Underground on Air: Three Chicago Artists Join 101WKQX\’s Electric Playground

It\’s hard to be a fan of radio programs these days. It seems you are either stuck listening to the same top 10 tracks played on repeat, left bored listening to the radio DJs discuss topics that closely mirror sponsor interests, or bewildered by the lack innovation and diversity in the tracks that are played. Even as many radio programs switch into electronic based air time at night, the audience is merely provided with DJ edits of the currently popular tracks playing during prime time. However, it seems there is at least once radio option in Chicago that is still doing it right, and that is 101WKQX\’s Electric Playground. As the program seeks to break free from the normal sets presented on the airwaves, they have recruited three Chicago artists that are no strangers to Chicago\’s underground. If you are not familiar with these artists, here is an introduction to each of them with a stream of their recent mixes that have played on air.

Bucky Fargo

Rooted in the dark, spacey sounds of techno/minimal, Bucky Fargo takes audiences on tech-heavy ride suited for the after-midnight set. Growing up in the house epicenter of Chicago, Fargo took some points from the radio pioneers who crafted a weekly vibe on the Hot Mix 5 of WBMX 102.7. In junior high, he was known for carting around boxes of self-styled mix tapes and giving them to friends just to spread the house sound. After hunting down music of his interest in runned down warehouses, Bucky was quickly influenced by the rave scene in the 90 \’s

In no time Bucky was a seasoned conductor of the Midwest rave scene and playing some of the most respected club events across the tri state area. In 2004, he took his role as a DJ one step further, landing gigs on the trans-Atlantic party circuits of Eastern Europe and beyond.

Joining the ranks of some of the most respected artists. The recent launch of this new label, Nightsweat Recordings, has kept this minimal mastermind busy in Chicago. The imprint will include some of the premiere producers on the deep tech-house scene. The label spotlights an array of minimal tech-house talent, with Fargo as the main behind it all.

His long-and-layered transitions keep crowds wondering where the next breakdown will break. Pushing the boundaries and always experimenting with dance floors everywhere, Bucky is always keeping listeners on their feet. His work on Electric Playground combined with his recent migration back into the studio ensures that Fargo is clearly making heads turn.

Twitchin Skratch

Twitchin Skratch has been caressing the decks for almost a decade now. Over the past few years, Twitch has racked up a number of notable achievements in his electronic music career. He has hit numerous top 100 charts on Beatport, he\’s collaborated with international producers (such as: Andrea Giuliani & Luca Rossetti, Daniele Petronelli, NHB & Fabrizio Pettorelli, Phunk Investigation, Swallen, and more), and he\’s had numerous songs licensed for commercial use (Jackass 3.5 [The Movie], CBS, CSI: Miami, E! Entertainment, MTV, Nintendo, Price Is Right, VH1, and more).

Throughout the years, Twitch has shared the stage with some of the industry\’s most successful artists, such as his opening sets for Bad Boy Bill, Green Velvet, and Mark Knight. As well as Benny Benassi, Derrick Carter, Donald Glaude, LA Riots, LMFAO, Sharam, and more…

His production can be described as innovative and underground, composed of eclectic grooves and hypnotic lows. He has gained support from artists such as: Camilo Franco, Daniele Petronelli, Dani Sbert, D.O.N.S., Drunkers, Jesse Voorn, Markus Schulz, NHB, Paco Osuna, Pirupa, Slam, and many more. His DJ sets consist of unique flawless transitions from break to break that keep the dance floor moving no matter what time of the night. His superb mixing and scratching techniques keep the audiences eyes on the booth… Even other DJs tend to watch when he spins…

Expect the unexpected: Twitchin Skratch

Dustin Sheridan

Only 3 years in, and Dustin Sheridan is one of the most in demand up and coming DJs in Chicago and has held residencies at SpyBar,  Transit, the RIFF and Primary and has been featured at a growing list of other venues and events: Sound-Bar, evilOlive, The Mid, The Congress Theater, Crobar, Stone Lotus, Bodi, Griffin, Enclave, Crescendo, Privilege, BPM Playa del Carmen, Mexico NYE, Burning Man-Black Rock Syndicate, Osiris, the GOBI Mobile, WMC/MIAMI, Audio-SAN FRAN, AZ, LA-Dim Mak Studios/Afters at Avalon.

In the few years years he has been on the scene, he has had the privilege of Opening up & Playing along side Steve Lawler, Paco Osuna, Carlo Lio, Nic Fanciulli, Furr Coat, Mark Knight, Sander Kleinenberg, D. Ramirez, Victor Calderone, Serge Devant, Boris, Hoj, Alan Fitzpatrick, Armand Pena, Anthony Attalla, The Martinez Bros, Funkagenda, Green Velvet/Cajmere, Claud Van Stroke, Matt Tolfrey, Mark Farina, Wolf & Lamb, SoulClap, Dj Pierre, Lego, Carl Craig, Duke Dumont, Sonny Fodera, Alex Peace, Gene Farris, Diz, Ron Carroll, Ultrasone, Option4, Dj Falcon, Yousef, Boy George, Detlef, Tara Brooks, Inphinity, Kalendr, Mixin Marc, JJ Flores, Milty Evans, Steve Prior and more!

Recently, the Chicago House scene has shifted its sound to mainly Electro/Commercial/Main Stream/Mash-ups. Describing his style as a fusion of deep, funk & tech house he has been a key part of the recent success w/ underground warehouse parties which restore the sounds of Chicago\’s house scene in the 90s. Having recently entered the realm of production, Dustin has been working to develop his own sound to add to his already energetic sets! So be on the look out soon for some new releases by the up and coming Dustin Sheridan and also with Chicago\’s house legend Gene Farris that form their new dangerous and highly anticipated alliance SoulTech!