Perspective is everything. A street, a building, a face, a room full of strangers at 2 a.m. - none of it means the same thing twice. The lens does not capture reality, it chooses one version of it.
BIO
Shane Grates is a photographer, DJ, and producer splitting time between the DMV and Syracuse, New York. Currently studying at the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, the work spans street, architecture, lifestyle, fashion, and nightlife photography, alongside DJing under the name URBX and producing in Ableton Live. Whether behind a camera or a pair of CDJs, the focus stays the same: capturing culture as it moves.
RESUME
SHANE GRATES 301.944.4428 shanegrates1@gmail.com Syracuse University, Class of 2029 Whitman School of Management
EXPERIENCE
Headlining DJ (URBX) — Techno and Dance Music 2026 to Present Perform live DJ sets at events including Sonescape, The Cage, and magazine parties.
Bach 2 Rock — Music Specialist and Audio Engineer 2023 to Present Mix and master audio tracks in Pro Tools, record live sessions with bands, instruct DJ camp, and lead instrumental and karaoke birthday parties for children.
Rhizome DC — Ableton Live Instructor Summer 2025 Instructed students on composing and producing songs in Ableton Live Suite 12.
Innovation Builds — Founder 2020 to 2023 Launched an international agency connecting Minecraft content creators with clients for custom renders, textures, models, animations, and levels. Managed advertising, marketing, brand image, and product quality assurance. Led a team of 40 plus industry professionals serving 100 plus clients.
EDUCATION
Syracuse University Whitman School of Management GPA: 3.71
Walt Whitman High School Class of 2025 Unweighted GPA: 3.91 Weighted GPA: 4.62
HONORS AND AWARDS
Syracuse University Dean's List Award Orange Award Personal Distinction Award Dean's Scholarship
DECA Business Club Maryland DECA Student Advisory Board Member, one of thirty selected statewide DECA International Career Development Conference finalist in Orlando and Anaheim Automotive Marketing cluster, two-time second place winner at DECA State Conference
UNIVERSITY CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Jerk Magazine — Photographer 2025 to Present Capture editorial and lifestyle photography for a fashion and culture publication.
FADS Magazine — Photographer 2025 to Present Create visual content specializing in Halloween-themed and conceptual photography for a campus magazine.
WERW Radio — DJ, The URBX Hour 2025 to Present Host a weekly radio show playing dance music, airing Fridays.
SKILLS
Excel Associate Certified Microsoft Suite Google Suite Photoshop Ableton Live 12 Suite PowerPoint Rekordbox
VOLUNTEER
79 Service Learning Hours (SSL) completed, including assisting at school and community events.