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“We have the same tastes,” said Simba. He had heard Esteban play music for Con Safos Radio and, “decided that [he] was going to teach him to spin.”

Simba had been a DJ since he was fourteen, sometimes spinning techno at clubs where he wasn’t able to see over the equipment. “I had to stand on a milk crate. That was determination.”

Esteban hadn’t done much traditional vinyl DJ-ing, but was willing to learn. According to Simba he was a quick study, and as on-campus students they quickly had opportunities to play around campus for several Hamline organization events last year.

As the spinning progressed they found new times and places to make music; eventually just leaving the dorm room door propped and playing records for everyone to hear.

At one point they were booked for a Hamline dance one night and another party the next, only to discover that they couldn’t get some of the equipment they planned on using. In response they packed up, got in the car, drove to Chicago to buy most of the gear they have now, and drove right back. They both cite the trip as an important formative event in their partnership.

Now, after spinning together for two years, Esteban and Simba go by Noisy Boyz. Simba is ‘DJ Stryka’ or ‘Stryka Tech’, and Esteban spins as ‘Vato Loco’. With the help of supporter, main mode of transportation and third member Sergio Preciado, they’ve played a plethora of functions. University of Minnesota house parties, weddings, Indian dances, Mankato State’s end-of-year party have all been graced with the Boyz’s presence, and more Hamline events including the upcoming SOSA dance on March 10 are on tap.

They’ve played all styles of music, which they both cite as an important way to improve as DJs and as important to them personally.

Simba says he’ll listen to anything to get new ideas: dance, techno, Latin, “whatever’s hot.”

For Esteban, “it depends on what I’m looking to do.”

At one party they mixed in some polka effectively, but their real interest is playing things for people to enjoy and dance to, “[to] bring the club to the people.”

Both DJs are interested in music production, and they say to watch out for mix tapes in the near future. Simba has already put together some music for the Hamline dance team.

Naturally, to develop as musicians Esteban and Simba both listen to new music constantly. They mix radio, the Internet and record stores (especially Urban Lights on University near Pascal, which they praise both for its stock and accommodating owner) to keep on top of what’s getting played now.

“Latin, house; if ReggaetŚn’s the next big thing, we’ll be ready,” said Esteban, who listens to a lot of local hip-hop, naming Kanser, Ernie Rhodes and Heiruspecs. Right now he’s a fan of Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up,” the song sampled in Kanye West’s “Touch the Sky.”

Simba agrees, and says that the song he likes right now is “In the Trunk” by Chamillionaire, “but that could change three hours from now.”

Beyond the next few months, plans get more abstract for the duo.

“I’d like to continue as long as I can,” said Esteban. Simba concurred, noting that he’d probably spin through graduate school before he returned home. Interested in the technical aspects of music, he looks forward to learning more about music production and staying involved in music multiple ways.

Noisy Boyz rely mainly on word of mouth to promote their shows; they’ve played at the weddings of students and have gotten the word out that they are available, versatile and reasonably priced, but they’ve found a new tool for connecting with people ą Facebook. Perhaps you’ve seen?

They find the site useful for promoting the parties they throw at their house and upcoming gigs. “Are you on Facebook? You really should get on- it’s one of the main ways we get people interested,” said Simba.

And so far it’s worked, taking the DJs to parties around the state in Mankato and Owatonna, and Simba says they’ll go as far as, “What’s that place called? Fargo?” next summer.