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.

Kygo @ Navy Pier 1-23-16 [Recap]

Kygo_CloudNine_FinalOn Saturday January 23 Kygo made his final Cloud Nine Tour stop for his North American leg of the tour. Unfortunately I’ll have to report that his show did not put me on cloud nine, in fact this could have been the worst show I have been to in a long time. Fortunately for Kygo this isn’t a review about the actual music he plays.

***DISCLAIMER: I am not a Kygo hater, in fact I do enjoy his music and tropical house as a whole, though it’s not my first choice of EDM sub-genre of choice. This is my opinion of the show which can differ from yours and that’s fine.***

 

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Just Stay Chi! Weekly Clubbing Preview 4 (2016)

Monday 1/25/2016

EvilOlive SRTB Present : Porn N Chicken Fatty Patty Track Release Banger! RSVP For No Cover Before 11 PM
Mason The Green Room Mondays ‪#‎OPENdecks‬‪ #‎USBSonly‬. Stop in put your name down and throw in some tunes for us. Keep it sexy! Hosted by HOTT MESS & Brotinez
The MiD Industry Night w/ Thor, Dante, Arkitek RSVP Deal FREE Before Midnight.
Tuesday 1/26/2016
Crocodile The Trap House w/ DJ Belly Text 75309 w/ 40oz for VIP cover, special pop up parties, and info on bigger events we will be doing!
EvilOlive Trap House After Party FREE Entry to all Trap House Attendees
Graffiti Squad Tuesday RSVP/Tables: oskartuesday@gmail.com, call/text 312.545.2381
Primary Primary $2 Tuesdays Say “Diana” at the door for FREE entry till 12 AM Reduced After.
Spybar Transmit Tuesdays w/ NO SL33P – Chino – Ian Oliver – RSVD SAY Unlisted at the door for NO COVER ALL NIGHT!
Time Industry Tuesday: Dj Strategy Password “Alpha” Ladies Free ALL Night, Guys FREE before 2 AM. For reservations Reservations: (312)988-0199

Wednesday 1/27/2016

Primary La-Di-Da Wednesdays Use Password “Diana” at the door for free Entry Before 12 AM
Roof On the Wit Big_Once Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Room7 RITMO Wednesdays NO cover ALL night with text! Text VERTIGO to 33733
Studio Paris Winter Lift: DJ Step For Tickets follow the LINK. To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
The Underground EDW – Steve Smooth, Matt Play, Dante For reservations email Host@TheUndergroundChicago.com

Thursday 1/28/2016

The MiD Madeon (DJ Set) Pixel Empire Tour For tickets and table reservations follow the LINK
Parliament Dante For reservations follow the LINK
Roof on the Wit Luka Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Room7 The In Crowd Thursdays Send all reservations and inquiries to info@room7chicago.com or reservations@room7chicago.com!
Shay Emily Sears RSVP for free entry. Call/Text 630-433-8420 for bottles/table reservations
Smart bar [Synthetic] w/ Maerty Mars / Boy Alberto / Eeks Laroo / B-Side FREE All Night
Studio Paris Winter Lift: Dj Snoopadelic For Tickets follow the LINK. To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
Time Dual Thursdays – Dj Trilogy + Boy Wonder Password “Alpha” Ladies Free ALL Night, Guys FREE before 2 AM. For reservations Reservations: (312)988-0199
The Underground 2016 Winter Music Series: DJ E-Rock For table reservations follow the LINK

Friday 1/29/2016

8Fifty8 Prive Fridays For Guest list and Table Reservations follow the LINK. For parties, call 312.455.2776.
EvilOlive #NoDrama Friday Text Vertigo to 33733 for FREE Entry Until 1 AM
Graffiti Lit with Webbie RSVP/Tables Follow the LINK
The MiD Claptone Password “WHYSOCHI” Ladies free all night, guys fee before 1130p, $25 after – Tables 773 504 4348
Parliament Yoni For reservations follow the LINK
Primary Formula Friday Use Password “Diana” at the door for free Entry Before 12AM
Roof on the Wit Mr. Shaw Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Shay #latenight w/DJ Riz RSVP for free entry. Call/Text 630-433-8420 for bottles/table reservations
Smart Bar Eddie C For tickets follow the LINK.
Sound-bar Marc Stout Password: “WHYSOCHI” Free entry until 1:00 AM, $10 after . Bottle special: 2 bottles of Belvedere for $300 (must be prebooked, 8 people maximum per bottle special, tax and gratuity not included).
Spybar Seth Troxler For Tickets Follow the LINK
Studio Paris Winter Lift: DJ Politik For Tickets follow the LINK. To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
Time GLC Presents: BE WILD [ Good Life, Alex Kislov, Goodsex] Password: WHYSOCHI FREE entry before 1AM, $20 after. For bottle service and table resevations text 773.504.4348
Tunnel Metro – Navic – Unique For reservations follow the LINK . To Book your tables call 773.348.8899

