Rising Stars: Meet Dani Renner of Portland, OR

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Renner.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Back in 2022, my friend Sarah and I signed up for a DJ class at No Requests in Portland. Before the class started, they ended up switching which day of the week it was on, and Sarah could no longer come. So I went in alone, no DJ experience whatsoever. I do have an extensive music background, and it all started by playing the trumpet in band in grade school and being in musicals. As an adult, I expanded to writing and recording an album with a duo called High Five Chemistry, playing trumpet in a band called Ipso Facto, and being the lead singer in a cover band called Shelby’s Voyage. I also have a BA in Theatre Arts, so I took some music classes at the University of Minnesota as well. The beginner DJ class consisted of 4 classes on Monday nights, 9 – 11pm. My mentor was Val Verra. The 1st day, he taught us what all the equipment was and how it all connected. The 2nd class, he taught us how to source and format music. The 3rd class, we all got the chance to try out the equipment with our USBs. I did exactly 1 transition that sounded completely horrible. That’s when the panic set in, because for the 4th class, we all had a half-hour set we were expected to play. I bought a small DJ controller that worked with my laptop to practice at home. Luckily, after going insane in my studio apartment for a week, it clicked. I felt ready and excited for my debut set, and invited a bunch of friends to come listen. From there, a friend asked me to DJ at their Halloween house party. I borrowed some equipment from a friend, and rented a UHAUL truck, because I didn’t have a car at that time. After that, Anne Pyne started Dyke Nite, and I started playing that event at Rebel Rebel. Dyke Nite grew, and I sought out more opportunities to DJ. Now I have my own event called STEAM, and outside of that, I DJ pretty much any chance I get! I think it’s a blast. Last year, I took a music production class and invested in some tools for that as well. It’s a totally different ball game, but I am getting a feel for it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I never expected by curiosity for DJing to turn in to this small business I’m now running. It’s been such a surprising light in my life. I have to admit, it pretty much has been smooth sailing. I have gradually built up my music collection, network, and gear. One thing that is a bummer every time it happens: having to watch bars and venues I’ve played at close their doors. The economy is pretty tough.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an all-around DJ. I have played everything from a folk wedding to a goth club. Not having a niche is kind of bad for marketing, but it’s good for actually developing my DJ skills, and it prepares me to be able to take on any project. I do genuinely enjoy all music. Even if I am listening to an amateur singer/songwriter, I find it enriching and entertaining and sweet. I truly love music and bringing people together!

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue DJing, and also to begin releasing music! I am not seeking out any big changes. I wish to remain independent. I don’t pay to advertise either – I prefer to grow organically.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/0nania
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/0nania
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-renner
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/0nania
• Other: https://ra.co/dj/0nania