Mixing It Up
From growing up in the small town of Pinebluff to performing the halftime show at a Carolina Panthers playoff game this DJ knows how to, heh, turn tables. “I was always the guy controlling the music at parties,” Jonathan Brooks says. “I enjoyed being the one to set the vibe.” In 2010, he decided to buy gear and give DJing a real shot. His first regular gig was at what was then called Broad Street Grill (now 715 Bar & Grill). He then transitioned to events, playing weddings and parties before co-founding the band SPIKED featuring DJ Elixir in September.
SPIKED is a six-member, high-energy crew with two vocalists, a guitarist, a sax player and drummer. The idea of a hybrid group came about with co-founder Bobby Craig, who’s also in another wedding band. “With just a band you’re kind of limited to a certain set list,” says Jonathan. Adding a DJ to the mix makes for a more cohesive performance, with more song freedom. A helmet covered in LED lights is just a fun bonus.
SPIKED is managed by East Coast Entertainment, which helped the full band book a holiday gig for the Panthers organization. “When they made it to the playoffs, they were looking for something to stand out, so they gave us a call. They were really intrigued by the helmet,” says Jonathan. Given the logistics, it made more sense for just DJ Elixir to perform rather than the full band.
The halftime show on Saturday, Jan. 10 featured fireworks, dancers and stadium handrails that flashed with the beat of the music, playing out in front of 70,000 fans. The helmet’s LED lights make it 100% customizable, so Jonathan set it to display the Panther’s logo and motto, “Keep Pounding,” during the set. “It was electric,” he says.
“I think being under the mask sort of gives me a shield, so I just kind of open up and really let loose. I’m a lifelong Panthers fan and I know the fanbase has been eager to make it to the playoffs. My job was to play music that would work for the atmosphere.”
Though traveling prevents him from doing many local performances, Jonathan still lives in Aberdeen. His advice to new DJs? “Put in the work. It pays off.” See highlights from the show on IG.
