WCAC – Chicago Compilation Vol. 1 [New Release]

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Things are moving quickly for the boys at Windy City Artist Collective (WCAC). Just weeks after coming together to raise the bar of music collaboration in Chicago; they have hosted a private event to showcase themselves to a select private crowd of supporters and have already put out a playlist of original tracks.

The heavy Trap 6 track release playlist simply entitled Chicago Compilation Vol. 1, gives 6 of WCAC members a chance to showcase their production skills, essentially showing you what they can bring to the table. It should be noted that even though I’m not a huge fan of trap a majority(4) of these tracks are very likable and well produced. The other two in my opinion will blend into the monotony of trap songs.

I wont break down each song for you as I hope you give them all a listen and formulate your own opinion. I take from the experience a sense of pride since many of these guys are not opening nor headlining any major shows just yet. The arrow is definitely point up for this crew, given they have a few thousand plays in just 2 days.  This is truely only the beginning, so jump on the way and #SupportYourLocalDJS

Check out the entire playlist below:

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Follow the Windy City Artist Collective on the following social media:
Soundcloud
Facebook

Windy City Artist Collective [Interview]

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Chicago’s EDM scene is full of emerging artists, some of which I was fortunate enough to meet and interview over the year while running this site. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to a new collaboration effort between a few of Chicago’s current rising artists, the Windy City Artist Collective. Currently their roster includes: Ascencion, Axilon, Bite Me, Bo Dega
Hi Five, Jsquared, KTRL and  Smiirk. Last night they held a private event using the Autograf loft space to give each member a chance to show what they bring to the table. The entire sets were broadcasted live via the Future Factory Facebook page.

Below is my introductory interview with Antonio (Ascencion), from The Windy City Artist Collective.

WSC: How did this idea come about?
Antonio: The idea came out of the Chicago compilation album actually. I came up with the idea to get some new and upcoming artists together on an album which would feature brand new music from them. My goal was to showcase new talent and the diversity of our city.
WSC: Who started the talk?
Antonio: In the first stages of getting the features together, Avery (Smiirk), mentioned to me that we should just start an artist collective so that we can consistently showcase chicago based producers and brand new music. I loved the idea and we ran with it.
WSC: What’s the goal?
Antonio: Our main goal collectively is just to be an outlet for new and upcoming artists to showcase their hard work. I feel great minds can accomplish great things and if we all help each other out we can grow as one.
WSC: Why the current roster? ( are you guys friends have you all worked together was it random? Etc)
Antonio: The current roster represents artists I felt have been consistently putting out quality music and actively growing their fan base and brand. It’s good to have artists all on the same page and all very driven to accomplish similar goals. Some of us have known each other through playing shows together and some of us were complete strangers. We all share the same passion for the chicago music scene and our own musical endeavors though!
WSC: Will you be adding more artists as time goes on ?
Antonio: Yes! We are always seeking new talent! Right now we have a lot on our plates with the upcoming release but after Feb 1st we will be releasing tracks regularly from artists on the roster, as well as any other chicago based artist looking to showcase their music!
Here is some info about the artists:
Ascenscion FB Profile PicOver the past year and a half Ascencion has taken his productions to a higher standard with a few successful remixes including a Dillon Francis remix that garnered support from the likes of Dapp, Crankdat, and a few other artists and blogs. His passion has shown through his work and he strives to break barriers in his style. In 2016, he will be releasing many new originals and collaborations defining his skills and asserting himself as a contender in the bass music scene.
Axilon Fb Profile PicAxilon, the Chicago based DJ / Producer duo consisting of Skyler Shores and M.D.P. Known for their heavy hitting original productions and energetic live sets that leave no genre untouched, the duo has seen a widely successful 2015 having played multiple major music festivals and regularly playing alongside top national artists. Their future house remix of Sir Mix A Lot’s Baby Got Back became a viral vine success with over 350,000 loops, and their future bass remix of How Deep Is Your Love has seen similar success with praises from many major EDM blogs. With a monthly residency at Chicago’s notorious Porn & Chicken, and upcoming tour dates at venues across the Midwest, the up and coming duo shows no sign of slowing down their rapid success.
Bite Me Fb Profile Pic
Bite Me, the self-proclaimed prodigy to Dracula himself, newcomer Bite Me has exploded onto the scene with guns blazing and fangs bared. Chicago-born, 20-year-old Bite Me (real name Kyle Johnson) is giving industry vets a run for their money with his undoubtedly unique take on the tried-and-true trap genre.
Bo Dega Fb Profile PicBoDega, a new name to an old face. A self-taught guitarist since a childhood, Bo has been producing since 16, finally settling into Ableton as his weapon of choice for some years . His sound is the derivative of many years of musical wave riding, often referencing his Hip-Hop, Blues, and Metal roots. Having kept much work personal and choosing only to perform with it, his smooth and entrancing music will definitely find you off your ass on and on your feet. Like the hashtag claims #BoGotBeats
Hi Five Fb Profile Pic
Hi Five is a long time musician since the age of 8, that has been steadily honing his production skills over the past three years. His style usually consists of a fusion of groovy house and heavy bass music. He recently released a track with his long time collaborator, Xonic, entitled ‘No Pain’ featuring an iconic Drake sample: ‘One thing ’bout music, when it hits you feel no pain.
Jsquared Fb Profile PicJsquared are two artists based out of northwest Indiana. The name Jsquared came from the mix of Josh Ravesloot and Josh Ramos together bringing a dynamic mixture of rap,dub step ,electric hip hop, which is the style of music we now call trap today. The pair started playing locally in 2012 then over the years have had the chance to play with many big name artist as well as play festivals such as: Summer Set Music festival and North Coast Music Festival. They also put their own small tour together playing throughout the West Coast.
KTRL Fb Profile Pic
Having roots in New Orleans and Chicago, KTRL is redefining the music scene with their unique sound loosely described as Bass House. With a catalogue of released music on a multitude of labels such as EDM.com, Buygore, and Trap Sounds and garnering support from artists such as Oliver Heldens, Dr. Fresch, Buygore, Party Thieves, and more, KTRL is one duo that is rapidly rising in the national circuit.
Smiirk FB Profile PicSMIIRK started out in his journey to DJing at the age 11. He took 4 years to hone his skills and won a chance to DJ at North Coast Music Festival, being the youngest to play at that festival. His 2015 was incredible with having appeared at Backwoods and Dancefestopia festivals. Now, he is taking that same drive to his production skills. With a little over a year of producing, he has seen his soundcloud likes increase and has had his music heard all over the world. His music style is Future Bass/Chill Trap but he loves all genres.

