BlerdCon's Gogeta: DJ Skrape and DJ Senpai
Maria M.
Imagine being a Black nerd all your life and never feeling like there isn't a space where you fit in. You go to comic shops, conventions, and events but always feel like an outsider. Then someone tells you about this con in Virginia, and that it's for us. "For us? Yeah right," you think to yourself, but at your friend's insistence, you agree to go. You fight to find parking, you touch down and you immediately notice something wild as you walk out of the lot and onto the street in front of the hotel....
Black people and Black cosplayers are all headed in the same direction. You allow yourself to get a little excited. Could it be true? Are you really about to experience some of the things you love with hundreds (thousands?) of people that look like you?
You are overcome by emotion as you see hundreds of Black and Brown people living their best nerdy lives. Welcome to BlerdCon.
BlerdCon
BlerdCon is a unique event celebrating the intersection of Black culture and nerdom. While panels, cosplay, and camaraderie are key highlights, it's the music that truly sets the tone and vibe for the event, transforming it into an unforgettable experience. To understand how the beats and rhythms contribute to BlerdCon's atmosphere, I spoke with DJs Skrape and Senpai, the two driving forces behind the convention's musical scene.
The Art of Fusion: DJ Skrape and DJ Senpai
(L to R) DJs Senpai & Skrape
Every year, DJs Skrape and Senpai come together to create an electrifying musical experience at BlerdCon. Their collaboration is reminiscent of Goku and Vegeta's fusion dance, combining their unique skills to produce seamless and dynamic sets that keep the energy high and the crowd engaged. As DJ Senpai puts it, "The music at BlerdCon is not just background noise; it's a central part of the experience." From the moment attendees step into the lobby, the beats welcome them, setting an inclusive and celebratory tone.
DJ Skrape recalls a standout moment from their first collaboration at Otakon in 2018. "We started transitioning music, and it just clicked. From hip-hop to soca, to dancehall, and even alternative rock, we realized we had a similar taste in music. It was like a perfect fusion." This synergy has only grown stronger, as they continue to build on each other's strengths, creating sets that are greater than the sum of their parts and leaning their skills to nerdy events nationwide.
The collaboration between DJ Skrape and DJ Senpai is a testament to the power of fusion. Much like Goku and Vegeta's fusion dance, their partnership combines their individual strengths to create something extraordinary. Senpai describes it best: "When we're on stage together, it's like we're in sync. We know exactly when to transition when to hype the crowd, and when to let the music speak for itself."
This fusion is evident in their performances. Whether it's seamlessly transitioning to an anime opening or mixing hip-hop with EDM, Skrape and Senpai's sets are a masterclass in versatility and creativity. Their ability to read each other and the crowd creates a dynamic, ever-evolving, musical journey that keeps attendees on their feet and fully immersed in the experience.
A Labor of Love
At the heart of Skrape and Senpai's work is a genuine love for music and community. As Skrape says, "We do this for the love of music and for the love of our people. It's about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy themselves." That passion is evident in every beat they drop and every track they mix. Senpai echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of their partnership. "We keep each other motivated and push each other to be better. It's a true collaboration, and that's what makes it so special."
Navigating Musical Challenges
Creating a seamless musical experience at a large convention like Blerdcon is no small feat. Despite their seamless performances, Skrape and Senpai face their fair share of challenges. Coordinating the musical lineup for a large convention like Blerdcon requires meticulous planning and adaptability. Skrape, the new music director for Blerdcon, explains, "Managing 27 DJs this year was no small feat. We had to ensure that each DJ's style complemented the overall vibe of the event and that there were no clashes in musical genres."
Ego and popularity are also factors that need to be managed. "We had to lay out some ground rules and ensure that everyone was on the same page," Skrape adds. "The key is to make sure that the music enhances the experience for everyone, from early morning sets to late-night parties."
This adaptability is crucial, as BlerdCon's music scene isn't just about playing hits; it's about understanding the crowd's mood and curating an experience that enhances their enjoyment. Senpai emphasizes, "There's a method to the madness. Good DJs know how to blend tracks to keep the energy up and make everyone feel included."
The Unsung Heroes
Senpai reflects, "The DJs at BlerdCon are the unsung heroes. They're not just playing music; they're setting the emotional tone for the entire event. From the lobby music to the late-night parties, their influence is felt everywhere."
He adds that the DJs' ability to mix genres seamlessly—from anime soundtracks to classic hip-hop—creates a unique sound that mirrors the diverse interests of Blerdcon attendees. "I've mixed the theme song from 'One Piece' with Juvenile's 'Back That Azz Up,' and it just works. It's these unexpected combinations that make the music at Blerdcon so special."
Creating an Inclusive Space
The music at BlerdCon also plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and belonging. Skrape highlights how the musical choices contribute to an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. "The music is a unifying force. Whether it's an old-school hip-hop track or a new anime opening, there's something for everyone. It's a reflection of our shared love for both our cultural roots and our nerdy passions."
He shares an anecdote about the food truck rally, where the music kept the energy high despite the scorching heat. "Even when it was unbearably hot, the right music made people forget about the temperature and just enjoy the moment. It's amazing how powerful music can be in creating a positive experience."
Evolving with the Times
As BlerdCon continues to grow, so does its musical landscape. Skrape notes that the organizers are always looking for ways to improve and adapt. This year, they took feedback seriously and made changes to enhance the overall experience. "Every year, they listen to the attendees' feedback and make adjustments. This year felt particularly smooth, and you could tell they had put a lot of thought into every detail, including the music."
Still, there is fair criticism regarding how live musical acts are prioritized as well as the odd stage placement outside this year. The feedback regarding these decisions, which Senpai and Skrape admitted, were made by leaders above them, will likely be considered as planning begins for Blerdcon 2025.
The Future of Blerdcon's Musical Experience
Looking ahead, Skrape and Senpai are excited about the potential for Blerdcon to further innovate its musical offerings. They hope to see even more collaboration between DJs and live performers, as well as increased opportunities for attendees to engage with the music in interactive ways. "Blerdcon has always been about breaking new ground," says Senpai.
Conclusion
In essence, the music at BlerdCon is much more than just a playlist; it's the heartbeat of the convention. It sets the mood, energizes the crowd, and creates an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels at home. As Senpai aptly puts it, "The music at BlerdCon is the soundtrack to our shared experience. It's what makes the convention feel like a true celebration of Black nerd culture."
The impact of music at BlerdCon cannot be overstated. It's not just about the tracks that are played, but the atmosphere they create. The right music can turn a good event into a great one, and Skrape and Senpai are masters at setting the perfect tone. Their ability to blend genres, read the crowd, and create a cohesive and engaging musical experience is what sets BlerdCon apart from other musical events.
