Behind the Decks MPLS

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

"Somehow people don't understand maybe that jazz is Black American music... and that people gave it the name jazz to try to, like, diminish it somehow," says Kenna, a Minneapolis-born DJ, dancer, community radio host and roller skater, who joins Behind the Decks MPLS to trace how a family love of jazz grew into a life built around Black music and the spaces where people gather to hear it. Kenna's grandmother started the KFAI show Mostly Jazz, which passed to her dad and then to her, and her family still keeps it going every Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00.

In this conversation with Harry Duran, Kenna talks about her early mentors DJ Disco T and DJ Nex, spinning vinyl and carts at a college jazz station in Virginia, and how her child Yancey's DJ journey led to a hand-me-down controller and her own KRSM show, where she blends sounds like Senegalese mbalax with trap. She also shares her love of roller rink culture, from the Roller Gardens to Northland in Detroit, and the story behind the Mini House Picnic, an all-day celebration of the Black technology of house music modeled after The Chosen Few. She explains why hiring Black women made this year's picnic run smoothly, and she offers advice for new DJs: there are many ways to be a DJ, so try different ones. Mini House Picnic III is set for Sunday, September 12th, 2027, and you can RSVP at voiceofculture.org.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/YTcOKn3mgQo

Kenna B2B Harry Duran

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qihWIkD58Xc

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/kenna-b2b-harry-duran

1. There is no single way to be a DJ. Try club sets, community radio, weddings and festivals until you find the lane that brings you joy.
2. Your best gigs come from knowing exactly what you're walking into. Before you say yes, ask whether they need a mixer, an announcer, a playlist or just speakers, and prepare for that.
3. If you don't see the space you want, build it. Kenna created the Mini House Picnic from that impulse, so start the gathering you wish existed.
4. Your values should run the event, not the other way around. Hire people who already share your vision, then keep the format the same long enough to see how it lives.
5. Taste beats gear, and roots feed the future. Dig at local record stores, learn the history of jazz as Black American music, and stay open to inspiration from your elders and your kids.

"Jazz is Black American music. It is American music. Black people created that, and we're a generous people. So everybody's freaking it, and now it's reverberated and circled the world and came back around."

"I will always try to create the type of space that I want to inhabit and live in. I always try to add on to what I see other people doing, but I also say, 'Okay, I don't exactly see what I'm looking for, so let me create it.'"

"There are so many different ways to be a DJ, so just think about that and maybe try some different ones. You might find you really love being in community and playing every request of every kid."

Instagram: https://l.instagram.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DvbWgHcDN/

voiceofculture.org - Kenna's nonprofit dedicated to Black arts and culture; RSVP for Mini House Picnic here - voiceofculture.org

Mini House Picnic III - Kenna's all-day house music picnic, Sunday, September 12th, 2027

KFAI - Community radio station in Cedar-Riverside, home of Mostly Jazz, Saturdays 9:00 to 11:00 AM

KRSM - Radio station where Kenna hosts her all-mix show of Black music

WHOB FM - Jazz radio station where Kenna started DJing in college

The Chosen Few - Chicago house music event that inspired the Mini House Picnic

Straight Fya on Twitch - DJ Get Down's crew, live back-to-back DJ sets Sundays 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

DJU program - DJ training program with DJ Madre that Yancey went through

People's Records - Record store in Detroit

Urban Lights - Black-owned record store in St. Paul

Northland - Roller rink in Detroit

Radiate Marketing, MN - Marketing for the Mini House Picnic

Mo Better Blues - Film mentioned from Kenna's college years

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

"I've been the nostalgia act since like 2003... now I don't even know what I am—what's a really old cat? A super senior? So I'm a super senior, I guess, now," jokes Dorica Hayley, an underground Minneapolis DJ and producer whose journey mirrors the rise of the local electronic music scene. On this episode of Behind the Decks MPLS, Dorica Hayley—AKA Ralph Lauren—recounts remixing tracks off the radio with a tape recorder as a child in West Berlin, spinning her first high school Christmas dance in the States, and stumbling on Minneapolis legends in a tiny DJ vinyl shop. She details the evolution from illegal warehouse raves and creating techno history with Local 120 to building Submerge, a new platform meant to empower local promoters and artists.

