DJ Crafty

Dustin McKibben grew up with a strong love for music. At a young age, he excelled in music programs with a strong emphasis on string instruments. Winning many competitions and contests, he then chose to pursue a career in the arts by attending Ball State University for Music Engineering. He likes to joke that music engineering “combines his two favorite things- music and nerdiness.” After a long journey through life, Dustin decided to change directions and study optometry instead. With the void left by not being surrounded by music constantly, he chose a hobby-turned-passion by buying his first set of electronic dj equipment in early 2011. While he admits the original purchase was foolish with no previous knowledge or experience with any type of live electronic music performance, the endeavor soon became justified when, after just a few short weeks of having his new rig, he was already booking shows at parties and local venues. Crafty, Dustin’s nickname in highschool given his penchant for making something out of nothing, rapidly became DJ Crafty. In the past months since his first performances, DJ Crafty has played bars, music halls, house parties, weddings, class reunions, and music festivals. He attributes his abnormally speedy growth in the dj profession to his strong love and apprehension for music and technology, as well as his unwaivering hard work to perfect his craft and constant research of new and popular media.