Chicagoist Mix #3: Zebo
By Jake Guidry in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 22, 2010 6:00PM
Chicagoist Mix Series is a bi-weekly feature that profiles local DJs and features a mix compiled exclusively for Chicagoist. This is mix No. 3, brought to you by Zebo.
Zebo's one of those DJs you've probably seen multiple times, in a drunken stupor, but don't even know it. He's likely fueled your late night dance-offs, the ones which you can't even remember your own name. The dude is just about everywhere; pre-parties, after-parties, residencies, opening for big shows at Congress, et cetera, et cetera. Zebo is one of the most apparent DJs in Chicago and there's a reason for that. He's got a knack for getting the crowd juking; a defining aspect of the party DJ.
Zebo got into DJing from the mid-'90s "rave" scene, but don't think that means his tastes are just as dated. His mix today, which he's dubbed his "Indian Summer Mix", touches on some of the hottest electro and house tunes from the past year. Plus, he throws in some oldies-but-goodies to boot. It's a definite way to get the weekend off to the right foot, so we encourage you to throw this on, at or around 5:00 p.m. Thank us later.
Check below for our interview with Zebo and Chicagoist Mix #3.
Chicagoist: How'd you get into DJing?
Zebo: I got into DJing from the rave scene in the late 90's. I went to my first event in 1996 and was amazed that record players were the format for playing such technology-driven (at the time) new dance music. That was the point that I knew that I wanted to be a party dj. When I was younger I had plans on being a radio dj, but when I experienced the dj in the party environment I knew that is what I wanted to do with djing.
C: What do you think has been important in keeping Chicago a leading dance music city?
Z: There are a lot of great djs and producers in Chicago in all different genres. Because there are many dedicated people pushing various sounds, our city has this leading role in the dance music industry. As long as people continue to support nights and artists that they are truly into, Chicago will maintain its lead.
C: You are the co-founder of Hot Dog Records. What can we expect from the label in the next year?
Z: We have some great releases lined up that represent Chicago's diverse musical dance scenes. Most of the releases and remixes are from Chicago artists as there is a lot of great talent in the city. Our 3rd release dropped today and our 4th release which features Chicago dj, Ross Kelly, will be out late November / early December with remixes.
C: What have you been listening to lately?
Z: Lot's of 50's / 60's... early rock, doo wop, rockabilly style music.
C: What's next for you?
Z: I am currently working on an EP to release on Hot Dog along with more remixes from bands and electronic music artists. I am focusing a lot of time on production as that is where my ultimate goal lies. I plan on doing the dj thing for a while though and getting in as much travel as I can while doing it. Right now I am setting up both an east coast and a European tour.
Tracklist
Senor Stereo - Hot Damn
Alan 1 - Concertmate (Bobermann Remix)
NERD Feat. Nelly Furtado - Hot and Fun (Boys Noize Remix)
Jet Project - Cuba Walking
Mighty Mouse - Song for Ellen
Yolanda Be Cool & D-Cup - We No Speak Americano
Rampage & Nader - I Gave You Love
Pharrel Williams - Add Suv (Armand Van Helden Remix)
Klever - Let the Music Play
Robert Owens - Deep Down (Chocolate Puma Mix)
Round Table Knights - Calypso
Santiago & Bushido - Way Back (HiJack Remix)
Dj Zinc - Nexx
Mic Terror - Juke Dem Hoes (Acapella)
Deadmau5 & Wolfgang Gartner - Animal Rights
Boys Noize - Jeffer
Justin Martin & Ardalan - Mr. Spock
Bird Peterson - Kingdom of the Dead