How DJ Roko Balanced Engineering Work and Nighttime Gigs

DJ Roko, born Roland Kieff, is widely recognized for his electrifying presence in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) world, but his rise to fame was anything but conventional. Before he became known for his chart-topping tracks and crowd-moving performances, DJ Roko was juggling the pressures of a full-time job at his father's engineering business with his growing passion for DJing. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams despite daunting challenges.

Engineering by Day, DJing by Night

Roland Kieff’s introduction to music began as a teenager. At seventeen, he acquired his first set of DJ decks, marking the start of his musical journey. However, unlike many aspiring musicians, Roko’s path was not solely focused on music. His family’s engineering business demanded much of his time and energy, and during the day, Roland worked alongside his father, learning the intricacies of the engineering trade. While engineering might seem worlds apart from the high-energy environment of EDM, Roland developed valuable skills—discipline, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic—that would later serve him in his DJ career.

Despite the demanding nature of his daytime work, Roland remained committed to honing his craft as a DJ. His nights were spent at bars and clubs, where he performed for live audiences, refining his techniques and gradually building a name for himself. This dual commitment required exceptional time management, as Roland balanced long days in the family business with late nights behind the decks. The exhaustion and demands of living two lives simultaneously did not deter him—instead, it fueled his desire to succeed in both realms.

Lessons from Engineering Applied to Music

While the fields of engineering and music might appear unrelated, Roland found that many principles of engineering applied to his creative work as a DJ. Engineering taught him to think logically and systematically, a skill he translated into his music production and live performances. Mixing beats, much like engineering, requires precision, problem-solving, and a focus on building something from the ground up. Roland’s meticulous attention to detail allowed him to create flawless transitions between tracks and craft sets that flowed seamlessly, captivating his audience.

Moreover, the discipline he cultivated while working in the family business played a crucial role in his ability to sustain his nighttime gigs. The structured nature of his engineering workday gave Roland the foundation he needed to be organized, manage his time effectively, and ensure he could give his best to both responsibilities. His resilience in facing the long hours of work, combined with the physical and creative demands of DJing, exemplified his deep-rooted passion and determination.

Music Takes the Lead

After several years of balancing both careers, the demands of DJing began to outgrow his responsibilities at his father’s business. By the 1990s, Roland had gained a significant following and was delving into music production and songwriting. His increasing popularity as a DJ made it clear that music was no longer just a hobby—it was a full-time career in the making. A pivotal moment came when he entered a track into the Eurovision Song Contest, ultimately reaching the final 50 entries. This recognition validated his talent and fueled his drive to pursue music on a larger scale.

At this point, Roland made the bold decision to shift his focus away from engineering and invest his energy entirely in his burgeoning DJ career. While leaving behind the stability of his family’s business was not easy, the risk paid off. DJ Roko’s transition from the structured world of engineering to the unpredictable, high-energy world of EDM was seamless, largely due to the skills and discipline he had cultivated over the years.

The Business Mindset of a DJ

One of the key elements that set DJ Roko apart from others in the industry was his business acumen. His time spent working in his father’s company gave him insight into the importance of managing a brand, dealing with clients, and balancing creative vision with financial realities. These lessons proved invaluable as he navigated the music industry, negotiating contracts, planning tours, and managing his personal brand as a DJ and producer.

DJ Roko’s unique blend of engineering precision and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to approach his career with both creativity and pragmatism. He viewed his DJing not only as an artistic endeavor but also as a business, a mindset that has been crucial to his long-lasting success. His ability to adapt, innovate, and push the boundaries of EDM, while staying grounded in business fundamentals, has made him a standout figure in the industry.

DJ Roko’s journey from the engineering office to the DJ booth is a story of balance, hard work, and unwavering dedication to his craft. His ability to maintain dual careers during the early stages of his musical ascent speaks to his resilience and tenacity. The lessons he learned in both the engineering world and the music industry continue to inform his work, making him a versatile and forward-thinking artist.

Today, DJ Roko stands as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions while remaining grounded in the realities of business and responsibility. His path may have started with a unique challenge— balancing the technical world of engineering with the creative realm of music—but it has led him to international recognition and a legacy that continues to inspire both aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs alike.