Rocket Magazine

DJ VanCronkhite (short for David Jr.) was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1971. Little did he know that the name he was given would foreshadow his destiny.

VanCronkhite moved to Atlanta at age 15 and quickly started rebelling against the normality of suburban life by sneaking into some of the city’s legendary nightclubs. He fell in love with the underground dance club scene, hanging out at places like Weekends, where world-famous RuPaul started out as an entertainer, and dancing at the mythical hotspot Petras, the creation of nightclub mastermind Peter Gatien.

The seduction of the underground subculture definitely intrigued VanCronkhite, but it was the music that inspired him most. The power of the music he was hearing influenced him to such a great degree that he decided to abandon the typical American dream and leave his successful real estate career in order to pursue his true artistic passion.

After almost six years of collecting music and perfecting his technique behind the decks, VanCronkhite finally burst onto the scene in 2004, quickly earning the respect of captivated promoters and audiences.

David Atlanta magazine recently awarded VanCronkhite “Best Breakthrough Sound” following his set during Pride weekend. According to alternative weekly Creative Loafing, “VanCronkhite is one of Atlanta’s most exciting up-and-coming artists whose Tenaglia-influenced style won over a venue packed with people craving a big city sound.”

VanCronkhite’s renegade approach to the decks builds fearless momentum on the dance floor with unique blends of prog-twisted tribal beats, tech-infused house, melodic vocals and hard-hitting samples.

His goal as an artist is to reinvent and push the envelope of dance music culture. He takes great artistic measure to plan his sets so that club-goers can experience a cathartic journey that will move their hearts, minds and souls in mystic proportions.

Most importantly, he wants his fans to know that they are not on this journey alone. DJ VanCronkhite’s live sets are actually a window into his own personal quest to find where life’s dreams do become reality.

Rocket: Is VanCronkhite your real name? If not, how did you come up with it?

DJ VanCronkhite: Yes, both DJ and VanCronkhite are real. Full name David Ripley VanCronkhite Jr. DJ for David Jr. – gone by DJ since [I was a] child.

Rocket: Where are you based?

DV: I’ve been based in Atlanta since 1985.

Rocket: How did you get into DJing?

DV: Music and DJing has always been a passion of mine. I had my first go ’round from age 15 to 23. Then I tried the day job thing, found out that wasn’t where I wanted to be and started playing again seriously just over six years ago.

Rocket: Why did you get into DJing?

DV: I grew up in the clubs. The underground club scene played a huge part in my upbringing. I walked into my first club when I was 15. Ever since then, being a DJ has always been a dream of mine.

Rocket: Do you prefer spinning vinyl, CDs or laptop?

DV: Well, I was a diehard vinyl freak and thought that’s all I would ever do, but the times of digital are upon us. Since the Pioneer CDJ1000 came out, I have grown to prefer spinning CDs.

Rocket: What’s your favorite kind of crowd?

DV: A crowd that really gets the music and gives themselves up to experience the journey. I love playing afterhours since those crowds are there for a real experience.

Rocket: What’s been your best gig so far and why?

DV: I’ve never played San Diego, but I think no two cities are the same, and that’s the beauty of playing new places. It’s exciting and I can’t wait to experience the San Diego crowds.

Rocket: What typifies your sound?

DV: I would say my sound is a sexy percussive house. It’s intense, deep... but also fun and energetic.

Rocket: Who are your influences and what about each of them is reflected in your style?

DV: Danny Tenaglia is my all-time favorite, along with DJ Paulo and Victor Calderone. They’re my top three, and each one takes you on a journey. That’s one of the most important things I can do as a DJ. “Enjoy the ride” has been my tag from the get-go because I want to take people places. Although each has their own sound, they have been the biggest inspirations in helping me create my own signature sound.

Rocket: What are your favorite remixes? What is it about them that make them your favorites?

DV: My favorite current mix is “Sim City” by Against the Grain (Ceballos and Santana mix). When I first heard this I about went through the roof! I like it because it is so full. The voice is so hypnotic, and then they add these percussive rhythms and beefy synth layers that really takes it over the top.

My all-time favorite song is “Be Yourself” by Danny Tenaglia feat. (Celeda, original mix). Nothing touches this song, in my opinion. Everything about it all the way down to the lyrics.

Rocket: Who’s a dance artist to watch out for?

DV: Martin Fry, an unbelievable DJ with quite a few productions under his belt. Look for one of his latest, “Just Breathe” feat.