I’ve long admired Chicago indie label Star Creature Universal Vibrations for its efforts to push the synth-heavy sounds of boogie and modern funk and bolster the international underground community that loves them. The label focuses on contemporary artists and releases, but it also maintains an indispensable archival project in the form of its ongoing Chicago […]
Tag: Tim Zawada
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Andrew Kitchen’s boogie strikes back
Soul Train veteran and Attack of the Boogie host Andrew Kitchen celebrates the reissue of his dance show’s 1984 theme song.
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Gloriously idiosyncratic label Mississippi Records moves to Chicago
Gloriously idiosyncratic label Mississippi Records moves to Chicago, Smashed Plastic throws a free grand-opening party packed with local talent, and more.
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Local punks Droids Blood add new variety to their dark, deranged hardcore
Local punks Droids Blood add new variety to their dark, deranged hardcore, DJ Kool Hersh drops the expansive mix Attack of the Chicago Boogie, and more.
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Honoring the vanishing musical culture of Wicker Park
In some ways, Dorian’s is just one more boutiquey bar and restaurant. But its record store and music bookings connect it to Wicker Park’s 1990s arts community.
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Mark Grusane has forgotten more about dance music than you’ll ever know
DJ and collector Mark Grusane, cofounder of defunct south-side shop Mr. Peabody Records, talks about the insanely rare and sought-after tracks he’s sharing on his new compilation.
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Star Creature Universal Vibrations transfigures boogie for the 21st century
Tim Zawada and Ben Van Dyke’s label, Star Creature Universal Vibrations, helps turn the far-flung fans of this resurgent postdisco dance music into an evolving community.
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Chicago power trio Beat Drun Juel drop a heavy new EP
Chicago power trio Beat Drun Juel drop a heavy new EP, Maximum Pelt throws a double release party for Swear Beam and Basement Family, and more.