Saturday 1/30/2016

Annex #Afterlife Grand Opening Party RSVP For free Entry
8Fifty8 Excess Saturdays For Guest list and Table Reservations follow the LINK. For parties, call 312.455.2776.
EvilOlive Battle of The Beasts: Gene Hunt Vs CZR, John Simmons Vs Julio Bishop, Czboogie Vs Phatman, Pizza Vs Tacos Free Pizza&Tacos From 10p till 1130p. Text Evil Olive to 312 659 6922 to Get in Free
Lite sociaLITE To RSVP and to reserve a table follow the LINK
The MiD Ali & Fila For tix follow the LINK
Parliament Charles Protege For reservations follow the LINK
Primary Primary Presents: Terrence Parker w/ RJ Pickens and Phil Rizzo Use Password “Diana” at the door for free Entry Before 12AM
Roof on the Wit Steve Smooth Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Room7 Saturday’s At Room Seven Send all reservations and inquiries to info@room7chicago.com or reservations@room7chicago.com!
Shay #Saturdaystil5 To RSVP follow the LINK
Smart Bar Kim Ann Foxman For tickets follow the LINK.
Sound-bar Alex M.O.R.P.H – Ben Nicky – Axilon -Xonic – Hi Five – NO SL33P – Password: “WHYSOCHI” Free before midnight, $10 from midnight to 1AM, $15 after. Bottle special: Any 2 bottles of vodka for $400 (must be prebooked, 8 people maximum per bottle special, tax and gratuity not included).
Spybar Lost Frequencies w/ Win + Woo For tickets follow the LINK
Studio Paris Winter Lift: Jerzy Saturdays For Tickets follow the LINK. To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
Time Nick Ferrer Password: WHYSOCHI FREE entry before 1AM, $20 after. For bottle service and table resevations text 773.504.4348
Tunnel Vanessa Michaels For reservations follow the LINK . To Book your tables call 773.348.8899

Sunday 1/31/2016

Primary Enter The Void No Cover
Time Destination Sunday For reservations and info call (312) 988-0199
Smart Bar QUEEN! W/ Derrick Carter, Michael Serafini, Garrett David $7 All Night
The Underground CIA Sundays w/ DJ PHNM RSVP to CIA@RockitRanch.com

Just Stay Chi! Weekly Clubbing Preview 49

Monday 12/7/2015

EvilOlive SRTB Present : Porn N Chicken Juggalo Banger!  W/ Mark Instinct RSVP For No Cover Before 11 PM
Mason Open Decks List goes up at 8 PM. Come sign up for a slot, keep it sexy with some house and chill trap. One DJ will be chosen tonight to play either a THE TRAP HOUSE,PROMOSE7EN.com, or an OPM presents event. ‪#‎USBSonly‬ No controllers, or laptops.
The MiD Industry Night w/ Navic, Dante, Arkitek RSVP Deal FREE Before Midnight.

Tuesday 12/8/2015

Crocodile The Trap House w/  Foxhound Say “HATZ” at the door for FREE entry till 10:30 PM reduced after
EvilOlive Trap House After Party FREE Entry to all Trap House Attendees
Graffiti Squad Tuesday RSVP/Tables: oskartuesday@gmail.com,  call/text 312.545.2381
Primary Primary $2 Tuesdays Say “Diana” at the door for FREE entry till 12 AM Reduced After.
Roof on the Wit Roof Live Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Spybar Transmit Tuesdays w/ Surveyor Mode | Mia Wallace | Nestor Arriaga | Tony G b2b Haus-Arrest SAY DNRecords AT THE DOOR FOR NO COVER ALL NIGHT!
Time Industry Tuesday Password “Alpha” Ladies Free ALL Night, Guys FREE before 2 AM. For reservations Reservations: (312)988-0199

