RA takes a closer look at a scene steeped in history.

sooner or later......i'll come!

Interesting.

bit narrow in scope imo.

I couldn't agree more.

This is clubbing in Chicago based on two out of 15 promoters. Congratulations to the writer for making this is a Mary Rose piece. If this is all that Chicago has to offer then I need to move. What about Alias? Dino's underground events? Migrashun? Souvenir (when they were around)? Listed? Linear? Meiotic? TCR? Collusion? Siteholder? Varsity All Star events in the summer? The list goes on. Instead we get a string of quotes from a select few that honestly should not be our taste makers and are in it for the money. Sad day for RA.

ahhaha check the guys the one in red t shirt ahahah

While I agree that this piece, in some ways, is a bit narrow in scope, techuser, I'd like to point out that the writer tried to keep it regional and offered his own perspective. He's not trying to provide an encyclopedia of the entire Chicago electronic music scene. This is clearly a piece that is written by one person and contains a lot of opinion from that one person.

But really...15 promoters?!

Souvenir has been dormant for some time. Listed and .alias are NOT Chicago-based promoters and Varsity All-stars is a national brand now that has very little to do with Chicago. I think the writer wanted to focus on local events.

Migrashun, Meiotic, and Siteholder each throw between 1 and 3 events a year at best these days (sadly). : ( TCR has the weekly night at Downtown Bar, but it is very sporadically attended (not that it's not worth mentioning, of course).

Sure, the piece didn't cover absolutely everything (there are plenty of awesome basement parties and overground events that aren't even mentioned), but I think it is an interesting take on what is actually happening in Chicago right now (not 2 years ago).

nice to see JoJo Baby in one of his more memorable costumes for the Boom-Boom-Room picture...

I'm just disappointed that there was some lip service paid to things like Boom Boom Room and the Chosen Few picnic but not much else. I'm sure the people who have been involved in keeping BBR alive for so long would have been happy to share some insights or anecdotes about nightlife here.

Allay Soul and Sol Son are also two promoters who throw weeklies and/or regular loft parties right now that didn't get mentioned, as well as Ron who's been involved in a lot of recurring events this year (Rockers at Smart Bar, City Beat at Crocodile, now throwing an Afro-Beat night at the Shrine, etc.)

I concur.

Long live the hater parade.

the good 'ol days of the rave cave!!

Well .... a LOT of what Chicago has to offer was left off this article (not going to go into the list of headliners that live here, but this article covers only about 15% of the city's nightlife community)... but that may speak to how fragmented the scene is around here. ... It's a weird thing actually, and my thought on is this: it has a lot to do with the City of Chicago itself.. Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in the nation. We brag about diversity, but it's all focused in small pockets around the town. ... There needs to be a bigger and more conscious effort of people to work together outside of their comfort zones.. each sub-genera here has it's top 40 going on..

NOTHING ABOUT JQM!! - JustQualityMusic - The only people that made sure even though city was going through rough time in 2008 - to keep techno and minimal music alive through online radio station, which continues till today...

also one of the biggest underground warehouse parties this year ... just sayin''''

Not hating.. I just think focusing on one viewpoint furthers the obvious fragmentation in Chicago. People feel good when they're included and small things can be done to bring a community of dancing music lovers together instead of re-emphasizing the divide and keeping people apart.

Just so you know I am sooooo over the Boom Boom Room. How in the hell can you bring Deetron to Chicago & not have that man on the main stage? This confirms how I feel about the mentality of Chicago. This is what we deal with. Furthermore we have the same guys trying to sound like the New York sound ala Masters At Work. Do not get me wrong I love my city but it is clickish as hell. There is a reason I don't do that many gigs in Chicago... However I will not give up for there are some legends that dont forget their roots like Gene Hunt, Larry Heard & Bernard Badie. There is a new generation of brilliance from Hakim Murphy, G Marcel & Ricardo Miranda. So I am hopeful... Btw RA, the Chosen Few venues are a bit overrated... Just so you know...

The article was also written by someone I DO NOT REMEMBER being in the scene prior to 2008....unless it was all house scene person

I always have fun in Chicago.

alright.. so we covered segregation..... even though it may be part of the problem..... I truly feel there is a lack of innovation in the scene that keeps 'em comin' back for more... Where are the amazing productions? It could be simple, introduce art + technology.... blend it with audio and voila, a visual/auditory extravaganza.

Sure, budget might be an issue, but if you introduce a fresh new concept, with solid party planning, the exquisite event will be remembered for many moons. .... Varsity Allstars for instance is a unique concept that is actually a little different from the 'ordinary' warehouse party. There are also other concepts blossoming right now that simply get it.

