Trevor Holness, MBA ’06, spins his own unique music mixes as a DJ at Toronto’s legendary Comfort Zone nightclub, which he used to frequent in his 20s.

Interview by Mark Witten

As most people did during the pandemic, I picked up a hobby. After speaking at an online conference in 2021, I was offered a catalogue of thank-you gifts. What caught my eye was a portable DJ controller, half the size of a computer keyboard. This neat device allows you to seamlessly mix music and transition from one song to another. 

I assumed I would play with this musical toy for a month or two and then tire of it. Instead, I got hooked. Playing around with the controller and DJing triggered my creative side that wasn’t being utilized as an accountant. 

I upgraded to a better controller and started performing for an online audience on Twitch – an online streaming platform. It has been a lot of fun mixing online. I’ve enjoyed meeting people online and getting their feedback on live chats, especially during the isolation of the pandemic.

DJing online led to a live gig at a club in Port Dover, near Hamilton. I was excited but terrified at first. It’s one thing to perform online in front of people you can’t see. That’s safe. DJing live in front of people you can see is intimidating – God forbid, you see an empty dance floor. Fortunately, that never happened! The gig went well, and I played the club about a dozen times.

More recently, I landed a gig at Comfort Zone, a legendary club on Queen Street in Toronto. They were looking for new talent to perform regularly. I had submitted a mix to a contest and was one of four DJs chosen. 

My adventure has brought me full circle. At the ripe old age of 48, I’m able to spin at a club I used to frequent in my 20s prior to going to Ivey. It’s amazing and surreal to go back there as a DJ. I perform as early as midnight to 2 a.m. and as late as 8 to 10 in the morning.

What I love about DJing is the creativity behind it. I might not be playing the music as a musician, but I choose what music gets played and when, with the goal of creating a musical mix that appeals to everyone on the dance floor.

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