OUR MOTLEY CREW.
SPENCER (of Orchard Lounge)
A classically trained violinist since four, Style Matters head, Spencer, would be lost without the guidance of sound. A beat nut since the very beginning, he's been spinning since his teenage years. His musical interests span from contemporary electronic funk to classical compositions centuries old. As one-third of popular local DJ collective Orchard Lounge, he tours the country regularly, constantly pushing futuristic new sounds to the open-minded masses. When he's not on the road or focusing on Style Matters events, along with his OL cohorts, Spencer is a resident DJ at Smartbar. He was chosen as BPM magazine's Next On the Decks grand prize winner for his "Land of Nod" downtempo mix, and has performed on NPR and at world famous venues such Red Rocks, The Fillmore Theatre, and Millenium Park. He was also recently mentioned in the New York Times, and was featured in the Home Grown section of UR Chicago. Spencer is currently spearheading an effort to open up Chicago's first private event space run by DJs.
BETHANY (of Orchard Lounge)
Bethany is a flight attendant by day, and a party-rockin' DJ by night. A nine year veteran behind the decks, she was recently interviewed for a write-up on Orchard Lounge in the New City. As talented a DJ as she is, Bethany does not perform at Style Matters events solo, but rather, acts as an assistant to the rest of the team. When not working the decks, this free spirit is usually the first on the dance floor, and the last to leave. Raised in the south, she's got eclectic tastes that range from Dolly Parton to Brother Ali, and M.I.A. to Bat For Lashes. Her broad range of music knowledge has attracted a wide range of fans, and with AM Only booking her for parties all over the country, Bethany rarely has any down time but still manages to release DJ mixes regularly. Never one to take herself too seriously, she's the life of the party, but at the same time has a very keen business sense that keeps the company running smoothly.
MAX (aka Max Abstraxx)
Max's career in music started at age six, when he began classical piano lessons. At thirteen he bought his first synthesizer (a Roland D-50), and to this day focuses on music production under the moniker, Maxabstrax. He earned his Music Degree in 1999 from Wabash College, and also studied at City University in London for Electronic Music Composition. After school he went to work for Sweetwater Sound, where he built a client roster including artists like NIN, Stevie Wonder, Moody Blues, and John Fogerty. He's currently the resident DJ at The Northside, and appears frequently at Schubas and the Double Door, as well. Max is incredibly knowledgeable not only with a plethora of different types of music, but also working a wide variety of high profile events. During the day, Max does freelance work for Chicago Public Radio, as well as Vocalo.org.
DUKE (aka Dukebot)
A DJ ever since we can remember, Duke is also one of the most talented music journalists we've ever met. You may recognize his name from the NewCity Chicago Newspaper, where he was Editor for the Clubs Section for many years. Or, you may have seen some of his work in recent issues of BPM magazine, where he's had the chance to interview artists like James Murphy, ADULT., Peter Hook, Tiefschwarz, and DJ Spooky. Duke has been DJing around the city for eight years, and along with his uncanny ability to discover cutting-edge new artists, he has one of the most impressive classic dance floor-filling collections we've ever seen. One of the most technically skilled DJs on the roster, Duke has been billed alongside such acts as Nouvelle Vague, TV On The Radio, Holy Ghost!, The Aliens, Seth Troxler, and M.A.N.D.Y. Check out his podcast for a slew of different club mixes he's recorded over the years.
RYAN
As a professional DJ spinning virtually every weekend the past eleven years in Chicago's best lounges, clubs, and bars, Ryan gets the people on the floor...and keeps them there. Although he cut his teeth on funk and soul, Ryan's repertoire quickly expanded to include hip hop, rock, and rare grooves. Now, after countless hours spent behind the decks and scouring the world's finest record shops, Ryan's eclectic style defies classification. His encyclopedic knowledge, vast catalog of music, and uncanny ability to sense the pulse of the audience are traits that have kept Ryan in high demand on the urban nightclub and private party circuits. Some career highlights thus far include: a seven-year residency as DJ and Music Director at Katacomb; extended residences at Le Passage (voted best retro night, Red Eye, 2003), Landmark, and RiNo; VIP reception for U2 concert, United Center, 2001; New Year's Eve 2008 in Athens, Greece; and numerous appearances at Chicago's House of Blues for pre- and post-concert events. Ryan was also a founding member of the band Ghost Pilot, playing drums in various smoky, booze-soaked venues across the city from 2002-2007. Currently, Ryan is a resident on most Friday nights at Frontier Lounge, in Wicker Park.
NOAH (aka Weaponry)
Noah Casser, AKA Weaponry, has been digging for records for as long as he can remember. An avid collector of both new and old vinyl, Weap is constantly scouring the world's records stores looking for hidden gems. The depth of Weap's collection is apparent when hearing one of his sets, which often includes grooves ranging from classic disco all the way to current pop and hip hop. As the creator of the forward thinking blog WeapLovesYou, Weap is doing his part to expose Chicago audiences to fresh and exciting music - whether that music was produced last week or decades ago. After moving to Chicago in 2007 Weaponry immediately injected himself into Chicago’s nightlife culture, securing residencies at Debonair Social Club and People Lounge in Wicker Park. Since then Weaponry has shared audiences with internationally renowned acts such as Treasure Fingers, Wolfgang Gartner, and Worthy.
