Local DJ Sees Music as a "Way to Give Back"

Most people are lucky if they can pursue one passion in life — but Marc Moder, aka DJ Moose, is pursuing two of his. 

Moder has combined his love for music and giving back to the community to play for various charitable causes around Chicago, especially in the Boystown area and other gay bars around the city. 

“Everyone has their own certain way that they can give back to the community,” Moder said. “If you have any kind of creative talent, it’s a shame if you don’t use that talent to give back in some way. … Giving back is not always with a check.”

Moder has a New Year’s Eve fundraiser for Lambda Legal planned for this year at Replay Beer and Bourbon, 3439 N. Halsted, where, for $40, partygoers have access to unlimited drinks, 80s arcade games and a retro soundtrack.

In January, he’ll also be launching a monthly all-charity event at Mary’s Attic where attendees can tip the DJ in exchange for their favorite song to be played — and all of the tips go to charity.

Moder also regularly plays at SoFo Tap, Downtown Bar and will soon play regularly at MiniBar.

Throughout his career, Moder has always been involved in the music industry through some level, whether it was event planning, promoting concerts or music sales. He began DJ-ing in college — playing at weddings and house parties — but he didn’t start to take it seriously until years later.

“When the economy took a downturn, DJ-ing became a viable second job to supplement my day job which, at the time, wasn’t enough for me to be happy,” Moder said.

Moder helped out DJ VoxBox, who played for Moder’s 40th birthday. The two collaborated on the playlist, and the show was a hit. They began playing at Wild Pug’s theme nights, and they continued to grow larger and larger until Moder was popular enough to play shows on his own.

“I always get a huge thrill out of playing music for people and getting a reaction, whether they’re reacting to something they’ve never heard before or if its jarring a happy memory,” he said. I love to watch the crowd and get a reaction.”

For more news on DJ Moose, ‘like’ his Facebook page here. You can find out more information about the New Year’s Eve Lambda Legal fundraiser here.