Hatfield resident Killian Stewart, 16, had his first professional solo gig five years ago after apprenticing in his craft almost literally from birth, thanks to mentoring from the well-known regional DJ Greg Stewart. Also known as Killian’s dad, Greg is an audio-visual engineer by day. The two of them provide glimpses into the art and science of their business, as well as a wonderful father-son bond.
Known professionally as “DJ Lazer Chicken,” Killian rocked the party at last month’s Back-to-School Bash hosted by Franklin County’s YMCA. Recalling Killian’s first solo event at the age of 11, his dad explained, “I was booked for a wedding and then asked to do another event the same day. I knew Killian was ready to do it on his own; he’d been learning for basically his whole life.”
One thing Killian needed — and still needs, though not for much longer — was a ride. Dad took off in one direction, and Killian’s mom, Cassie Stewart, chauffeured her son in “The Boombox,” the Stewarts’ stylized van. Killian said his first solo event “went fine.”
When asked whether it always goes fine, father and son sported wry expressions. “Oh, yeah,” said Killian, to which his dad added, “Almost always.” After sharing a knowing glance with his dad, Killian grinned. “Well, there was one prom,” which led his dad to pronounce, “Total disaster.”
The Stewarts described a situation where various elements went wrong, some of which were beyond Killian’s control. “Live and learn,” said Greg, who’s done about 50 gigs a year for decades.
Killian’s training began as an infant in a baby carrier worn by Greg. “We always had ear protectors on him,” Greg said.
Today, Killian speaks with the ease of a seasoned pro. “In general, two out of three elements are needed to get people dancing: loud, dark and/or drunk.”
The expressions on both Stewarts’ faces made it clear that they don’t depend on inebriation to get things cooking. Their toolbox includes a vast musical repertoire, hilarious games and gags, and special lights.
They’ve learned a vital lesson through doing proms and school dances. “When people don’t have their phones, there’s way more dancing,” said Killian. “They don’t have to worry that some awkward moment will go viral.”
Greg added, “When you’re a teen, who needs someone recording the moment when you finally work up the nerve to ask someone you have a crush on to get out on the dance floor with you?”
There’s a lot of history in the Stewarts’ skill sets. Greg grew up in Turners Falls, but his Pittsburgh-based ancestry includes generations of steel mill machinists. “I learned a lot from my father and grandfather,” said Greg. “I’ve used those skills throughout my life.”
He transformed a rickety 2005 Scion xB into a state-of-the-art ride. The customized van sports a large boombox in the back — hence the name. “I bought it for $500,” Greg said. Killian added, “It was held together with duct tape. Dad bought it when I was 9.” It required repainting, welding, powder-coating the wheels and using “parts that were lying around” to achieve the final result.
The Stewarts take fun very seriously. “I always wear a button-down or polo shirt for events,” said Killian, currently a junior at Frontier Regional School. “First thing, I shake the organizer’s hand and ask where they want me to set up, but I also give input about where I’ll sound best. I find power sources, haul the gear, and set everything up neatly. Also, I never sit down at events. That’s unprofessional. I stay on the mic.”
Let’s back up to “haul the gear,” dear readers. Greg, a longtime amateur weightlifter, said, “Some of our gear weighs 100 pounds and is moved using one handle.”
Killian noted, “I didn’t used to be able to move that stuff, but now I can.”
The Stewarts work together most of the time. “Due to his age, Killian can’t work in a bar,” said Greg. “So for now, when I DJ in a bar, he gets a night off. But when he turns 18, he’ll get UMass gigs, which I don’t do anymore. He connects with that age group better than I do!”
The mention of the University of Massachusetts Amherst makes Killian’s eyes light up. “I plan to go there,” he said. “I decided that in seventh grade, when our marching band got to play with the college band at a football game. I knew right then that, someday, I’d be in that college marching band.”
This teen clearly participates in activities far beyond schoolwork and helping to run a business. Killian typifies the adage, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” He’s the School Spirit Advisor to Frontier’s student council, drum major for the school’s marching band and plays trombone and trumpet in Frontier’s regular band.
“I started with piano at age 6,” said Killian. “Trombone was my second instrument at age 10. I picked up the trumpet last year because the band had a lot of trombonists.” He’s also in a brass quartet, for which he arranges music.
Killian’s favorite subjects are history and geography, and he’s taking AP courses. After high school, he plans to go to Holyoke Community College before transferring to UMass.
Greg Stewart gave glowing credit to local personality Bobby C for his contributions to the world of deejaying: “Bobby C encouraged me when I was Killian’s age.”
We’ll give mom the last word about the Stewarts’ remarkable son: “Killian’s always been an entertainer. I’m proud to see him channel the same energy that got him in trouble in elementary school, and now brings joy to crowds,” said Cassie Stewart, who works for a company that assesses at-risk children. “For him to be able to do it with music, which is his passion, is an incredible reciprocal gift. He tries really hard to make sure everyone feels included at every event.”
Eveline MacDougall is the author of “Fiery Hope” and can be reached at eveline@amandlachorus.org.