Have fun with it.”