The business of music mixing and being a Disc Jockey (DJ) has caught the attention of quite a few Orono students. In the past two years alone, three businesses have started to get their name recognized.
Seniors Cole Timko and Jacob Sterling started their DJ business, Algorythm Audio, a year and a half ago. In the beginning, their gigs consisted of friends and family parties.
“Our friends have been not only our biggest fans, but also our biggest supporters,” Timko said.
Algorythm Audio is the executive DJ for the Blake high school and has DJed for Orono in the past. In addition, the business has performed at weddings, concerts in Platteville, Wis. and the well known Electric Dome at 10Dome in Long Lake.
Though their business has grown rapidly, obstacles have slowed them down.
“School work and other commitments have been what holds us back the most,” Sterling said.
Both Timko and Sterling participate in activities including Orono boys tennis, Orono alpine ski team and competitive snowboarding that take them away from their responsibilities within the business.
“Starting a business is tough, and running it is even tougher,” Timko said. “That’s why every event, product, or whatever your business is providing needs to be given 110 percent effort.”
Over 30 hours of work goes into producing each show. Running the business is very time consuming and involves getting the right equipment, creating unique mixes, set-up and takedown for each show, and more.
“They’re pursuing their passion and I respect that. It’s nice to see them be proactive with it by going out, getting gigs, and making their name known,” said personal friend and senior Cam Knutsen
Algorythm Audio and its success has started a trend within the school. More students have come out with music mixes and DJ services.
Junior Drew Wilken is building a business to become a familiar face behind the speakers at Orono school dances.
“To start a successful business, you need to offer something that people want or could use. If you have something that people want or could use, you have already won half the battle,” Wilken said.
His interest in making music started when he was a freshman. Since then, Wilken has DJed house parties for friends.
“I only started offering services earlier this year, so I really hope to get out there more. I am going to do the Winterfest dance at Orono this year,” Wilken said.
The money that goes into starting a DJ business is astonishing.
“How much money… thousands,” Orono graduate and DJ Sam McNaughton said.
All three businesses admitted that thousands of dollars have gone into equipment, including lights, mix boards, and fog machines, and into the music they use to create mixes.
According to an article for entrepreneur.com by Elizabeth Wilson, the startup cost for DJ businesses is around $10,000.
“It’s a huge investment but I’m hoping it’ll pay for itself later on,” McNaughton said.
Mcnaughton has been doing gigs around the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse where he is attending college.
A DJ business can be tough to start but according to Sterling, the best way to build one is to practice and to “persevere through the attitudes of people who have little faith in your company to start.”