Starlight Thursdays – Episode 260

This episode marks the 5-year anniversary of the mix series! To celebrate, we have something truly special: a guest mix from Carr Tell, inspired by the “Made in Montana” mixes I used to release on past anniversaries. This concept brings together tracks exclusively from Montana-based producers, curated and mixed into a single cohesive experience. I’m beyond thrilled to have Carr pick up where I left off with the project—it’s a powerful full-circle moment.

There’s something magical about this kind of collaboration. Artists get to hear their music performed by another artist, often in ways they hadn’t imagined. It can be eye-opening. And for our community, it’s a chance to hear what I believe is the true sound of the Montana underground—a sound that may be subtle and nuanced, but deeply worth celebrating.

For the DJ, it’s no easy task. You’re working with genres and styles you might not usually play, trying to piece them together like a jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the box. But that challenge can be transformational. Personally, this process gave me a deeper connection to every artist who contributed. I wanted to honor their work—I didn’t want to let them down.

Now, here we are: 260 mixes and 5 years in. We’ve hit over 52,000 streams, with listeners on every continent and in every state. What began as a way to stay connected during the pandemic has become something much more. We recently celebrated our 100th artist featured on the series.

With live recordings from Montana festivals, club nights, house parties, and parades—across venues statewide—this archive includes everything from debut mixes to all-vinyl sets and original live performances. I can’t express how grateful I am for the effort so many artists have put into this, and to our listeners: thank you for trusting us with your ears and making us feel heard. This has been a truly priceless experience.

— BK Love

Carr Tell:

“One thing I’ve always loved about the Thursday mixes is how they give everyone a chance to be heard. Montana producers really showed up for this one. I’m never surprised—but I’m always impressed—by the talent this state holds! While this was a challenging mix, I loved every minute of it, weaving together multiple genres and BPMs into a story only Carr could Tell.”

Track list

Seas To The Sky - The Other Side Of Dawn

Implied Lines - Ninteneaux

Star Map - Lab Grade

Talking Bout A Revolution - Tracy Chapman - Taboh Edit

It Never Entered My Mind - Miles Davis - Tessub Edit

Trippin - Ninteneaux

Check Yo - Carr Tell

Cellar Dweller - Hex and Hive

SDB - Party Robbins

Thought Shit - Quadratic Spheres

Come Play with Us - Carr Tell

First Hex - Hex and Hive

Susie Q - CCR - Party Robbins Bootleg

Unreleased - SHBASS

Good Company - The Montana Boy

Welcome To The Shit Show - Tessub

Color Of Everything - Taboh

Out Of This World - Gruv42 and Shane Dee

Make Them Make Us - Shane Dee

Fake I.D. - Rave Edit - DC CHI3F

I.T.G.I.R.L. - Rave Edit - DC CHI3F

Starlight Thursdays Episode 259 featuring Party Robbins

This week on Starlight Thursdays, we welcome back Party Robbins for another unforgettable ride through the rhythmic cosmos. Known for weaving energy, intention, and joy into every set, Party Robbins delivers a mix that builds with purpose, layering textures and tempo as it dives deeper into the groove. Whether you’re dancing in your kitchen, sweating it out at the gym, or cruising under the stars, this one’s built to move your body and soul.

– BK Love –

Howdy! I’m back again with a new mix that has one simple goal: make you move. Not one to be coy, I make my intentions known from the first track and keep the beats banging. This 45-minute dance party features some deep cuts and classic house remixes, getting deeper with every beat.

Have fun and be safe 🤙

– Jack (Party Robbins)

Starlight Thursdays Episode 258: Featuring Mimsy

In this episode, we rewind to the electric energy of Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the one and only Club Zebra. This night marked the launch of Mimsy’s bold new queer-focused party series titled “Category Is:”—a space carved out for radical self-expression, vibrant community, and unapologetic sound.

For this debut edition, the Category Is: Bass, Techno, and Midtempo—and the floor was on fire from start to finish. The lineup was stacked with a dynamic range of DJs, each bringing their own flavor to the mix—from grinding midtempo grooves and driving techno rhythms to face-melting dubstep drops and deep, sub-heavy basslines that rattled the walls and shook the soul.

Mimsy got on the decks with a fierce and unforgettable set, weaving glitchy textures, haunting melodies, and chest-thumping low-end into a high-octane journey that had the whole room locked in. The crowd was a beautiful mix of familiar faces and new friends, all moving as one under the strobes and lights, surrendering to the pulse of the music.

It was more than a party—it was a statement, a celebration, and a damn good time.

For more Mimsy check out

https://on.soundcloud.com/ZgamdfxX4fErMPtp9

Starlight Thursdays Episode 257 Welcome MONUMENT to the series!

Let’s get a. Deeper look into this talented artist behind the mix with a short interview.

How long have you been DJing?

About 2 years

Why did you get into it?

I’ve been playing music and producing electronic music for many years, but only went to my first rave about 3 years ago and absolutely got hooked on house and techno.

What events have you played?

