In his twenties, Roger immersed himself in the art of b-boying, dedicating years to disciplined practice and competition, during which he adopted the stage name Roger Raw. Driven by a relentless desire for growth, he approached dance with the same intensity he brought to his role as an avid hip-hop audiophile, studying both the physical and musical elements of the culture. This period sharpened his musical ear and deepened his understanding of groove, timing, and energy. Alongside hip-hop, he developed a strong affinity for 1980s-inspired synthwave, drawing inspiration from artists such as Kavinsky, Lazerhawk, Com Truise, Miami Nights 1984, Waveshaper, and Dance With the Dead. This influence led him to purchase his first synthesizer, allowing him to explore sound design and recreate the textures that inspired him.
As his artistic journey progressed, Roger expanded into house dance, a natural transition that introduced him to house music and its rich, soulful lineage. The genre’s rhythms, textures, and emotional depth resonated deeply, further shaping his musical identity and broadening his creative palette.
During the COVID 19 pandemic, Roger was introduced to DJing, a pivotal turning point that brought his diverse influences together. Without access to his own equipment, he honed his craft by practicing regularly at a newly opened nightclub in his city, showing up week after week to earn his time behind the decks. What began as curiosity quickly developed into a focused pursuit, as he applied years of dance experience, musical knowledge, and crowd awareness to his DJ sets. This period marked the next chapter of his artistic evolution, firmly rooted in culture, movement, and an unwavering passion for sound.
Today, Roger Raw has established himself as a rising artist, with multiple tracks released on respected labels including Andrew Bayer’s Find Your Harmony and Rising Harmony, Enhanced Records, Rever Records, MNTN Records, Kult + Kraft, and 305 Records. He has appeared on stages around the world, including a notable performance in Los Angeles opening for Curbi, and has shared the stage with artists such as Roger Sanchez, Genix, Showtek, Sander van Doorn, Crusy, Chapter and Verse, Tita Lau, Will Sparks, FOVOS, Case of the Mondays, Leena Punks, Snails, Jason Ross, So Down, and Calcium, among others.
simple summary
DJ Roger Raw is a Calgary-based electronic music DJ and producer known for high-energy house, and Melodic techno sets across Western Canada. With 5 years of experience behind the decks, he has performed at major nightlife venues, underground events, and festival stages, building a strong reputation for driving dance floors with precision mixing and crowd-focused selections. Roger Raw continues to expand his presence through consistent releases, collaborations with local and international artists, and regular appearances across Alberta’s club and event scene.
deeper facts
Roger Raw has become a recognized name within Calgary’s electronic music community for his technical skill, versatility, and ability to read a room. His sound blends modern house, progressive grooves, and underground influences, creating sets that move seamlessly from warm-up to peak-time energy. Beyond performing, he actively supports the local music ecosystem through collaborations, event partnerships, and mentoring emerging DJs. His focus remains on pushing quality sound, authentic connection with audiences, and contributing to the growth of Western Canada’s electronic scene.
honourable mentions
- Nominated for the YYC music awards
- Tracks signed and endorsed by Andrew Rayel on his Find your Harmony, and Rising Harmony label.
- Tracks signed by Enhanced Records
LABELS my music is signed on
