By Aaron Williams

The Louisville Cardinal recently got the opportunity to sit down with junior marketing major Cameron Kalegi, also known as DJ Prism, to find out a little more about the man behind the turntables at multiple University of Louisville events this year, including the International Fashion Show. He will be playing at the Eighth Grade Dance at the Red Barn on March 3.

Q: So, how long have you been disc jockeying?  

A: I have been DJing for three years, actually. I started the summer between high school and college. Instead of buying an Xbox 360, I bought some turntables.   

Q: How long had DJing interested you prior to starting DJ Prism?

A: Well, everyone sees rock stars when they grow up. I picked up a guitar for a little while. But then I really got into electronic music and realized DJs can be rock stars too.

Q: How did you come up with name DJ Prism?

A: In high school I started reading into theoretical physics. I realized a connection between light and sound that I feel is more important that we realize. It seemed logical at that point. I wanted to dumb this message down to share it with everyone…Prism is like the title of the movie.

Q: How many events has DJ Prism DJed at this year, campus or otherwise?

A: Inside and outside of school, I’ve done approximately 50 events – between 50 and 60.

Q: Which of these events did you enjoy best, and why?

A: I played at a club downtown called Hotel. It’s like an upscale night club. They bring in a lot of high-end DJs. And playing there was like saying, “Hey, I’ve arrived.” I also played at Southern Regional Orientation Workshop. It’s training for SOSers from every school in the southern conference. I was in a room with a thousand of the most energetic, lively, fun people.

Q: Personally, what’s your favorite kind of music?

A: I’m a mood kind of guy, I guess. The music I listen to depends on what I feel like. If I want to get hyped, I listen to dubstep. I definitely have a broad taste. And my favorite music changes with the wind. I can assure you it’s not Top 40. I seldom listen to the music I actually play.

Q: Do you have any specific artist or album that has influenced you as an artist?

A: The artist is RJD2 and any of his early works – him and Kid Koala. Middle Eastern music, anything with a sitar, and punk rock. I grew up listening to a group called Rancid, The Descendents, and NOFX. Their energy – I still try to communicate that.

Q: Do you have any role models or people you aspire to be like?

A: I am inspired daily by a man named Alan Watts. He’s a philosopher from the ‘70s. I get inspired by quotes, mainly because I read them over and over. But sometimes certain ones stick out to me more. And when one becomes more apparent, it gives me subliminal direction for my life.

Q: In what other ways is DJ Prism’s alter ego – Cameron Kalegi – involved on campus?

A: Currently I am the marketing director for SGA, the communications director for College Democrats, and will be marketing director for the Student Activities Board. In the past, I’ve been a first year guide, a REACH ambassador, and a member of the student marketing association. I’ve also been in RSA. I was the communications director for College Democrats on the state level. And through SGA I do a lot of graphic design for a lot of organizations and events.

Q: If you could pick one dream venue for DJ Prism to play, what would it be and why?

A: Somewhere in space, because I think dancing in zero gravity would take on a whole new approach. But, realistically, Miami Beach during the Winter Music Conference.

Q: What’s the future looking like for DJ Prism? Any events on the horizon?

A: The events I have coming up are the Eighth Grade Dance, sponsored by RSA, and [the University of Louisville Dance Marathon]. The future for me is to keep having fun, keep doing my thing, and keep trying to be happy. And if that means finding happiness in something besides DJing, I’ll do that.

Q: Do you have any final comments to make?

A: DJing has made me realize that if you focus on something enough, you really can do whatever you want.