Experimental footwork producer Jana Rush recorded her breathtaking new album, Painful Enlightenment, while battling depression, but she’s careful not to romanticize that fact. “At that time, I couldn’t be consistent with anything. I could start something and good luck with finishing it,” Rush explains. “The loss of hope, it’s a strange and empty feeling, and […]
Tag: Planet Mu
Posted inMusic
DJ Manny centers love on his R&B-infused new album, Signals in My Head
Manuel Gaines, who performs as DJ Manny, was ten years old when he first heard footwork music at a party. Before long, the Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based producer met two titans of the genre, DJ Spinn and the late DJ Rashad, with whom he eventually collaborated on a handful of tracks. Manny has multiple releases under his […]
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As DJ Roc, Clarence Johnson has helped make footwork a global phenomenon
As DJ Roc, Chicago producer Clarence Johnson helped mold footwork and provided the support it needed to become an international underground phenomenon. He started making juke tracks in the early 2000s, but just a few years later he adopted the faster, battle-ready footwork sound. Johnson strengthened the footwork scene in 2005 by cofounding production collective […]
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Open the Circle teaches footwork because footwork saves lives
Chicago nonprofit Open the Circle works to spread a local Black dance culture that can knit together youth communities.
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Daredevil producer Jlin survives her own trial by fire
Indiana-based beat wizard Jlin returns to the stage for Pitchfork Midwinter after courting burnout to finish her second album and score an avant-garde dance performance.
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Could DJ Taye make Chicago footwork the biggest music in the world?
The Teklife producer integrates rap so perfectly on his new Still Trippin’ that he could bring footwork to new heights.
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The Era move footworking into the spotlight
Footwork crews often end up as sideshows to DJs or rappers—but Chicago dancers the Era hope to change that with their first stage production.
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Jlin’s debut album is an enchanting collection of shadowy footwork
Hailing from Gary, Indiana, this young producer laces darkness with footwork, but takes a lighter turn on “Unknown Tongues.”
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DJ Rashad is gone, but his influence on footwork lives on
The Chicago producer died before the music he helped define could break out, but he’s still inspiring his Teklife crew—which is releasing a compilation to benefit his young son.
Posted inBest of Chicago
Best Sound That’s Big in Japan
During an April interview on WNUR’s Streetbeat, local producer DJ Earl described these scenes as ‘blowing up’ in Japan.
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Deerhunter’s dreamily scuzzy Monomania and 14 more record reviews
Reviews of 15 current releases from all over the world of music: Deerhunter, Altar of Plagues, and lots more
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Local release roundup
DJ Diamond brings nuance to footwork’s frenzy, Tiny Fireflies rough up twee pop, Tony Baines leads a hip-hop Bible Study, and more
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Gear Up, Emo Kid
The Smoking Popes announce a concept album and Gauge plays with Haymarket Riot. Plus: Chrissy Murderbot signs to Planet Mu, James Chance likes Snapple, and more