DJ Mr. Mumu adds shape, substance to dance scene

By Jill Spitznass

The Portland Tribune, Apr 1, 2005, Updated Oct 30, 2009

A 1989 police raid in Des Moines gave Portland one of its best DJs. Tony Gradischnig was 17 when he threw his first rave in his Iowa hometown where a city ordinance prohibited citizens from dancing after 2 a.m.

“We were raided by cops in full riot gear,” he says of the life-changing moment. “That was it for me; I knew it was time to get out Ñ and I’ve never looked back.”

Now 32, Gradischnig is better known as Mr. Mumu, the man responsible for spinning some of the most progressive, grooveworthy beats at Portland clubs and events.

Next up is the fifth annual Red Dress Party, where Gradischnig will direct the dance floor. A fund-raiser with rotating beneficiaries (this year it’s Our House of Portland and the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center), the popular event requires guests to wear Ñ you guessed it Ñ red dresses.

The resident DJ at Saucebox on Fridays and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Gradischnig, with Barrett Paul, also blends late-night beats every Saturday at Doug Fir’s Knotty Disco.

One thing’s guaranteed: Mr. Mumu’s music is not what you danced to at your cousin’s wedding. This DJ prides himself on pushing the sonic barrier.

“I don’t have any competition in Portland,” he says plainly. “I’m blessed with great instincts. I’m also lazy and stubborn. These qualities have gotten me where I am today.”

Those instincts, he says, aren’t improved by practicing in the mirror.

“I talk to these guys who sit around their apartment and practice five hours a day. Forget it. Playing out is my practice.”

A part-time gig at 360 Vinyl in Old Town helps him suss out the best European club music for his playlist.

“I wouldn’t say I have a signature sound; I’ll try a lot of different things,” he says, adding that variety keeps his sound spicy. “Unlike other DJs, I don’t play the same set every night. One night I’ll play a lot of sexy Latin house music, and the next I’ll play gritty electronica. But I never jump on a sound just because it’s new.”

1 | 2 Next Page >>

Facebook	Digg	Del.icio.us
Newsvine	Stumbleupon	Reddit