We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angel Sandro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Angel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
In 2023, my collaborative, MPLS HOUSE (MH), was offered the chance to throw a pre–New Year’s Eve party with a local partner. After our initial meeting, I was hesitant. The event was much larger than anything we’d done before—we’d only thrown a handful of smaller, intimate parties—and I wasn’t sure we could pull it off.
One of my collaborators pushed back, reminding me that I was underestimating our capacity. After some back-and-forth, I agreed to take the leap. With just two months to prepare (and a lot of stubborn determination), we threw a sold-out event. That night strengthened our partnership and opened the door to new opportunities.
The following year, we were invited to do it again—but this time, things didn’t land the same. A mix of overconfidence and ignoring our manager’s advice led to a less successful outcome. That experience forced me into real reflection and accountability. I had to admit that my pride got in the way of true collaboration.
Since then, I’ve been actively working on that self-made barrier. There’s always more to learn in partnership, and MH is no exception—but that risk taught me more than success alone ever could.
Angel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Angel Beloved. I’m the co-founder and creative director of MPLS HOUSE (MH), a Minneapolis-based artist collaborative rooted in connection, creation, and inspiration.
MH is a home for many artistic pursuits, with music at our core. Over the years, we’ve focused heavily on DJing and producing, though our DJ work has evolved—shifting from parties into the corporate space. That transition has led to meaningful partnerships with organizations like O’Shaughnessy Distillery, RockStar DJs, Hewing Hotel, Southdale Center, Modist Brewing, Bellosounds, and Women’s Advocates.
We don’t take these partnerships lightly. Feedback—from crowds and collaborators alike—shapes how we grow and show up as better partners.
On the production side, I’ve released five EPs over the past seven years, including two collaborations with local producer Jeff Swiff. With the support and knowledge gained through those collaborations, MH has recently expanded our studio space to build our own recording studio. This next chapter is about consistency, growth, and opening our doors to even more creative collaboration.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
From the outside, my creative journey can look chaotic—especially since I’ve moved between many disciplines over my life. People often ask what my end goal is, or where I’m taking all these skills and connections. The honest answer is: I’m still figuring that out.
For a long time, I didn’t allow myself to fully chase my creativity, and how do you find clarity without giving something your all? I think what held me back was the weight of societal expectations—traditional jobs, timelines, and definitions of success that never quite fit me.
I don’t move traditionally, and I never have. And I think if non-creatives were honest with themselves, many of them feel that same tension. If they acknowledged that, they may find that I’m not as hard to understand as it seems
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The reward has changed over time, but in this phase of my life, it’s threefold.
First, creativity is a coping skill. Having a studio—a place to process, create, and invite others in—is essential to my self-care and emotional regulation. I believe humans are meant to take chaos and turn it into something meaningful, no matter the outcome.
Second, the community. The friendships and connections I’ve built through creativity are irreplaceable. I can’t imagine my life without the uniquely beautiful people I’m surrounded by.
Lastly, being able to bring music and creativity into my work with young people is deeply fulfilling. Encouraging their curiosity, wonder, and ability to create something from nothing is a gift. I can’t imagine doing anything else, and I don’t take this path—or where it’s led me—for granted
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MPLSHOUSE.com
- Instagram: @mplshouse
Image Credits
@adam_adolphus
Adam Adolphus