Weekend Dance Party: DFA Residency Kicks Off

By Jake Guidry in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 10, 2011 9:40PM

What would the last five years of Pitchfork look like if it weren't for DFA Records? Perhaps only Lord James Murphy - a DFA founder, the man behind LCD Soundsystem, indie music's posterchild, the prophet, the messiah, etc., etc. - knows. But it's these sort of existential questions us self-professed music nerds must ask. Why? Because we're nerds. Nevertheless, DFA's footprint on indie music has been substantial and lasting, touting an impressive roster that includes Hot Chip, Hercules and Love Affair, Holy Ghost! and YACHT. As a label, DFA has achieved an aesthetic that has garnered not only fans, but fanboys. Its artists have re-conceptualized everything from punk to disco to house in a matter most infectious, so it's no question how all this came to be. What's more is that all of this has manifested in a quarterly residency at Smart Bar. What's better is that it starts tomorrow and it's our pick for Weekend Dance Party.

Kicking off the DFA Residency is Justin Miller, an NYC-based DJ employed by the label. Miller has that special combination of being able to span all types of music in a given night, everything from deep cuts to party-friendly jams. It's these types of DJs that pose the greatest opportunity for amazing nights, so we find it appropriate that he's kicking off the residency. Joining him will be fellow DFAers Still Going, and the formerly Chicago-based OCD Automatic. The night's focus is house and nu-disco, and with regards to this bill, we can only begin to imagine just how fantastic it will be. Take it from us: buy tickets now and get there early - it's gonna be a long, sweaty night.

DFA Residency begins Friday, February 11, at Smart Bar, 3730 N Clark, 10p.m., $10+ tickets, 21+