Today we’d like to introduce you to Roshan Dave.
Hi Roshan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Roshan, and I’ve been DJing for a little over two years in the Philadelphia area.
My journey started with my best friend at the time when we began learning to DJ together as a B2B duo, primarily playing fraternity parties because we thought our music choice was better than my friends playlist. As we gained experience and developed our skills, we started landing larger opportunities. One of the most memorable moments early on was playing our first nightclub set at Pace & Blossom, where we performed a mix of house classics and dance music original cuts.
A major turning point came when my former DJ partner and I went our separate ways. In October of this year, my friend went into a drug-induced psychosis and he started to believe everyone was betraying him. This culminated in him pushing me off of our house roof, from the roof to the third floor balcony. As a result, he was expelled from my college and I restarted my journey as a solo DJ. That experience pushed me to rebuild my career independently and develop my own identity as an artist.
Since then, I’ve focused heavily on house and tech house music while also becoming comfortable playing open-format sets when needed. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at a variety of venues throughout the Philadelphia area, including Tempo, Baja Beach Club, and Bob and Barbara’s Lounge, along with numerous other house and tech house events. These experiences have helped me develop my ability to read different crowds and adapt my sets while staying true to my sound.
One of the highlights of my career so far was being selected to open for DaBaby at NOTO Philadelphia. Opportunities like that, along with my continued work in the house and tech house scene, have allowed me to build valuable experience performing for a wide range of audiences.
What I’ve learned most from this journey is adaptability and persistence. Whether it’s learning new genres, playing different types of venues, or overcoming challenges, I’ve always tried to use those experiences to become a better DJ and performer. Today, my goal is to continue growing within the house and tech house community while bringing energy, professionalism, and a memorable experience to every event I play.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes the journey rewarding. One of the biggest challenges was developing my own sound and identity as a DJ. When you’re starting out, it’s easy to play what everyone else is playing or try to copy DJs you look up to. It takes a lot of time, listening, and experimentation to figure out what kind of music you genuinely connect with and how you want your sets to feel.
Another challenge was simply getting good at the craft. DJing looks simple from the outside, but learning how to properly mix, read a crowd, build energy throughout a set, and recover from mistakes takes a lot of practice. There were plenty of nights where I listened back to recordings of my sets and realized there was a lot I could improve on.
As I started playing more gigs, I learned that technical skills are only part of it. The real challenge is creating a unique experience and finding ways to stand out. Over time, I gravitated toward house and tech house and began developing a style that felt authentic to me rather than trying to fit into what I thought people wanted to hear.
Looking back, the process of finding my sound and continuously improving has probably been the most difficult part of the journey, but it’s also been the most rewarding. Every gig, whether it was a frat party when I first started or a club set now, has been another step in helping me become a better DJ.
For me, DJing is about being different and staying committed to the craft. I perform without headphones, which means I know my music inside and out and have spent countless hours learning every track I play. Every song in my sets is a deliberate selection, carefully curated to fit the moment. One of the biggest challenges has been developing a sound that feels uniquely mine while still connecting with the crowd, but that’s something I’ve worked hard to achieve and continue to refine with every performance.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an open-format DJ based in Philadelphia, specializing in house and tech house. Over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to play at a variety of venues and events throughout the city, ranging from opening for global artist Dababy to chill dive bars in the city. My focus is on creating high-energy sets that keep people engaged while still taking them on a journey through different sounds and moods.
What I specialize in is track selection and live mixing. I spend a lot of time digging for music and building sets that feel unique rather than relying on the same songs everyone else is playing. One thing that sets me apart is that I DJ live without headphones, which requires me to know my music extremely well and trust my preparation. Every track I play is intentionally selected, and I take pride in creating seamless transitions and maintaining a strong connection with the crowd.
More than anything, I’m proud of developing my own style and sound while staying true to the music I love. My goal is always to deliver an experience that feels authentic, energetic, and memorable for everyone on the dance floor.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I don’t really have one favorite childhood memory, but some of the moments I remember most are discovering new music and sharing it with friends. During COVID, I spent a lot of time on my own, and music became a huge part of my life. I listened to all kinds of genres and spent hours watching videos and content about music and DJs. It gave me something to connect with during a time when everything felt isolated, and it helped me feel less alone. Looking back, I think that experience played a big role in why I wanted to become a DJ, to create the same sense of connection for other people and bring them together through music. It was also a period where I learned a lot about myself. I spent a lot of time reflecting and becoming more aware of my emotions, both the good and the bad, and I think that helped shape who I am today. Music was a big part of that journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djrshn/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djrshn0
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Q3UIXU3sl4GWvmMIL4
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@djrshn0