JOHN
John Simmons is a dynamic people mover with more than seventeen years of experience behind the turntables. The son of a well-known Chicago DJ, he was strongly influenced early in life by the soulful sounds and technical savvy of his father. John began to cut his chops as early as age eleven, spinning for family get togethers and school gatherings. He worked his first wedding at the age of sixteen. Already having a solid foundation in Soul, R&B, Jazz, Disco, and early Hip-Hop, in the early 90's, John became immersed in the dance/electronic music produced by many Chicago, New York, and overseas artists that was spun by DJs on the radio and at local parties. By the mid-1990s he had already begun to make a name for himself in Chicago's thriving underground party scene. John has played at countless weddings, private parties, nightclubs, restaurants and live music venues in Chicago, throughout the United States, and internationally. He has also been able to further connect with and influence music enthusiasts as a music buyer at local record shops Hot Jams, Supreme, and Wax Addict. John was able to gain some international touring experience in the early 2000s while on the road with members of Soul Foundation and while working as road manager for electronic music superstar Green Velvet/Cajmere. John has had many weekly residencies at nightclubs & lounges in Chicago, some of which have lasted for several years. John currently spins at Salud on Fridays, Crocodile Lounge on 3rd Thursdays, and he also plays regularly at Simone's Bar in Pilsen. Along with fellow SM DJs Spencer and Ralph, he also holds an honored position as a resident DJ at Smartbar.
ZEBO
Zebo's sound is one of confidence and controlled frenzy, as highlighted in Newcity Magazine, where he was recently honored in their annual Music 45 issue--alongside the likes of Kanye West, Andrew Bird and The Smashing Pumpkins--as one of the top 45 musical artists in Chicago. Zebo's journey from music lover to deck slayer started like many others before him, growing up in a suburban shadow of the big city. It's his genuine love of music paired with incredible deck acumen that has propeled Zebo beyond the reach of all the other DJs trying to out-reference, out-cred and out-mix each other. Zebo's not simply wearing his musical heart on his sleeve--as the WAV file tattooed on his ever-moving forearm might seem to indicate--but actually spinning dance floor gold with both his technical abilities and intuition in reading the crowd, a modern day Serato-equipped Rumpelstiltskin. Pitched-up, pitched-down, scratched-up and around, Zebo is a populist at heart, finding the redeeming values in both subterranean cool and overt pop--it's a delicate tightrope to walk, but this DJ has the balance to pull it off.
MARGOT (aka Diskokitty)
Margot, widely recognized around the Midwest as "Diskokitty", is known for her multi-faceted talents in expressing audio pleasures for a myriad of audiences. In addition to her work with Style Matters, she's currently a resident DJ for both AMP Productions and Intergruv Networks, and she frequently appears on Chicago Public Radio: WNUR. Margot started classical piano lessons at four, and it was then that she realized music quenched a powerful thirst within her. She developed an affinity for hip hop at an early age, and participated in musical activities like marching band, orchestra, and choir throughout her childhood. She bought her first set of turntables when she got to college, and has been destroying dance floors ever since with her unique ability to create a sophisticated mix by blending a cross-section of different genres. This cat wants to ensure that there is always good music to be heard--no matter what the medium, genre, or audience--and we couldn't be happier to have her in the Style Matters family.
RALPH (aka Major Taylor)
Musician, producer, composer, party rockin' turntablist, club DJ, man-about town, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and avid comic book enthusiast. Anyone that knows him will tell you that Major Taylor has no shortage of ideas or endeavors. His latest is to be one of the world's greatest wedding DJs. Growing up in the Philadelphia's rich music scene, he honed his skills as a songwriter and performer in several bands around the area. His love of fringe music culture, hip hop and reggae nurtured his interest in turntablism, eventually prompting him to become a DJ in the late 90's. Sharing the decks with people like Jazzy Jeff, Cosmo Baker & Dj Cash Money, he sought to establish himself as a recognizable talent in Philly's hip hop community. However, his desire to express himself and his eclectic musical roots would not allow him to be tethered to any one genre, so he eventually started his own series of genre-less parties. Now in Chicago, Ralph composes music for independent films and has quickly become one of the most sought after jocks in the city. Referred to as "The DJ for folks that love to dance but don't like nightclubs" by the Chicago Tribune, his eclectic style, extensive music knowledge, and technical acumen make him ideal for any event. Be it bhangra, rock, hip hop, punk, reggae, ska, pop, funk, or dance classics from the 50's to today, Major Taylor will put it together with unique style and finesse.
