Centre County DJs spin to success

In recent years, the influence and popularity of DJs has grown across the country, and State College is no exception. The area has a number of its own DJs who spin weekly and are building a following with Penn Staters and younger music lovers.

Born in New York City, Antonia Maritza Parris is the owner of the mobile business, Music by Antonia.

She is known for spinning on stages in cities such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, State College and more. Some of Parris’ influences vary, from artists like Erykah Badu and Sade, to Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill.

Local DJ Alex Nepa grew up all over Pennsylvania — born in Carbondale and moving between Northeast Pennsylvania and Bucks County. He now lives in Boalsburg. Nepa’s influences growing up included DJ Sinbad, Grandmaster Flash, DJs Sizzhandz & Riz of the legendary Crooklyn Clan and Armand Van Helden. He is the founder & marquee DJ for Mint DJ Events, which serves State College and Central Pa.

“I’ve been a giant music nerd my entire life,” he said. “Even when I was a kid growing up just outside of Philadelphia, I would pretend to be a radio DJ. But my desire to be a ‘DJ’ grew when I was in high school and college, when I actually got to play with my first set of turntables.”

As a DJ, Nepa knows you need to know and love music first and foremost to be in the business. No matter what your own personal tastes are, Nepa always recommends branching out and listening to everything.

“My personal tastes range from ’90s rock to classic and current hip-hop and house music, but I try to constantly immerse myself in music,” he said. “Classical music is a great escape after a hectic club night. You also need to have an ‘it’ factor. You need to present yourself well, market yourself well, and be active on social media. As a DJ, you need to work with your clients to determine what their goals are and deliver a product that expresses your artistry while exceeding expectations.”

“In my opinion, DJs are like managers in the music industry, especially working with artists or fellow aspiring DJs,” Parris said. “While working on current events with venues, and artists or customers from private events, we are also taking action on personal projects that are held in the future.”

Parris said that because of Penn State, DJs are in high demand in the area.

“The more residents, visitors, night life attractions, students and Greek life, the more opportunities for getting booked for a gig will continue to open up,” Parris said. “However, the DJ culture is very minute here in the State College area, so it is not as competitive as living in New York City.”

Parris not only plays music at various area venues, but she also orchestrates events for artists to showcase their talents, providing artists with a platform to help get their art out there for listeners and prospective fans.

“With having that role, communication, dedication, versatility, patience and consistency are characteristics I find myself constantly reflecting to excel at each and every task to reach a goal,” she said. “When it comes to being a DJ at events, being versatile and having the ability to keep the crowd entertained and hyped — making sure my energy is at the maximum — is my biggest priority. Once that has been reached, there will be nothing but beautiful vibes and vibrations throughout my set.”

Nepa said he is proud to have some of the area’s most talented DJs on his team at Mint DJ Events.

“Make no mistake about it, Penn State and its students are 100 percent responsible for this town being as popular as it is for DJs,” he said. “I have traveled and played in cities like New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and beyond; and without question, no city or club is as up on new music and trends or as open minded to creative mixing and performances as the crowds here at Penn State.”

Venues that host DJs regularly include Indigo, Bill Pickle’s Tap Room, The Arena Bar and Grill and more.

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Centre County DJs spin to success."