2a: How Noel Jean Discovered the Healing Power of Music to Enhance Mental Wellness

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

“So that really just like that first experience of being up till the break of dawn and, you know, hearing vinyl for the first time, that just triggered me of like, this is what I'm supposed to be listening to,” says Noel Jean, the Haitian-Tanzanian producer and DJ, who joins Start a Conversation to share the unlikely journey that transformed him from a poet and Southern hip-hop fan into a passionate house and techno artist with a relentless drive to craft the Minneapolis scene.

Raised amid a whirlwind of late-night studio sessions, rap influences, and soulful family barbecues, Noel’s story is equal parts vulnerability and hustle. He opens up about using writing—first poetry, now music—as a tool for self-connection and discusses how his background in social work and therapy shapes not only his presence as a DJ, but also his advocacy for mental health in an industry obsessed with social media virality. Noel offers an honest take on the struggle to balance privacy with visibility and why blending influences from African rhythms, disco, and European loopy grooves has helped him find his true sound.

Tune in to this episode of Start a Conversation to follow Noel’s journey from shy covers on YouTube, through silent disco battles and Chicago rooftop parties, to building the Soul Exchange event series—and discover why embracing community over clout is the real path forward for emerging artists.

Catch the B2B with Harry Duran

YouTube: https://youtu.be/NvU66mTqKf4

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-344089927/noel-jean-b2b-harry-duran

5 Key Takeaways

1. Don’t wait to create—just start DJing, producing, and building your skill at home or local events. Progress is made in motion, not hesitation.
2. Community fuels growth—show up, support local DJs, and connect authentically. Your presence unlocks opportunities faster than self-promotion.
3. Stay true to your style—resist viral trends and curate your music with honesty. Authenticity attracts real fans and opens doors with integrity.
4. Keep learning actively—dig deep into music history, crate digging, and seek feedback from mentors. Mastery follows curiosity, not comfort.
5. Pair creativity with organization—build templates, set up playlists for samples, and plan releases ahead. Structured habits turn inspiration into impact.

Memorable Quotes

"So that really just, that first experience of being up till the break of dawn and hearing vinyl for the first time triggered me to realize this is what I'm supposed to be listening to."

"Simple is good. I finally understood my sound, which is that loopy, funky groove—sampling songs, keeping things repetitive but interesting with small variations, not overcomplicating things."

"One of the most important things for me is journaling and being honest with myself about what I'm putting out—making sure it reflects who I am and staying true to my craft rather than just doing it for likes."

Connect with Noel Jean

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noeljeanmusic

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/noeljeanmusic

Bandcamp: https://noeljeanmusic.bandcamp.com/

Soul Exchange Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulexchange.us

Soul Exchange YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulExchangeUS

Soul Exchange Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/soulexchange-us

Resources Mentioned

Dubspot - https://www.dubspot.com/

Dojo by Ben Rau (music production course/platform) - https://dojomusic.net/

Shazam (music identification app mentioned for track discovery) - https://www.shazam.com/

ARK Music Festival (Chicago house & electronic festival) - https://arcmusicfestival.com/

Connect with Us

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL

Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897

MPLSHOUSE

Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse

Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro

Credits

Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records

https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004

Hosted by Harry Duran

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd

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Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co