Detroit Love, Brooklyn Edition by Day with Carl Craig, Moodymann + more

Who they are

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  Carl Craig

  Detroit · 13 bookings since Aug 2023

  “Carl Craig is described as a creative visionary, an electronic music icon, an esteemed Grammy-nominated composer, a world-class DJ and an ambassador for his native Detroit.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Carl Craig is described as a creative visionary, an electronic music icon, an esteemed Grammy-nominated composer, a world-class DJ and an ambassador for his native Detroit. Yet the common thread that runs through Craig’s broad musical canon and creative projects is a resounding fascination with futurism. The prolific producer has cultivated a unique path as an artist, entrepreneur and civic leader, guided by his tendency toward forward thinking. “My livelihood is making music that I can perform, whether I’m doing orchestral production or modular strangeness or generating club music. I don’t restrict myself,” said Craig. “I defined myself by being who I am. The ultimate self respect is when you say you’re going to do something and you go and do it to the best of your ability.” Craig released his first track in 1989 on a Virgin UK compilation album, with two singles following on labels run by his first collaborator Derrick May. After a series of ambitious releases for his co-owned Retroactive imprint, in 1991 Craig launched his second record label Planet E with the groundbreaking EP “4 Jazz Funk Classics”, under his alias 69. Planet-E turned 20 in 2011 and Craig celebrated the label’s history by taking Planet-E and its artists and collaborators on a world tour for the first time ever. He also previewed the 69 Live show for the first time, at select festivals around the world, fusing masks, darkness and the music of 69, Craig created 69’s own entity. As well as this, Planet-E invited friends of the label – like Luciano, Kirk Del Giorgio, Loco Dice and more - to pick their favourite Planet-E track to remix and re-release. Reflecting a year that was packed with events and releases, Craig readily admits that when he started the label he was hoping “it would last forever.” He cites artistic freedom as the highlight of running the label and adds, “It was never a struggle for the label to be an outlet for my or other people's music. It was always a struggle to stay in business, actually a war to stay in business.” Looking back now to Craig's early releases from 1989-1992, one can see how much the wild variety found in his early music set the groundwork for his diverse career. He's fortunate to serve as an inspiration and influence to countless artists in the underground electronic music scene as well as crossover acts like Underworld, Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem. His 1992 Innerzone Orchestra cut “Bug in the Bassbin” was credited as the spark that inspired the evolution of drum‘n’bass. In typical Craig fashion, “Bug...” continued to develop, morphing into a live jazz composition in 1996. In turn, those experiments laid the ground for Craig to incorporate Jazz elements onto his 1999 I.O. album “Programmed.” Then in the 00's Craig explored jazz further still as producer on the albums “The Detroit Experiment” and “Rebirth” (2009) for legendary Detroit Jazz collective Tribe. This is but one example of Craig's continually evolving exploration of sound. Craig’s prolific nature is reflected in the many recording projects he has used throughout his career including 69, BFC, C2, Innerzone Orchestra, No Boundaries, Psyche, Paperclip People and Tres Demented. This rotating cast of aliases has enabled him to continually explore new directions through a long succession of full length albums, mix CDs and singles including “Throw” (1994), “Landcruising” (1995), “The Secret Tapes of Dr Eich” (1996), “More Songs About Food and Revolutionary Art” (1997), “Programmed” (1999), “The Detroit Experiment” (2002), “The Workout” (2002), “Just Another Day” (2004), “Fabric 25” (2005), “The Album Formerly Known As” (2005), “Paris Live” (2007), “Sessions” (2008), “Recomposed” (with Moritz Von Oswald) (2008), “The Legendary Adventures of a Filter King” (2009) and “Modular Pursuits” (2010). Craig’s interest in collaboration continually grows. As "Versus", one of his boldest endeavors to date, Craig combines techno and classical music, opening himself up to working in a new format by collaborating with orchestrator / pianist Francesco Tristano, French orchestra Les Siècles, conductor Francois Xavier Roth and Moritz Von Oswald. Inspired by well-received performances in large concerts halls in Paris, Milan and Germany, Craig started the process of developing the project into an album. He also performs as Trio alongside Von Oswald and Tristano. His occasional appearances with the electronic collective jam band Narod Niki, alongside Villalobos, Luciano, Richie Hawtin, Zip and others, have led to him appearing in part live / part DJ gigs with Luciano. Additionally he’s taken to occasionally bringing keyboardists like Mike Banks (UR), Amp Fiddler and Tristano into the DJ booth with him for special one-off gigs. These mixed performances add some variety in a non-stop DJ schedule that finds him spinning at top clubs worldwide. Craig acknowledges, “Touring has always been the most important aspect of the music industry for artists. There will always be that desire for human interaction.”. Lets also mention that he has recently performed live soundtracks to films, first in Amsterdam then in New York, where he improvised live to an Andy Warhol film at Unsound Festival. The fact is, unpredictability is the only predictable thing about Craig and his music. Outside of his Planet E recordings, Craig also continues to be one of the most sought-after remixers in the world. Craig has produced a seemingly never-ending list of remixes that now extends over 100 cuts, including mixes for the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip, Friendly Fires, Caribou, Theo Parrish, Gavin Russom & Delia Gonzalez, Tori Amos, Can, Goldfrapp, Unkle, Yello and others. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2008 for his mix of the Junior Boys “Like a Child.” “It’s been proven that the remix is a valid art form,” Craig said. “When I take on a project, the ultimate goal is that it becomes my record. In many cases I’m actually recomposing the track and the time that I spend reflects how personal it becomes.” Fortunately there is no shortage of artists looking for that Carl Craig touch, so rest assured you'll hear Craig reconfiguring many of your favorite artists for years to come. In the same way that he likes to make tracks he's remixing his own, Craig’s commitment to his home in Detroit is also something very personal. After launching a festival to rival that of any in Europe with the Detroit Electronic Music Festival in 2000, Craig has shifted his focus to even more ambitious goals with the creation of his non-profit 501-C3 Carl Craig Foundation. “The concept is to find ways to re- educate kids about what’s interesting musically that you can’t get on the radio” says Craig. Partnering with other non-profits to set up music scholarships, in 2010 the Carl Craig Foundation presented a five-day workshop during the Movement Festival at the Detroit School of the Arts, which exposed the students to professionals in sound engineering, music festival production, record/music production and musical performance. Craig sees the primary goal of the foundation as a way “to develop a new music scene that follows the legacy of Detroit music being diverse and interesting, to spot out the most talented young musicians coming out of high school and lend small financial grants to encourage music education at a higher level.” This commitment to Detroit music also extends to how his Planet E family of labels is run. Not only has it given a home to a wide range of Detroit-based artists including Francesco Mora Catlett, Naomi Daniel, Flexitone, Jason Hogans, Kenny Larkin, Monty Luke, Ezana Harris, Moodyman, Mike Agent X, Oliverwho Factory, Recloose, Reference, Kevin Saunderson, Big Tone, Tribe, Urban Tribe, and Chaz Vincent, it has also been serving as a distributor for Detroit imprints including Derrick May's Transmat and Stacey Pullen's Black Flag. “The reality of the business is that you have to change. That’s a very difficult process, especially as an independent. I made a conscious decision a few years ago to invest in what I do. It’s turning it around and putting it into the studio and the label for my music to develop. We’re fighters around here. We fight to find new ways of selling. We do manufacture vinyl and there are people who want it. We’re fighting to keep it alive. Fighting for music that we have a vision for,” Craig say about Detroit. “My commitment to the city is like a commitment to your family. I’ve been here all my life and I’ve seen great things happen elsewhere, why not be involved in making my home great?” When Craig explains his philosophy, his wry sense of humor seeps into his explanations of far-reaching concepts that merge worlds together. “I have a very special career. When I feel that I’m tired of going on the road I can go in the studio. When I’m tired of concentrating on the studio I can go on the road. I can work with concert pianists, jazz musicians or rock guys. Very few people have that range of interests. Very few people juggle a career that they choose specifically.” No one else can pull it all together quite like Carl Craig.
  SoundCloud ↗Discography ↗
  Their RA profile lists fabric Records, Clone Records, Ibadan Records, Planet E and 6 more.

