Not often does a writer get the opportunity to interview someone they have known since they were 13 years old. I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Owoyele, also known as, DJ Nitecrawler. This turntablist from “The Agg” has been making waves from the south all the way up to the DMV. Nitecrawler, like most, got his start from being the man with the aux cord at parties. However, his education came first and he attained his Bachelor’s in Economics from Bucknell University. During his time at Bucknell, he taught himself the art of DJing and his passion began to flourish. From DJing key note parties, events, and celebrations, DJ Nitecrawler is making a name for himself in the industry. This is the latest Culture Supplier Sit Down.
When did you begin DJing?
I taught myself my sophomore year in college. I played instruments before in my life, but I was always the person that would have the aux cord at the party. People would ask me to make the playlist for parties, or put them onto new music. I realized that I may be onto something if I learned how to truly DJ. I felt like I had humble beginnings because I didn’t look on Youtube to learn how to DJ. I challenged myself to make mistakes and to truly understand and learn my equipment. The desire to be the best at my craft started from there.
When did you realize it was a passion of yours?
When I landed my first gig, I realized I was in control of the mood of the party. To know I was the facilitator of a good times and memories for people confirmed this was my calling. There was also a DJ battle at Bucknell that I entered. People had prerecorded mixes and I spent hours prepping and practicing. I just knew my mix was unlike the rest. When I got second place, I was truly upset and I felt like I got second place to somebody who didn’t DJ according to the true art of DJing. In that moment, it provoked me to want to be the best at this art form.
You grew up during the Dallas Boogie Era, what was that like for you?
The only word I can use to describe that time in my life is carefree. We would pull up into movie theatres, gas stations, even Walmart just to dance and have a good time. All we needed was a car with a radio. The Dallas boogie movement made me love partying so much. It wasn’t about going to the party just be fly; it was genuine fun. We didn’t need alcohol because we were high on life and high on the music. You knew a party was live because you were drenched in sweat and tired at the end, not because of social media.
How is it balancing being a full time professional and a Dj?
It is very hard to balance the two. The internal battle of doing what society Is telling you is right and what you are suppose to do is difficult. But it is even more difficult to know that you aren’t doing what you truly love to do. It is hard to explain to your family that you don’t want to conform to a typical 9 to 5 job. It is painful knowing that you have to spend 8 hours at a job, when you could be home perfecting your craft. It is difficult to be in a young professional setting, because we have to be so tailored and groomed to talk about our accomplishments. You also have to deal with the stigma associated with not having a prestigious name associated with your career. I am a DJ. I had to realize that others personal opinions do not determine who I am. You do not need to accomplish educational, or typical career goals to be accepted. Do what makes you happy and take on an entrepreneurial side of your life and career
Who are your industry influences?
DJ Jazzy Jeff. He is an OG in the DJ game and he is my biggest influence from day one until now. There is DJ competition called, “The Red Bull 3 Style”. DJs have to spin three different genres into one mix. I have been watching it since 2012. Every DJ that enters the competition, or makes it to the finals, I follow in some capacity. They are eclectic and not defined by one genre of music. I do not want to be defined as a hip hop, or R&B DJ. I want to be able to bounce around multiple genres. Being eclectic is very important to me and I respect DJs like that. DJ Mr. Rogers is also a Texas DJ that I follow and respect for his craft. I have a mix he made for a party at Aztecas. It was a mix I enjoy till this day.
Which DJs have influenced you personally?
DJ Korrect was the first DJ in DC that embraced me. I would stay at these events and clubs just to get plugged in. I would be out at the clubs on a weeknight from 3 AM to 4AM in the morning. Knowing I had to go to work in the morning. It sucked at first because I would get blown off often. DJ Korrect took me in as a young 22 year old who wanted to learn the DC market and how to be a better DJ. I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now if it wasn’t for DJ Korrect.
What would you tell young DJ’s?
I want the young DJs to know you gotta make sacrifices and you gotta work for this. Nothing in life is free. You gotta pay your dues. Study the art and culture of DJing. Once you see where Djing started, it makes you appreciate it a lot more. Don’t start DJing because you like to party, or because you wanna drink for free. Actually take the time to learn the culture. We are not a jukeboxs, we are artist. There is a lot of the behind the scenes work that goes into being a great DJ.
How do you describe your style?
I would describe my style as eclectic. Going to a PWI for school, growing up in a diverse community, being Nigerian, and growing up in the south has influenced my style. I am a turntable-ist. I take my transitions seriously and I create things on the fly. My style is creative. I like to surprise my audience with a song they have never heard, or a song they may have forgotten. I like to keep the party interesting. As I am growing in my craft, I am now getting more comfortable on the microphone and adding more dialogue into my sets which is complementing my mix and style.
Shot By: Tosin Fagbemi
What was the best event you DJed at?
I have three, but I will tell you about one.. Henny N’ Wings that is a party that celebrates southern culture through partying and food. I got to play all the southern classic music that I grew up on. The type of music I got to play, is the music that has given me my carefree spirit. That was the music that made me love hip hop. The Henny N’ Wings was an added perk and everyone enjoyed themselves.
What is your current go to record to get the party going?
The song that is undisputed best reaction is, “Before I let go” by Frankie Beverly & Mays. This song is the song that gets everybody going. You have heard this song at some point in your life. No matter when I drop this song, everybody gets to the chorus and the entire room is lit.
Who are your top 5 artist of the moment?
Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole. Big Krit, Future, and Beyoncé.
Near future goals?
Breaking into new markets and increasing my presence more in the city of Dallas. Next, I want to leave my 9 to 5 and focus on DJing and more entrepreneurial endeavors. I want to find a way to bridge my love of DJing into the realm of social justice. I want my skills to be impactful in the lives of others.
What is the motto you live by?
It doesn’t matter what you do in life. Just find something that you love and make sure you are the best at it. Everything else will follow.
Where can we follow you?
Everything is @DJnitecrawler