We guess bringing in Lucy, Reference, Jin Choi, Fairmont, Luke Hess, DJ Koze, James Holden, John Roberts, Pfirter, Kate Simko, Pawel and tons of regional talent in the last two years over 21 events isn’t worth mentioning. It's all good though

Regardless it’s good to see someone’s thoughts on the scene in Chicago. It inherently shows how segregated and weird the club scene can be here. Booking agents pay attention: It’s important to note that we are talking about 50-120 people most of the time when speaking about how small the scene is here. Yes events at clubs and some underground events can exceed that but with 2/3 different parties going on the same night it can be hard to maintain.

Props to SmartBar and others for getting the recognition that they deserve. Let us all help move forward the things we have all help to build over the last few years.

Most importunately, LETS CONTINUE TO GET WEIRD.

Exactly...This just prove my point about Chicago. Matthias You got my respect man. It is a damn shame that Boon Boom Room & the Chosen Few gets love yet the Migrashun event are not even mentioned. Especially since it is certainly relevant that they should recognized considering Resident Advisor is doing this article. They have brought various acts that RA has supported...

good article, seems like the general narrative of the article is what's basically going on:

-people are on a budget

-it's tough to pull a crowd every time you have an event

-there will always be house music but the international techno artists that come through are top notch (spy/smart)

-loft parties are where it's at these days if you're looking for a party. Just recently I enjoyed Matthew Dear, Tiger & Woods, I remember Adultnapper, Dyed, and Onur Ozer over the summer, Slow Hands, John Roberts earlier in the year... I know that it's a financial risk for the promoters to put events of questionable legality like this together but I appreciate their dedication!

plus there's always a good local playing somewhere you can fall back on, Derrick Carter and dj Rahaan are often playing somewhere... god help you if you're trying to make your full-time livelihood in this scene but at least I won't be getting bored anytime soon... maybe because I'm 23 I'm just not jaded enough yet...

i actually went to chicago this weekend and experienced one of the afterparties and I was impressed since they are obviously a long way better than the ones in Detroit (which are still growing) just in sheer numbers so far. but the comment about segregated cities i found myselfmaking a similar comment while cabbing between neighborhoods. Each section of the city seems like completely different world. From lincoln park to downtown to areas where the congress or mid it's a completely different vibe. being originally from the new york city area, i thought to how nyc has different neighborhoods with different vibes but there seems to me a bit more cohesion - like i'm still in the same city. it may just be my bias in having grown up in nyc, but chicago definitely has that segregated feel.

An interesting read.

much respect to chicago and everyone making it happen there, living around the corner from smartbar for a year was an honor and privilege. people go out and promote there for the experience and the history, not the turn out and certainly not money. glad I got to be a part of that, chicago afters shaped my sense of the dancefloor psychology more than anything else!

Great article and thread. London is very much the same, in that it's fragmented and segregated, although there's undoubtably lots more going on here.

This is a perspective piece - not a listing of every single party/club/DJ that someone might like. Readers should take a step back and judge this on the merits of its themes, not whether or not it mentions something you have a bias for.

This is a nice piece that explores the fragmentation of Chicago's club scene. Regardless of where props were given, one thing I can say is that people are genuinely trying to break the status quo. Hopefully we can get to a point where the cultural heritage is maintained AND we have a steady flow of progress and unity.

@DanKStyle Yeah there's definitely a lot more going on in London, I miss it!! I wish we could have the same here in Chicago.

Part of the reason why I left Chicago was the segregation that runs deeper than any house music that the Windy is somewhat famous for. I really enjoyed working down in the Loop, which is the one place in the city where everyone converged M-F 8-5. However, the city's problems became evident when the sun sets and everyone who happily got along for the day scurried back to their safe places with people just like them, all speaking the same language, and crawling inside the same bottle to forget how cold this city is. My favorite example of the segregation is the little neighborhood of Little Village: just drive a few blocks in any direction and you can palpably feel where Spanish is no longer spoken.

Chicago is also a hard and frustrating place to live, unless you've got some very serious cash, and even then, one has to get outta dodge every now and again to thaw out.

The splintered mentality, the need to escape from the cold weather and realities, the need to flock together with birds of like feathers, and the lack of some heavy cash are all undoubtedly factors for shaping dance music in this interesting city. It seems to me, despite the inherent flaws in the business model, that the underground so-called loft parties are returning the DIY underground music scene back to the DIY people keeping the music underground. That's a beautiful thing! But, it sure as shit don't make the city very attractive to someone in Miami, let alone someone from Europe who has so many options for underground dance music.

I still love visiting the city, and don't get there often enough. Sweet Home. It has so much to offer, far beyond the couple of mentions of electronic events or clubs. Generally, I (still) feel like no tourists should be seen off the Mag Mile. But, f you're feeling brave, the city has many hidden jewels just waiting to be discovered.