  Recently at Superior Ingredients, public records, 99 Scott Ave · often with Chaim, Lauren Ritter, Art Department, none of them here that night

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  Dennis Free

  New York City · 34 bookings since Sep 2023

  “Blending classic house with the raw energy of percussive dance, and ghetto tech, Dennis creates a sound that’s both soulful & rhythmic with driving basslines.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Blending classic house with the raw energy of percussive dance, and ghetto tech, Dennis creates a sound that’s both soulful & rhythmic with driving basslines. His sets—ranging from 120 to 140 BPM—have an undeniable pulse that pulls dancers into a communal trance which has quickly allowed him to carve out a name as one of the most exciting young tastemakers in dance music. Dennis has graced iconic stages like London’s Fabric and Drumsheds, sharing bills with notable acts like A-Trak, Loco Dice, Peggy Gou, Carlita, HoneyLuv, Questlove, Moodymann & more. Alongside features in Rolling Stone, Office Mag and Resident Advisor, Dennis’ influence stretches beyond the booth. As a founding force behind Brooklyn’s Level III Collective, the grassroots movement that started as a humble apartment party has now evolved into a multifaceted collective known for its vibrant, inclusive community of clubbers & music fans alike. Check out the collective at levelthree.live
  SoundCloud ↗Bandcamp ↗

  Recently at Le Bain, 53 Scott Ave, Elsewhere · often with MESA, Pedrose, EREZ.JPG, none of them here that night

