Spclgst-old

Live from the Bluetile Lounge, by Raleigh DJs Spclgst and Merlin, begins with a pretty straight spin of the first half of The Who’s “Baba O’Riley.” It doesn’t last long, as the transcendent piano chords of the anthem’s middle fade into a throbbing dance beat. It’s a fantastic statement of purpose and means: These guys are willing to do anything to get your attention. Indeed, far from eschewing boundaries, it’s the contrasts between genres that frame Spclgst’s style. He pairs the usual dance jams with cuts of rock and funk. Instead of lulling you into a hip-shaking trance, he shocks you awake with seismic shifts in style and tempo.

“I play a blend of funk-soul-electro-hip-rock-synth-made-fresh-to-order-break,” says Spclgst, emphasizing that the emulsion he mixes up night after night should be combined into one word. “I use this to lure you in close to Spclgst, and then I attack!”

Spclgst’s willingness to explore has made him a DJ in demand. Having held down residencies in New York and Philadelphia, he’s become well-known in Raleigh with weekly shindigs at both The Hive at Busy Bee and Five Star. But such success is not enough for him. He’s constantly looking to push his skills to the next level.

“For some, it’s a craft,” he says. “For me, it’s an art. I am not just a DJ. I am a musician. Anyone can just play a record, but the select few can destroy a record.” —Jordan Lawrence