DJ Pee .Wee: When the Crowd Becomes the DJ

Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee brings Red Bull Directions to First Avenue this November

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DJ Pee .Wee aka Anderson .Paak - Photo Credit Red Bull |

The Twin Cities buzzed with anticipation as DJ Pee .Wee, the vinyl-spinning alter ego of Anderson .Paak, prepared to bring Red Bull Directions to First Avenue in Minneapolis on November 8, 2025.

Tickets for the one-night-only event went on sale in September and sold out almost immediately, cementing the night as one of Minneapolis’ most in-demand live music experiences this fall.

Presented by Red Bull Music, Directions reinvents DJ culture by putting the audience in control of the dance floor. The sold-out show followed a format that provides a vehicle for an unpredictable set powered by fan choices, live energy, and Anderson .Paak’s signature charisma behind the turntables.

We got DJ Pee .Wee to weigh in prior to the event to see what he looked forward to about this unique crowd engagement experience, read on for his thoughts!

“DJ-ing is all about taking people on a journey,” said DJ Pee .Wee (AKA Anderson .Paak). “I love to see people get down on the dancefloor, and the fact that I get to do my set in collaboration with the audience? The energy is about to be wild! Here’s the deal, y’all bring the vibe, and I’ll bring the wig and the beats.”

A Night Where the Crowd Directs the DJ

At Red Bull Directions, the crowd calls the shots. Fans vote in real time between curated musical themes such as old-school funk versus deep house or 90s Hip Hop versus soul as the DJ crafts a spontaneous set driven by audience energy. Ho did DJ Pee .Wee prepare?!

“At other shows I might come in with a game plan for the music, but at Red Bull Directions I have to be ready for anything. No one knows how the crowd will vote so I’m bringing my A-game.”

For Anderson .Paak, who has performed on some of the biggest stages in the world from Coachella to the Met Gala, the shift is a creative one rather than logistical. He let us in on how this particular framework works for him saying:

“My mindset isn’t too different. I want people to have a good time and feel like they’re a part of the show. I hope people get a chance to hear their favorite songs or even get down to new genres they don’t normally gravitate toward.”

Red Bull Directions: A Global Movement Returns

Minneapolis was the first U.S. city to host Red Bull Directions in 2024, debuting with Coco & Breezy. Since then, the format has traveled across the globe under the Red Bull Selector banner with stops in Jamaica and the U.K.

This year’s sold-out edition marks a triumphant return, bringing the interactive concept back to where it first made its U.S. mark. DJ Pee .Wee shared with us his thoughts on what is a new performance experience for him:

“This is the first time I’ve ever played somewhere where the audience has total control. Red Bull Directions allows the audience to almost be the DJ, so I’m looking forward to connecting with the crowd in a brand new way.”

First Avenue: The Perfect Stage for Vibe and History

Few stages embody music history like First Avenue, the Minneapolis venue immortalized in Purple Rain and beloved by artists and fans alike. Known for its grit, intimacy, and impeccable sound, the venue has hosted legends from Prince to Radiohead, making it the perfect home for Red Bull Directions’ blend of artistry and innovation. Pee .Wee reflected on returning to the venue for this exciting engagement:

“I played First Avenue with The Free Nationals back in 2016. It’s crazy how time flies! It feels special to bring something to the venue that’s fun and unique.”

This Minneapolis stop adds another chapter to First Avenue’s rich legacy, merging Anderson .Paak’s global star power with the city’s deep musical roots.

Local Powerhouses Open the Night

Before DJ Pee .Wee hit the stage, two Minneapolis trailblazers set the tone.

Sophia Eris, artist, radio host, and Lizzo’s touring DJ, with her signature high-energy, genre-bending style blurs the lines between Hip Hop, dance, and funk.

Sophia Eris - Credit Red Bull I — Sophia Eris – Credit Red Bull I

Following, Red Bull tapped Kwey, the creative force behind Samambo World, Minneapolis’s leading Afrobeat and house party. Known for his infectious rhythm and crowd-commanding presence, Kwey embodies the city’s vibrant and diverse sound.

Kwey - Credit Red Bull I — Kwey – Credit Red Bull I

Balancing the Wig and the Work

There is a lot of joy and humor in the DJ Pee .Wee persona, but it is all rooted in deep musicianship. DJ Pee .Wee described the crowd reaction when the Pee .Wee style choice first appeared:

“When I first came in with the Pee .Wee bob, it put a smile on everyone’s faces! It puts me in a different zone, allows me to explore a different creative field.”

That balance of showmanship and skill is what makes a Pee .Wee set such an experience. The technical mastery of spinning live vinyl underpins the spectacle. What’s memorable about the DJ experience to Pee .Wee?!

“Maann… every set is full of surprises! That’s the best part of DJing is that you never know what the crowd’s going to give me. When you’re spinning vinyl there’s no faking it, so you really gotta stay locked in and really feel what’s happening on the dance floor.”

The Anticipation of the Drop

When asked what kind of energy he hopes will fill the room once the lights go low and the first track hits, DJ Pee .Wee’s answer is pure and simple.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the music and seeing everyone connect on the dancefloor. Seeing the crowd vibe out and be present. That’s what music is all about.”

For one night in November, Minneapolis shines as more than a venue; it’s part and parcel of the setlist.

About DJ Pee .Wee (AKA Anderson .Paak)