The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite nightout terest in music has its roots in his childhood, because music was always being played in his house. “My father is Jamaican and my mother is Irish so there was a real eclectic mix of genres,” he said. This is why he has such an extensive knowledge that has helped him work confidently with different styles. As a worldwide DJ with decades of experience, Jarren C has had impressive opportunities to play at events in front of large audiences. These include playing live with Grammy award-win- ner Usher on The X Factor , and being Kelly Rowland’s official international DJ for four years, with whom he toured the world. He has also DJ-ed for MTV and Sony Music, Virgin Atlantic, Top Shop, River Island and many others. Currently, he is the resident in-house DJ for The W Hotel London. Jarren’s passion, knowledge, and professionalism have brought him far in his music career. “When I play, I just want my crowd to leave feeling that they have had a great night! Danced loads and had fun!” He shared with me. By the way, this talented music creative is not only a DJ. Five years ago he took up acting, beginning with a diploma in dra- ma. He then auditioned for RADA (Royal Academy of Dramat- ic Art) in London. Graduating in 2015, Jarren went on to per- form in the theatre and act in short films. “Following successful auditions, I was cast in one Netflix series out this summer, one DC spinoff from Batman and also my first Hollywood movie is out the end of this year which is also a DC film,” he shared. He is now focusing more on his acting career. It is hard to define which particular genre Jarren works with as his musical taste extends towards hip hop, rock, reggae, house, R&B, disco, trap, and old school classics. He says he just loves good music and will play what he feels will move the crowd. The inspiration he gets mainly depends on the gig he is doing, although hip hop and R&B sets remain his central focus. When I asked him what has been the most notable gig he has played, Jarren struggled to answer, simply because he has trav- elled the world as a DJ and there have been a few. “I suppose a couple of highlights would be playing at the O2 for Prince, when he did 20 plus dates there. I warmed up before he came on with his band,” he revealed. Jarren believes to become a successful DJ one should be profes- sional, creative and reliable. The ability to read a crowd is also very important, as well as good mixing skills and always being prepared. As always, practice is crucial, and it is also useful to study the history of your genre. He added that nowadays people have so many opportunities with developed technologies and social media, but a good residency is also very important. For example, playing in central London clubs would give you access to a great network. I asked Jarren who else he would work with, if he had the opportunity. “I have been really blessed throughout my career to work with some incredibly talented artists and creatives,” he replied. “I think if there was one person I could work with, it would have to be Quincy Jones!” I also wondered what would be the most favoured place in the world Jarren would ever con- sider going to as the main DJ in a music event. He told me that on top of his list would be the Coachella Music Festival. The list of his favourite music artists is quite extensive and includes, but is not limited to Michael Jackson, Nina Simone, Giggs, Bob Marley, Dr Dre, Drake and John Holt. He also en- joys the works of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Marvin Gaye, Notori- ous B.I.G, Brothers Johnson, Amy Winehouse and Chaka Khan. Among his DJ idols are Jazzy Jeff, Larry Levan, Steve Aoki, DJ Puffy and DJ A-Trak. When asked what the best perks about his job are, he replied: “I get to travel all over the world and get paid to make people dance!” After a hectic DJ session he would normally wind down with a movie to relax. I can totally understand this, because after a night of loud music, bass, and flashing lights, you really just want to chill quietly. Jarren promises that we can expect a lot from him in the next few years, so we are looking forward to see more of his success and seeing him in the DC Comics spin-offs.