Interesting article. I think the "electronic" scene in chicago is having a hard time because it seems that the crowd has increasingly gotten more and more irritating. The soul/funk/disco parties that have been popping up all around the city have lines around the block, super dope DJs and rarely any cover. No big name DJs necessarily, but that scene is thriving is like crazy.

I wouldn't say that Chicago is a HOUSE city at all anymore. chicago is an Indie rock, dub step (obviously :/) as well as a soul and funk town more than anything.

I personally don't want to pay 15-20 dollar cover to be in a half empty venue/club hopping around to banging techno. not very fun...

Being a cat who originates from the south side and cracked the north side,I have a few opinions on this.

I love my city and I rep it worldwide....I don't focus on the same ol bullshit as others here.It just keeps the division and bullshit up.I would rather see some dialog happen between these kind of folks:
Younger heads
Older heads
South side folks
North side folks
Younger jocks

Until this dialog is raw and not full of bullshit and ballwashing,the division will continue...and it's mainly because people don't want to leave their comfort zone...or open their minds and this goes for all parties involved.

No article,interview,or write up,will cover every person and or aspect of this city and it's scene.

The thing is to get our shit in order,because baby,the dance music worlds eyes is on Chicago...we have some of the greatest jocks in the world.Our sister city,Detroit is right with us.

We have local cats who can blow the largest,hyped jock out of the water,because we stress techincal skills and blending.

The dance music scene worldwide is waiting on the fresh shit and this city is where it's at.I know,because I am traveling out,with others..and we are all a fresh crop...not the same ol cats who have been used forever.

There's a reason...and I just want my city to be finally seen in a proper light...not focusing on the in-fighting,back-stabbing,bullshit....so I am doing my best to change things...one city,one country at a time.

I do this shit because it's my life...not for fame or bitches or none of that bullshit.If folks weren't checking for me in other spots,I would still be banging here in Chi,because it's home baby.

Just get your shit together and not focus on bullshit...because we can run the fucking world.....

Respect to all of my Chi jocks,dancers,promoters,artists and so on and so on.Love,J!

Oh, and for the record, I am saddened to hear that Sonar and Mutek in Chicago did not work. I was not able to attend either event, but I tried to generate some interest for the people I know who are still there in Chicago. Of course, they didn't go... probably got drunk at some shit bar instead.

I guess that's the important thing to remember when someone's deciding to go out of their way (neighborhood) to attend a one-off event. They ask themselves: can I get drunk and laid in this place? if no, then it's into a cab and off to Weed Street!

yeah this is very very true... Fine for me, I get to go to parties a little bit outside of my usual preferred style of music... I think that house and techno is still represented pretty well almost every weekend though

Real talk, no shit! Dude's on point. A few more of this fella (and if they all stayed in the city), and Chicago could set us all back on our heels.
And Jamie: thanks for the kind words about Detroit, your sister city. Detroiters got a mad inferiority complex, even if they do make the world go round.

Cool write up. Just remember .... don't smoke PANDAS.

Well said my brotha... The real issue is people do not step out of their comfort zones... It is all about Disco, soulful house ala NYC & Top 40. I am not paying 20 dollars to hear top 40 at a club. I also see some cats spinning & I just shake my head wondering is this what I need to do to get a gig... That is why I do not care if I do not spin often. I have my radio shows in Europe so I have my outlet...

This.

If "segregation" is the main cause of why these genres of music don't pull in a crowd then explain to me the success of hip/hop / rap?

This is not the time to make inflammatory (and totally unfounded) remarks about the writer. I'm certainly not the forum police, but unless you have something intelligent to add to the discussion (and that doesn't include posts of a self-serving/self-aggrandizing promotional nature), I think everyone would appreciate it if you kept your thoughts to yourself. People have every right to disagree with the writer and the article, but don't use this thread to start a pissing contest.


Again, this article was not written by a reporter, but by a writer who is sharing his personal insight on a part of the nightlife scene in Chicago. It is not a news piece.

I think jakeguidry totally has the right idea:

"This is a perspective piece - not a listing of every single party/club/DJ that someone might like. Readers should take a step back and judge this on the merits of its themes, not whether or not it mentions something you have a bias for.

This is a nice piece that explores the fragmentation of Chicago's club scene. Regardless of where props were given, one thing I can say is that people are genuinely trying to break the status quo. Hopefully we can get to a point where the cultural heritage is maintained AND we have a steady flow of progress and unity."



@b3aub13n: I disagree with what Maryrose was quoted as saying....I think Sonar Chicago did incredibly well. Many of the events at the Cultural Center were at capacity, even during the daytime. Smart Bar was very well attended that weekend as well. Perhaps she was speaking about the Pritzker showcases? I'm not sure. Avant Mutek did not have the attendance that Sonar Chicago had, that's for sure. If you'd like to see some pictures, they are included in this overview of the festival: http://www.residentadvisor.net/review-view.aspx?id=8048.