Pride and other events with Auntie E, RENDEZVOUS with 98 ROMANTIQUE, Daisy Chain Halloween with STICKSNSTONES and 98 Romantique, various other deep woods raves and parties around the Pacific Northwest.

Where do you live (generally)?

The Mission Valley, MT

Where are you from originally?

Born and raised here in MT, though i’ve lived all over.

What inspires you to DJ?

Nothing feels more beautiful to me than a room full of people dancing as hard as they possibly can- I jump at any chance i can find to contribute to what i think is a genuine biological, emotional, social, spiritual necessity. My goal in my sets is to get people out of their heads and into their emotional and physical bodies- to that end i tend to play fairly ecstatic, positive stuff most of time.

What inspires you about electronic music culture?

While every scene has its flaws, i do find EDM to be maximally inclusive, positive, and generative.

What genres are in your mix? 

I’m not huge on knowing/understanding genre- what i know i respond to most are the torchy vocals of house, drums with a lot of low end and clatter, the textures of acid house, afrobeat, cumbia, baile funk, chicago and detroit house, and propulsive beats. Everything is permitted. 

A few words about your mix? 

This mix is basically a distillation of everything i’ve absorbed in the last year or so- still so much to discover and be inspired by!

Who are some of the artists in your mix?

Kerri Chandler, Dam Swindle, Leon Vynehall, Cinthie, bress underground, Voyeur

For more MONUMENT check out

https://soundcloud.com/jahsafe

Starlight Thursdays Episode 256 featuring Quadratic Spheres in his “Burning Psytrance CDs” mix.

Although most DJs aren’t spinning CDs these days—hell, most don’t even own CDs, let alone the gear to mix them. Well, Quadratic Spheres isn’t like most DJs. He embraces the old school and the nostalgia, digging into the tactile roots of the craft with a deep appreciation for sound, format, and flow.

This mix is a trip, relentless, hypnotic. Psytrance in its purest, blazing through time and space like a smoked out rave spaceship with cracked vape cases rattling on the dash. There’s something beautiful about hearing music that wasn’t just selected, but summoned. The mix pulses with intention, layering cosmic frequencies and acid etched textures that transport you far beyond the club. Quadratic Spheres doesn’t just play tracks, he conducts a séance with the past, channeling the chaotic spirit of DIY raves and basement parties where lasers met sweat and the music never lets up. This is trance for heads who remember what it felt like to burn their favorite mix onto a blank disc, scribble a Sharpie title and hand it off to a close friend.

So whether you’re deep in the woods, on a long night drive, or just looking to fry your third eye for a while, press play. The past is alive and it’s still kicking 4 to the floor.

What a wonderful Afternoon! The coffee was fresh, the dancers well rested, the sun was shining, the disco tiles were shimmering and dancing right along with us in the first installment of Morning Blend at Funk It Coffee and Thrift!

I love a sober day party. I love the energy people bring, and I love that we all carry that energy throughout the rest of our day. I feel more free to select tunes I might not normally play in a dark club at 1am, and thus more free to express myself. I'm truly honored to take part in the Morning Blend series, and I hope to participate again in the absolute magic that Funk It sets in their space. -- MumbleBee

Track List

Hello - Axel Boman

Independant Dancer - Kalabrese

How RU Plush - D. Tiffany

Aus. - Nina Kravis, King Aus

Bump & Shake - Sine Step

Stop Time - ANIMA!

Echo Azure - DOC SLEEP

The Blues - Romare

Szrika - Kornel Kovaks

Herd Animals - Julie Pavon

Most Really Pretty Girls have Pretty Ugly Feet - HNNY

Maybes (RAC Remix) - Giraffage, Japanese Breakfast

CLK Recovery - Objekt

All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem

Insect Near Piha Beach - Four Tet

New, Crunchy Earth! - MumbleBee

Machines Socialist - MumbleBee

Starlight Thursdays Episode 254 featuring a live recording of BK Love performing at The Top Hat.

This was my first time DJing at this legendary venue—a place where I’ve danced to countless shows over the years and always dreamed of being on that stage. Getting to open the night for Chase Bjornson and Kapture was an absolute honor and a ton of fun.

This mix dives deep into the style I’ve been curating lately—maybe I should call it the Jungle Boogie vibe. With our long, cold winters in western Montana, I find it essential to bring some sunshine into the dark season. Lately, nothing has been moving me like hand drums, brass horns, and catchy melodies—sounds that transport us thousands of miles from our mountain paradise into the depths of the jungle. Latin, Afro, and tropical rhythms have been my biggest inspirations, and this mix is a reflection of that energy.

Many DJs describe their sets as a journey, and this is no different—but this isn’t just any journey. This is a first-class ride to some of the most remote places on Earth, where music has ancient roots and sound is a living, breathing spirit. To fully absorb what this mix has to offer, you’ll need to step slightly outside your comfort zone. Safety is only an illusion in the jungle.

This is an adventure, and when you return, you won’t be the same. I’ll be your guide. Together, we dance—with courage in our hearts and pride in our people.

