Throughout the day he’s the quiet kid who’s sitting next to you during class. At night, though, he’s the man who’s driving the crowd crazy at a party you’re attending. At only 19 years old, this kid has accomplished so much.. can you even believe he’s a freshman? Meet this week’s Campus Celebrity: Leonardo RodrĂguez, alias DJ Cryz33z.
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Name: Leonardo JosĂ© RodrĂguez CastellĂłn
Age: 19
Major: ArchitectureÂ
Hometown: Aguadilla
Classification:Â Freshman
Nickname:Â Leo
DJ Name: DJ Cryz33z
HCUPR: You have a very intriguing DJ name. What’s the story behind it?
Leo:Â It was because of a party. I didn’t actually have a real nickname for a DJ, because honestly DJ Leo sounds like a name I would have at a radio station. So at the party, everything went crazy, chaotic; a crisis. So the morning after at school, everyone was talking about how awesome the party was with DJ Cryz33z playing. A new name began.
HCUPR: You perform with a mask on. Why?
Leo:Â I’m actually a really shy guy, so the mask helps me out, so I don’t feel people are staring at me.
HCUPR: Since what age have you been DJing and why?
Leo: I’ve been doing this since I was 13 years old. I like it, I really do. Music is my escape of everything.
HCUPR:Where was your very first gig? How was it like?
Leo: A party at my house. It felt like I finally succeeded in something I always wanted to do.Â
HCUPR:Â How do you divide your time between the demanding courseload of Architecture and music?
Leo:Â It’s easy to divide really. While I’m working on my Architecture stuff, I’m listening to new music and finding new ways to experiment with it.
HCUPR:Â Who is the man behind that mask?
Leo:Â I’m actually very different from what people perceive of me. The type of person who has a hard time socializing with others. Someone who likes to exercise. Apart from that, I like to be a quiet man, unlike my “alter ego”.
HCUPR: What is your biggest achievement?
Leo:Â Getting accepted into the School of Architecture. And becoming an Eagle Scout.Â
HCUPR: What are your dreams and why?
Leo:Â My biggest dream is to become a succesful architect and putting my DJing skills to a bigger reach or a bigger audience, gain more exposure, so in the future I can play in more festivals.
HCUPR: Biggest stepback.
Leo: On being myself: I got lazy and my grades went down a little. While being a D.J: it was when I suddenly dissapeared of the scene, and stopped announcing myself.
HCUPR: What would you say to the people who want to enter the DJ world?
Leo:Â They should do it. Start simple, don’t start buying expensive stuff. And if you really like it, go for it.
HCUPR: Something not many people know about you.
Leo:Â I enjoy reading.
HCUPR: Describe yourself in 3 words.
Leo:Â Honest, service-oriented, visionary.
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*To listen some of DJ Cryz33z’s mixes, click here. All photos taken from Leo’s social media.