Pizza, Flirting, and Feeling Misunderstood: MRD Gets Honest
- Filip
- May 4
- 2 min read
Kent Tonning—better known as MRD—might be one of the most explosive names in the European techno scene right now, but when he’s slouched in a booth nursing a hangover with a pizza slice in hand, it’s clear: this is a man who wears his heart as loudly as his kick drums.
In a rare, off-duty conversation, MRD opens up about everything from his clumsy social instincts to his emotional bond with his father, and why he sometimes feels like people don’t truly “get” him beyond the artist persona.
“People think I’m very confident. But I’m not. I’m super awkward,” he laughs mid-bite, his voice a mix of sincerity and self-aware humour.
From Stavanger to the Stage
Growing up in a small Norwegian town shaped MRD’s journey toward music—but also his sense of being “other.” There’s a tension he carries: between how big and bold his sound is, and how deeply sensitive he is underneath it all.
He started experimenting with music early, turning isolation into inspiration. Fast forward a few years, and that energy translated into dancefloor heat that’s now earned him bookings at clubs like Berghain and festivals across Europe.
But the hype doesn’t always match the headspace.
“Sometimes I feel like people see this hard techno image, and they expect me to be that guy all the time… but I’m not. I’m a huge softie.”
Daddy Issues and Heartfelt Moments
One of the most touching parts of the conversation? His reflections on his father. MRD doesn’t shy away from talking about the emotional complexity of their relationship, and how that shaped who he is today.
“He didn’t always understand me, but I know he tried. That means a lot.”
There’s something disarmingly honest in how MRD speaks about family, not with dramatic flair, but with a kind of quiet processing that feels incredibly human. Vulnerability isn’t a punchline for him—it’s part of the work.
Flirting? A Disaster. But a Cute One.
You wouldn’t guess it from his on-stage presence, but MRD says he’s terrible at flirting. Like, truly, catastrophically bad.
“I just don’t know what to say,” he admits. “I panic and end up talking about Star Wars or something weird.”
And yet, his awkwardness only adds to his charm. In this moment, it’s not hard to see why people connect with him—not just through his music, but through the sweet, self-effacing way he carries himself.
The Hangover We All Relate To
The entire conversation is peppered with honesty, humour, and just the right amount of pizza grease. MRD isn’t trying to be a brand or a concept—he’s just a person who loves music, feels deeply, and sometimes flirts badly.
And honestly? That’s exactly the kind of energy the techno scene could use more of.