Chicago’s Rising Talent: SMIIRK [Interview]

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Chances are you have already heard of Avery Delgado aka SMIIRK before reading this interview. That’s because over the past year this 16 year old DJ has performed at North Coast Music Festival, a pool party in Miami for Miami Music Week, several Trinium Events parties at Mojoe’s as well as Bass Therapy for OPM Presents with The Trap House.

We had a chance to catch up with him over the past week via email to get to know him a little. Below is the complete interview.

1)Take us back to last year or even before that. What made you decide to pursue a DJing career and what motivated you to enter in  React’s North Coast DJ Competition, which you ultimately won?

I became interested in DJing after seeing Deadmau5 at Lolla when I was 11. I really fell in love with the idea of becoming a DJ. My parents bought me for Christmas a simple DJ controller from Discover Music. It literally had one function which was one control, a cross fader. I got bored and over the next summer I asked my parents to pay for half of a better controller as long as I paid the other half.  As far as why I entered NCMF DJ contest that was my third entry in a contest. The one previous was for Spring Awakening and in that contest I placed 2nd but they picked another winner as they changed the rules a couple of weeks before and requested us to own our own music that we mixed. I did not change my mix and so they picked someone else. I’m happy for those winners (Dionysus) as we became friends and do a lot of shows together now. After that loss, I said to myself that I was not going to enter another contest. It takes a lot of time promoting and I did not want that burden on me again. When NCMF contest came out, my Dad said that I should never quit and that I should try this one last time. I entered the contest and this time around I submitted an original song called “Paradise”. I was surprised to find out that I was chosen as one of four finalist over 500 entries and that we had to Battle each other at the Concord Music Hall. We each had 15 minute sets and they where looking for crowd response and song selection. I was a little nervous as I only performed live one time at Medusa’s 3 months prior for 30 minutes. I had put the practice in my basement for years but did not know how to read the crowd. The other contestants had residencies and more years of experience. I was surprised when they announced my name at the end as the winner. It was a surreal moment for me.

2)Seeing that you’re only 16 what would you say your biggest obstacle has been so far to get your name out there, in what seems to be a very saturated yet very big EDM scene in Chicago? (And if you have, how did you overcome that obstacle?)

