Digita1 Frequency Throws ‘The Part[ies] for All the People That Don’t Go to the Regular Parties’
By LAILA AZHAR — features@theaggie.org
The DJ duo known as Digita1 Frequency is transforming the party landscape at UC Davis, offering a unique alternative to the traditional party scene. Composed of Oliver Groszkruger and Aksel Olsen, this dynamic team formed less than a year ago when Olsen found himself with a new DJ board for his birthday. What began as a summer hobby quickly morphed into something much more significant.
“I was just messing around on it over summer and I brought it to Davis,” Olsen said. “We just did it for fun, practicing every day.” The two have been inseparable friends since high school, with their shared enthusiasm for music pushing them to challenge the status quo of campus nightlife.
One of the duo’s standout qualities is their complementary skills. “The weaknesses I have, Oliver’s strong in those areas,” Olsen noted. This synergy extends beyond logistics; their friendship allows for candid music discussions, where each respects the other’s opinions. Groszkruger added, “We have really similar tastes — we value each other’s input.”
Discontent with the conventional party scene in Davis, they envisioned their gatherings as an oasis for those who often feel left out. “It’s the party for all the people that don’t go to the regular parties,” Groszkruger proclaimed. “It’s for the misfits and the drag queens and the people that don’t feel included. That’s who we want to cater to.” Their mission is clear: create an inviting space for everyone.
Their inaugural party took place in Groszkruger’s apartment during the fall quarter, where they advertised the event by hand-distributing flyers around campus. Initially, the duo knew few people and could only rely on word-of-mouth to draw guests. “We just asked people, ‘Do you want to come to this free party that we’re throwing?’” Olsen reminisced.
The turnout exceeded their expectations, with around 50 attendees joining. However, it wasn’t without its challenges; hosting the gathering ended up costing them money. Undeterred, they persevered, and just six months later, they celebrated selling approximately 700 tickets for their Picnic Day event, marking a significant leap in popularity.
Leading up to their Picnic Day gathering, Groszkruger felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. “I keep just thinking about walking up on the stage and plugging into my laptop and being like, ‘Holy f***, this is about to start,’” he said, highlighting the anticipation and pressure that comes with coordinating such a large celebration.
On that vibrant day, Digita1 Frequency showcased a diverse array of music, describing their sound as “EDM-adjacent” yet accessible to newcomers. According to Groszkruger, “It’s EDM for new, incoming people. It’s not electronic music for hardcore ravers. We’re playing a lot of remixes […] it’s an in-between.” They aim to introduce audiences to electronic music without alienating those who may find traditional EDM overwhelming.
Attendees were quick to appreciate the inviting atmosphere. One anonymous second-year student at the event commented, “I feel like this has been a really fun event. I like their music choices, and the people here are really cool. Definitely a great choice for Picnic Day.” Such feedback reinforces the duo’s belief in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can feel at home.
An essential aspect of their DJing philosophy is authenticity. They prioritize personal enjoyment over the desire to impress others. “I think we’re doing what we want to listen to,” Groszkruger stated. “We don’t really care what other people are saying, and that’s why the support feels so much nicer.” This honest approach creates a sincere connection with their audience, making every gathering feel genuine.
Paradoxically, both DJs expressed that they sometimes wish they could attend their own events instead of performing. “We always say that it’s kind of a bummer that we have to DJ,” Groszkruger admitted. “I would want to go to my party. I don’t want to DJ and have to be sober. I want to go to my party.” This sentiment resonates with many partygoers who seek the same joy and freedom they wish to offer.
For those eager to keep up with Digita1 Frequency’s upcoming events, they maintain an active presence on social media. Interested individuals can follow them on Instagram at @digita1frequency to stay updated on future gatherings and community initiatives.
Written by: Laila Azhar — features@theaggie.org
