Why Ms. Mango?

2025-07-01

When people ask me why I chose the name "Ms. Mango" for my DJ persona, I usually flash a playful grin and say something cryptic like, "It just felt right." But since we're getting real here, I'll give you the full story.

"Ms. Mango" actually started as a fun character name for a forum-type role-playing game I participated in years ago. The name was really spur of the moment, with a former friend tossing it out flippantly in order to explain the storyline quickly. The storyline itself was so convoluted I couldn’t even explain it back (that and it was so long ago). I also don’t remember too much about the character, except that a lot of bad things happened to her and she pined after someone who wouldn’t give her the time of day. I remember wanting to change that so bad for her. So, I did, by embodying her giving her a simply whimsical and colorful light, reflecting the bright, playful energy I love bringing to everything I do. Little did I know, that playful alias would come to mean so much more to me.

Fast forward a few years—I discovered an interesting fact: mangoes are one of the few foods scientifically proven to enhance the experience of cannabis. As someone who openly embraces being an insatiable pothead (and proud of it!), this fact stuck with me. It made me think about my approach to DJing.

There was this one particular gig I closed at where the party had been going hot all night. However, by the time it came for me to play, I could tell the folks were really worn out, but wanted to keep dancing. So, I took my wind down set really seriously, dropping the BPM so subtly until it was the right time to play Larry Heard’s The Sun Can’t Compare. You could feel the crowd heave a sigh a relief and a few folks grabbed their lovers and pulled them close. It was a real moment. The kind you just don’t forget.

I don't rely heavily on flashy effects or complicated tech wizardry in my sets. Instead, I focus on subtly enhancing the emotional and energetic journey of the music. My aim is to amplify the listener's experience—much like how mangoes subtly enhance an already pleasant sensation. I want every set I spin to feel like biting into a ripe, juicy mango: sweet, immersive, and just a little transcendent.

And so, "Ms. Mango" evolved from a quirky nickname into a meaningful symbol of my philosophy as a DJ. It's not about overwhelming my listeners; it's about elevating their night in gentle, memorable ways. Just like that little secret ingredient, I aim to make your musical journey more vibrant, rich, and delicious. Next time you see me behind the decks, remember—I'm here to add a little mango-flavored magic to your night.

-Ms. Mango

A Night to Remember

4/15/2025

I still remember that night like it was yesterday—even if some of the details are a bit fuzzy now. I had just arrived at a sprawling house party, still nursing aching feet from my brand-new shoes. I was sitting out for a moment when this incredibly kind girl approached me. She must have thought I looked lonely, and her genuine concern immediately warmed me up. Little did I know, that small act of kindness was the beginning of one of the most transformative nights of my life.

MyInspiration

3/23/2025

Whenever I step behind the decks, the vibrant pulse of House, the hypnotic energy of Disco, and the spirited rhythm of Techno guide my hands and heart. These genres captivate me with their inherently positive and uplifting vibes—creating an atmosphere unlike any other, especially compared to the often-heavy themes found in modern mainstream hip-hop. Born in the basements and warehouses of cities like Chicago and Detroit, genres like House and Techno weren't just musical styles—they were sanctuaries. DJs like Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan, and Juan Atkins turned spaces like The Warehouse and Paradise Garage into sanctuaries where black, brown, queer, and marginalized communities could express themselves freely through dance and music, away from a world that often rejected them.

TheBasement

3/16/2025

I still remember that New York gig like a dream—a blur of travel, nerves, and unforgettable energy. I had taken the train for the first time, a four-hour journey from Boston that left me both exhausted and exhilarated. While the collective, Boudoir, had the luxury of different transportation options, I opted for the train since I needed to be back in Boston for work the next day. It was a gamble, but I was determined to make it.

Big Launch

3/9/2025

Today marks an exciting milestone—I'm thrilled to officially announce the launch of my little digital haven! It’s been a journey filled with grief, joy, anguish, and a couple of bags of twizzlers and jolly ranchers, and I can't wait to share this next project with you.