Dakeek

Originally posted: May 20, 2019

You know those people that you meet and you automatically feel a connection with? Someone that makes you feel accepted and that you are doing something right? Dakeek was that for me and I’m sure many others. Someone that automatically made anyone and everyone feel not only that they were invited to the party, but they were the party. When I realized that I actually could do this, that I could write my own blog, I knew who I wanted in my corner. Dakeeks music along with his accepting personality made a huge impression on me, and I wanted to tell his story. 

Dakeek is a house, tech house, disco and really anything that gets his body moving, DJ from Portland Oregon. 

Dakeek was originally born in Vancouver BC and moved to the states at a young age. In 6th grade he became an official Portlander. Like many, Dakeek found an acceptance in house music that he had never experienced before, and instead of just letting the music impact himself, he wanted to make an impact on others with the music. 

“I started listening to dance music about 9 years ago. It was the first place that I really felt comfortable being myself around people that were accepting from all walks of life. I created such a special bond with the music that you know it finally came to the point that I wanted to learn how to do this. So I bought a controller and I started working with it and learning how to play music, and count music. I just fell in love with it so much.” 

The love that he has for music is undeniable. He expresses it so openly while he plays, as well as when he talks about it. We hear so many different stories, ideas of success in the media that it is refreshing to see someone share, give back and just have a pure love of moving. What can start as an idea, can blossom into something that is beyond what we can imagine. Success will not manifest until the universe knows you are truly ready to put the work in and go for it. 

Starting out as almost a hobby turned into something beautiful that Dakeek shares not only with his friends, but with the people of Portland and other cities. 

“I love sharing with people the music that means so much to me, and I hope that I’m playing music that you know a lot of people haven’t heard before and I can open up their minds to different types of music, different styles, and artists as well.” 

It seems that many times procrastination, and new goals go hand in hand. Sometimes its fear of failure, just nerves, or a number of other factors that can contribute to holding us back. It takes a lot to put your creations out into the world for people to listen to, look at, and well, judge. But usually the things that hold us back more than anything else, are our own selves. Dakeek is no stranger to procrastination, but he has created a lot to be proud of.  

Being in a supportive environment is important for anyone to thrive, and Portland has a lot of good in it. What are you hoping for Portland when it comes to the music scene?

“I think Portland has a thriving house community, there are some really great crews of people out there, and some really, really talented DJs/producers. Portland is on the right track and just needs to continue to grow this beautiful scene that we have.”

Looking for inspiration is huge for an artist. Looking for someone that you think is doing right in the industry is important. Dakeeks biggest influences are Justin Martin and Bonobo. 

“I would say, Justin Martin is one of the biggest influences of mine, just because, I am really into when you see a big performer interacting with the crowd, ya know, and how much fun they are having, directly feeds with the people in the crowd. Justin Martin does such an incredible job at that. He is just up there having such a blast and people feed off of that. I think that some of his shows are some of the most fun times I’ve ever had at shows, and he really knows how to interact with a crowd”

The second DJ or producer would be Bonobo. “Bonobo is an insanely talented producer and he makes such incredible mixes and some incredible music. Seeing him live a couple times and it is just absolutely mind blowing. Taking you on a musical journey."

So what does the future look like for Dakeek? 

Producing and building Local Heroes. Local Heroes is an amazing project that Dakeek wants to continue and build with ÜṂĿÄÜṮ and other local DJs. ÜṂĿÄÜṮ is a German DJ and producer who founded Local Heroes. Local Heroes is a group of DJs that throw parties throughout Portland while giving back to the community. They have created an accepting environment for both attendees and DJs. If you have never attended a Local Heroes event, you need to look into it. These events are like nothing Portland has done before. Who doesn’t love to dance, drink, and be around positivity while giving back?  

Thank you Dakeek! If you have never heard a set from Dakeek, you are missing out. Look for him with Local Heroes and around the Portland area! And keep a ear out for new music!

Main photo: Static Cat Photo

Video: Zachary Alexander Littleton