Oslava had a conversation with the Skywalkerz. Movin Sangelkar and Samuel Aaron united to form a DJ duo, popularly known as Skywalkerz sharing a common passion for creating unforgettable musical experiences. Known for their eclectic mixes and energetic performances, they have been transforming ordinary events into extraordinary celebrations for over a decade now. They studied music production as their bachelor’s, and during their time at the academy, they honed their skills in music theory and digital audio workstations, which laid a strong foundation for their career as DJ’s.
As per Samuel, he comes from an orthodox family, and while growing up, he was surrounded by diverse sounds and rhythms, which sparked his interest in DJing. Beyond music, he has a keen interest in technology, particularly how it intersects with creativity. His outlook on life is rooted in continuous learning, adaptability and embracing new experiences. He believes in the power of resilience and positivity, which are his strengths, and they have guided him through the challenges of his career. Outside of the DJ realm, he loves to travel and explore new places. He also aspires to explore entrepreneurship, focusing on tech innovations
Q1. When and how did you realise that you wanted to pursue DJ as a full-time profession?
Our fascination with music began at a young age, probably at the age of 14. We were enthralled with the variety of beats and sounds that various genres had to offer as children. This early interest blossomed into a passion as we started experimenting with music and mixing in our teens. Inspired by renowned duo DJs and producers like Daft Punk, we knew that we wanted to dedicate our lives to mastering the art of DJing.
Q2. How would you describe your relationship with Mowin?
Well, we are childhood friends. We’ve known each other for over 18 years now, went to school together, and lived as neighbors too. Our passion for music brought us closer than we ever were.
Q3. From where do you find your inspiration for DJing?
As DJ’s, our inspiration comes from a diverse range of sources, each contributing to the unique sound and energy we bring to our performances. Digging through vinyl records and revisiting classic tracks provides a nostalgic and timeless element to our music. The warmth and authenticity of vinyl inspire us to blend the old with the new, creating a unique listening experience. By drawing inspiration from these varied sources, we are able to continually evolve as DJ’s, bringing fresh and exciting experiences to every performance.
Q4. How has Goa helped you in your musical career as a DJ?
Every DJ has a special place that significantly influences their career. For me, that place is Ukiyo, a vibrant nightclub that has been instrumental in shaping our journey as DJ’s.
Ukiyo has provided us with a consistent platform to perform and refine our skills. The club’s reputation for hosting top-tier DJs and attracting diverse crowds gave us the exposure and experience we needed to grow professionally. Performing regularly helped us understand audience dynamics, perfect our mixing techniques, and build a loyal following.
Q5. Do you follow any routines before heading for your performance?
Following a routine before a performance helps us prepare mentally and physically, ensuring that we deliver our best set every time. We start by reviewing our setlist for the night. Depending on the event and audience, we select tracks that will create the desired atmosphere. This often involves mixing some new finds with proven crowd-pleasers to keep the energy high. We spend a few minutes visualizing our set, mentally walking through the transitions and key moments. This helps us anticipate the flow of the performance and boosts our confidence. Finally, we take a moment to center ourselves, where we think about our goals for the night and focus on the excitement of performing. Positive visualization and affirmations help us enter the stage with confidence and enthusiasm.
Q6. How do you prepare your set-list for a performance?
We enjoy mixing different genres to keep the set dynamic and interesting. Blending melodic techno, tech house, and even some unexpected genres can surprise and engage the audience. The key is to ensure smooth transitions between tracks to maintain the flow. We select tracks that resonate with the event’s vibe and audience preferences. We include a mix of popular hits, underground gems, and some of my own remixes or original productions. This balance keeps the set fresh and exciting. We practice and test transitions between tracks to ensure they are smooth and seamless. Good transitions maintain the energy on the dance floor and keep the audience engaged. We also use techniques like beatmatching, EQ adjustments, and effects to enhance these transitions. Preparing a set-list is a blend of art and requires careful planning and the flexibility to adapt to real-time feedback.
Q7. As a DJ, what are the challenges you face in the industry?
The music industry is constantly evolving, with new genres, trends, and technologies emerging regularly. Staying relevant requires continuous learning, adapting to new styles, and keeping up with the latest music releases and DJ techniques. The DJ industry is highly competitive, with many talented individuals vying for recognition and opportunities. Standing out requires not only technical skill but also a unique style and a strong personal brand. While the DJ industry offers exciting opportunities and creative fulfillment, it also presents various challenges. Overcoming these obstacles requires resilience, adaptability, and a passion for music. By staying informed, prepared, and true to their artistic vision, DJs can navigate these challenges and build successful, enduring careers.
Q8. Do you have any idols from the industry? Any artists that you look up to?
In the dynamic world of DJing, having an idol provides both inspiration and a benchmark for excellence. For us, that artist is Daft Punk; their innovative techniques and enduring relevance in the industry serve as a testament to their talent and dedication, a legendary figure whose influence has profoundly shaped our career and approach to music. Their work has profoundly influenced our approach to DJing. Their innovation, performance skills, technological savvy, and dedication to the community set a high standard that we strive to reach. By learning from their example, we are inspired to push our own boundaries, create memorable experiences for our audience, and contribute positively to the music industry.
Q9. How would you describe your experience performing with great artists like Bob Moses, John Digweed, Nikhil Chinapa, and others? What are your key takeaways from those collaborations?
Performing alongside renowned artists such as Bob Moses, John Digweed, Camelphat, Inellea, Adam Sellouk, QUAKE, Stereo Express, Kinky Sound, Spencer Brown, Mafiza, and Nikhil Chinapa has been an extraordinary experience in our career. Each collaboration has provided unique insights and invaluable lessons, significantly shaping our growth as DJ’s. The key lessons learned from these collaborations have profoundly influenced our approach to DJing, helping us become more versatile, detail-oriented, and crowd-connected performers. These experiences have not only enriched our musical journey but have also inspired us to continually evolve and strive for excellence in every performance.
Q10. What are your future aspirations with music? Any collaboration or something of yours that we can expect?
As we continue to evolve as DJ’s, we have several exciting aspirations and projects on the horizon. Our future goals involve expanding our musical reach, exploring new creative collaborations, and sharing our passion for music with a broader audience. We aim to push the boundaries of my music by experimenting with new genres and sounds. This involves diving deeper into music production, exploring innovative techniques, and incorporating diverse influences into our sets. One can expect to hear fresh and eclectic mixes that blend various musical styles, creating a unique and captivating listening experience. We also wish to collaborate with other artists as well.
One of our primary goals is to release original tracks and remixes. We are currently working on several productions that reflect our artistic vision and musical journey. These tracks will showcase our growth as a producer and offer a glimpse into the diverse sounds that inspire us. Keep an eye out for our upcoming releases, which will be available on major streaming platforms.
With a focus on original productions, creative collaborations, live performances, and community engagement, we are dedicated to expanding the potential of our artistry and sharing our passion for music with the world. Stay tuned for new releases, collaborative projects, and unforgettable live performances as we continue to pursue our aspirations and evolve as a DJ.