Kenny Larkin / Dee Diggs / DJ Shannon

Who they are

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  Kenny Larkin

  Detroit · 5 bookings since Jan 2024

  “To most electronic music aficionados, Detroit native Kenny Larkin is a man who needs no introduction.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  To most electronic music aficionados, Detroit native Kenny Larkin is a man who needs no introduction. His impressive 20-year history of creating arguably some of the most timeless, soulful techno ever created, is unquestionable. But, to the newer generation of club-goers, who aren’t aware of his contributions, 2012 serves as the year to re-establish his position as one of the most valuable forces in dance music today. On his popularity, Larkin states: “I’m more like the artist’s artist. I’ve had very successful electronic artists tell me constantly how much I’ve influenced them, but, to the newer generations of club-goers, my name might not be as well known. I like to say, I’m famous for not being famous!” -KL Since the beginning of his career, Larkin’s profile was never considered massive, nor did he ever serve as the “face of techno.” Yet, the respect and admiration he garners from his fans, electronic musicians, and journalists globally leave little doubt as to his relevance, and influence in a genre that sometimes can be described as lacking in feeling, warmth and musicality. It is that musicality that allowed him to give us an unforgettable collection of original material and remixes, such as the amazingly groovy Inner City “Share My Life.” Many consider this rework one of the best Inner City remixes ever done. Or the equally stunning remix done for Ben Klock’s “OK,” which was voted by website LITTLE WHITE EARBUDS as the 20th top track of 2009. The reviewer comments: ... Larkin defrosts Klockʼs “OK” with swelling warmth and a bass line that wound itself all the way to the horizon. High wire strings gave the remix a sense of drama, while faultless percussive turns saw halting snares, clipped shakers and languid hi-hats entwine themselves through the fabric of the track. Coaxing an animalistic cry from his hardware, Larkin had already succeeded in creating a stunning take on “OK” by the three minute mark, but then topped it all off with a gorgeous piano solo that continued for the remainder of the track, adding a graceful fragility to the feverish pace set by the other elements. Not just one of Larkinʼs finest moments but one of 2009ʼs as well. Stunning! -LWE But by far, one of the most memorable recent remixes, was Larkin’s version of Radioslave’s “Don’t Need A Cure For This.” Released in late 2010, Larkin effortlessly displays his penchant for melody, and his signature jazzy keyboard riffs. The keyboard line, alongside the driving rhythm, resulted in the remix becoming one of the most charted remixes of 2010-11 on popular electronic music websites Resident Advisor, and Beatport. Never to rest on his laurels, in Dec. 2011, Larkin delivered one of the first biggest remixes of 2012. Less jazzy, but no less impressive than his Radioslave remix, Larkin’s expertly crafted version of Inner City’s, “Future,” which he coincidentally co-produced, and co-wrote, quickly climbed to the number one spot on Beatport’s Top 100 Techno Chart, and reached number 16 on their Top 100 overall chart, which combines all genres. Top dj’s from around the globe are currently supportive this massive floor filler. This was one of only a few Detroit titles to ever reach number one on the techno chart, since the creation of Beatport. “Quality, not quantity...” -KL The building blocks of his signature sound are rooted in his early exposure to jazz, funk, and soul, in addition to other more electronic influences. These styles all serve as the backbone of his unique style. This was a key component in the formation of the second wave of Detroit Techno, alongside artists such as Carl Craig. Larkin’s small, but impressive catalog of work of over the years, all displays his ability to chisel out of the often cold hard machines, his own sound that is all heart and soul. Quite simply, this is electronic soul music. After listening to his debut album, released on Warp Records, Azimuth (released 1994), the press commented: “”Azimuth is one of the most imaginative and original techno albums yet.” MUSIC WEEK “A masterpiece. This LP of intelligent Detroit techno is an upcoming classic.” STREETSOUNDS His second album, entitled Metaphor, released in 1995 on R&S, was no less impressive: “This is electronic soul music, full of human feeling and warmth" MixMag “Delightful, pure Detroit-style techno. Melodic, emotive and, like so much great U.S. techno, almost jazz-like in places. Larkin is a man with his finger on the fast forward button of music’s future.” SELECT Street Sound magazine later voted Azimuth as one of the top 50 Techno CD’s of all time. His second album, entitled Metaphor, released in 1995 on R&S, was no less impressive: "A juxtaposition of polished classic Detroit and quirky jazz-inspired innovation. At times very minimal and ambient, other times well informed by house, Kenny's warm dance beats hit in just the right places at just the right time.” I-D -Metaphor was Nominated for “Best Electronic Album of the Year by Keyboard Magazine. -In 1995, Larkin was voted “Best Techno Artist of the Year by local Detroit newspaper, Metro Times. Larkin returned from a break, and re-established himself with his, “Keys, Strings,Tambourines.” The album was released on the legendary Planet e, and was voted by Pop Matters magazine as the ninth best electronic albums of 2008. For their selection of top 20 albums of 2008, well respected website, Resident Advisor, listed Larkin’s album at 18. "Throughout Keys, Strings, Tambourines, Larkin peppers his elegant tech house rhythms with jazzy keyboard fills, strings, tambourines and oddball synth blurts, making for an especially tuneful listen that doesn't skimp on the ass-shaking. Fans of Larkin's classic works will not be disappointed here, nor will those discovering his music for the first time." –Resident Advisor Kenny has an undeniable passion for making music. In addition to his busy global dj schedule, Larkin is currently working on no less than 7 remixes, for a number of noteworthy artists craving the Larkin touch. In addition, he is putting the final touches on his first original release since his KST release on Planet e. Due out in the spring on Cadenza Records.. Larkin’s sound continues to stand the test of time. His unique, musical approach to dance music transcends expectations in balance with meeting his own ambitions and meanwhile pleasing “Detroit-Days” devoted followers all the world over. As his popularity grows, he will no doubt convert new fans to believers and show them that music...REAL music, and Techno can in fact coexist in the same fuzzy place in the heart. Famous for not being famous? Not for long.
  SoundCloud ↗Discography ↗
  Their RA profile lists Peacefrog, Warp Records, Planet E, KMS and 3 more.

