Spinning some magic

It’s hard to pinpoint and name Raj Vaividhya’s profession as he was, and still continues to be, a master of many things.

So how does the story go? Raj says, “I was always interested in dancing. Whether it was at school, birthday parties or college functions, you’ll always find me on stage. This eventually led me to join a theatre club in college too.”

Raj graduated as an engineer and joined an IT firm. He worked there for a few years before he realised he was not cut out for a nine-to-five job.

“There was a void that I needed to fill and that’s when I decided to become a musician.”

It’s been a decade since Raj became a professional producer. He is also a filmmaker and a DJ, going by the name of DJ Raz.

“I just want to enjoy what I’m doing. I was never too particular about the work I do.

My art and my work is a reflection of my personality,” he explains.

Talking about his transitory career in various fields, he says, “It had its own ups and downs but it has been a wonderful experience. I learnt how to play the guitar and became a studio musician. Soon, I became a composer too.”

It was his stint as a musician that led him to become a DJ. “I’ve been a DJ for three years now. I love that I can entertain people and keep them hooked to the music I play.”

While you may have danced to his beats at venues like ‘Eclipse - The Leela Galleria’, ‘Love Shack’ and so on, his most recent performance was at the Deccan Herald Metrolife Fashion Show.

“I loved how neatly organised the event is. It’s a great platform for models and was on par with international-level events. The energy and atmosphere is magical.”

Sharing a word of advice to aspiring DJs, Raj says, “Attend as many gigs as you can and observe how the senior DJ handle the crowd and their energy. Many newcomers watch big festival videos and play a similar set at clubs without much regard to the energy and mood present there. The best way to start is by opening for a senior DJ and learning from them as much as possible.”

A few year down the line, Raj hopes to produce electronic music and sign a music label.

“I’m lucky enough to have a job that takes me places. I hope to continue doing good work and make a mark in the world,” he says.