Isolée

RECOMMENDED

Through gently twinkling melodies and subtle machine beats, German microhouse innovator Rajko Müller, aka Isolée, possesses a rare talent in finding that illusive soul in the machine—the warmth and depth and emotion that is inexplicably a greater sum than the whole of its whirring, clicking, robotic parts (as evidenced by his early release on Playhouse, a sublime remix of Blaze’s house classic “Lovelee Dae”). His debut album “Rest” would follow in 2000, tent-poled by his previously released breakthrough track “Beau Mot Plage” and the eerie “I Owe You.” But only a mere smattering of releases would follow until 2005 with the unveiling of “We Are Monster,” which showcased a greater range, from the post-apocalyptic soundtrack feel of opener “Pictureloved,” to the classic R&B-infused riffing and twisted Americana of “Schrapnell.” Fast-forwarding to 2010, Isolée has remained active on the remix front with unexpected gold found from retreads of French next-big-thing the Shoes, and Ed Banger’s resident disco freak Mickey Moonlight. And while the latter showcases an incredible juxtaposition of off-kilter bending piano notes and warbled bliss with vocals, we wouldn’t expect to hear it, as Isolée is performing a rare live set—his first in Chicago since 2005—in support of his latest release on Dial, “The Fantastic Researches Of Yushin Maru.” But with an upcoming full-length on DJ Koze’s Pampa label set for January 21, Chicago fans will likely be treated to a preview of this much-anticipated release. Strong local support is also lined up for the night, with a live performance from Quadratic and the debut tag-team DJ appearance of techno stalwart Frankie Vega and underground makeparty machine Sevron. And just to make sure all of your senses are immersed in the evening, live visuals will be provided by video artist Kawa. File Under: Do Not Miss. (Duke Shin)

December 2 at Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western, (773)276-3600. 9:30pm. $10.

By John Alex Colón

Enter the box set. Such backward trips through past creations, recent efforts and unreleased recordings are reserved for the end of the road, the geriatric frontman’s shameless grasps at the straws of relevance. With Richie Hawtin’s Plastikman project, such relevance is not only palpable, but also possesses an inertia poised to upend the electronic music live performance.

Hawtin acknowledges his defiance of the natural order and explains that his newest project, “Arkives,” encompasses all things Plastikman in an effort to “go back to some of those ideas we wanted to do back in those early days in Detroit, back to the early Plastikman shows.” His goal is to develop the moniker and live performance, which requires an update for longtime and newfound fans.

Such progression requires a sense of history and Hawtin’s answer is this comprehensive box set, which aggregates seventeen years of Plastikman material. The limited collection must be pre-ordered before December 31, 2010, and only the number of orders placed will be manufactured. Read the rest of this entry »

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Dubfire, half of the legendary progressive house superduo, Deep Dish, is in town for his last Chicago visit of the year. Dubfire’s approach to techno and tech-house ignites many a dance floor, fueled by driving grooves and relentless beats, subtly augmented by synths, vocal samples and infectious minimal techno elements. Dubfire’s Sci+Tec imprint boasts club-movers such as Paul Ritch and Oliver Huntemann, both of whom have partnered with Dubfire’s dark and sultry sound. The accolades continue to roll in for this DJ veteran, and this holiday weekend he joins Richie Hawtin in a coordinated attempt to destroy the Spy Bar massive. (John Alex Colón)

November 26 at Spy Bar, 646 North Franklin, (312)337-2191. 10pm. $12-$29.

RECOMMENDED

Freakeasy’s two-year run in the underground loft scene is over but the vibe lives on in a post-Thanksgiving soiree at Metro that features Deee-lite’s former songstress, Lady Miss Kier. The Freakeasy 2nd Anniversary Freakin’ Ball celebrates the continued tenure of the fabled Freakeasy initiative and rumor has it this won’t be the last time it visits Metro. Expect the finest underground sounds from the illmeasures DJs, including Striz and Justin Reed, a live set from Brad Miner, Radiohiro and MC Zulu. Additional highlights include live art installations around the venue to complement the musical performances. Presale tickets are available at http://freakeasy.net. (John Alex Colón)

November 26 at Metro, 3730 North Clark, (773)549-4140. 8pm. Tickets $20-$30. 18+.

By John Alex Colón

Last week, Steve Lawler jumped on a bus, embarking on another North American tour in support of his VIVa MUSiC label. In 2009, he and Jimmy Hill brought the VIVa banner from city to city by jet, much like the 2008 tour that included Audiofly and Tiefschwarz. Lawler will steer the bus to Spy Bar on Halloween night, joined by Leon and David Pher, Italian house sensation and busy, techno-minded Berliner, respectively. Both artists have releases on Lawler’s imprint, which is known for its recognition and support of new talent.

Lawler recently released his own EP, titled “Gimme Some More,” which features prolific house music vocalist Roland Clark, and remixes by an impressive roster of artists. Upon listening to Clark’s earlier work, Lawler saw fit to capture his a capella skills on a track of his own. “He’s kind of a legend when it comes to house vocals like that,” Lawler says. “He has an amazing voice and is an amazing, amazing lyricist.”

