How is everyone doing out there in isolation land? During these precarious circumstances, I think we can all agree that people are coming together and looking for ways to make everyone’s days a little brighter. In this case, a little louder.

I found out about Justin Quandt and his DJ Balcony Series through the Hello South Loop page on Facebook and I had to learn more.

Justin’s claim to fame

“I had been interested in DJing for a long time, but I finally decided to pursue it seriously after my mom passed away three years ago. She always encouraged me to pursue my passion and creativity.  As I was working through the emotions and reflecting on things, I realized I had been working and worrying so much the previous few years, I had been neglecting my creative side – something that is key to my happiness.”

How does one become a DJ, Justin?

“I found an amazing program and school called Scratch Academy, where I had the opportunity to be mentored by long-time highly experienced DJ’s.  It was a year-long program that really accelerated the learning curve. Immediately I loved it, and I started attending the practice hours on top of the weekly classes.”

“I love music because it creates a universal, non-spoken language and it has the power to unite people of different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures in such a positive way.  I have always enjoyed making other people happy, and it fills me up to see people smiling, dancing, and enjoying life.”

The Balcony Series is real

“The Balcony Series was an idea I had on a whim.  The first week I had no idea if people would be into it, and I was freezing cold (it was 20 degrees outside), but I went for it. My building (JeffJack) called me the next day.  I thought they were going to say they received complaints and to stop, but instead, they said: “That was awesome, can you do it again next Saturday?” Since then, each week it has been growing, with last week hitting over 3,000 views. I play all kinds of genres based on what I’m feeling that week, but house, disco, and hip-hop are my favorites.”

“I do it primarily for the love of the music and to give something of value to other people, but recently I have been receiving more inquiries for paid work from companies and organizations.  I’m excited that it’s becoming a bigger part of my life.”

DJ Quantify is on Facebook and SoundCloud, so get your groove on and check him out. The beauty of dancing under quarantine is that no one is judging you, so dance like no one is watching (because they aren’t). You can send all inquiries to [email protected]. 

Justin’s B-Side

There’s more to Justin than his creative side. He’s also an entrepreneur who opened up a 5,000 square foot fitness center called the Foundry. I have packed on a few pounds during the quarantine, and after looking at the Foundry’s website, I’m feeling inclined to get motivated and back in shape. Classes are only available online for now including Core-ntine and At-Home WOD (workout of the day). Once we can go about our business, members can benefit from classes such as Team Workout and Barbell Club.

How does he make it all work?

“My entrepreneurship side and my music side come from the same part of me. I get joy out of making other people happy, and I think both do that in different ways. My gym does that through helping people improve their fitness and giving them a positive, supportive environment, whereas I think my DJing allows people to dance, have fun, and express their emotions in a physical way. It’s been very challenging and stressful running a small retail business during the quarantine. Investing more time into DJing has been a kind of therapy, a way to express myself, process emotions related to the current situation, and stay connected to the outside world.”

I am looking forward to Balcony Beats tonight starting at 7:30 PM. This series is one of the things that has kept me sane with something to look forward to every week. See you on the dance floor (shoes not required).