My biggest obstacle is my age. Most of the promoters know that my friends are not old enough to go to my shows, since most are 18+, so as far as selling tickets they are skeptical. The way I overcome that is that I promote very heavily and I am very active with my followers. I am seeing that more and more shows that I am doing my followers are starting to really support me and come to my shows.

Right, we’ve heard that from other local DJs as well, that promoters seem to care a lot about how many people each performer can bring in rather than focusing on if the music is good or matches the show. Regardless your following has been growing and you should be complimented for that. You wouldn’t be winning competitions and Djing in Miami, portage theater or mojoes if it wasn’t.

3)That being said. What venue in Chicago and beyond would you like to play but haven’t yet?

In Chicago, I would love to play at the Mid. I’ve heard there sound system is really good and from the pictures the venue is not too big or too small. It would feel very intimate. Also, the Aragon would be great as it holds a bigger crowd.  I played at Concord when I had to battle the other DJ’s for North Coast Music Festival. I would love to go back there. My goal is to one day play Madison Square Garden. I love to dream big!

That’s great. It always good to aim high. Aragon and the mid are definitely good venues to for.

4) Looking at your SoundCloud, it looks like you don’t stick to one genre of electronic music when creating original tracks or mixes. Is this by design or does it just happen that you like to put together different types of sounds?

In my mixes, I love to play all sort of genres together. I try not to stick to let’s say Trap for an hour. To me that would seem boring and not very appealing. People really enjoy my sets because I try to cater to all, because I love all types of EDM music. As far as my own originals and remixes. I have done it all from Trap to Tropical and everything in between. I am still experimenting with all types of sounds and genres and trying to find SMIIRK’s sound. I really find inspiration in Skrillex, he is so talented and does cross genres with his music.

Smiirk at Portage Theater for OPM Presents Bass Therapy, (photo credit: KnM Media)

Smiirk at Portage Theater for OPM Presents Bass Therapy, (photo credit: K&N Media)

5) So Skrillex and Deadmau5 are your big name inspirations and idols. Any local DJs or producers that you follow or keep track off?

The Local DJ’s that I look up to are The Trap House and JSquared. I love that they have a great following and have really pushed there brands as DJ’s. As far as Producers I dig Louis The Child. I love that they are young producers and that there quality of music and sound is unique.

6) We saw you were on the lineup for a festival in Wisconsin dells, you’re also on the DayTrip Fest lineup. Are you playing any other festivals this summer that we should know about?

I am in talks with one other festival right now that I can’t really discuss until it is confirmed. Let’s just say, that’s where it all started from.

7) What’s next for SMIIRK musically? Any new releases we should keep an eye out for? Any collaborations?

I can say that I wont have any collaborations soon because in all I am stopping DJing for a little while to focus on my music production. I want to perfect my craft and truly find my SMIIRK sound. I will though be releasing a bunch of new music while at the same time really mastering my work.

8) Are there any DJs or artists that you’d like us and our audience to know about that haven’t shared in your success but that you think should be recognized?

Yeah most definitely. I think there are a lot but I will name two that stand out to me. Zeelaa is an up incoming trap artist who is supported by big name artists but doesn’t perform much as a DJ, I think Chicago should keep an eye on him. Another artist that I see has a lot of potential is Solstis. That duo produces Future Bass and has a ever growing SoundCloud. That style of music is really growing in the edm scene and I know they will be successful.

Enough music talk. Let’s get to know you a little. Real quick

Favorite sport? Soccer.
Hobbies you like to do when not djing? Make music haha.
Favorite junk food? Potato Chips.
Favorite vacation spot? South Beach Miami, Florida.
Least favorite subject in school? English.
Dream job (If not DJing)? Entrepreneur, Shark Tank is hands down my favorite show.

Be sure to follow SMIIRK on the following social media to show him support:

Facebook
SoundCloud
Twitter

DayTrip Music Festival (2015)

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The DayTrip Music Festival is an all-day electronic music festival over four consecutive Sundays of the summer. The event is presented by Maek and Redmoon and powered by Your EDM, The EDM Network, and Untz.

Headliners include:

Alvin Risk, Midnight Conspiracy, Buku, Party Thieves, Milk N Cookies, Louis The Child, DJ Rye, Dani Deahl, and 100 more…

Features:
Paint Party
Foam Party
Snow Party

Check out the official Festival Trailer Below!!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9ha3eM5ZyE&w=560&h=315]

TO GET YOUR TICEKTS FOLLWO THIS LINK!!! Use PROMO CODE “WHYSOCHI” for 20% off your tickets!!

day trip fest 2015 daily lineup