By Abigail Epstein – Arts & Culture Editor

Conaugh McKenna has been DJing for just over a year but has already amassed a reliable reputation at the Gait and throughout the Bishop’s campus. What started as just curating playlists for friends, evolved into what DJ CC strives for now: uplifting the community and creating memorable experiences.

When putting together a set, understanding the vibe of the event and the crowd is what starts McKenna’s process. “I think about the energy I want to build and the memories I want to help create,” he says. “I dig deep into my library, balancing crowd-pleasers with unique tracks, and I love weaving nostalgia into my sets to give people something familiar yet fresh.” This kind of attention to energy is nurtured by the tight-knit community, allowing him to “take risks and connect directly with the crowd.” McKenna says that it’s helped immeasurably with his growth as a DJ, really feeling like “he’s a part of something special.” 

Outside of the Gait, McKenna has performed at his local venues in Collingwood, Ontario. He says it’s more competitive outside of Lennoxville but appreciates how it’s forced him to bring his A-Game. “DJing isn’t just pressing play. There’s so much thought, preparation, and creativity that goes into crafting a set. It’s about understanding music, the crowd, and how to balance art with entertainment.” While practicing, he continues to experiment with transitions, new tracks, and effects at home. He researches the venue, event theme, and audience, then creates a flexible framework of tracks. He leaves room for improvisation – as he puts it, “reading the crowd in the moment is everything.” 

McKenna has ambitions of playing at larger venues and festivals and eventually producing his own music. Ultimately, he wants to “create experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level,” whether it’s through live sets or original tracks. To those interested in getting into DJing, his advice is to “just start -” starting with daily practice. He encourages risk-taking, developing a personal style and connecting with the local scene: “It’s all about building relationships and putting yourself out there.” 

When asked how being a DJ has impacted his student experience, McKenna responds, “It’s completely transformed how I see myself and my potential. It’s taught me discipline, creativity, and how to connect with people in ways I never imagined.” To those who have supported him, he says thank you. “Music is meant to be shared, and I’m lucky to do that with such an amazing community.”