Jack ‘DJ Kellz’ Kelly, a junior communication studies major, is like almost every other college student: he loves rap and electro music.

What makes him different? He takes his love for the music and puts it to work. Kelly is a DJ working at local bars and house parties.

Verge: How did you get started DJ’ing and mixing?

Jack Kelly: “One of my friends was really into it and showed me all his stuff and what he was working on and then he passed away. I picked it up, started practicing and it took off. From there, I started watching videos to know everything about the music and dancing.”

V: Growing up, who inspired you?

JK: “I was inspired by two artists: DJ Hardwell and DJ Carnage.”

V: Who are you listening to right now? If we turned on your music, what artists would pop up?

JK: “Martin Garrix, Hardwell, Carnage, Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, Blasterjaxx. I listen to rap and trap music as well. Big Sean and Lil’ Wayne. I like to mix in popular rap songs with my electronic stuff.”

V: If you could explain your sound, what would it be?

JK: “I have quite a few sounds that I prefer. Basically I like three different genres: festival trap, electro house and bounce.”

V: What’s your most recent work?

JK: “I’m always creating new edits and mashups. I post some online for people to get a taste, but not too often.

I like to keep most of my stuff for myself to surprise the crowd with something they haven’t heard before.

Every so often I post something on my SoundCloud. The most recent one is Miami vs No Heroes mashup.”

V: So this is your debut at Stu’s. How did this happen?

JK: “I started DJ’ing at the end of my freshman year in college (2012). I set two goals for myself. One, DJ at Marty’s Bar. Two, DJ at Stu’s. It took me about a year of getting to know DJ’s around the school, making connections and practicing to get my first gig at Marty’s. This is will my second goal accomplished for Eastern. I’ve been working pretty hard. It kind of feels like a kid on Christmas. It’s just been a long time coming.”

DJ Kellz will be DJ’ing at Stu’s Bar and Martini Lounge Friday from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Cayla Maurer can be reached at 581-2812 or ccmaurer@eiu.edu.