First Avenue resident DJs Nate Laurence and J Matthews (HotDish), though unfamiliar to many, are two of the hardest working jockeys in the Twin Cities electronic dance music scene. Both DJs have surreptitiously committed time and energy to the dance music community since the early 90’s while following other passions. For Nate, graduate school offered him an opportunity to educate others on social justice matters throughout the world. For J Matthews, countless years in business landed him in the headhunter industry where he has helped hundreds seek employment. Besides 60-80 hour workweeks between countless projects, they’ve never given up on the music they love – Chicago House Music.

 

Outside their 9-to-5s, Nate and Matthews have impressive dance music industry resumes - 15 years in the making. 

 

 

Under the moniker “DJ Nickles,” J Matthews has made incalculable cameo appearances at nearly every Twin Cities nightclub and multiple raves since the early 90s, in addition to high-profile performances at the long running “Bump” at the Phoenix Landing in Cambridge, MA. Today, Matthews continues to showcase his talent throughout the cities while holding down his residency at First Avenue and working tirelessly on his International on-line radio show “Funk Yeah FM” on ChicagoHouseFM.com. He has quickly gained respect from both clubbers and ravers alike and after many years of hard work, he’s no doubt a Twin Cities staple. 

 

Nate Laurence has been a club/rave DJ in the cities since the age of 15 but it wasn’t until the age of 30 when his hard work paid off. His natural talent for house music production flung him into a sea of “wows” when some of the world’s top DJs started picking up on his sound. But it was his intoxicating DJing that pushed him forward in the industry with gigs reaching as far as Europe and South Africa. Since then, he has signed to over 15 independent record labels worldwide, reaching top100 lists on a steady basis, holding one the best jackin tracks of 2008 as voted by Traxsource, and reaching the attention of DJ Dan in 2009 signing with him. Today, Nate continues to tour worldwide while holding his residency at First Avenue, and is starting a new not-for-profit record label (Pluralistic) in 2011.

 

With all their hard work in mind, it is their First Avenue monthly show that gives them the energy to move forward. It’s a tough business, dance music; and, funky house music in particular has never quite reached the masses that other sub-genres have dominated, particularly in the Twin Cities. But Nate and Matthews have not let this become a distraction. On a budget of zero, with very little name-recognition, they have re-introduced that old familiar house music vibe to Minneapolis. Due to their love of diversity, their monthly has become a safe space for all who simply want to dance without feeling like they had to be a “part of the scene” from the start or risk an overabundance of individualism and ego too often the norm at many Twin Cities dance clubs. Yet the truth has always been that when the masses learn about what house has to offer, they stay at the show – and this is exactly what HotDish has brought to First Avenue – a constant alternative, a brilliantly pleasing come-as-you-are vibe, and a growing fan base that has no doubt exceeded the expectations of both Nate and Matthews. Their shows thus far have been like no other – an organic vibe that invites all to participate while keeping the main ingredient in mind, “fun”…pure childlike fun. Though they never expected to last long, HotDish has reached their one-year anniversary show with no signs of slowing down.

 

So Saturday, September 4th it is - guaranteed to be HotDish’s finest show yet. They’re doing it big as well: starting early, tossing handouts, selling new HotDish gear, and inviting two incredible DJ’s to boot. First is HotDish 2010 favorite Lee Jarvis from London, UK. The last time Lee rocked the Record Room (formerly the VIP) at First Avenue, the feedback required HotDish to bring him back as soon as possible. Secondly, they’re closing out the night with Jonn Hawley from Milwaukee, WI who has become an icon in the industry while joining the ranks of the top DJs and record labels worldwide (OM, Large, Farris Wheel and many others). If you haven’t experienced the true Minnesotan HotDish…September 4th is the day and ALL are welcome.