tfife@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

Chris Lawrence, better known by his performing name, DJ Chris Epic, has been doing live Electronic Dance Music (EDM) sets for over 10 years. After venturing out of Grand Junction to pursue music, he has returned to CMU with his talent.

Lawrence is finishing a Business Management degree and plans to graduate next fall. Lawrence took a few years off school to pursue business opportunities and now wants to finish his degree to help pursue music. In 2000 he started playing live trance sets on two-keyboard synthesizers at underground shows and raves in the Grand Valley. Lawrence also helped organize the shows. Within nine months he was recognized and flown to Canada to perform.

In 2001, Lawrence moved to Denver and joined one of his mentors, DJ Shazad, in Impulse Entertainment as a resident DJ. As a resident DJ, he played shows and clubs that his company promoted.

“The rambunctiousness of a young adult life got the best of me,” Lawrence said. “Broke and hungry I moved back to Grand Junction.”

Soon after his return, Lawrence began his studies as a business major. In 2009, he found the time for his music and started to DJ again. Performing as a DJ has become far more accessible over the years and has made Lawrence’s transition back onto the scene smooth. Singles were once $10 a piece and put onto a vinyl record, which were then matched and played accordingly by the DJ on expensive turntables. Now tracks are easily downloaded for $1 each to be played back on cheaper instruments.

Lawrence plays what he describes as “a unique blend of driving techno house and progressive” as well as some top 40 and dubstep.

Lawrence is performing more than ever. Mesa Theatre, Whiskey River, Infinity Night Club, The Red Room, Quincy’s and Tenacious Brother’s all hosted DJ Chris Epic this past year. He has also played at several events in Denver and scattered areas across the state. Upcoming events include regular nights at Infinity, a birthday bash at Sobrosa’s on March 31 that he is organizing with two stages and the Caffeine Music Festival in Denver next month. To find out more visit his facebook at www.facebook.com/Djchrisepic.