Also, it's great to see Jamie326 in this thread! Thanks for providing some much needed words of encouragement and positivity.

Self-serving shit like this is part of what keeps Chicago down.

But "Self-serving shit" like this is universal everywhere, not just Chicago, and it transcends way beyond music promotion, it's present in every aspect of life...I don't think this is keeping Chicago down.

haters gonna hate - i could give 2 shits what some of you say, i did my part and tried to keep the scene alive, and in response instead of support - only got shit from people like you and my money stolen - thanks Chicago

Of course it is somewhat universal, but Chicago specifically has a LONG history of promoters stepping on the toes of their competitors (to put it delicately). There was a tradition of working hard to get other people's parties shut down by police, choosing to be divisive rather than collaborative, etc. This has been going on for decades and still affects the scene today. People can feel free to disagree with me.

And I could be wrong, but I don't think Steve is referring to healthy competition when he says "self-serving shit" keeping Chicago down. I think his comments are colored by the history of mean-spirited and intentional smearing/bashing/hating/whatever you want to call it that has plagued Chicago's underground dance music culture for a long time.

I can state my opinion and say whatever I want its a public forum and if you have a problem with it that's on you..

I agree.

@peteone:

I was only pointing out that your opinion about the writer's "cred" or whatever you'd like to call it doesn't have much to do with the article's themes, messages, or the state of the city's nightlife. I was trying to help you stop yourself from coming across as a big meanie and was trying to keep this thread logical. But, you are absolutely right, you can say whatever you want.

Ohh I like the writer on a personal level - I think he is a great and smart person - just think people like you would be more qualified to write about Chicago scene

The content of this thread is like 150% of my complaints with the Chicago scene.

Grow up; do your best; help each other out; have fun.

Honestly, this article is just an article. If you live what you preach than these words are just that. I have been "doing Chicago" for longer than most and it's always had peaks and troughs. That's just the way Chi is. Ups and downs. So whatever.

I wholly agree with Jaime326 that if you want to make a stronger "scene" that there should be a lot more open dialog but how do you get that? And, who has time to do all of that? And, where does it begin? And when does it happen? These are real issues for our community.

There are a lot of self-serving entities in the city and often enough, you don't get what's good for the many, you get what's good for the few (with the few mostly being club owners trying to sell booze, promoters trying to get their reputations and smaller cliques throwing events for their friends...).
You can sit here on the message board and bitch about not being represented and it makes you feel as if you've said your bit, but apart from the few other folks that also get into the comments bits, you ain't changing or even affecting the things you complain about.

I rep Chicago. HARD. FOR YEARS! Through both the good times and the bad. And while I've seen many of my peers move away and bitch and moan about Chicago, I just keep trying to be the guy that keeps Chicago in his heart...no matter where I am or where I go. But it's always been a case of folks fighting over the crumbs and not looking at the cake. It seems like some high school shit. "They don't hang with them" and "these won't dance with those". That's why I don't have any beef with anyone in the city. EVER. Never had it, never will. Adults are supposed to behave differently than children and in that respect, should learn to be more accepting and tolerant of things and embrace the greater good. Sure our climate for internationals isn't the same as a place like London or Ibiza. But what does that matter when you have a city that bleeds this shit? Besides, I often would rather go hear a friend play and do his/her thing than some over hyped name that won't bring the heat and is just looking at this show as another date on a tour that someone organized for "x amount of money", or someone that CAN'T bring the heat because they've managed to have a good tune or two and is now booked to play just to promote a drop in the bucket single.

There's a lot that's wrong but I also feel that there's a lot that's right too. And this article, though possibly well meaning and attempting to be informative, is slightly skewed by it's lack of sources. But to be fair, how many sources is the writer willing to look up for a thousand or so words?

God knows I ain't nearly perfect but if we can try to just keep it tight and tidy and do what you think will make it a little better, it will help. We don't need revolution as much as evolution.

All love, all day. Chicago 'til the end.

Derrick Carter

Wow you just keep digging your hole deeper! Lol.

Not only has the writer been involved in the culture since the nineties, he has a PHd in ethnomusicology. His doctoral thesis was about the social values and politics of club and rave culture. He has researched this in half a dozen countries and lived it personally in Chicago and beyond. Not qualified enough for you? Really? You can call him unqualified, but you just look silly in doing so.

You missed the point entirely. Go back and read the many posts in this thread that discuss the inherent value of readiing one person's take on things. This is not about credentials. This is about one person's perspective. And an interesting one at that.