A witness and architect of Minneapolis’s dance underground, Dorica Hayley shares unvarnished stories of breakbeats, $2,000-a-month record hauls, founding sounds that would make Minneapolis techno world-renowned, and how authenticity—not the mainstream—has always been the currency of the scene. If you want to truly understand the roots, rhythms, and real ethos of Midwest rave culture, this is a conversation you can’t miss.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: URL

CATCH THE B2B:

GUEST + Harry Duran YouTube:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/dory-kahale-ralph-laurenn-b2b-harry-duran

1. Dig deep into your local music history—knowing your scene’s roots gives authenticity and sets you apart.
2. Build real connections within your community; show up, support others, and nurture authentic friendships that last.
3. Invest in your craft—spend time and resources discovering unique sounds no one else has, and use them to stand out.
4. Stay adaptable: Embrace new technology as it comes, but hold on to what makes your creative process special.
5. Give back—share your knowledge, mentor new talent, and actively help grow the scene that supports you.

Email - [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorykahale

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/djralphlaurenn

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BYWXQfSfB/

KEXP Radio - https://www.kexp.org/

Rev 105 (legendary Minneapolis radio station, not currently active) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rev_105

Submerge (radio and event + ticketing platform by Dorica Hayley) - https://submerge.fm/

Resident Advisor (DJ interviews & music journalism) - https://ra.co/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

“You can't pay me enough money to walk on a frozen lake. That's where I draw my line,” laughs Abel, Minneapolis DJ and house music mainstay, as he joins Behind the Decks MPLS to share his journey from Nigeria to the heart of the Midwest dance scene. In this episode, Abel opens up about the cold shock of immigrating to Minnesota, discovering his love of music through Michael Jackson VHS tapes, and the thrill of crate-digging for electronic gems at Scottish car boot sales.

Abel reveals how his creative energy and love of storytelling drive his DJ sets, why knowing your music “front to back, back to front” is the secret to standout performances, and how his Nigerian heritage and lifelong curiosity for new sounds shaped his eclectic, soulful style. He discusses the evolution of Afrobeats, the challenges facing today’s club programming, and why giving DJs space to craft long, narrative sets creates genuine magic on the dancefloor. Abel’s infectious passion for musical exploration and community—and his humility about his influence in the scene—make this a must-listen for anyone interested in the true spirit of house music.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: URL

CATCH THE B2B:

GUEST + Harry Duran YouTube:

Soundcloud:

1. Know your music inside-out—study every track, every sound, and every transition to truly command your craft.
2. Explore beyond your comfort zone—experiment with genres, eras, and cultures to expand your sound and inspire new creative directions.
3. Prioritize storytelling and programming—curate thoughtful, dynamic sets that take listeners on a journey, not just a rapid-fire of hits.
4. Build genuine connections—get out, meet people, play diverse venues, and value every opportunity to share your music and learn from others.
5. Stay a lifelong student—embrace curiosity, remain humble, and always be eager to listen, learn, and evolve as an artist.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abeljohnson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abel_mpls/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abel.ayobola.johnson

Traktor DJ software - https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/

Energy Radio (Energy 87.9) - https://energy879.com/

W Hotels (Living Room, Foshay Tower) - https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mspph-w-minneapolis-the-foshay

Dance Church - https://go.dancechurch.com/

Amapiano (music genre resource) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amapiano

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

"The music will set you free, baby. It’s the most important language the human species has ever developed," says James Patrick (JP), founder of SLAM Academy and Minneapolis electronic music mainstay, who joins Behind the Decks MPLS to trace his remarkable journey from mixtape-loving outlier and record store fixture to pioneering educator and respected beatmaker. JP recounts how a turbulent youth marked by rebellion and addiction ultimately led him to find salvation through sound—first as a passionate DJ, then as a grateful beneficiary of musical mentors from Prince’s legendary studio circle, and now as a magnetic mentor himself.

On this milestone episode, JP reveals why community, vulnerability, and relentless creativity—not genre or scene—lie at the heart of music’s real power. He shares how SLAM Academy evolved from a grassroots dream into Minneapolis’ boutique hub for cutting-edge instruction, inclusivity, and connection—changing hundreds of lives along the way. With candid stories, quick wit, and deep wisdom, JP discusses the evolution of electronic music, the shifting landscape of EDM, and the future of empowering artists worldwide. Whether you’re an upstart producer, a dancefloor lifer, or simply music-curious, this episode of Behind the Decks MPLS delivers inspiration, hard-won perspective, and a beat-driven call to authenticity.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/huLp1hxM0oM

CATCH THE B2B

GUEST + Harry Duran YouTube: https://youtu.be/J1sJho16EBQ

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/jp-b2b-harry-duran

1. Find a community that believes in you—surround yourself with people who recognize your passion and purpose, and lean on them when you need a lifeline.
2. Prioritize what you love over chasing money—choose work and projects that fuel your creative fire, not just your bank account.
3. Stay humble and learn from others—the most powerful growth happens when you check your ego at the door and engage with mentors, students, and peers.
4. Use your expertise to lift others up—share your knowledge and create spaces where people can discover their own joy and voice through music or art.
5. Never underestimate a fresh start—if you’re struggling, remember it’s never too late to get back up, pivot, and reignite your passion with a new chapter.

Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/jamespatrick612

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jamespatrickmusic/

Sound Design for Electronic Music - Creating Original Sounds with Ableton Live: Part 1 - Essentials of Analog and FM Synthesis by James Patrick - https://amzn.to/4z8VLqN

Sound Design for Electronic Music - Creating Original Sound with Ableton Live: Part Two - Effects Processing, Sampling, and Advanced Digital Synthesis by James Patrick - https://amzn.to/4q99byZ

SLAM Academy – https://slamacademy.com/

Ableton Live (music production software) – https://www.ableton.com/

Let It Be Records (record store) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_It_Be_Records

McNally Smith College of Music (formerly Music Tech) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McNally_Smith_College_of_Music

Spark Festival of Electronic Music – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spark_Festival_of_Electronic_Music_and_Arts

Products/Artists Mentioned:

Ableton Certified Trainer Program – https://www.ableton.com/en/certified-training/

Mr. Bill (Ableton educator) – https://mrbillstunes.com/

Virtual Riot (producer) – https://www.virtualriotmusic.com/

Youngsta (DJ/producer) – https://www.facebook.com/youngstauk/

Abstract Sonance (producer) – https://www.abstractsonance.com/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

"I just think anybody who really enjoys music should try to do some sort of creative outlet involving music. And if that's DJing, because it's accessible right now, I think that's great—you don't want me singing. I can't play any instruments. For me, I like to share things because I like to learn things," shares Sheltron on Behind the Decks MPLS, reflecting on his journey from growing up in St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood to diving deep into the worlds of graffiti, graphic design, and ultimately, DJ culture.

On this episode of Behind the Decks MPLS, the guest unpacks how a curiosity-driven life—spanning early exposure to jazz through his grandfather’s 8-track tapes, a college-era obsession with file sharing, and hands-on experimentation with design and music tech—culminated in a passion for sharing music as a DJ. He explains how accessibility has reshaped the barriers to entry, admits to chasing hyperfixations from 3D modeling with Blender to building custom visuals for house sets, and reveals what really motivates someone to step behind the decks. If you want to hear fresh insights on what art, design, and club culture look like from the inside—and why intent matters for anyone stepping into DJing—this conversation is a must-listen.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/s8SKxk4XiBk

CATCH THE B2B:

Sheltron + Harry Duran YouTube: https://youtu.be/s8SKxk4XiBk

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/sheltron-b2b-harry-duran

1. Dive in and start creating—don’t let cost or lack of gear stop you. Buy used equipment or grab a cheap controller and get your hands dirty today.
2. Get curious and chase your passions—follow your interests, explore new skills, and don’t be afraid to hyper-fixate. Curiosity fuels creativity.
3. Make your "why" clear before you begin. Ask yourself honestly: Do you want to share music or just be seen? Align your efforts with real passion.
4. Share relentlessly—use music, visuals, or DJing to put your discoveries into the world and connect with others who vibe with what you love.
5. Don’t wait for permission or a big audience—some of the best moments come from playing to a small, locked-in crowd. Show up and bring your A-game regardless.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheltron.wav

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

“Trans joy is resistance,” says Dana Kazuko, founder of Gateway, Minneapolis’ underground, trans-centered nightclub, who joins Behind the Decks MPLS to reveal how discovering house music transformed her life after years of feeling disconnected from music entirely. In a meteoric journey from first hearing dance music just a few years ago to building a groundbreaking, secret-venue nightlife space, Dana shares how providing safety, joy, and community for trans and queer people is both her calling and a form of activism—especially at a time when so many trans folks are seeking refuge in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis.

