Luther's DJs: Behind the Music

At some point during our Luther career, many of us will no doubt visit the infamous local establishment, Roscoe’s. Some people may ask why it is so successful in attracting many Luther students on the weekends compared to other bars in Decorah. The most likely reason: the DJs that work the decks every Friday and Saturday evening.

“I would definitely agree that having DJs work at the bar helps the bar get a bigger crowd,” said Saheka Smith (‘13), one of the DJs that regularly works at Roscoe’s. “We play what you guys want to hear, what you guys ask for. Without DJs, it would be nothing but old-school quarter jukebox music.”

DJ Jacop Jipp (‘10) expressed the same feelings.

“It’s the only place in town that plays the music that students want to listen to,” Jipp said. “We play all types of different music. It caters to all different tastes.”

Besides attracting students to the bar, Roscoe’s DJs are also college students themselves.

In the case of Smith, a Cedar Rapids native, music has always been a major love in his life.

“I have a passion for music,” Smith said. “There is a strong connection between me and the music, and I love it.”

For Smith, DJing seemed like an inevitable profession due to his love for music.

“In my free time I’m an artist, constantly recording new stuff and checking out new music,” Smith said.

Besides music, Smith would one day like to become a counselor and is currently working toward a psychology degree.

“I see myself becoming a counselor after college, but I still always want music in my life,” Smith said.

Jipp described different reasons for getting involved in being a DJ at the bar.

“It’s a fun way to make a little extra money while at the same time enjoying my night at the bar in a different way,” Jipp said.

In addition, Roscoe’s allows DJs to be involved with music every week.

“I heard about people DJing at the bar and knew I wanted to do something like that,” said Smith. “I love the fact that I help people at the bar have a good time.”

Jipp echoed Smith’s reasons for joining the DJ team at Roscoe’s.

“It gives me a sense of satisfaction to see people enjoying my music and having a good night out,” Jipp said.

Jipp is a biology major.

“I want to go to medical school after Luther and continue in that field,” Jipp said.

But working as a DJ gives Jipp time to focus on something else than schoolwork.

“DJing at Roscoe’s is a lot of fun and gives me a chance to see many people at once,” Jipp said.

Though at the bar, they are the DJs playing new and fresh music, beneath the DJ exterior are two college students working hard to earn a degree that will assist them in the rest of their lives.

“When we DJ we have a good time, but I know that I have to work hard in school to make sure I can get to where I want to be,” Jipp said.