Meet Michael Raycraft | DJ, Talent Buyer, Artist Manager, Production Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Raycraft and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
It happened kind of by accident. Since I was young I have always had an interest in music and instruments, I learned to play guitar, drums, and trombone. Sadly I haven’t played any of them in 15+ years. I gained interest in DJing when I started school at WVU. With a fraternity brother, I decided to buy equipment and learn to DJ. After doing a few our our frat parties I met David Kessler at “Tent City” a camping event when ESPN’s College Gameday came to WVU. From there my interest and job roles started to grow. From there I was introduced to the Shawmanyes crew becoming one of their regular artists and bringing lights for their Maynes Good Time at 123 Pleasant St. I also started to be a regular in the Morgantown club DJ Scene.

I was lucky enough to start my artist support at Mainstage Morgantown for Fat Trel and have opened for 30+ touring artists in genres from Hip-hop and rap to trap and dubstep and everything in between. I started my first company Raycraft ENT in 2018 as a business to help make my DJing legit, this soon turned into an event organization company. The electronic scene in Morgantown through people leaving or turning their attention to other things was put on my back to keep it alive and moving forward. I mainly focused on local shows for a few years. I was then approached by a few fans of the music about Starting Just Come Presents a new promotion company focusing on deep dubstep. we were lucky to throw a few shows before COVID hit. After everything reopened and we were able to throw shows and such again I was searching for what my next move was going to be.

I met Dusty Martin in 2020 but didn’t approach them about a business opportunity, and thus Crafted Events was created. Crafted Events started as another event promotion company but has since turned into a wedding and corporate event company.

I have been a resident in almost all the clubs and bars in Morgantown, in Summer 2022 My team was approached about becoming the talent buyer for Ivy NightClub which led to the creation of Raycraft Mgmt a club, stage, and artist management company.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is I bring a love and passion for the music I play. I also try to bring 100% energy no matter what type of set I am playing, I believe the crowd you are entertaining can feel and feed off your energy. with that being said I am not one to always put myself in the spotlight. I have helped many different DJs and artists grow and rise faster than myself. I have artists who have been only DJing or working as an artist for a year or 2 but already have the skill and talent to become something big. I believe it is important to build a team of people who have a true passion and drive to be in the industry and are in it for the right reasons and not just to become a famous person with money. it is a tough industry to be in and even more so to succeed in. It takes persistence, patience, as well as knowing when to change focus and find another way. My mom always taught me to work hard not to take things for granted and to work for what you want or need. This has led me to work hard and keep pushing. I tend to always be working.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visiting M0rgantown, depending on the time of year, can be an adventure. with all the beautiful nature spots, like waterfalls, mountains, caves, and back roads, there is a lot to see and experience, as the night comes on we can hit 123 Pleasant St, Morgantown Art Bar, Ivy Nightclub, or Joe Mamas and experience a VIP experience at the best music venues or clubs in town. Hit Up Buddy’s Bud Co. and then get food at some of the local spots.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I first have to shout out my Business partner Dusty Martin. Since Starting Crafted Events our business has grown like crazy. Although we have switched focus a million times, we have always been on the same page. with his background in sales and DJing, We have been building Crafted Events into a corporate, community, and private event go-to.

I also want to shout out to my Raycraft Mgmt Team DJ Cyn City, Steazi, Hemricx, Battery low, and DJ Jagz, plus the others have all made my job at Ivy and in Morgantown a much simpler one, the passion they bring to night after night is like no other. I am blessed to work with great people who help to push our music, community, and the business each of us has built.

Website: Djraycraft.com

Instagram: instagram.com/djraycraft

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DJRaycraft

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJRaycraft

Other: snapchat.com/djraycraft

Image Credits
Matthew Collins @_mattycollins Adam Judy @ajudyprodz Grayson Hall @graysonhallphotography Ty Kessel @tydyeproductions