Dana describes Gateway’s evolution, from its mission-driven, word-of-mouth beginnings to monthly fundraising events and sensory-friendly spaces for those needing a break from the dance floor. She discusses the personal urgency driving her “speedrun” through DJing and promoting, the challenges and rewards of holding space for others, and why championing trans joy is both vital and radical in today’s climate. If you want to hear how one person channeled self-discovery into collective empowerment through music, and how dancefloors can become sites of resistance, heart, and healing, don’t miss this episode.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Te9RnDm_ovA

CATCH THE B2B:

GUEST + Harry Duran YouTube:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/dana-kazuko-b2b-harry-duran

1. Create spaces that center trans joy—prioritize safe, inclusive events where everyone can express themselves freely.
2. Don’t wait for approval—start something meaningful now and speedrun your learning; every hour you invest accelerates your mastery.
3. Build community while you dance—combine fun with fundraising, resource sharing, and mutual aid to support those in need.
4. Embrace your unique sound—play what excites you, not just what impresses others; authenticity connects more than conformity.
5. Volunteer your strengths—community venues like Gateway are always seeking help, from editorial skills to health and safety support—step up and make a difference.

https://www.instagram.com/danakazuko/

https://www.facebook.com/dana.kazuko

June 20: TC Trans Mutual Aid Fundraiser at Gateway.

June 25: Have Your Cake and Eat it too Pride Kickoff.

June 25: Funk Liberation with Shaun J. Wright at Gateway

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

"Bring your own perspective, bring your culture into it, bring your background into it, bring your loves and likes into it," says DJ Madre, the Minneapolis DJ and owner of Wax World, whose journey from growing up poor in South Minneapolis to curating inclusive, community-driven dance floors is anything but typical.

On this episode of Behind the Decks MPLS, Rosa shares how her early memories of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation tour, drumming lessons as a child, and coming up in immigrant-dense neighborhoods shaped her unique outlook on music and space-making. She dives deep into the real work of making Minneapolis’s DJ scene more equitable—whether that’s teaching others to spin vinyl, building nightlife experiences for queer and trans youth, or running her record shop as a true grassroots hub.

Rosa doesn't shy away from the tougher realities of the music world, sharing what it means to stand firm against racism and exclusion, and honestly reflecting on what it takes to “pay it forward” in an industry that hasn’t always valued her perspective. Her story is a blend of vulnerability, grit, and devotion to authentic community—a refreshing take on what DJing and dance floors can be.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/dBkv4-LnbvE

CATCH THE B2B:

DJ Madre + Harry Duran YouTube: https://youtu.be/pL4h6I_2Eso

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-344089927/dj-madre-b2b-harry-duran

1. Bring your authentic self—infuse your culture, background, and honest perspective into your DJ sets so the crowd sees the real you.
2. Build and nurture community—create safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, honored, and free to express themselves.
3. Don’t wait for access—get hands-on with the tools you have, start making mixes, and teach yourself relentlessly.
4. Support your scene—share opportunities, pay DJs fairly, and keep money circulating within your local creative community.
5. When setbacks hit, adapt and rebuild—transform loss into momentum by saying yes to new opportunities and collaborations.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waxworldmn

KFAI Radio (Minneapolis community radio station) - https://kfai.org/

District 202 (historic LGBTQ+ youth community center, Minneapolis) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_202

KDWB (Minnesota radio station) - https://kdwb.iheart.com/

Wax World (Minneapolis record store run by Rosa) - https://www.waxworldmpls.com/

Red Sea (Minneapolis venue) - https://redseamn.com/

Suede Studios (media production/streaming company) - https://suedestudios.com/

Technics 1200 (iconic DJ turntable) - https://www.technics.com/global/products/dj/

DVS1 (influential Minneapolis DJ/producer) - https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/dvs1

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

“You gotta support the people that support you and don’t go overboard for people that don’t do shit for you, basically. And buy your friends’ fucking music and play your friend’s music and then everything will be all right,” says , a Colombian-born DJ and producer whose journey from the salsa-soaked parties of Cali to the legendary clubs of New York City, and now Minneapolis, is anything but ordinary.

Appearing on Behind the Decks MPLS, traces his path from a shy kid at family gatherings—intimidated by Colombia’s fiercely rhythmic salsa culture—to discovering personal freedom through electronic music and iconic DVDs of Tiesto in Amsterdam. He explains how crafting beats on FL Studio in his teens helped him find belonging, even before he stepped behind the decks. Now, after 15 years in the heart of NYC’s nightlife and a soulful restart in Minnesota, brings a unique, global sound and a spirit of community to the local scene. He gets candid about culture shock, the grind of immigrant life, why representation still matters at big shows, and shares real-world advice for aspiring DJs forging their own creative paths.

