It’s no secret the University is home to thousands of students, each with their own individual talents and skillsets. Among the future surgeons and award-winning novelists are a new breed of stars cropping up all over campus — disc jockeys.
During almost any given weeknight, it’s more than likely the Tigerland bars are bustling with energy. Most go to Tigerland to unwind after a stressful day, but not Charles Eugene and Taariq Elliott. The two business seniors are musical entrepreneurs, making a name for themselves not only around the collegiate bar crowd but also in more reputable bars downtown and venues throughout the city. 
Charles Eugene, also known as Cmix, is a frequent DJ at Mike’s in Tigerland. A Louisiana native, he started out as a trumpet player in concert band and steadily gravitated toward mixing. He credits the video game, DJ Hero, as one of his early inspirations. 
“Once I got to college, all my friends got me my first mixer.” Eugene said. “We found it in an abandoned house, and the next day, the house burned down, so we took that as a sign.”
Starting off at the University, Eugene wasn’t sure if he could really make a name for himself. When friends heard him spin, they urged him to go to Tigerland and try to get a gig. His first job was as a space-filler during a band’s set at Reggie’s Bar. Once he began to get a taste for it, he couldn’t stop asking for more jobs. He went to the management at Mike’s and asked to spin more often. He later went on to battle well-established DJ Midas Touch at one of Mike’s DJ Battles. Eugene managed to hold his own, beat Midas Touch and gain popularity.
Eugene is a business student who uses the skills he’s learning in class to run a profitable production company — CMix Productions. Not only does he bring other budding DJs under his wing, but he also teaches DJ classes to anyone who is interested in learning the basics or how to develop their own sound. 
“I felt like DJs out here were too stubborn or too scared to show their style, and I was always the guy who liked to teach or help out other people,” Eugene said. “I didn’t think I had the professional knowledge to teach people but after my first few students and having them tell me they had learned so much, that’s when I decided I wanted to continue to teach.”
Taariq Elliott, or DJ Phareaux, is another talent hidden in the University’s population. Originally from Maryland, Elliott holds a steady position at JL’s Place, as well as other places across town. He’s inspired by DJ Carnage, Flosstradamus, Kanye West and Kid Kameleon. When Elliott came to the University, Cmix showed him the ropes and shared his connections. They still share a strong bond and often turn to each other for help and feedback. 
Both artists have big aspirations. As business majors, they plan to use those skills to take over the musical world. Both said it would be a dream to move to Los Angeles and get into the club scene there. 
Eugene would love to continue growing his business and become the go-to guy for all DJ needs, traveling around the world to promote his music out there. 
Elliott said he hopes to begin producing for video games, club and pop artists. He also wants to start his own record label to provide a fair, helping hand to musicians who are still trying to get their footing. 
“I’m always looking forward to meeting new DJs, bringing everyone together because the Baton Rouge music scene can be really tough,” Elliott said. “Everybody has their own style, so there’s no competition.”
Both credit their versatility as one of the main reasons they have been successful. Eugene said his knowledge of all genres of music helps him to be a better instructor. Being able to play music of all types helps them develop a greater client base. 
“I play everything. Whatever goes, but mainly I would say hip-hop, trap and pop music,” Elliott said. “I’ve been playing at Tigerland for a while, and I haven’t really heard anything different. I want people to know that there’s more out there to listen to than what’s on the radio.” 
Both Eugene and Elliott want to encourage anyone who is considering pursuing a DJ career to go ahead and take the leap, even if they’re scared. They agree it isn’t an easy road, but it could end up being a very rewarding one.
You can reach Sadie McDade on Twitter @sadiemcdadie.