In the crisp autumn air, the leaves crunch underfoot as Maddie Feldman, a sophomore at Princeton University, navigates the Cannon Green. Her journey, however, is not just a stroll across the campus; it's a tale of passion, determination, and the pursuit of a unique dream – to become a DJ.

Uncovering the Rhythm of a Budding DJ's Journey

Discovering the Decks: Maddie's Serendipitous Awakening

Maddie Feldman's journey into the world of DJing began with a serendipitous moment, a dream that ignited a spark within her. "I was checking through my email receipts, and I realized that this dream was born exactly a year ago today," she recalls, her eyes gleaming with excitement. With no prior musical background, save for a few piano lessons, Maddie embarked on a quest to uncover the secrets of the turntables, reaching out to local DJs to learn the ropes.

Embracing the Beats: Maddie's Musical Influences and Genres

Maddie's musical tastes are as diverse as the beats she spins. "I really do enjoy house music," she confesses, acknowledging that it may be a "cop-out" for some, given its distinctive structure. However, Maddie's passion for the genre is undeniable, and she's been exploring the French rave vibe as well, constantly expanding her musical horizons.

Conquering the Learning Curves: Maddie's Approach to Becoming a DJ

Maddie's journey to becoming a DJ is marked by three distinct learning curves, each presenting its own challenges. The first involves mastering the technical aspects of the equipment, ensuring she can confidently navigate the board and perform in dorm rooms or on the street. The second curve focuses on developing the ability to mix music on the fly, seamlessly transitioning between tracks and showcasing her skills in venues and clubs. The final and most demanding curve, Maddie explains, is the pursuit of becoming an "international DJ sensation," a goal that requires an additional 200 hours of practice and dedication.

Bringing the Beat to the Streets: Maddie's Aspiration for a Dream Venue

Maddie's ambitions extend beyond the confines of her dorm room, where she has honed her craft thus far. "I think hitting the street will legitimize my aspiring DJ career," she says, her eyes gleaming with determination. Recognizing the three learning curves, Maddie is eager to take her skills to the next level, potentially even performing in venues and clubs in the future.

Collaborating with the Greats: Maddie's Dream Guest Feature

When asked about her dream guest feature, Maddie's face lights up. "I just went to a Kaytranada concert over the weekend, and he is such a fun performer to watch live, so I can't even imagine how entertaining it would be to be blessed with sharing the board with him," she exclaims, her enthusiasm palpable.

Crafting the Perfect Set: Maddie's Unique Approach to DJing

Maddie's approach to putting together a set is a blend of creativity and technical prowess. While some DJs take a more mathematical approach, timing out the bars and vocals, Maddie prefers a more intuitive method. She has "coded the stems of certain songs to correspond with the buttons on [her] board," allowing her to manipulate the various elements of the music with a single touch. This approach, combined with her love for wordplay, sets Maddie's sets apart, much to the chagrin of her twin sister, who has perfect pitch and a more traditional musical sensibility.

Disc Rocky: The Story Behind Maddie's Unique DJ Name

Maddie's DJ name, "Disc Rocky," is a playful nod to her dual passions – DJing and her role as the Rocky the Squirrel mascot. "Completely independent of my DJ hobby is my unpaid role as the Rocky mascot, Rocky the Squirrel," she explains, emphasizing the distinction between the two. However, Maddie's ultimate goal is to one day DJ in the squirrel suit, seamlessly blending her two unique talents.

Balancing Passions: Maddie's Perspective on DJing as a Long-Term Pursuit

While Maddie's passion for DJing is undeniable, she recognizes that it is not a career path she intends to pursue long-term. "I hope DJing will continue to be a fun release for me," she says, acknowledging the Princeton mindset that drives her to view her hobbies as productive and efficient. However, Maddie's versatility extends beyond the turntables, as she notes that her mascot skills could also serve as a fallback option if "all else fails."As the sun dips below the horizon, Maddie Feldman's story stands as a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the willingness to embrace the unexpected. From her serendipitous dream to her unique approach to DJing, Maddie's journey is a captivating exploration of the rhythm that beats within the heart of a budding Princeton DJ.