Lawler’s own career can certainly be regarded as prolific, even legendary. A longtime fan of acid house, he promoted events beneath a UK highway, cut his teeth as a resident DJ at Cream, and released singles and remixes on several established labels, including Harthouse, Cocoon, Souvenir and R&S. His residencies at Space in Ibiza and The End in London are known for marathon sets of six hours or longer, fueled by Lawler’s approach to house music: erotic grooves, deep basslines and layers of percussion influenced by African and Latin drum sounds. Read the rest of this entry »

RECOMMENDED

Soul Foundation’s monthly Saturday affair at the House of Blues continues with a visit from the inimitable Diz, a veteran Chicago DJ whose early achievements and funk-laden approach to house music are matched only by his enthusiasm for the city itself. With an impeccable ear and innate sense of arrangement, Diz turned his skills on the decks into vinyl treasures for the masses. As a longtime resident at Boom Boom Room, he delivers the grooves with a nod to his teeth-cutting nights on the loft circuit. Joined by Soul Foundation mainstays, Frique and Brenda D., Diz provides the soundtrack for your house music sanctuary this weekend in the House of Blues Foundation Room. Proper casual attire is required for this event. (John Alex Colón)

September 25 at House of Blues Foundation Room, 329 N. Dearborn, (312) 923-2000. 10pm. Free.

RECOMMENDED

The Foundation Room at the House of Blues and Chicago’s Soul Foundation DJ collective seem a logical match, and not merely in name. The crew kicks off their new monthly party at the riverside venue with Ron Trent, Jevon Jackson and Brian Gardner this weekend. Trent’s blend of soulful house, disco grooves and funky percussion is apparent in his DJ sets and production efforts, and has served him well in his tenure as a Chicago icon. His presence on the decks guarantees a slow, seductive burn able to consume any dancefloor. Jevon Jackson and Brian Gardner are two Soul Foundation alums who watched Trent’s career with great interest, inspiring their own approaches to dancefloor management. Witness the first session and be sure to remember that proper attired is required. (John Alex Colón)

August 28 at House of Blues Foundation Room, 329 N. Dearborn, (312)923-7050. 10pm. Free.

Todd Mariana

RECOMMENDED

Fueled by techno and a solid sound system, dB [deciBel] Thursdays continue to satisfy the late-night crowd and close August with two local juggernauts: Todd Mariana and Funk Shui. Mariana spins with the venerable Soul Foundation and co-founded bodElectric, which has presented Chicago with incredible underground events this summer. His blend of deep house and techno complements the sultry tech-house sounds of Funk Shui, whose innovative sets as Wavelength (with Kyle Szmurlo) never disappoint. Other DJs on the bill include Renan and Droopy, who help kick off a monthly collaboration between the dB crew and droopzilla that promises to “get the weekend into your system.” (John Alex Colón)

August 26 at Martini Ranch, 311 West Chicago, (312)335-9500, 10pm. Free.

Seth Troxler

RECOMMENDED

The end of summer is approaching and, for lovers of electronic-music and patio day parties, that can only mean one thing—it’s time for Varsity Allstars. Now in its fourth year, the Varsity Allstars event series revisits Chicago for its annual twelve-hour blowout featuring DJs from all over the country and special international guests. Headlining the sports-themed event is Berlin-based, Michigan-native Seth Troxler, who was named Resident Advisor’s number-eight DJ in the world last year. The young DJ/producer has enjoyed massive international support touring the world while releasing tracks and DJ mixes for labels like M_nus, Crosstown Rebels, Bpitch Control, Spectral Sound, Wagon Repair and many more. Troxler’s wide-ranging musical taste, incredible programming skills, larger-than-life personality, and ability to read any dance floor make him one of the finest DJs around. Expect plenty of groove, soul and sensuality from Troxler as he takes you on an extended journey through house and techno from the classic to the cutting-edge. Troxler is joined by former Chicagoan Mike Khoury, NYC’s Naveen G, Smart Bar music director Nate Manic. Also DJing are Chicago favorites Phillip Stone, Jason Patrick, Hernan Sanchez, Martin Stoy, along with M. Sylvia, Mark Roy vs. Erik Cosgrove, Adulture and newcomer prep.step. (Elly Rifkin)

August 22 at Moretti’s, 1645 West Jackson, 18+, Noon-midnight. $15.

Kid Color

RECOMMENDED

The Art Institute of Chicago’s sleek, pristine Modern Wing is hosting the current Sound & Vision exhibit, which aims to explore “the symbiotic relationship between art and music, presenting humorous yet rigorous investigations in which the two do not connect in any synesthetic sense but rather come together via acts of transposition…” To this effect, the Art Institute, in conjunction with Metro/Smart Bar, present Gard(en)Counter, featuring Metro/Smart Bar in-house DJs Nate Manic, Bald E. and Kid Color, who’ll provide the gift of sound spanning 1982 to present day. As for the vision, we’re sure the multimedia exhibits and installations will fit perfectly like “blue, blue, electric blue.” (Duke Shin)

July 30, Pritzker Garden/Griffin Court at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan, (877)307-4242, 9pm-midnight, $8/$10.