Just over one year ago, the legendary Bad Boy Bill helped open the doors to the MID! Now returning for the third time, Bad Boy Bill sent us some amazing mixes and an exclusive track just for you. One of the mixes features Bill’s favorite tracks of 2011. The other will get you in the mood to get up to get down at the Mid for Control Saturdays! Check them both out here.
You’ve been able to stay busy since your last album in 2009 with your label, artist management company, and DJ career. What has your main focus been since then? What can your fans expect in 2012?
Bad Boy Bill: My main focus has been getting back in the studio. I released my song The Massive in 2011, and also launched my monthly Behind The Decks Radio Show. 2012 look out for lots of new music, new website, & more touring!
You’ve been concentrating your tours in major US cities as well as German ones. You had at one point mentioned going to other European countries, and even to Australia. Are you planning to expand your tour?
Bad Boy Bill: I have travelled to many countries and it’s always amazing to me how house music has become an international language. I’m going to Korea in April and I am definitely looking to bring my sound to as many countries as possible.
What key elements of your performance do you focus on to create this energy?
Bad Boy Bill: It’s a combination of many things, but the main ones are song selection & programming. Playing the right song at the right time is the key to creating a great vibe.
You have spanned two decades as an innovative leader in the house music scene. What new developments do you feel are on the rise within the genre?
Bad Boy Bill: I would say collaborations and mixing of genres. For a long time house and electronic were the bastard child of the music industry in America, but with the crossover success of DJs/producers like David Guetta, SHM, Calvin Harris, Skrillex etc It is the now the sound every big artist wants to have.
You were part of the Mid’s New Year’s Eve debut in 2010 and have since returned here since. What are you most looking forward to about your show here next week?
Bad Boy Bill: I love DJing at The Mid. For one, it’s in my hometown so it’s like playing music for my family. Chicago IS house music, so they understand me and the music (no learning curve here). The owners & managers really spent a lot of time thinking everything out in the club. It’s a really nice setup for the DJ. The sound, lights, everything is on point which makes it a lot of fun to play music there. Really looking forward to January 28th!
RSVP now for FREE admission until 11:30 PM on January 27th here, or purchase your tickets in advance from Clubtix.com.
Claude VonStroke touches down for MAYHEM at the MID on Friday, December 30th, the day before the big finale of 2011. In tow is Chicago Native J. Phlip, Claude’s hand picked and favorite opening DJ.
Claude is getting ready to release Hatched, a compilation highlighting the future of his San Francisco label’s sound.
To enter, email “win_react_tix@yahoo.com” and tell us the most memorable time you had to Phlip someone the dirtybird. We’ll announce winners on Wednesday, December 28th. Good Luck!
This will be the first time Seth Troxler, Lee Curtiss, Shaun Reeves, and Ryan Crosson take over the Mid for an exclusive five hour set.
They’re set to release their first commercial mix, Fabric61, on December 5th. Resident Advisor has the tracklist, and if you head over to MixMag, you can listen to the whole mix.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter, we might have some tickets and other prizes for you in the coming weeks.
Tuesday, November 8th, The Mid & Atlantic Records are thrilled to host an exclusive private listening event and meet ‘n’ greet with the Grammy-nominated rapper and producer B.o.B. for his second official LP, Strange Clouds.
The event is mostly reserved for the media and record label reps, but because we over at The Mid love you, we want to give YOU the opportunity to not only listen to B.o.B.’s new album before anyone else, you’ll also get the chance to meet him and receive signed merchandise!
To enter the contest, simply email “win_react_tix@yahoo.com” and tell us why YOU deserve to come to this exclusive event more than anyone else! You and your friend could be one of only a couple hundred people to attend this event!
The winner will be notified by email on Monday, November 7th, at 5 PM.
Wednesday, October 12th, the already legendary UK BASS duo SKREAM & BENGA came back to the Mid for round two! Kicking off their North American tour in Chicago, the boys sat down for a quick interview before taking over the decks, dropping new and unreleased material. Check out the Mid’s website for pictures. Video by Tamara Susa.
Saturday, October 15th, the MID was completely SOLD OUT for the Dutch DJ and producer, SANDER VAN DOORN! Sander came through the club behind his brand new album, ELEVE11! Chicago was completely blown away by his set, the whole city practically came out to see him! Check out pictures from the night here.
“[Chicago] is brilliant, it’s one of my favorite cities, actually. And I’m not just saying that because I’m here…it’s always a very family kinda feel to it. People are very friendly, it’s always a town where you have a late night in the end. Probably tonight as well.” – SvD
Starting Wednesday, October 26th, we’ve got Montreal’s TIGA playing with the BBC Radio’s ANNIE MAC. Tiga’s last LP came out in 2009 and we’ve heard that his set is going to be filled with tons of new material. This is not to be missed.
Aside from being the host of the Annie Mac Mash Up every Friday on BBC Radio 1 (no bigs), Annie Mac just released a brand new compilation CD, which you can learn more about here. This might only be available in the UK at this point, but don’t quote us on that. Locals Darkwave Disco, and Team Bayside High open, with Dom Brown hosting the night. You can RSVP here for FREE entry before 11 PM, or buy yourself tickets in advance to guaranteed entry all night.
Thursday, October 27th, Hustler hosts a Haunted Halloween Fashion Show. The poster says it all. RSVP here for free entry before 11 PM.
Friday, October 28th, the CHECK YO’ PONYTAIL tour comes through with SPANK ROCK, BIG FREEDIA, the DEATH SET, PICTUREPLANE, and FRANKI CHAN. We’re encouraging all ya’ll to dress up in your finest halloween costumes! We’re also going to be giving away PBR Schwag all night! We saw some hoodies, pajamas, winter hats, and more. As always, we’ve got Jameson specials running all night and $4 PBR Tall Boys! Oh, and watch out for GLITTER GUTS!
SPANK ROCK recently released their new album, Everything is Boring and Everyone is a F**king Liar to rave reviews. BIG FREEDIA returns after killin’ it at Do Division Fest. THE DEATH SET, coming hot off of playing CMJ, recently remixed Spank Rock. PICTUREPLANE and IHEARTCOMIX head honcho, FRANKI CHAN round out this fantastic night of music. Want to win tickets to this show AND Pictureplane’s brand spankin’ new album? Email “win_react_tix@yahoo.com” and tell us YOUR BEST HALLOWEEN MEMORY!
Check out the mix Franki Chan put together just for the tour, here. Pick up tickets here.
Of course, we’ve got another edition of CONTROL SATURDAY here at the Mid. We’re the official after party for FREAKY DEAKY III, featuring MSTRKRFT, Laidback Luke, Wolfgang Gartner, Arrabmuzik, and more. The one and only Laidback Luke returns to the Mid, and this event has already sold out. Tables may still be available, and some tickets might get released after 1:30 AM.
Lastly but not leastly, we’ve got the legendary psychedelic space rock outfit known as Ozric Tentacles coming through. Without these guys, bands like Chicago’s own Umphrey’s McGee would not exist. This show is not to be missed. Grab yourself some tickets here.
Saturday, October 15th, React Presents and The Mid are thrilled to welcome Sander van Doorn to Chicago! Having just released his brand new album, Eleve11, Sander returns as one of the top producers and DJs in the world.
We teamed up with Exact Events to get YOU a SIGNED copy of Sander’s brand new album, as well as a PAIR of tickets to the show! Head on over to Exact Events, register with the site, and leave a comment in the contest section, and you’re entered to win! We’ll contact you via email this Friday, October 14th!