Curious how a record gifted by his grandfather, late-night vinyl sessions at Cielo, and a family move to Minneapolis all fuse into one inspiring DJ philosophy? Listen to this electric episode of Behind the Decks MPLS.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2gUI4YUFe2U

CATCH THE B2B:

GUEST + Harry Duran YouTube: https://youtu.be/U-C2S48ryAo

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-344089927/st-xose-b2b-harry-duran

1. Support those who support you—build your community by actively showing up for the people who show up for you.
2. Buy and play your friends’ music—directly invest in your network and lift others as you rise.
3. Get out of your comfort zone—go to events, network, and relentlessly seek out your music people wherever you land.
4. Do it from the heart—let passion drive your work, not just outcomes or trends.
5. Prioritize your health—drink electrolytes and care for your well-being so you can sustain late nights and long journeys.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/st_xose

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/plush_mpls

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

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Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

"Take advantage of your circle and the people around you that are already doing it, and don't be afraid to ask for help," says TNA, a rising star in Minneapolis’ house and electronic music scene. In this episode of Behind the Decks MPLS, TNA shares how moving from Dallas, Texas to snowy Stillwater shaped her eclectic musical tastes—from her parents' soulful R&B and Nigerian influences to her solo trek into electronic music with a Disclosure concert that sparked her DJ journey.

She reveals how being active and intentional in the local scene—as both a partygoer and performer—helped her find her groove, eventually landing high-profile gigs opening for acts like Chris Lake. Now shifting her focus from gigging to honing her craft as a producer, TNA reflects on building community, the thrill and nerves of breaking into DJing, and how showing up, being authentic, and connecting with others opened every door. Whether you’re a Minneapolis music lover or an aspiring DJ, Tina’s story is a blueprint for finding your sound and your scene.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rlzuU8fypJ4

CATCH THE B2B:

TNA + Harry Duran YouTube: https://youtu.be/WKY9h9HCMNU

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-344089927/tna-b2b-harry-duran-behind-the-decks-mpls

1. Don’t wait for invitations—attend local events, introduce yourself, and get your face in the scene.
2. Take advantage of your existing network—ask for help, collaborate, and practice with friends to sharpen your skills.
3. Say yes to opportunities early on—experience and “doing the reps” in different settings build real confidence.
4. Challenge yourself to find and play unique, underplayed tracks—curate intentionally to stand out from the crowd.
5. Shift from doing everything to being intentional—focus your energy where you can grow most, whether it’s gigging less or deepening your production craft.

Instagram - https://instagram.com/akadjtna

Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/akadjtna

RESOURCES

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

“When you talk to someone that you’ve never met, that is feeling a way—that you’ve created a space for them to have an emotion or a feeling or a connection or whatever that word is that they didn’t have when they walked in—that’s cool,” says Nick Gunz, Minneapolis DJ, party promoter, and community builder, who joins Behind the Decks MPLS to share how his journey from a small town in Wisconsin to the heart of Minneapolis’s house scene has been fueled by the pursuit of music-driven connection.

With candor and humor, Nick Gunz traces his evolution from car-bound tape deck mixtape obsession and youthful dreams of hitting Chicago, to years spent throwing warehouse parties, promoting shows, and cultivating the city’s beloved Day Funk event series. He explains the high (and sometimes losses) of storytelling as party promotion, the philosophy behind curating inclusive, all-ages spaces, and why—after years of making a party about himself—he finds the lasting joy is in focusing on how people feel together in the moment. If you want house music with heart, vision, and a piece of Minneapolis history, you’ll want to hear Nick Gunz’s journey on Behind the Decks MPLS.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/PK5ZUyOrL5Q

CATCH THE B2B:

Nick Gunz + Harry Duran YouTube: https://youtu.be/RqCBz-mVlyY

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-344089927/nick-gunz-b2b-harry-duran

1. Make your events less about yourself and more about the experience you create—focus on the feeling your audience walks away with, not your personal spotlight.
2. Tell powerful stories when promoting—don’t just push DJs or lineups, craft a narrative that gets people emotionally invested before they even arrive.
3. Invest in infrastructure—own your gear, stay on top of maintenance, and be ready for the chaos and cable mishaps that nonstop event production brings.
4. Move with generosity—build a culture where people keep coming back because they feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.
5. Don’t wait—if you see what could work, take action; create the space, book the lineup, and bring your vision to life without overthinking.

"When you talk to someone that you've never met who is feeling a way, and you've created a space for them to have an emotion or a connection they didn't have when they walked in, that's cool."

"The payoff now is this idea of creating something that didn't exist yesterday, that won't exist tomorrow, where people come in and experience something that's about them."

"If I was up and coming and trying to build an audience, I would figure out a way to make it less about me and more about the people I'm trying to make feel a certain way."

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsallhappeningrightnow

Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/WbhvNplhovfZp9mqKk

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co