The Norwegian producer and DJ MRD’s newest release is a four-tracker of banging and nostalgic dance music that takes cues from trance, new wave, and contemporary internet-brained pop. But it’s the EP’s title that made us want to learn more about his musical upbringing: MISLED YOUTH. Just what about MRD’s youth was so misled? And what was the culture that accompanied those wayward years?

Turns out, MRD grew up in a lo-tech, wooded region, where The Prodigy, black metal, and skateboarding all played major roles in the his upbringing. For the newest edition of Web of Influences, we get into all of that and more, plus some of MRD’s (real name: Kent Tonning) favorite plant-based restaurants—turns out, in his adult life, he’s a major vegan foodie. Read the interview and listen to MISLED YOUTH below.

Did you listen to any dance music before you were a teenager?

Yes! I do recall when I found out about The Prodigy. It changed my whole life.

 

⁠What was your first brush with underground music?

That was when I discovered black metal music. It was so alien it felt illegal. Discovering music in the early internet era was truly special.

What other music were you into in the early internet era?

I didn't have the internet until I was 18. I remember getting more into electronic music. Discovering electro. Years later, I found Justice and I got really hooked.

⁠Can you recall the first track you made? How did that feel?

I liked the feeling of being able to express myself through music. It opened a whole new world for me.

What program was the first track you made on?

I started using Cubase, but my computer couldn't handle it at all. Luckily I had a demo of Ableton—we've been happily married since then.

Do you still mine your youth for inspiration?

Everyday. It is who I am today. All the inspiration from black metal, skateboarding, hearing Prodigy for the first time and the fun parties in the woods. It was a fun time, and little did we know about the world out there.

Are those times what led you to make MISLED YOUTH?

Some parts of it. Especially some of the music genres that were popular back in the days. Like high school punk and trance. The title comes from one of my favorite skateboard videos, Zero, Misled Youth. I just really find the title appealing to the music.

 

⁠Do you have any sort of philosophy when it comes to your DJing style? Are there any lessons you learned from watching DJs when you were young that have stuck with you?

For me, DJing is about having fun and introducing good music to the people. I still find it a little hard to accept myself as a DJ, but lately I find it easier to express myself through DJing. I really liked listening to Armand van Helden mixes and DJ Mehdi when I started to produce more electronic music. I grew up in the woods, and we didn’t have clubs or any sort of DJ culture. So for me this is still new.

Are there any scenes that you aren’t part of that still inspire you?

Not that I know of.

 

Any dream collaborations?

Yung Lean, Robert Smith, Idles and Fountains DC

 

⁠Who are some friends or contemporaries that are influencing you right now?

Joe Talbot, Kendall, MCR-T.

 

Any non-musical influences?

Food and chefs. I like watching documentaries about fine dining chefs and their philosophy.

Have you had any recent fine dining experiences that have blown your mind?

Finding good restaurants that have a plant-based menu leaves you with few options. But I think the vegan scene is growing a lot, and people take it seriously. The ones I've been to this spring/summer have been next level. Armada, a small restaurant in the middle of Lyon. Great price and a big variety of top-notch wines. This place will definitely get a star soon. Tim Raue in Mitte, Berlin, is truly special. You definitely understand why it has two stars. I really want to try De Nieuwe Winkel in Nijmegen. It's hard to get a table when you're touring constantly. Maybe in the future one day!