Love perusing through social media to find out what your favorite influencers are up to? Get a closer glimpse into how they spend their time in Atlanta with “ATL Closeup,” an AJC feature that explores the leisure lives of some of the city’s most notable personalities as they go from work to play mode over the course of a typical weekend — from their favorite places to dine to the little-known spots where they find retreat.
It's only 11 a.m., but DJ EU is already looking forward to going to bed. Just six hours ago he performed at a private event, and three hours ago he dropped his son off at school.
“I’m tired. I haven’t gotten much sleep,” he admitted. “I snoozed the alarm a few times.”
But late nights and early mornings aren’t uncommon for the artist.
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As a regular DJ at Tongue and Groove, Ravine and District, DJ EU, born Eumir Gutierrez, loves to watch clubgoers move to his beats. From festivals like TomorrowWorld and One MusicFest to huge gatherings in Miami and Paris, he knows how to keep crowds on their feet.
His unique fusion of electronic, hip-hop and Latin music has even attracted clients, such as Visa, Apple, Budweiser and Marriott. And if you can’t catch him spinning at a party, he often mixes for Atlanta’s Power 96.1 radio station.
But of all his gigs, his job as Atlanta United’s official DJ is “the best ever in the world,” he said.
“When they announced the team, I went to the launch event. I heard the music, and I felt there was a disconnection between the culture of the sport and the music,” the Puerto Rico native explained. “From that day, I tweeted almost every day, ‘I want to be your DJ’ in three different languages. That didn’t work actually ... But I let the city know enough that I wanted the gig, so when they were looking for someone I was top of mind.”
Although the 35-year-old has cemented himself as a globally-recognized talent, he attributes much of his success to Atlanta.
“Atlanta made my career. Atlanta is my career,” he said. “Atlanta is home.”
When the Cabbagetown resident isn’t behind a turntable, he is carving out time to hit up his favorite places. Here’s where you’ll likely find him on any given weekend in Atlanta.
Finger-licking good meal
The musician was born and raised in Puerto Rico, so he loves discovering places with Latin flair. One of his top spots is Barcelona Wine Bar in Inman Park.
Although the menu changes often, his usual orders are the champinones dish, which includes mushrooms tossed in garlic and scallions, and the gambas al ajillo, shrimp cooked with garlic, parsley and olive oil.
“The other day I switched it up. I’ve been going there for years, and I tried the jamón mangalica,” he said. “The funny part is it’s always been there, and I just noticed it.”
When he's in the mood for a sandwich, he heads to El Super Pan in Ponce City Market.
“If you go, always ask for the mofongo with shrimp but criolla, which means tomato sauce,” he said. “Shout out to the owner Chef Hector, who is one of the guys in the city that brings out the Puerto Rican culture.”
His top dining picks:
Barcelona Wine Bar, 240 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-589-1010, barcelonawinebar.com.
El Super Pan at Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta. 404-600-2465, elsuperpan.com.
Shop-til-you drop spot
Comfort and style are top priorities for the DJ, so great shoes are a must.
“For me to get ready for nightlife, I spend a lot of money on sneakers,” he laughed. “You know what it’s like. Something fresh comes out, and you need to get them because they’re fire and hot.”
Some of his fliest gear comes from The Gallery by Wish in Little Five Points. The shop offers footwear and apparel from brands like Jordan, Adidas and Puma for both men and women.
“It’s one of my go-to spots. Last time I was there, I bought my brother-in-law a pair of Nike E 270s and my wifey a pair of Yeezys,” he remembered. “They always take care of me.”
He also sifts through the selections at Urban Outfitters and even finds some pretty cool stuff at No Hearts No Love, an online clothing company based in Atlanta.
“They do a dope shirt with upside down hearts,” he described. “So it’s like if you got your heart broken but not really.”
His top shopping picks:
The Gallery by Wish ATL, 447 Moreland Ave., Atlanta. 404-880-0402, wishatl.com.
Urban Outfitters at Lenox Mall, 3393 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. 404-264-8849, urbanoutfitters.com/stores/lenox-mall-atlanta.
No Hearts No Love. noheartsnolove9296@gmail.com, https://www.noheartsnolove.com.
Social Hour
Despite a job that requires him to spend much of his time in clubs, his funnest moments usually happen elsewhere. Joystick Gamebar in Edgewood is one of those places.
“Joystick is my getaway. For example, Wiz Khalifa’s DJ, DJ Bonics, is a good friend of mine. He’ll come into town, and go, ‘Yo, let’s just grab a drink and talk.’ It’s perfect.”
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
You can go to play a variety of arcade games like Mrs. Pacman, Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam or check out the foosball and pinball machines. There’s also a bar and jukebox.
“The people that go there have such good taste,” he revealed. “You can hear Travis Scott and then go to a Guns N’ Roses and then go to a Tame Impala.”
But when he does hit the club scene, he’s studying and cheering on his friends.
“I want to hear the other DJs, so I can see what works in the club and what doesn’t,” he said. “All of my homies inspire me, so I try to support them as much as I can.”
His top party pick:
Joystick Gamebar, 427 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-525-3002, joystickgamebar.com.
The wind down
DJ EU's long hours are exhausting, and there isn't always time to rest. But once a week, he goes to Hydra Plus. It's a wellness spa that offers IV hydration, therapy that delivers an infusion of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants directly through the veins.
“When I first started doing this about three years ago, I would get it more for hangovers,” he said. “But it’s good for people who work in nightlife, travelers and people who workout for marathons.”
The performer typically goes for what he calls the “go-to,” but the official name is the Myers. It includes a variety of minerals and vitamins that help fight fatigue and energize the body. It takes about 30 minutes to completely inject the concoction.
“Last time I got the Myers, I was catching a cold. The day after my treatment, it was gone,” he said. “This is the ultimate treatment. I always feel so much better.”
His top relaxation pick:
Hydra+ IV Hydration & Wellness Spa, 675 N. Highlands Ave. NE, Suite 4000, Atlanta. 404-551-2772, thehydraplus.com.
Hidden gem
If you're a music lover, DJ EU recommends Beatlab in Little Five Points.
“It’s catered to DJs when it comes to equipment, but they have an amazing vinyls collection,” he revealed.
In addition to headphones, cases, turntables and other DJ necessities, you can find classic albums from Wu-Tang Clan, Prince, George Clinton and others.
“It’s very well-curated,” he raved.
If you go:
Beatlab, 464 Moreland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-524-9060, beatlabusa.com.
» RELATED: Record stores in Atlanta
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