Wednesday 12/9/2015

Roof On the Wit Big Once Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Room7 Ritmo Wednesday Send all reservations and inquiries to info@room7chicago.com or reservations@room7chicago.com!
Studio Paris Ron Carroll For Tickets follow the LINK. To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
The Underground EDW – Nick Rockwell, Matt Play, Dante For reservations email Host@TheUndergroundChicago.com

Thursday 12/10/2015

The MiD Dotcom Use password “WHYSOCHI” Ladies FREE all night, Guys free before 12:00 AM. For bottle service and table resevations text 773.504.4348
Parliament JEM For reservations follow the LINK
Primary Alex Metric To purchase tickets follow the LINK
Roof on the Wit Avi Sic Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Room7 Come Party With the LA Clippers Send all reservations and inquiries to info@room7chicago.com or reservations@room7chicago.com!
Smart bar [SYNTHETiC] w/ Alberto, Jenamax, Eeks Laroo, Eyg, B-Side FREE
Studio Paris CAPTN20 For Tickets follow the LINK. To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
Time Dual Thursdays – Catch Kid Clay & Protégé Password “Alpha” Ladies Free ALL Night, Guys FREE before 2 AM. For reservations Reservations: (312)988-0199

Friday 12/11/2015

8Fifty8 Prive Fridays For Guest list and Table Reservations follow the LINK. For parties, call 312.455.2776.
EvilOlive No Drama Friday Text Vertigo to 33733 for FREE Entry
Mason Shinar – Konvix Text 8479975293 for any table and or party bookings!
The MiD Anjunadeep Tour For tix follow the LINK
Parliament Brody Jenner For reservations follow the LINK
Primary React Presents: Benoit & Sergio For tickets follow the LINK
Roof on the Wit delaChapelle Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Shay DJ E-Rock RSVP for free entry. Call/Text 630-433-8420 for bottles/table reservations
Smart Bar Truncate For tickets follow the LINK
Sound-bar Release Fridays Password: “WHYSOCHI” Free entry until 1:00 AM, $10 after .Bottle special: $99 bottles of Belvedere (must be prebooked, 5 people maximum per bottle, tax and gratuity not included).
Spybar Tom Trago – Somne RSVP DEAL: Free Before 12 AM $10 After
Studio Paris Dj Ruckus For Tickets follow the LINK. To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
Time Marc Stout Password: WHYSOCHI FREE entry before 1 AM, $20 after. For bottle service and table resevations text 773.504.4348
Tunnel Steve Smooth – Xonic For reservations follow the LINK . To Book your tables call 773.348.8899

Saturday 12/12/2015

8Fifty8 Excess Saturdays – Jingle Bash After Party For Guest list and Table Reservations follow the LINK. For parties, call 312.455.2776.
EvilOlive Mark Grant, DJ Heather, Gene Hunt + More Text Awe to 312 659 6922 To Get in Free
Graffiti Funky Entertainment #Afters Party “FUNKY ENT” at the door for the hookup!
Lite sociaLITE To RSVP and to reserve a table follow the LINK
Mason Dotn Drake and Drive Text 8476688586 for any table and or party bookings.
The MiD Ruby Rose For tickets follow the LINK.
Parliament Champagne Saturdays For reservations follow the LINK
Primary Them Flavors & Young Girl Party Present: Kastle – Forever Tour For tickets follow the LINK.
Roof on the Wit Evil One Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Room7 Serbian Night Send all reservations and inquiries to info@room7chicago.com or reservations@room7chicago.com!
Shay #Saturdaystil5 To RSVP follow the LINK
Smart Bar Derek Plaslaiko For tickets follow the LINK.
Sound-bar Light Em Up Password: “WHYSOCHI” Free before 1:00 AM, $10 after. Bottle special: 2 bottles of Belvedere for $300 (must be prebooked, 8 people maximum per bottle special, tax and gratuity not included).
Spybar Technasia RSVP DEAL: Free Before 12 AM $10 After
Studio Paris Jerzy Saturdays For Tickets follow the LINK. To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
Time DJ Simone Password: WHYSOCHI FREE entry before 1 AM, $20 after. For bottle service and table resevations text 773.504.4348
Tunnel Brotinez – Crizr For reservations follow the LINK . To Book your tables call 773.348.8899

Sunday 12/13/2015

Primary Enter The Void No Cover
Smart Bar QUEEN! W/ Michael Serafini, Garrett David, special Guest Luke Solomon $7 All Night
The Underground CIA Sundays w/ Dante RSVP to CIA@RockitRanch.com