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  Luke Hess

  Detroit · 4 bookings since Nov 2023

  “Luke Hess [DeepLabs / FXHE / Planet-e / Echocord / Rekids / Dolly] Detroit, MI USA Born in 1980 in Metro Detroit and subject to the city's mid-90's warehouse parties, Luke Hess has harnessed a deep appreciation for electronic music and the expression of the underground movement.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Luke Hess [DeepLabs / FXHE / Planet-e / Echocord / Rekids / Dolly] Detroit, MI USA Born in 1980 in Metro Detroit and subject to the city's mid-90's warehouse parties, Luke Hess has harnessed a deep appreciation for electronic music and the expression of the underground movement. His background in mathematics and engineering has given him a scientific approach to the dance-floor, using frequencies, tones, and soundscapes to transform surroundings and mood. Luke's faith based music production landed him a seat with Omar S' FXHE label & Carl Craig's Planet-e label in Detroit. Hess has celebrated original productions and remix material on labels such as DeepLabs, FXHE, Planet-e, Dolly, Motech, Rekids, Echocord, Kontra-Music, Modelisme, Ornaments, Echocord Colour, & more. In 2009, Luke released his first album, "Light in the Dark" on Denmark-based record label, Echocord. "Light in the Dark" received glowing reviews and was hailed by many as one of the best deep techno albums of the year. His second artist album "Keep On" was release on CD in 2012 and on 2x12" vinyl in 2013 and received a superb score of 4.5/5 & recommended review on Resident Advisor. With over 15 years of DJ experience and many notable LIVE sets across the world, Luke is regarded as a perfectionist on stage. Hess is known to layer his sets in a very detailed, hypnotic, & soulful manner. After playing many notable venues & festivals such as Detroit Electronic Music Festival, Awakenings Festival, Berghain & Panorama Bar - Berlin, Dimensions Festival, ENTER. - Ibiza, Fabric - London, Unit - Tokyo, De School - Amsterdam, Culture Box - Copenhagen, OUTPUT - NYC, Decibel Festival - Seattle, Bassment - Hong Kong, Concrete - Paris, Dude Club - Milan, +++, he is excited to continue exploring the world stage and introducing new and old fans to his raw & deep breed of Detroit techno. Luke's continued hard work in the studio & behind the decks combined with his unyielding interest in technology and sound will no doubt stimulate the boundaries of electronic music.
  SoundCloud ↗Bandcamp ↗Discography ↗
  Their RA profile lists Rekids, Planet E, FXHE Records, Echocord and 6 more.

  often with TRESOR, GLOBUS, Substance, none of them here that night

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  Moodymann

  Detroit · 15 bookings since Aug 2023

  “Moodymann worked at several Detroit record stores in the mid-nineties including a store owned by producer Blake Baxter.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Moodymann worked at several Detroit record stores in the mid-nineties including a store owned by producer Blake Baxter. During the mid-nineties Kenny was also the resident DJ at the Detroit based Outcast Motorcycle Club. At that time he was known as "House". After his first several releases on Planet E Records Kenny became quite popular in France and from there his popularity grew. Moodymann sound is a hybrid form of techno/house dance music arrived at via innovative use of reworked riffs, samples and grooves. While he may frustrate people with his refusal to be interviewed and insistence on reminding people of the genre's origins, the soulfulness of his output is unquestioned. Utilizing classic soul and jazz samples, low-slung bass lines and an approach to drum programming that is diametrically opposed to the tendency to push the tempo faster and faster, he has achieved classic status thanks to gems like "Sunday Morning", "Shades of Jae", and his remix of Innerzone Orchestra's "People Make the World Go Round". Following years of 12" only releases, he compiled his best work on "Silentintroduction", one of the most celebrated albums of the late 90s.
  SoundCloud ↗Bandcamp ↗Discography ↗
  Their RA profile lists Peacefrog, Planet E, KDJ and Mahogani Music.

  Recently at Xanadu, Le Bain, The Chocolate Factory · often with Tony Touch, Eli Escobar, DJ Disciple, none of them here that night

• Valencia

  Bogotá, Colombia · 24 bookings since Sep 2023

  “VALENCIA, is a Colombian born, Brooklyn-based DJ fueled by an undying passion for all things dark, infectious and irresistibly groovy.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  VALENCIA, is a Colombian born, Brooklyn-based DJ fueled by an undying passion for all things dark, infectious and irresistibly groovy. Her journey kicked off the moment she stepped into her first techno show and witnessed just how energized a dance floor can truly get. From that night (..morning) on, she was in. Countless hours of dancing in warehouses and meticulously curating tracks later, VALENCIA now channels her deep connection with the music from inside the booth. Her sound is a mix of '90s underground vibes with a modern, 21st-century edge. Seamlessly blending nostalgic techno classics with modern day hard-hitting grooves, luring in both seasoned techno lovers and new listeners alike. Since moving to New York, VALENCIA’s love affair with the music has only intensified. In just a year, she’s graced the decks at venues like TBA, Club Eternal, Listen BK, Dead Letter No.9, Hellphone, and The End, while also playing exclusive pop-up events for Equinox and Padel Haus. This year she also launched SURREAL SESSIONS, her fast-rising party collective, dedicated to showcasing new talent to the Brooklyn scene. Simply put, VALENCIA doesn’t just live to dance - she thrives on making others move too. Catch her behind the decks, brining her unmistakable sound to a club near you.
  SoundCloud ↗

  Recently at Elsewhere, The Meadows · often with McCombie, Jeny Michelle, AAFTERS, none of them here that night