DJ Harry Cross Jr. spins signature beats at JAM

Feb 2, 2012 | Scene

By Seth Bracken

Friday and Saturday nights at JAM are high-energy experiences with resident disc jockey Harry Cross Jr. The sexy 27-year-old Westminster student is a staple in the queer club scene and has been spinning at JAM for over a year.

Starting as an opener on weekends, Cross developed a style that he calls “high-energy familiarity.” Working as the DJ at JAM, Cross focuses on the top hits in the country, but occasionally tosses in a way-back throwback.

“Finding the right sound, the right track, the right mix for the right time can be so challenging,” Cross said. “Utah crowds, and JAM crowds, can be so distinct … I would say reading a crowd is one of the biggest challenges of being a DJ, no matter where you are.”

Cross spends hours prepping for his weekend sets at the club, but no matter how much time goes into the preparation, the crowd determines how each set will play out.

His experience with motion pictures and television, including American Pastime and the Sunday morning broadcasts of Music and the Spoken Word, has helped Cross understand production and other artistic endeavors. And his two years of experience as lighting director at Club Sound has given him the opportunity to work side-by-side with some of the most well-known deejays in the gay club scene.

“I learned so much from some great talent, and being the lighting director got me interested in being a DJ and helped me learn some of the skills needed,” Cross said. “(DJ) Naomi Watts was one of the biggest influences on me and she is such an awesome DJ.”

Although he doesn’t have as much experience as some other deejays, Cross’ intuitive command of the room and a self-analyzing and critiquing nature helped make him the weekend resident DJ at the Fabby Award-winning club after just months of practice.

“I’ve done my best to follow what other deejays have taught me. I’ve had the great privilege to work with great talent and learn from them,” Cross said. “People like DJ Mike Babbitt and Sergio \V/ helped me so much and now I’m starting to really develop my own sound and signature style.”

A part of Cross’ research includes listening to other nationally recognized DJs and going to clubs whenever he can throughout the week. Some of his biggest influences include DJ Chuckie, Dave Audé, Bimbo Jones, Skrillex, Dead Mouse and Porter Robinson.

Catch Cross and his signature style at JAM, 751 N. 300 West, every Friday and Saturday nights and check out his website, harrycrossjr.com for examples of his work.