| Mixing it up with DJ Toxik |
by Alison Fosbenner
Intern Writer
Brian C. Hoss, as his alter ego DJ Toxik, strives to help
make Appalachian State University events melodiously upbeat
as a disc jockey.
This sophomore marketing and management major started mixing
music about four years ago when he was 15.
Back then, DJ Scribble from MTV and an online music-mixing
program were the perfect combination to jumpstart Hoss’
DJ career.
“Since then, I’ve gotten much better,”
Hoss said. “Especially with transitions between songs
and my equipment has gotten better.”
His gear includes a digital turntable, and a mini-disc deck,
which he uses to play compact discs and mini-discs.
Music, in general, Hoss said has been a significant element
throughout his life.
He reminisces back to his early childhood when he would dance
around his bedroom to the tunes of his “Disney and Friends”
record player.
These days, DJ Toxik, as he is known on stage, plays mostly
dance music.
“It’s a mix of techno and pop,” Hoss said.
“Basically, it’s techno with lyrics.”
Last semester the Appalachian & the Community Together
hosted a Dance Marathon for 24 hours to raise money for numerous
children’s organizations.
Every hour the music changed to a different style, including
‘80s music, a contra dance, country tunes and more.
DJ Toxic was one of two DJs that took over for one of those
hours.
Sophomore Stephanie K. Sanchez was one of many students who
stayed awake and danced the entire 24 hours.
As a Chi Omega service project, she and seven other members
were required to participate in Dance Marathon for service
hours to raise money for the Watauga Children’s Youth
Network.
“It was fun; he played a variety,” Sanchez said
and described DJ Toxik as a “crowd-pleaser.”
“Brian was more interactive with the crowd; he took
requests,” Sanchez said.
DJ Toxik said he attempts to acknowledge requests as much
as possible.
“It’s half and half,” Hoss said. “I
do play songs that I know are extremely popular.”
At Dance Marathon, Hoss said the crowd favorite was “Get
Low” by Lil’ Jon & The East Side Boyz.
“I try to bring new music to people that they’ve
never heard before,” Hoss said.
“He really wanted to make sure we had fun,” Sanchez
said. “Twenty four hours is a long time and he really
helped keep me awake.”
Sanchez rates DJ Toxik at a 10 compared to the other hours
of music played. She said, however, she is a little biased
because she favors the type of music he plays.
On top of mixing it up at campus events, Hoss has performed
for middle school dances in the past. However, DJ Toxik turns
into DJ Joker for such occasions since he is playing for a
younger audience.
A middle school dance back in his hometown of Winston-Salem
was his first gig.
Hoss recalls bringing a friend along because he was so nervous.
He prefers college events to those involving a younger crowd.
“I don’t have to worry about language,”
Hoss said.
The Bisexual, Gays, Lesbians, and Allies Associated for Diversity
(BGLAAD) organization will host a Drag Show Friday at Legends.
DJ Toxik will be providing the music for this event.
Hoss began attending BGLAAD meetings last semester.
“At one of the meetings we were discussing the upcoming
Drag Show. We told all the members of BGLAAD that we were
on the hunt for a DJ,” said Teressa G. Cameron, president
of BGLAAD. “And Brian told us to look no further, our
hunt was over.”
DJ Toxik also provided music for the Fall 2003 Drag Show.
“I think last semester’s Drag Show was a huge
success, but ASU hasn’t seen anything yet. This semester
we are switching things up a bit, and everyone is in for a
big surprise.”
In order to DJ this event, Hoss was not required to audition,
or prove his abilities.
“We had faith that he would do an awesome job, “
Cameron said. “And he didn’t let us down.”
Cameron said Hoss is one of their “most dedicated members.”
“BGLAAD is an organization that is full of talented
members,” Cameron said. “The officers felt like
it was time to tap into our home-base resources.”
Hoss enjoys the fact that he gets paid for listening to music,
most of all. But he also said he benefits from the interaction
with people.
“I recommend that people use him for their parties,”
Sanchez said.
“Everyone I talked to felt that Brian was an excellent
DJ,” Cameron said. “Many requested that he come
back this semester.”
For the future, Hoss is looking for more business.
“I want to get a lot more gigs, and do more parties,”
Hoss said.
Upcoming BGLAAD events are open to Hoss.
“Brian has the position of Drag Show DJ for as long
as he wants it,” Cameron said.
Hoss said he even has aspirations to someday guest DJ at a
club once he gets really good and is able to purchase more
equipment.
For inquiries, e-mail Brian Hoss at djtoxic@triad.rr.com.
|
|
