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/YTcOKn3mgQoKenna B2B Harry DuranYouTube: https://youtu.be/qihWIkD58XcSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/kenna-b2b-harry-duran5 Key TakeawaysThere 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.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.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.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.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.Memorable Quotes"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."Connect with KennaInstagram: https://l.instagram.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DvbWgHcDN/Resources Mentionedvoiceofculture.org - Kenna's nonprofit dedicated to Black arts and culture; RSVP for Mini House Picnic here - voiceofculture.orgMini House Picnic III - Kenna's all-day house music picnic, Sunday, September 12th, 2027KFAI - Community radio station in Cedar-Riverside, home of Mostly Jazz, Saturdays 9:00 to 11:00 AMKRSM - Radio station where Kenna hosts her all-mix show of Black musicWHOB FM - Jazz radio station where Kenna started DJing in collegeThe Chosen Few - Chicago house music event that inspired the Mini House PicnicStraight Fya on Twitch - DJ Get Down's crew, live back-to-back DJ sets Sundays 10:00 AM to 8:00 PMDJU program - DJ training program with DJ Madre that Yancey went throughPeople's Records - Record store in DetroitUrban Lights - Black-owned record store in St. PaulNorthland - Roller rink in DetroitRadiate Marketing, MN - Marketing for the Mini House PicnicMo Better Blues - Film mentioned from Kenna's college yearsConnect with UsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnLListen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542baListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897MPLSHOUSEWebsite: https://www.mplshouse.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouseYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouseAngel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandroCreditsPodcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Recordshttps://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004 Hosted by Harry DuranInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeatsSoundcloud: 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: URLCATCH THE B2B:GUEST + Harry Duran YouTube:Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/dory-kahale-ralph-laurenn-b2b-harry-duran5 Key TakeawaysDig deep into your local music history—knowing your scene’s roots gives authenticity and sets you apart.Build real connections within your community; show up, support others, and nurture authentic friendships that last.Invest in your craft—spend time and resources discovering unique sounds no one else has, and use them to stand out.Stay adaptable: Embrace new technology as it comes, but hold on to what makes your creative process special.Give back—share your knowledge, mentor new talent, and actively help grow the scene that supports you.Memorable Quotes"I love that I'm at a point now in my DJ career where I can play old stuff, and I'm lucky that I can play old stuff. The people that hear me play it—a lot of them were around back then. I obviously attract an older crowd, and I love that there are also younger people that look at me as someone who was playing that stuff when it was new.""In my experience, the cool shit cuts through and the dumb stuff falls to the wayside. By ‘wayside’ I mean sometimes that's just the mainstream. If you want to try to become successful in the underground, there are enough people who will see through your bullshit. The only good things that happen to you in an underground scene come from people recognizing your authenticity.""I had this opportunity that started almost 40 years ago, and I'm still doing it. I'm still part of the local scene. Somehow I lived through it and didn't give up on it when things got weird, and I'm lucky that people still like what I do."Connect with DoryEmail - [email protected] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorykahaleInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/djralphlaurennFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BYWXQfSfB/Resources MentionedKEXP Radio - https://www.kexp.org/Rev 105 (legendary Minneapolis radio station, not currently active) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rev_105Submerge (radio and event + ticketing platform by Dorica Hayley) - https://submerge.fm/Resident Advisor (DJ interviews & music journalism) - https://ra.co/Connect with UsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnLListen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542baListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897MPLSHOUSEWebsite: https://www.mplshouse.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouseYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouseAngel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandroCreditsPodcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Recordshttps://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004 Hosted by Harry DuranInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeatsSoundcloud: 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: URLCATCH THE B2B:GUEST + Harry Duran YouTube:Soundcloud:5 Key TakeawaysKnow your music inside-out—study every track, every sound, and every transition to truly command your craft.Explore beyond your comfort zone—experiment with genres, eras, and cultures to expand your sound and inspire new creative directions.Prioritize storytelling and programming—curate thoughtful, dynamic sets that take listeners on a journey, not just a rapid-fire of hits.Build genuine connections—get out, meet people, play diverse venues, and value every opportunity to share your music and learn from others.Stay a lifelong student—embrace curiosity, remain humble, and always be eager to listen, learn, and evolve as an artist.Memorable Quotes"I will do a lot of crazy things, but I will not walk on a frozen lake. You can't pay me enough money to walk on a frozen lake. That’s where I draw my line.""I find DJing has been really such a blessing, a really accessible way for me to take all of that angst and put it out. When I play music, when I'm DJing, there is a story that I'm telling—even if people dancing don’t necessarily know what I’m saying, I know.""Know your music front to back, back to front, sideways, upside down, in any way or form. When you know it that well, you're not just standing there waving at the crowd, you're actually working, you're telling stories, you're creating new textures."Connect with AbelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abeljohnson/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abel_mpls/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abel.ayobola.johnsonResources MentionedTraktor 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-foshayDance Church - https://go.dancechurch.com/Amapiano (music genre resource) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AmapianoConnect with UsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnLListen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542baListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897MPLSHOUSEWebsite: https://www.mplshouse.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouseYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouseAngel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandroCreditsPodcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Recordshttps://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004 Hosted by Harry DuranInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeatsSoundcloud: 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/s8SKxk4XiBkCATCH THE B2B:Sheltron + Harry Duran YouTube: https://youtu.be/s8SKxk4XiBkSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/sheltron-b2b-harry-duran 5 Key TakeawaysDive 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.Get curious and chase your passions—follow your interests, explore new skills, and don’t be afraid to hyper-fixate. Curiosity fuels creativity.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.Share relentlessly—use music, visuals, or DJing to put your discoveries into the world and connect with others who vibe with what you love.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.Memorable Quotes"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.""I like to share things because I like to learn things. One of the things that really scratches the itch for me, DJing, is that I get to share music with people.""If you really like music, I think DJing is for you, just flat out, period. But the intent and your end game is very much up to you."Connect with SheltronInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheltron.wavConnect with UsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnLListen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542baListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897MPLSHOUSEWebsite: https://www.mplshouse.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouseYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouseAngel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandroCreditsPodcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Recordshttps://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004 Hosted by Harry DuranInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeatsSoundcloud: 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_ovACATCH THE B2B:GUEST + Harry Duran YouTube: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/dana-kazuko-b2b-harry-duran5 Key TakeawaysCreate spaces that center trans joy—prioritize safe, inclusive events where everyone can express themselves freely.Don’t wait for approval—start something meaningful now and speedrun your learning; every hour you invest accelerates your mastery.Build community while you dance—combine fun with fundraising, resource sharing, and mutual aid to support those in need.Embrace your unique sound—play what excites you, not just what impresses others; authenticity connects more than conformity.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.Memorable Quotes"I just started hearing dance music three and a half years ago, and I just started DJing not even two and a half years ago. But I’ve put so many hours into it that, even though it feels short on the calendar, I’ve probably put in as many hours as someone who’s done it much longer.""Trans joy is resistance. Having this time when people are struggling and coming up with nothing, what can I do to make them feel free for a minute? That’s why dance and joy matter so much right now.""I’m proud of what Gateway is because it’s not just a club—it’s a mission. We’ve raised a ton of money for worthy causes, and we’re really about creating a safe space where people can be free, even if it’s just for a night."Connect with Danahttps://www.instagram.com/danakazuko/https://www.facebook.com/dana.kazukoJune 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 GatewayConnect with UsWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnLListen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542baListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897MPLSHOUSEWebsite: https://www.mplshouse.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouseYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouseAngel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandroCreditsPodcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Recordshttps://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004 Hosted by Harry DuranInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeatsSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co