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How She Got There: Jen Mozenter & Claire Schlissel, DJ Duo of The Jane Doze

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Name: Jen Mozenter
Age: 25
Job Title and Description: DJ/Producer
College/Major: University of Miami/Music Business
Website: www.thejanedoze.com
Twitter Handle: @thejanedoze

Name: Claire Schlissel
Age: 24
Job Title and Description: DJ/Producer
College/Major: New York University/Communications
Website: www.thejanedoze.com
Twitter Handle: @thejanedoze

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Jen Mozenter: My favorite part about being a DJ/producer is that there really isn’t a “typical day.” That was the major appeal to taking a leap of faith and quitting my day job. Some days we’re traveling to play a gig, other days we’re in the studio producing; it’s exciting and keeps us on our toes.

Claire Schlissel: There’s no “normal” day as a full time DJ/producer, because we never know what each day will bring—a new remix/collaboration opportunity, a tour offer, a television appearance. We spend the majority of our time in the studio or traveling; we’re away from home about two weeks of every month touring the world.

What is the best part of your job?

JM: The travel. Sometimes it’s exhausting or hard to leave home, but I’ve had the opportunity to see so many places and meet so many people because of this job. I’m eternally grateful for that. I’m especially glad to be a part of a duo. It’s nice to have a travel buddy, someone to share all these cool experiences with.

CS: Though it can be scary and unnerving at times, unpredictability makes this job the most thrilling. Waking up each morning and not knowing where you’ll be seven hours from then… it’s exciting. We’re so lucky that we get to travel the world and share those experiences with each other.
 
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

JM: My first entry-level job was as a digital marketing coordinator at Columbia Records. I interned at Columbia Records during my sophomore and junior years of college (in the summers), and I was also the Sony College Rep for the Miami Region. These internships definitely helped me get my foot in the door and were especially helpful when I was looking for a full-time position.

CS: I started working in the music industry when I was 18. I had just moved to NYC for school and I found an internship position at a music management company/indie record label on Craigslist.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?

JM: Like a lot of industries, the music industry is still very much a boys’ club. As a young woman, it can feel like you have to work twice as hard to prove your worth.

CS: That it’s small and it’s all about who you know. Meet as many people as possible and keep up relationships.

Which music artists influence your music and your career?

JM: I’m a sucker for pop music, so I’m heavily influenced by that genre; I listen to everything from Robyn to Katy Perry to up-and-comers like Betty Who. I’d like to think The Jane Doze walk that line between dance and pop.

CS: I grew up playing classical piano and listening to Motown (Marvin Gaye, the Four Tops, the Temptations)–quite the combo. In college I combined those influences and started producing beats. In the electronic realm, I love Robyn’s music; her pop melodies and lyrics are brilliant.

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

JM: My DJ partner, Claire Schlissel. She helped reignite this creative spark in me—a desire to create music again. And ultimately, she inspired me to take the leap of faith to pursue this full time. I trusted that if I was going to be on this insane journey with anyone, she was the right person.

CS: Jen Mozenter. She’s definitely the more business-minded one, and I’m always learning from her.
 
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

JM: Lean into it. It’s something my mom has said to me many times. In fact, I have it tattooed in her handwriting. Basically, be present for the moment regardless of the outcome—good or bad. Just be there for it. I love that.

CS: Just the sentiment that behind every overnight success are years and years of hard work—sometimes it feels like things aren’t happening fast enough, and I have to take a step back and remember we’ve only been doing this for three years… and less than a year full time.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

JM: There have been several, but two really stand out to me. We played at Invisible Children’s event called MOVE:DC last November. They filled the DC Convention Center with over 7,000 people. Playing to a crowd that size was a monumental moment for us; something I truly didn’t think we would ever experience... The other moment would be a couple months ago—we were the official DJs for the 2013 Halo Awards, which were broadcast live on Nickelodeon. It was surreal to be part of a nationally televised awards show.

CS: There have been a few. Chronologically, playing at Invisible Children’s MOVE:DC would be first on the list. We performed in front of thousands of kids, our biggest audience to date. It was completely surreal looking out in the crowd and not being able to see the back of the room. Next would be opening for Alesso at Rutgers last spring. There were 7,000 kids going nuts in the school’s gym and yelling for an encore when we finished… while the headliner waited backstage. It was incredible.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

JM: You have to look for people who truly share your vision and passion and are willing to work hard with you, someone who will hustle on behalf of your shared vision. Don’t settle until you find that.

CS: “The team” is so important—it makes or breaks an artist. We’re still working on building that “right” group of people. We look for drive, dedication, creativity, street smarts and loyalty, to name a few qualities.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

JM: Go for it! Two specific pieces of advice:

1. Spend a lot of time listening to other artists and work on developing your unique sound. You want people to listen to your work, sets, etc. and know that it’s you and not someone else.

2. The key to our success thus far has been the work we’ve put into developing our social media platforms and building relationships with fans. It’s so important to make time to interact with and appreciate your fans. We believe in creating a community, a place where fans can interact with us and one another. 

CS: If you have the means to support yourself for a period of time, or can move back home if need be, drop everything and go after what you want. The only regret you’ll have is not trying in the first place.

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