Dana Kazuko B2B Harry Duran

Dive into the heart of the Minneapolis–Twin Cities electronic music scene with Behind the Decks MPLS! In this episode, DJ and Gateway founder Dana Kazico shares her journey from discovering dance music to building safe, trans-centered spaces and driving the local house and techno culture forward. Explore stories of community, DJ influences, and the passion behind underground raves, then stay tuned for a back-to-back set that embodies the Twin Cities’ diverse electronic sound. Whether you’re into house music, techno, DJ culture, LGBTQ+ nightlife, or want to discover the real people growing Minneapolis' underground scenes, this show brings you exclusive interviews and unforgettable DJ sets—perfect for anyone who loves electronic music and local music culture. Subscribe for new episodes exploring DJ life, dance music, and community in the Midwest! Subscribe to our channel and watch past episodes here:    • Behind the Decks MPLS   LISTEN TO THE AUDIO: https://feeds.captivate.fm/behind-the... WATCH THE INTERVIEW:    • Inside Gateway: Building America’s First T...   B2B ON SOUNDCLOUD:   / dana-kazuko-b2b-harry-duran   Key Takeaways ============ 00:00 Introductions 00:05 Growing Up in Madison and Musical Beginnings 00:12 Discovering Dance Music and Gender Transition 00:19 Founding Gateway and Community Vision 00:25 Crafting a Safe, Inclusive Space 00:31 Building Community, Challenges, and Future Plans 00:36 Advice for DJs and Closing Thoughts 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 Dana ============   / danakazuko     / 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 Behind the Decks MPLS Podcast Elsewhere ============ Watch on YouTube:    • Behind the Decks MPLS   Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB... Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Soundcloud:   / behind-the-decks-mpls   MPLSHOUSE ============ Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/ Instagram:   / mplshouse   YouTube:    / @mplshouse3333   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse Angel Sandro on Instagram:   / angelmsandro   Hosted by Harry Duran ============ Instagram:   / djhdbeats   Soundcloud:   / djhd   Credits ============ Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/a... 🎧 Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast → https://fullcast.co 🎧 About Behind the Decks MPLS ============ Electronic music scenes don’t grow from algorithms—they grow from people, late nights, and local rooms that shape the sound. Each episode of Behind the Decks MPLS features an in-depth interview with a DJ from the Minneapolis–Twin Cities scene, followed by a back-to-back DJ set that captures their style, influences, and energy behind the decks. If you love house and electronic music, DJ culture, local scenes, and discovering the stories behind the music—this show is for you.