- BK Love -

For more BK Love, come to the Zebra Bozeman 2/28/25 for a live DJ set, or check out this playlist with more live recordings taken from music festivals to club nights

https://on.soundcloud.com/jQixWxMY79oNSeAN7

Starlight Thursdays Episode 253 Featuring kaPOWski.

My set was recorded live @ Burning Man 2024 on the Coat Check mutant vehicle. Rolling out from the Center Camp area shortly after dark Tuesday night, I had my small controller and a laptop perched precariously on a rickety folding table two stories up. The vehicle was full of friends, with more following on bicycles (and even a golf cart!) weaving behind us like a school of neon fish. We laughed at the inanity of it all and stopped at some cool art pieces to let people mingle and dance in the desert for a moment before loading up again and cruising on. It was definitely a peak experience for me. I really just wanted to have fun with it, playing some techy  and bassy house with lots of super fun stutter vocals and acid notes. I’m positive that many of these songs will remind me of this night for the rest of my life!

For more kaPOWski check out

https://on.soundcloud.com/vcZ81A8uKbAjy5X48

Starlight Thursdays Episode 252 Featuring a live recording of Pandaura performing at our 2025 New Years celebration “Star Garden”

NYE this year for me was all about the melding of the new with the classic. The party itself was a collaboration between the new sound crew on the block Backwoods Beats and longtime Missoula sound crew Starlight (inside)/Ghetto Gypsy (outside). My mix is a lot of contemporary disco and some more disco-y house. There's been a small resurgence of the disco sound but with modern production techniques in the last few years, and it was a pleasure seeing people enjoy the real instruments and groovy vocals that populate this music. Big thanks to everyone who made that night so special: dancers, DJs, fire spinners, visual artists, food/drink vendors, etc. etc. I love this community and wouldn't be here today without it. Please look out for one another, we'll make it through together.

-Pandaura-

Be sure to catch Pandaura live in Missoula 3/1/25 12-3pm at our latest collaboration with Funk It

Starlight Thursdays Episode 251, Welcome FOUTS to the series! We did a little interview to get better acquainted.

How long have you been DJing? 

I began mixing in fall of 2023 and performed for others for the first time during New Years at the end of that year.

Why did you get into it?

My partner, kaPOWski, is a DJ. I have always been a music nerd, and watching over their shoulder I couldn’t help but be intrigued. I have such a specific memory of a night that some friends and I spent up at Hyalite, where we dragged all of the sound equipment up to one of the forest service cabins. That is the first time I remember actually trying to mix. It was fast-paced and exciting and such an alluring combination of feeling the music and paying attention to the more technical aspects of the rhythms. I was hooked. Starting to DJ also felt like the natural next step as I consumed more live-mixed music at events and started being able to recognize artists by their sound. I couldn’t not try it for myself. I feel so much more connected to tracks that I love when I get to mix them myself.

What events have you played?

I have mostly played at Burning Man and regional burns, with some local community events thrown in. It was an honor to be asked to play the first Sound Haven event in Helena this past November—the queer dance party initiative put together by Hnnh Beets, among others. 

Where do you live ? 

Bozeman, MT

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Maine and lived there until I was 14. I then lived in Miami, FL until I graduated high school.

What inspires you to DJ? 

I spend a lot of time listening to sets by my favorite producers and DJs. Oftentimes this is background music for me, but I love that moment of becoming instantly aware when a track comes on that I connect with. The Shazam comes out and I add it to my giant playlist of tracks that I might download and play in the future. Going through this curated list, I love being able to vividly remember the first time I heard the song. When music moves me like that, I want to get my hands on it, connecting the waveform on the deck to the narrative structure of the track, feeling out where I can play with effects and make transitions. It is an intensely satisfying process for me from start to finish.

What inspires you about electronic music culture?

I am deeply inspired by the origins of this music. From Chicago’s underground warehouse scene where pioneering black artists inspired by disco started mixing old standards and creating electronic tracks, house music has always been a refuge for those not accepted by mainstream society to come together and dance. Queer and black joy is inherently embedded in this culture. Initiatives like FEMME HOUSE and Beatport’s 2020 Pride series continue to do the work to elevate voices that are unfortunately not yet centralized in the zeitgeist. Anytime I am on stage, I feel honored to be a tiny part of this work—to show up exactly the way that I am and to be able to move those listening along with me.

What genres are in your mix? 

Mostly progressive house with a bit of techno and tech house thrown in.

Can you tell us a few words about your mix?  

I really wanted to create a good work mix for my friends—something to bounce to at a desk during those long hours. I was able to work in some tracks that I love but struggle to play for a dance party with those long bridges. I really enjoy the combination of the melodic aspects of this set alongside driving beats and unexpected noise elements.

Anything else you want us to know?

I am continually uplifted by the acceptance and love I have found among the community of Montana DJs. I love how many of us are queer and femme and continuing to push the envelope in the way we show up. It has been so rewarding to learn and be encouraged by my peers on this journey!

For more Fouts check out

https://soundcloud.com/djfouts

Come see her perform live b2b with her partner kaPOWski at Valid Times Day Feb14 - 2025