The story behind DJ Shane Elliott
Music has an incredible ability to turn one of your worst days around. It can make the most mundane tasks enjoyable, create connections, strengthen relationships and bring a little extra joy to everyday life. Music truly is a universal language.
Travelling is a big part of my life, and I love discovering different music cultures around the world. I learned even more about the power of music while DJing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. You can play one popular track to a crowd full of people from all over the world, and suddenly everyone is singing and dancing in harmony. Despite differences in language, culture or even politics, music brings everyone together. It’s a beautiful thing!
How it all started…
Before I took the DJ world by storm (pun intended… you’ll get it later), there was just Shane, “the guy with the tunes.”
I would spend hours at home making playlists on my computer, constantly re-recording and rearranging them until I found the perfect blend and sound. Remember the days of burning CDs? I used to get so excited visiting my aunt’s place because she had a CD burner. I was so stoked to get back in the car and toss on my new CDs (really aging myself here). Sorry for the swearing, Mom and Dad. It was the Eminem era.
Growing up in the ’90s, arguably one of the most musically diverse decades, I developed a wide range of musical interests. My two older sisters introduced me to boy bands, girl groups, R&B, Bon Jovi (too much Bon Jovi!) and every Dance Mix ’90s CD you can think of. Classic rock thundered from my dad’s boombox at work, Big Shiny Tunes blasted in the hockey dressing room, and I soaked up the hip-hop and dancehall culture of my hometown of Scarborough and the generational movement of EDM and house music. I developed a genuine appreciation for just about every style of music.

With a distinct taste for fun-loving, feel-good party music, I was always on aux and the person everyone relied on to get the party started. House party, road trip to the cottage or hockey dressing room, I was always armed with an extensive playlist of bangers. Being on music duty came naturally because I loved sharing new music with people and giving them the chance to discover the “next big hit” or rediscover a timeless classic. Seeing the joy music could create is what fuelled my passion.
Finding my calling
Growing up, the only thing I ever wanted to do was become a professional hockey player (typical Canadian, eh?!). When that dream eventually faded, I felt a little stuck, searching for a new passion and a sense of purpose.
Growing up in Toronto was an absolute blessing for a music lover. I spent countless nights in clubs watching phenomenal DJs control the energy in a room. Shoutout to 4KORNERS at Tattoo Rock Parlour on Sundays! In my early twenties I also went to shows and watched international DJs light up rooms and festivals. RIP Avicii. I fell in love with the energy of a crowd and the way music brought everyone together, and I couldn’t imagine how incredible it would feel to be the person responsible for creating that happiness.

One day, my mom randomly asked me what I wanted to do with my life. Without hesitation, I replied, “I want to be a DJ.” I wasn’t even entirely serious, it was just what came out of my mouth. Her response? “Go be a DJ!” And just like that, it was decided.
We found a DJ school (believe it or not, they actually exist, and no, it wasn’t at U of T!) called Off Centre DJ School and signed me up. To this day it’s the best money I have ever spent. Twelve weeks later, I was ready to rock a dance floor!
For years my friends had called me “Hurrishane” (remember that “storm” pun?), so choosing a DJ name was easy. In May 2014, The Stone Cottage Pub in Scarborough gave me the chance to play their legendary Thirsty Thursday party (IYKYK), and just like that, DJ Hurrishane was born.
The DJ Shane Elliott era
Now known professionally as DJ Shane Elliott (you can call me DJ Shane), my goal from day one has been to create high-energy, electrifying experiences, and I’ve never strayed from that vision. Not every event calls for high energy, but when the crowd is ready for it, I’m always there to deliver.
With a natural ability to read and work a crowd, I draw on my extensive music knowledge to connect with audiences of all kinds. From timeless classics to today’s biggest hits, I bring together genres and decades of music to keep people engaged and the dance floor moving.

Twelve years later, I’m going stronger than ever. Along the way I’ve worked incredible events, performed at unbelievable venues and met so many amazing people. To be perfectly honest, I think it’s the best job in the world.
Where sports and music collide
I’ve always had two major loves in life: sports and music. I’ve been fortunate to combine them, taking my DJ career into the Canadian and international sports world.
Official DJ credits
- 2026 FIFA World Cup, BMO Field · Official DJ. I witnessed Canada’s first-ever World Cup game on home soil, plus Cristiano Ronaldo’s final international goal, while providing the soundtrack to the post-game celebrations.
- 2026 WTA National Bank Open, Sobeys Stadium · Official DJ
- 2023 Women’s Hockey Championship · Official In-Arena DJ for crowds of 5,000+ fans
- Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC games

Toronto’s nightlife scene
I’ve been fortunate to grace the decks at some of Toronto’s most notable nightlife destinations, including DPRTMNT, Noir at Rebel, Isabelle’s and the MNP Lounge at Scotiabank Arena, where I performed during the Linkin Park and Jelly Roll concerts. My high-energy mixes have also led to work with fitness facilities across the city, including Altea Active Liberty Village, Orangetheory Fort York and multiple F45 locations.
Current residencies
- Real Sports Bar & Grill
- Vatican Gift Shop
- Paris Texas
- Rusty’s at Blue
- Spin Toronto
- Dublin Calling
- The Stone Lion
Past residencies
- Grace O’Malley’s
- The Pint
- Rec Room
- The Keg, York Street
- Stone Cottage Pub

Grateful for the journey
I’m proud to be a preferred vendor for many renowned venues, event planners and industry professionals throughout the GTA. There are far too many to name individually, but I’m eternally grateful to all the planners, vendors and venues who continue to trust me, recommend me and bring me along for the ride.
It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I can’t wait to see where the music takes me next!





























































