  often with HOPPER, ACID BOGEN, LOURDES LOURDES, none of them here that night

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  Dee Diggs

  New York City · 70 bookings since Aug 2023

  “Dee Diggs is a DJ, music producer, and creative multi-hyphenate based in Brooklyn, NY.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Dee Diggs is a DJ, music producer, and creative multi-hyphenate based in Brooklyn, NY. She is unapologetically black, queer, and a lifelong student of the tenets of House Music. Every single set by this connoisseur feels like a celebration – a celebration of club culture, of queerness, of community, of house and techno, and of house and techno's Black and Queer American innovators. Her energetic, yet deep approach to DJing has seen this Boston to Brooklyn transplant first garnering attention in the queer party scene of NYC and now lighting up dancefloors all over the world with regular European and international tours. Her aim has always been to contribute & sustain more spaces where marginalized groups are valued and thanked by name for their contributions to humanity. Thank the ORIGINAL Black innovators of House & Techno! Thank you, Disco and Ballroom Queens & Queers and Club Kids alike for the theatrics & fanfare of nightlife as we know it! There are homages to these origins alluded to in all things 'Dee Diggs', from the aesthetics to the sharing of the referential and varied tracks that fill her most noteworthy mixes, to her own original music! She’s known for releasing standout mixes for the likes of Daisychain, Honcho, and Dekmantel over the past couple of years. Her musical adventures spanning all possible genres, the common denominator here is Dee Diggs’ unrivaled taste. Her sound cuts an arch through dance music’s past and present to convey an interesting melding of Dee’s signature sounds: lyrical storied tracks, sensual club edits, soulful realness, sneaky grooves, passionate thumpers, and nostalgic endings. Her eponymous party, House of Diggs debuted in February 2020 to stir and settle the hearts of all the lovers of house, funk, soul, disco, and R&B in Brooklyn, before the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent club closings curtailed that momentum for 1.5 years. However, 2021, found her making strides again when she resumed curating House of Diggs as a semi-regular event series at Jupiter Disco, a rotary-focused intimate dance floor in Bushwick before her touring DJ schedule ramped up intensely. She currently holds and curates a seasonal DJ residency at a hi-fi nightclub in Gowanus, BK named Public Records. House of Diggs makes an appearance yearly around PRIDE to take over all 3 rooms of Public Records with Queer Imagination and Sonic Pleasure! Diggs' steady rise continues as she steps in to headline many club and festival lineups in 2023 and beyond. The east coast darling bares her soul on these decks — when you hear her, you feel her, and there is no mistaking the beauty and grit of this sound and this feeling!
  SoundCloud ↗
  House on 6, Deep House on 4, Techno on 1 and Broken Beat on 1. styles on their catalogued releases

  Released on toucan sounds (2), Dekmantel (1) and Find Your Own (1). labels on their catalogued releases

  Recently at Artsdistrict Brooklyn, Gabriela, public records · often with Kilopatrah Jones, Nita Aviance, Ron Like Hell, none of them here that night

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  DJ Shannon

  New York City · 80 bookings since Aug 2023

  “Shannon Dawson is a dance floor professional.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Shannon Dawson is a dance floor professional. From the club to the recording booth and beyond, the kinetic DJ exhibits a deep understanding of what moves people at any place or time. Born, raised, and currently based in New York, Shannon has brought her unlimited exuberance and expert DJ skills to Chongqing, China, where she lived for five years and lit up the decks at local clubs and parties across the country. There she co-founded and owned CREAM, Chongqing’s first hip-hop–focused club, and rounded out her nightlife experience operating and booking for the subcultural spot. Shannon’s sound: Big and bold. She commands the decks with impressive technical skill—she’s noted for her layering and phrasing, dizzying handwork, and big-time blends. Consistently unearthing fresh, fun, fiery tracks and off-kilter beats, she delivers hard-hitting club, breakbeat, classic and ghetto house, techno, global bass, and hip-hop. She’s slayed the CDJs in revered New York venues including Nowadays, Elsewhere, House of Yes, and Good Room. Outside of the club, Shannon graces the airwaves of the Lot Radio and Radio Bonita with her energetic mixes and sunny personality. She is also the host of the podcast Club Management, which explores music’s ability to bridge communities around the world through thoughtful interviews with such guests as TRAXMAN, UNIIQU3, Bohan Phoenix, Ikonika, and Dance Mania founder Ray Barney.
  SoundCloud ↗

  Recently at Jupiter Disco, Purgatory, Mood Ring · often with Niyah West, HONEY B, Will Jack, none of them here that night