DJ Ray Velasquez

10/05/2025

Happy Birthday to Pet Shop Boys' Chris Lowe, born on this day in October 1959.

Photo: Raph_PH

09/27/2025

45 years ago, September 27, 1980, The Clean and Thumbs at Off the Wall Hall. Flyer design by Nigel Peterson. Pretty sure Thumbs headlined this one and had their own flyer.

07/07/2025

I love this album. What I’m listening to at the moment. I was there.

The Smiths · compilation · 1984 · 16 songs

07/07/2025

The new Talk Talk collection gets added to my collection of other prominent fanzine editions: John Holmstrom's "Punk," Bruce Pavitt's "Sub Pop," Tesco Vee and Dave Stimson's "Touch and Go," Mark Perry's "Sniffin' Glue," and Jim Jones' "Capitol Punishment." At some point, I'm going to have to spend big $$$ and buy The Offense Book of Books. Any other collections I'm missing? —Frank

06/12/2025

Tribute to Douglas McCarthy
(Singer of Nitzer Ebb)

It was the mid-’80s when I first discovered Nitzer Ebb as a DJ.
The sound – raw, direct, electrifying.
The groove – like a machine’s heartbeat.
The voice – in your face.

“Let your body learn” – it wasn’t just a slogan, it was a command.
And we learned. To dance. To let go. To resist.

After one of their shows, I invited Douglas and the band to our studio.A few beers, loud speakers, new tracks –and suddenly there was a vibe that connected everything:

Music. Passion. Respect.

Douglas was more than just a frontman.

He was a conduit for energy, an embodiment of force, an artist who showed us how sound becomes attitude.

Dear Douglas,

you’re leaving us far too soon.
But your voice remains –
fierce, honest, unforgettable.

Rest in power 🙏🏼🖤

06/12/2025

Primal Scream in Soho, London, 1987. Photo by Stephen Parker.

06/12/2025

Roughly 45 years ago, in the bathroom at the KU Union.

06/12/2025

🗣 “She would not steer you wrong.”

Music legend Patti Smith has crowned pop star Dua Lipa the best feminist role model of our times.

A new British Vogue piece revealed the kind words the ‘Because the Night’ singer bestowed upon Dua Lipa. “If you were going to choose her as some type of role model, she would not steer you wrong,” says Patti Smith, who Dua has previously interviewed for her book club.

More below ⬇️

05/16/2025

With Songs Smiths – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

10/02/2024

This month MOD turns 15, and October 2024 marks my 10th year back in KC from NYC, and 10 years as MOD’s First Friday resident DJ. MOD has become my creative home thanks to Brian Ousley. Come make like the art and hang!

DJ Ray Velasquez presents Return of The MODernist, a sensuous, seductive, and slightly subversive excursion into the avant-groove.

OM is where the art is.

Today is officially our 15th Anniversary, but we will be celebrating this coming October First Friday! Please come join us to celebrate our Anniversary this Friday, 5:00pm-1:00am!