Rising Stars: Meet Chrissy Maroon of Koreatown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissy Maroon.

Hi Chrissy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I love telling people what my first job in the entertainment industry was — working the graveyard shift transcribing interviews for Dr. Phil in a windowless basement on the Paramount lot. To me, I felt like I made it in Hollywood. I remember one night in particular, roaming around the lot at 3AM, during a break, and sneaking onto the set of Glee. (Glee was obviously a big deal to me.) Something that had seemed so unattainable was finally right at my fingertips.

It took me years to finally work on my first film set. In the meantime, frustrated by my day job, I decided to learn how to DJ. I grew up dancing, and I wanted to find a way to incorporate music and movement in a way that had been missing from my life.

Over the years, I have figured out how to balance the two. Not without its struggles, though — I remember the first time I sent out a script as a Script Coordinator was while I was DJing.

Eventually, I landed the golden ticket — working on a long-running show that promotes assistants to writing staff. Not only that, it was my dream show to work on. I am so grateful to Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa for taking a chance on me! And to the rest of the writing staff on Riverdale for shaping me into the writer I am today.

With the entertainment industry looking like it does today — I’ve been focusing more on DJing. I’ve been able to travel the country for the past two years, DJing in cities I’ve never been to before. I genuinely feel like the luckiest person alive — to have two jobs that I love, that fulfill me creatively.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The entertainment industry is not for the weak. There is a moment that I’ll always remember… I sat myself down and truly asked — do you want to give up your life as you know it in order to chase your dreams? My answer was yes. I traded my social life for work. Working fourteen + hour shifts. Barely sleeping. My body rejecting my new lifestyle. But I loved every minute of it. I found myself along the way — met some incredible artists, curated my personal taste, and pushed myself to a limit I didn’t know existed.

If I went back in time, I would do it again.

I love working. I’m a Capricorn in case you couldn’t tell… I get such a thrill from creating. DJing the perfect song at the perfect moment. Making snap decisions as a producer on set. Getting sucked into the world of whatever I’m writing. I feel alive while creating. To answer your question, even though the road was rocky, I knew it was the right road to be traveling on. I was exactly where I wanted to be.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known for writing young adult/coming-of-age TV Dramas and DJing pop music! I love a story where someone discovers who they are and I love a packed, sweaty, euphoric dance floor.

How I personally like to think about it is — I specialize in having fun. I genuinely believe that my purpose on this Earth is to help others have fun.

I think what I’m most proud of is becoming a part of multiple communities where I can help facilitate that.

What matters most to you? Why?
Community is so important to me.

I create for others to consume. Every time I DJ, I hope I can help facilitate the best night of someone’s life. When I’m writing, I hope that I can inspire a young teenager to see themself represented on TV. It is so hard to be a person in this world and my mission is to make life a little less hard for everyone.

I want my work — whether it’s writing or DJing — to be something that can connect people to one another, even if just for a moment. I am constantly inspired by those around me, especially all of my fellow creatives in Koreatown.

I genuinely would not be where I am today without my friends, family, and community supporting me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.djxssy.com
• Instagram: chrxssymaroon
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrxssymaroon
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djxssy

Image Credits
Main Photo – Nicole Maroon