mixmagMMW SPECIAL EDITION


Before the Monty Kiddo project existed, the artist was already building


momentum within


Chicago’s local scene under his real name. Those early years were marked by experimenta- tion, exploration and a gradual process of discovering what kind of sound and identity truly resonated with him. Rather than rushing to create a brand, he waited until the musical direction felt coherent enough to stand on its own. The eventual emer- gence of Monty Kiddo was less a calculated marketing move than the natural result of a creative process finding its shape. “After a lot of exploration and experimen- tation, the Monty Kiddo project naturally took shape and things started to make sense.”


The decision also created a separation between personal identity and artistic persona, allowing the project to develop its own character and aesthetic language. That distance proved important as the music evolved into something more defined and recognizable. When the tracks themselves began to signal their belonging to this new creative world, the moment felt unmis- takable. “As soon as I started hearing tunes and thinking ‘Oh that’s a Monty kind of track’, I knew it was time.”


The pandemic years unexpec- tedly accelerated that trans- formation. With touring halted and nightlife paused across the globe, many artists were forced into a period of introspection and studio immersion. For Monty Kiddo, that isolation created the rare opportunity to focus entirely on sound design, digging through records and refining his production instincts. Freed from the constant motion of everyday life, he could devote his full attention to shaping the sonic identity that now defines his work. “Getting away from distractions in modern day life can be nearly impossible.”


That concentrated period of studio work ultimately streng- thened the confidence he brings into the DJ booth today. By the time live shows returned in 2021, the music had matured alongsi- de the artist himself. What once


032


felt like experimentation had solidified into a clear aesthe- tic direction rooted in groove, warmth and rhythmic patience. The time spent listening, resear- ching and building tracks quietly laid


the foundation for the


performances that would follow. “Getting the extra time to dig for new sounds was crucial in getting me to where I am today sonically.”


Performing in Chicago offers its own unique education in crowd psychology. The city’s audiences are deeply attuned to groove and authenticity, and they do not hesitate to express their reac- tions when something feels off. For DJs, that environment can be both intimidating and invalua- ble, offering immediate feedback on what truly connects with the dancefloor. Monty Kiddo learned quickly that success in Chicago is not measured by instant excitement but by how a set unfolds over


time. “Chicago


knows what it likes and they’re not shy about letting you know they’re not feeling what you’re spinning.”


That dynamic has taught him patience, one of the most important skills a DJ can develop. Rather than chasing constant peaks, he prefers to build a narrative arc that gradually deepens the groove and rewards attentive listeners. The payoff arrives not through relentless intensity but through careful pacing and emotional progres- sion. For both DJ and audience, that slower burn often creates the most powerful moments of the night. “Building the groove over the course of the evening to get that big payoff is so much more satisfying.”


Musically, Monty Kiddo resists the temptation to remain within a single stylistic lane. His pro- ductions draw from disco, funk, electro and classic house in- fluences, creating a palette that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. While the modern dance music industry often


rewards formulaic


repetition, he approaches mu- sic as a space for curiosity and exploration. Each track becomes an experiment in texture, rhythm and unexpected inspiration. “The


music I make is for me before it’s for anybody else and I want to keep myself entertained.”


That philosophy is particular- ly visible in his sample-based production style. Rather than pulling inspiration solely from contemporary charts, he sear- ches for unusual sounds and forgotten fragments that can be transformed into something new. The process often begins with an obscure discovery and evolves through manipulation and reinterpretation until it fits within the sonic universe of the Monty Kiddo project. Authen- ticity emerges not from imi- tation but from the sources of inspiration themselves. “When I find something that resona- tes, I work on how that can be manipulated and augmented so it fits in the Monty world.”


As his career continues to


expand beyond Chicago, the experience of introducing his music to new audiences has become one of the most rewarding aspects of touring. Cities like New York, Miami and Toronto offer entirely different cultural contexts, each with its own dancefloor


language and


expectations. For Monty Kiddo, arriving in those spaces feels less like a performance and more like a presentation of something deeply personal. The opportunity to share that musical perspecti- ve remains both surreal and exhi- larating. “It’s like doing show and tell for a job.”


Traveling with music that once existed only inside his studio carries a sense of disbelief that still has not faded. The idea that the project can reach people across different cities and cul- tures reinforces the significance of the journey he began years earlier. Every performance beco- mes another step in a story that is still unfolding. For an artist who once spent endless hours refining tracks in isolation, the ability to watch crowds respond to them in real time is profoundly meaningful. “To get to fly around to different cities and show people the music I’m making is truly incredible.”


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