·E9

DJ Culture in Minneapolis: From Rondo to House Music with Sheltron

July 10

33 mins

Episode Description

📺 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

5 Key Takeaways

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.
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."