ST(ART UP)

Hiroko Yamamura is a classic Chicago DJ/producer influenced by The Warehouse, technology, and straight up techno, Named one of Chicago’s top 10 DJ’s by XLR8R magazine.  Technology and exploration are at the roots of Hiroko’s core. Equally enthralled by the beat and the machines generating them, her sound is an homage to every circuit, resistor, patch cord and application that brings voice and inspiration to her work. Her gothic and industrial roots are evident in her music, as well as her punk rock DIY drive. Taking inspiration from classic science fiction and dark anime, Hiroko’s studio can often be confused for a booth at a comic convention.  Currently calling labels such as Trax Records, Impact Mechanics, Detroit Sampled and Afro Acid as home, she just recently returned from a long hiatus from music. As a midwest rave staple, Hiroko has toured the globe spreading the sounds of Chicago including gigs at the famed Detroit Movement Festival as well as regular European and Asian shows. Currently calling clubs Spybar and Soundbar home, Hiroko actively contributes jacking Chicago techno with an edge all its own, along with her like-minded colleagues and collaborators including Heartthrob, Seth Troxler, Hyperactive, Angel Alanis, Kate Simko and the Submerge (Resident Advisor).  Duane Powell‘s love for music started an early age growing up in the 1970’s being exposed to Chicago’s rich soul music scene. In 1985, Duane entered into the world of street promotions pounding the pavement promoting events for prominent DJs within Chicago’s burgeoning house music scene starting with Lil Louis. As a promoter, he launched the SOUNDROTATION brand in 1999, further cultivating the underground soul scene in Chicago giving many of those acts their performance debuts in the market.  As a DJ, he had a popular internet radio program on Swank Society and has spun at and has residencies at many of the most popular venues around Chicago including the House Of Blues, Virgin Hotel, The Promontory and Reggie’s Music Club. In addition, he has opened for many heavyweights in soul music including opening for Frankie Beverly & Maze at The Taste Of Chicago and has shared the bill with many legendary DJ’s and Grammy-winning producers in the dance music world including Joe Claussell, DJ Spinna, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Maurice Joshua, Josh Milan, Timmy Regisford, Ron Trent and more (duanepowell.com).  Takashi Shallow is a Chicago-based artist and music producer who identifies imagined and real hierarchies that he presents through found objects and social engagement. His practice takes shape in part as a “music-ish” label called Gesamt, a body of work that pursues collaborative, interdisciplinary art.  Jillian x (Stylin’ Out Network) is a house and dance DJ based out of Chicago, IL. Her mixes blend bangin’ beats with a touch of disco, techno, and funk.  

ST(ART UP) is a quarterly series that brings together DJ’s, live performance, and visual art to celebrate and support emerging talent in Chicago. Exploring and expanding on the idea of starting up an artistic practice, ST(ART UP) supports emerging artists by providing a safe space for experimentation and collaboration across the realms of visual art and music by connecting them to a broader network of creative practitioners to support their growth and encourage the exchange of ideas.