In the soundtrack of life, most people want to be their own DJ.

With the increasing popularity of iPods, students can now play their own personal playlists every week at Zeno's, 100 W. College Ave.

At 9 every Monday night people can come into Zeno's with their iPods and sign up for a 15-minute slot when their tunes will be broadcast over the sound system.

Former student, and music writer Brian Stokes, was approached by manager Dave Staab with the idea and asked to host each week. The iPod nights began last month.

"The first two weeks were booked up," Stokes said. "People sometimes come in here with an agenda but I just tell them play what you think people would want to hear in a bar."

Staab said he came up with the idea as a throwback to the '70s when people could bring in their vinyl records and play them. He also said he is trying to take advantage of the new technology.

"[iPod night is] also combined with a desire to find out what people on the street are listening to that I don't know about," Stabb said. "It's getting hard to keep up with everything, so this gives me a direct link to what students are listening to."

Staab said he originally planned to have a local musician perform 30-minute slots and host the pod play in between, but the live music would greatly limit the time for iPod music.

"[Stokes] was a good pick because he makes music his number one priority," Stabb said. "He's picky but he has a good sense of humor."

Seth Geller (senior-film), doorman for Zeno's said he got an iPod Shuffle last October and took the opportunity to play his music last week.

"The music played here isn't going to be played in a lot of bars," Geller said. "I think it's a pretty cool idea."

As Zeno's manager for 20 years, Staab said it's been hard relinquishing control of the music played. As for any backlash to the songs played, Staab said he has final veto power.

"There's so much music out there but it still has to fit the Zeno's vibe," Staab said. The only time Staab said he gave a song the axe was when Stokes played Madonna's "Like A Virgin" as a joke.

"We thought of doing a collective boo, like The Gong Show," Staab said.

With an increased turnout, Stokes said many of the regulars enjoy the event whether they have an iPod or not.

"The cool thing about it is that it appeals to all cross-audiences, it's truly democratic," Stokes said.

For the moment, each night is a no-frills event with 20 slots and a basic soundboard, but Stokes said he has many ideas in the works for future events. He mentioned putting more emphasis on the artists on peoples' lists and maybe even having DJ-type battles.

With a lot of DJ's ditching the vinyl for digital, Staab said he won't be surprised if this idea is adopted by other places.

"I heard the Darkhorse might [play iPods] between live sets," Staab said. "DJ's are going in that direction."

As iPods continue to generate large sales, Strokes said this event was only a matter of time. "This winter everybody has [iPods], so it's an opportune time to strike while the iron is charged," he said.