Dark Matter Coffee Brews Up Mixtape Series
By Jessica Mlinaric in Food on Jul 28, 2013 3:00PM
Good coffee and good music; is there anything else? Dark Matter Coffee (738 N. Western Ave.) is aiming to add even more buzz to your step with its limited monthly mixtape series. The Chicago micro-roaster, which recently celebrated its five-year anniversary, will partner with local musicians and labels to produce an exclusive monthly mix that’s paired with a limited edition coffee.
The inspiration for Dark Matter’s mixtape series grew out of the community of artists and music industry individuals who have gravitated around the brand and the desire to collectively collaborate on a creative project. “Dark Matter Coffee and music are synonymous with each other,” says Dark Matter Marketing rep Kyle Hodges. “From the music we play in our coffee shops, to limited blends, artwork, and events we’re part of, music is a common thread.”
Dark Matter’s mixtape series hopes to connect to its customers through music while highlighting Chicago area musicians. The first edition pairs Dark Matter’s limited Cherry Bomb blend with a mix by Cherries Records founders Andrew Brearley and Sheila Hernando. The modern funk and R&B sound of DJ Meaty Ogre and DJ Shred One is a fitting compliment to the rich chocolate and bright fruit flavor of Cherry Bomb.
When collaborating with musicians Dark Matter applies no restrictions, employing the same philosophy as they do their coffee: honest, creative, and fun. Featuring Dark Matter’s Jungle Love limited blend and DJ Intel, the next pairing will be available in a few weeks via limited cassette tapes as well as the Dark Matter Mixcloud page. Future mixtapes will spotlight DJs, followed by record labels next spring and will include local music makers like Dave Mata, Numero Group, Drag City Records, and Permanent Records. “We are extremely excited about the partnerships that will be helping us with this project,” says Hodges. “There is so much good music to be heard!”
Listen to the first mix here.