Krate Digga
DJ / instructor / musician
“As you set out know that your path is your own. It will likely not be a straight shot, but those diversions may really be the landmarks leading you to where you're destined to be.”
Artist Bio
Krate Digga (he, him, his) has more than 25 years of experience as a professional DJ. Schooled in turntablism by DJ Sicari while an undergrad at Kentucky State University, Krate Digga went on to form the Mos Wanted Crew in 1997 with DJ Sicari. Flexing his trademark musicality, Krate has shared stages with a multitude of artists including Eric Roberson, Brand Nubian, Tanya Morgan, Teedra Moses, The Foreign Exchange, Dwele and many more. Krate’s resume of residencies include the renowned Columbus (OH) poetry club Snaps N' Taps, The Red Zone, Cove Lounge, and Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce. Krate is also a newly selected Next Level USA Hip Hop Ambassador recently returning from an artist residency in Argentina. After decades in the game, Krate has solidified his name as one of the Midwest’s most diverse Hip Hop and Soul DJ’s. As an instructor and mentor Krate has held posts at The Ohio State University, Denison University, and The Lincoln Theatre. Krate Digga is a member of the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s inaugural Navigators team, and has received GCAC individual artist grants in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
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Artist Q & A
What is your creative process?
My creative process is often difficult to describe because it's so ubiquitous to who I am. I may hear a sample that triggers a "7 degrees of separation" concept or I may see a quote that triggers a perspective that I find myself looking to engage from a musical standpoint.
Music, especially Hip Hop, is not just a linear audio element. It has generational and cultural "DNA" that informs its identity. I love placing that musical identity into often unexpected appearances to open sonic perspectives and allow for creative musicianship. Turntables are my primary instruments of sound but guitar and West African percussion are not strangers to my methodology. Collaboration is also very important to my creative and performance process. The conversation that is music transcends age, language and all other factors of identity. Linking with dancers, visual artists and vocalists are all ways that conversation is broadened in presentation to audiences.
How do you recharge and/or refine your artistic process?
When I need to recharge, to reengage my art, I usually find myself watching movies. While I have a lush DVD library, Netflix and Hulu usually offer me enough to suffice. A door-less Jeep ride through the county roads is one way I give many products a final listening test before release.
Does the Columbus arts scene impact your artmaking? If so, how?
It often does. Politics, social experiences, the industry in this market, and so many other factors inform my work a great deal. At times that's a positive, at times it's decisively harmful. Being a multi-faceted artist has helped immensely in navigating Columbus as a creative.
What advice do you give to emerging artists in your field?
As you set out know that your path is your own. It will likely not be a straight shot, but those diversions may really be the landmarks leading you to where you're destined to be.
What do you love about your art and/or art-making process?
Mainly that intentional investment in my home studio space allows me the privilege of creating at any time of day or night. If I have an idea, I have nearly all I need to flesh that idea out to completion.