We all have our preconceptions about DJs – from the stereotypical depiction of them always wearing headphones to the more serious claims that they aren’t real musicians. Max Robertson, better known as DJ Shade, is attempting to prove these stereotypes wrong.

For the past year and a half, Robertson, a sophomore at DU, has been building his reputation as a DJ around the Denver area with events around campus such as the Delta Zeta exchange.

A major fan of electronic music, Robertson didn’t initially take to the Dubstep genre. However, when the fusion of dubstep and electronica occurred, he saw things in a different light. He cites Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex and Porter Robinson as major influences in his music.

“DJs have become actual rock stars now,” said Robertson.

Robertson defines himself as a controllerest, meaning that he doesn’t use records or CDs- everything is digital. He uses Traktor Pro 2 software and Traktor Kontrol S4 hardware to make his mixes, downloading an average of 10 new songs a day to add to his library. When making a new track, he starts with a dramatic opening, then adds a gradual lead up to his main style, which he describes as very energetic.

He credits his broad musical background for allowing him to mix on the spot during shows. During a typical show, Robertson plays 40-60 songs in an hour, mixing bits of mainstream songs from artists, like Rihanna, with more obscure selections unknown to listeners.

“[My audience] can expect an insane time,” Robertson said of his sets. “I play a set that’s really high-energy, high-paced.”

Hoping to expand his fan base, Robertson is currently scheduling a Colorado tour that will include gigs like Beta Nightclub and the Snowball Festival. His newest track, entitled “No Urinating in Lifts” was recently through his SoundCloud website.

“This last track [“No Urinating in Lifts”] took me about 50 man-hours to make,” Robertson says. “It has a mood to it.”

Aside from music, Robertson plays baseball for DU and enjoys sailing and scuba diving. He’s majoring in International Studies with a minor in Marketing, hoping to one day return to his home in Singapore to conduct business.

Though he has yet to see any real income from DJing, Robertson has stayed positive and continues because of his love for the music and overall scene.

“It’s all about just having a lot of fun,” Robertson said.

Robertson is currently collaborating with DJ Clownbag, a Boston-based DJ, on a four-hour mega-mix. In the future, Robertson hopes to see more gigs and a broader fan base. Until then, he plans to continue with what he’s been doing and not to get discouraged.

“It’s all about hard work,” said Robertson. “Know what you want and take every opportunity possible.”

To listen to music by Max Robertson, better known as DJ Shade, visit soundcloud.com/dj-shade-official.

We all have our preconceptions about DJs – from the stereotypical depiction of them always wearing headphones to the more serious claims that they aren’t real musicians. Max Robertson, better known as DJ Shade, is attempting to prove these stereotypes wrong.

For the past year and a half, Robertson, a sophomore at DU, has been building his reputation as a DJ around the Denver area with events around campus such as the Delta Zeta exchange.

A major fan of electronic music, Robertson didn’t initially take to the Dubstep genre. However, when the fusion of dubstep and electronica occurred, he saw things in a different light. He cites Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex and Porter Robinson as major influences in his music.

“DJs have become actual rock stars now,” said Robertson.

Robertson defines himself as a controllerest, meaning that he doesn’t use records or CDs- everything is digital. He uses Traktor Pro 2 software and Traktor Kontrol S4 hardware to make his mixes, downloading an average of 10 new songs a day to add to his library. When making a new track, he starts with a dramatic opening, then adds a gradual lead up to his main style, which he describes as very energetic.

He credits his broad musical background for allowing him to mix on the spot during shows. During a typical show, Robertson plays 40-60 songs in an hour, mixing bits of mainstream songs from artists, like Rihanna, with more obscure selections unknown to listeners.

“[My audience] can expect an insane time,” Robertson said of his sets. “I play a set that’s really high-energy, high-paced.”

Hoping to expand his fan base, Robertson is currently scheduling a Colorado tour that will include gigs like Beta Nightclub and the Snowball Festival. His newest track, entitled “No Urinating in Lifts” was recently through his SoundCloud website.

“This last track [“No Urinating in Lifts”] took me about 50 man-hours to make,” Robertson says. “It has a mood to it.”

Aside from music, Robertson plays baseball for DU and enjoys sailing and scuba diving. He’s majoring in International Studies with a minor in Marketing, hoping to one day return to his home in Singapore to conduct business.

Though he has yet to see any real income from DJing, Robertson has stayed positive and continues because of his love for the music and overall scene.

“It’s all about just having a lot of fun,” Robertson said.

Robertson is currently collaborating with DJ Clownbag, a Boston-based DJ, on a four-hour mega-mix. In the future, Robertson hopes to see more gigs and a broader fan base. Until then, he plans to continue with what he’s been doing and not to get discouraged.

“It’s all about hard work,” said Robertson. “Know what you want and take every opportunity possible.”

To listen to music by Max Robertson, better known as DJ Shade, visit soundcloud.com/dj-shade-official.