Nola Rave is a DJ, producer, and party promoter with deep roots in Minnesota. She stopped by the studio to record a mix with old favorites and funky deep cuts. We chatted with Nola about her background and intentions for the mix. Read a transcript of the interview, edited for length and clarity, below:

What made you want to become a DJ?

I actually was a DJ at the radio station in Duluth, for the university when I was in college a long time ago. That's when raving was kind of big and I discovered house music. I was playing hard rock music on the radio station, and then my friends were like, “listen to this music.” So, I started getting into Mark Farina and house music. Then I just was like, I need to play the music because nobody's playing funky enough.

What is Freak of the Week and how did it get started?

It’s our party, second Fridays of the month at Beast Barbecue. We’re from Duluth, so 12 years ago, we started throwing parties there, just small ones. But Duluth isn't really like a DJ scene, so it was very small. But then when we moved down here, like nine years ago, we just started doing different parties around town and kind of like barhopping, moving Freak of the Week around.

When we moved here is when the “Freak of the Week” name stuck, because it was a really fun name for a party. We did it at Kitty Kat Club, Pimento, and some other places. Eventually, John from Beast BBQ called me after COVID was done and asked if I wanted to just do a show there, and the rest is history. We've been doing it for a few years there and it's a really good fit. All the staff is awesome and people know where to go now instead of having to figure out what bar we're at and stuff.

What have been some of your favorite memories from hosting the Freak of the Week events?

Oh my god, there are so many. I feel like every one is just my favorite. I'm like, “this was my favorite.” And then the next one happens and it’s like, “no, this is my favorite!” Having DJ T-1000 was really special. Making friends from Detroit who come and play. It's been really special. Just making friends has been the best part, playing music with people who understand that we're not just like playing one style. We're kind of going all over the place and having fun, and it's just about having a good time. Let loose.

What do you have in store for us today?

All kinds of stuff. I'm gonna see how far I can get. A lot of slow, funk builds, and then some actual funk, and then some disco. Hopefully I'll get to house and techno, but I don't know how far I can get in an hour!

Where can people find you?

DJNola.com should have all of my info!

Follow Nola Rave on Instagram to stay up to date with her events.

You can also catch Nola Rave at The Great Beyond Festival later this month. Nola says she’s thinking of doing a drum n’ bass set. You won’t wanna miss it. Find more information about The Great Beyond on their website.

Stay tuned for new mixes on Carbon Sound every other Wednesday. If you’re a DJ and want to be considered for the series, email a mix of yours to jgreen@mpr.org.