In the early 1980’s, Chicago became the birthplace of house music in the USA. The term “house music” actually mimicked the name of an old night club titled The Warehouse which was located in the West Loop of Chicago. The Warehouse’s resident DJ, Frankie Knuckles, was the master of mixing classic disco with new eurobeat pop and synthesised beats. This sound created a new phenomenon and was designed to keep the dancers dancing. Those dancers definitely kept dancing. Today, house music has grown and evolved into many different styles/subgenres such as deep house (lush, slower tempo) and acid house (hypnotic, ambient). Some of Chicago’s notables include; Bad Boy Bill, Derrick Carter, DJ Collette, Felix da Housecat, Kaskade, and Krewella.

While a lot of headlining DJ’s make their way through Chicago on many different tour stops throughout the year, I wanted to draw attention to some of our locals. After surveying different residents of Chicago on who were some of their favorite artists, I have compiled a short list of the artists that keep Chicago’s music scene thriving and unstoppable.

Next time you visit the Windy City, I suggest checking out what these DJs have to offer. If you’re already a local, I suggest you get out of your apartment and come check out what you may have been missing.

Max Jacobson

Having played alongside some notable names such as Wolf + Lamb, Paco Osuna, and Troy Pierce. Max Jacobson has made a name for himself in the city of Chicago. Jacobson has played at many different nightclubs in the city but has taken the underground scene by storm. You can catch some of his releases on Klectik and Akbal Music.

“I play more sophisticated, stripped down dance groove that make you think as well as dance. The music will take you on a journey.”

Zebo

 

After being voted “Best Local DJ 2010, 2011, and 2012” by the Chicago Reader Viewer Poll, there is no denying that Zebo has become a staple in Chicago’s music scene. What really sets this DJ apart from others is the fact that he also gives back to the community and shares his knowledge by instructing at Columbia College, advising The Club DJ I & The Club DJ II. Having played at some of the most popular festivals such as Lollapalooza, Spring Awakening, Movement, and Mad Decent Block Party, I couldn’t imagine a better mentor for upcoming artists.

“ Chicago is special because it is the birthplace of House Music. Our city has some of the best DJs in the world.  We have a strong and diverse music scene here in all styles. What sets me apart is my taste and diversity. I like a lot of music in a lot of styles and my sets tend to reflect that. I try to not be predictable and give the crowd an actual performance to showcase what djing is about. Not only blending tracks but turntablism as well.”

Steve Gerard

In a scene infected with upcoming artists producing heavily mainstream influenced tracks and sets, Chicago’s Steve Gerard rises above the generic noise. One of the most interesting aspects of Gerards sets is the fact that he never uses a laptop.

“It is unnecessary and disconnects you from your audience when you stare typing in track names on your computer screen when you can be doing so much more.”

Gerard connects with the crowd by creating personal journeys and stays true to his art form.

“People who have been putting on shows have a responsibility. Some live up to it, others don’t.”

PHENOM

PHENOM has played alongside headlining acts such as A-Trak, Laidback Luke, Dillon Francis, Wolfgang Gartner, and Nero (just to name a few) throughout the midwest, and this local constantly blows up Chicago’s nightlife. Currently maintaining five weekly residencies throughout Chicago, PHENOM effortlessly fulfills the need of any crowd by intertwining different genres based off the crowds response and mood.

“My sets stand out because you don’t know what to expect…when I started DJing we were throwing our own parties with little to no money and packing out unconventional places and turning them into popup clubs for the night. That interest in making the live show feel like a wall-to-wall house party is what I think fans enjoy.”  

Mantas Steles

Back in the Fall of 2012, Mantas Steles teamed up with his best friend, and fellow local producer, Max Jacobson to establish tied Events in Chicago. Since the company has started, they have hosted artists such as Giles Smith, Avatism, and Franklin De Costa. Steles music captures your mind and body to create a unique, soul awakening experience.

“I’m doing my best on keeping the crowd excited and entertained every time I find myself in the DJ booth. Another thing very important for me is reading people’s minds and needs, you are playing for the crowd and are there to leave them satisfied!”

Gun Love

Originally a drummer hailing from Detroit, Dylan Hyde Castle’s desire for live performance produced one of Chicago’s notable acts, Gun Love. The transition from drums and synthesizers to live DJing was accelerated after landing multiple gigs at popular nightclubs and music festivals throughout the city. In 2012, Castle teamed up with Derek Specs and Matt Edgar of to open up Primary Night Club in the lavish Gold Coast.

“I make my sets pretty universal and non-abrasive so anyone can be a part of the action….I try to play a variety of sounds that break barriers between music genres but still keeping to my roots.”

Fans can still catch Castle’s drumming skills as he performs with electro-funk band, Ghosthouse.

Porn and Chicken

Who needs a big name DJ to get you out downtown when we have Porn and Chicken Dance Party with Orville Kline, PHIVES, and The SLPRS? Porn and Chicken Dance Party has become THE event to attend Monday nights at Evil Olive. This notorious and very scandalous party has been voted “Chicago’s Best Dance Party of 2011 and 2012” by the Chicago Reader’s Poll and features fire dancers along with some scantily dressed hotties donning metal grinders. Beyond the crazy party every Monday, these artists have established themselves as a prominent production group and have been performing at multiple venues and music festivals.

“Chicago has been a breeding ground for new genres of music like blues/house and there is a lot of history here. It is also centrally located in the center of the states so I feel like it’s not that far from all of there other major cities. It keeps you close and it makes it easy to travel everywhere else. I have been to all the other major cities in the US and Chicago is still my favorite. I don’t think I could ever move.” –Orville Kline

This article was written by: Follow @Sierra_312

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