City Nomads Radio: PARTYWITHJAY The Man Behind Iconic Nights At Marquee And Avenue Lounge
PUBLISHED December 16th, 2024 08:21 pm
Whether you first knew him as Styluxtakut or recognise him by his current moniker, PARTYWITHJAY, Jitendra (or Jit) is a familiar figure in the local nightlife circuit. As a master of scratching and mixing, PARTYWITHJAY brings his signature “open format” music style to life as the resident DJ at Marquee Singapore and Avenue Lounge—two iconic destinations often celebrated among the best clubs in Singapore—delivering nights filled with unforgettable energy. But who is the man behind the decks? We sat down with PARTYWITHJAY to dive into his journey, musical influences, and his aspirations for the future.
Give PARTYWITHJAY’s mix a listen as you read along!
Answering the Call of Curiosity
Jitendra’s foray into DJing was sparked by curiosity. At just 18 years old, he was mesmerised by how DJs seamlessly blended his favourite Hip-Hop and R&B tracks. “It was something so impressive, a mix that couldn’t be replicated on an iPod or Discman,” he shares.
The turning point came while watching legendary The X-Ecutioners on MTV, scratching vocals acappella in their iconic track It’s Goin’ Down. “It was rhythmic and funky. That piqued my curiosity,” he recalls. This fascination led him to seek guidance from DJ Rattle, a Polytechnic instructor who laid the foundation for his craft. With determination and the right mentor, Jitendra’s journey into music began to flourish.
What’s In His Name?
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As his musical journey soared to greater heights, Jitendra’s original stage name, Styluxtakut, proved a challenge for emcees to pronounce. “They kept butchering my name,” he recalls his performance during his trip to the Amsterdam Dance Event. To embrace a name that was not only catchy but also reflective of his persona, he made a strategic pivot to his current moniker, PARTYWITHJAY.
“I needed something easy to pronounce yet memorable,” he explains. The name ‘JAY’ stems from his initials, while ‘party’ encapsulates the vibrant energy he infuses into every performance. “It’s always a party when you’re partying with me,” he quips, encapsulating his ethos perfectly.
Residency at Marquee’s CIRQUE and Avenue Lounge’s VYBE
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As the resident DJ at Marquee Singapore and Avenue Lounge, PARTYWITHJAY delivers tailored experiences at each venue. At Marquee’s CIRQUE nights, he champions House, Afro House, Bass House, and Tech House, while Avenue’s vibe is all about Hip-Hop and R&B.
“I respect the audience, the craft, and guest DJs,” he shares. This commitment shines through in his meticulously curated sets, designed to complement both the mood and the music of the night. From mixing to scratching to live mashups, every set is crafted with precision.
Among his career highlights, PARTYWITHJAY fondly remembers opening for the legendary Tiesto during Marquee’s anniversary celebrations and sharing the stage with global superstars like J Balvin, Masked Wolf, and Jay Sean. “It’s a dream come true, made possible by my role as a resident DJ,” he reflects.
Music Scene in Singapore
His passion for music doesn’t stop at scratching and spinning tracks. PARTYWITHJAY is passionate about pushing Singapore’s music boundaries. At Avenue, he spearheads VYBE Thursdays, a night dedicated to Afro-Latin beats, meeting a rising demand for these genres. Meanwhile, CIRQUE at Marquee introduces audiences to House music, an effort to establish its commercial foothold – something he feels that’s lacking in the scene. His ultimate party atmosphere? “A night where phones are banned,” he says. “Let’s bring back the era where people came to experience the moment and the music.”
Beyond the Music
Off-duties, PARTYWITHJAY recharges in solitude. “I’m a homebody,” he laughs, using quiet moments to prep for the week ahead. Few know that he was once a youth footballer for S-League clubs, before injuries like an ankle injury and a torn ACL steered him away from the pitch and into the music scene.
Life throws curveballs, but they’re opportunities in disguise. It’s this resilience that makes PARTYWITHJAY not just a DJ, but a force in Singapore’s music scene.
Keep up with PARTYWITHJAY at Marquee and Avenue Lounge located at Marina Bay Sands.
