LOCALS
blending BEATS DJ Rang infuses dance parties with global influences by ILINA EWEN
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n the surface, there’s a disconnect between Ranganathan Rajaram’s history and his current trajectory. Classically trained as a violinist, he’s better known around here as DJ Rang — a man who gets the party started at weddings and corporate events, spinning everything from pop to Bhangra to reggaeton. But to Rang, there’s no schism. “If you have musical theory background and experience playing in orchestras, that diverse knowledge of music applies to any style that you find yourself
in,” he says. “Indian music styles mix with each other, but there’s a huge cross-audience and cross-genre appeal when you mix it with other styles.” Born in Queens, New York, Rang grew up in Cary, the son of immigrants from the Indian state of Gujarat. Despite the very American upbringing, his childhood was immersed in Indian culture; there were always Bollywood tracks and Indian classical tunes playing at home. Rang started playing the violin at age 4 through the Suzuki method, and has dabbled in piano, drums, guitar, and a variety of Indian instruments, including The Art & Soul of Raleigh | 35