DUSTIN (aka DJ Mr. D)
With almost twenty years of djing experience, Dustin has enjoyed music for most of his awake hours. During his teens he collected records inspired from his experiences breakdancing, and he was influenced by his parents eclectic record collection of funk, soul, jazz, rock, reggae, hip-hop, house, Latin, African and pop. Eventually he studied music (and art) at Columbia College, where he also began playing trombone. In the mid to late 90's Dustin djed, mc-ed, and played trombone (and recorded 2 albums) with the funk-rock-hip-hop Chicago band Boogie Shoes while touring 200 shows a year with the bands FISHBONE, Digital Underground, The Mighty Blue Kings, Outkast, Kid Rock, A Flock of Seagulls, Rubberroom, Johnny Socko, The Blue Meanies, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and others. Though at one point his focus was to create original music, Dustin has always craved to collect and play music of all genres from ‘classic party rockers’ to lesser known 'underground' releases. This philosophy can be heard in his dj sets, which embrace many different styles. With many house parties, loft parties, and bedroom sets to account for, Dustin has spun and maintained residencies in and around Chicago for over ten years. The Metro, The House of Blues, The Elbo Room, Double Door, Goodbar, Spoon, The Morseland, and The Note, are a few of the clubs he has played in, while also being hired for skateboarding and X-Game type events by Skullcandy, Red Bull, Etnies, Boost Mobile, Zumiez, Hometown Heroes, and Tech Deck as well. Dustin prides himself in providing great music for any event, and maintains a busy schedule in doing so. For a more in-depth look at Dustin, check out his website.
JUSTIN (aka Itch13)
Justin is new to the Style Matters team, but no rookie behind the decks. This iconic Chitown party rocker is the official DJ for Young Chicago Authors, as well as some of Chicago's most talented MCs like Rhymefest, 1773, and Kevin Coval. Justin has shared the stage with such reputable acts as DJ Kool Herc, Clyde Stubblefield, Matt & Kim, Koko Taylor, Grammy-winning bluesman Billy Branch, Common, Guru of Gangstarr, Wiz Khalifa, Little Brother, Dead Prez, Far East Movement, People Under the Stairs, Flobots, and Blacksheep. He's performed at every major museum and venue in Chicago including Milllenium Park, The Chicago Theatre, House of Blues, and The Metro. Itchie's insatiable hunger for music has swollen the reformed hip hop purist's record collection to belly busting proportions...somebody get this guy on that Hoarders TV show! You will hear house, rock, reggae, disco, funk, soul, pop, Latin, broken beat, and many other styles in his sets. You can catch him every Friday at Easy Bar, 1944 W. Division. Check out some of his music at www.mixcloud.com/itch13, www.bloombap.bandcamp.com, and find out about upcoming events on his Facebook page.
TOM
Having grown up in a house where music was omnipresent, Tom's love affair with various soundscapes started at a very early age. So early, in fact, that he would mark his parents' favorite records with a star because he was still too young to read or write. Tom's first live concert experience was the Beach Boys but it wasn't until some years later at an early 90's hip hop show that Tom realized that he too was destined to perform. While attending Purdue, he started writing rhymes and making beats with a friend under the moniker T.B.A.G.: Tom's Bountiful Audio Gems. Fast forward to Chicago and he started doing shows around town at venues like Schuba's, The Hideout, The Rainbo Club, Nevins, and others, performing both as an emcee as well as DJ. With an immediate positive response to the DJing aspect of his performances, he started to focus his efforts on cleverly programming party rockin' DJ sets. Venue owners quickly took notice of Tom's unique skills, and he's now held a residency at Phyllis' for four years, as well as a weekly for over two years at Streetside Cafe. Tom was a part-time/assistant DJ at over two dozen Style Matters events in 2009. Now that he's out of school, and has more time to devote to our clients, Tom is a full time SM DJ and we couldn't be happier to have him on board.
ROB (aka Sizwe)
After convincing his mother to buy him a turntable for his sixteenth birthday, Rob developed an addiction to finding and sharing the best music around. A firm believer in diversity, Rob has a habit of making people move without sticking to any particular genre of music. Not many DJs can find a common thread between Bloc Party, 'Lil Wayne, Rage Against the Machine and Camp Lo--and make it work, but Rob handles that challenge with ease (check back to our 'listen' page soon for one of Rob's recent mixes that highlights his incredible technical abilities). One of the most unpredictable DJs on our roster, Rob has a captivating and unique style, and you'll rarely catch him without a smile on his face. Outside of Style Matters, Rob is a recording engineer and producer and a student at the University of Chicago. He has also recently locked down a Saturday night resident at the Red Canary.
NATE (limited availability)
Like the rest of the gang, Nate has dedicated his life to music. In addition to his production work, Nate is now the head talent buyer for the world famous nightclub, Smartbar. This is the primary reason that he will only be able to work a small number of Style Matters events in 2010. He also started a highly popular podcast, where you'll find many previously recorded DJ sets by Nate, friends, and heavy weights (check out that set with DJ Krush!). Nate is a master of almost all genres, and a true school music nerd. He's also got a voice to match his turntable talents, and has sung solo at past Style Matters events. Nate is a thirteen-year veteran behind the decks, and has also recently started his own label, Bad Advice Records.
MARCO (limited availability)
Inspired by his father's vinyl collection of funk, soul and disco, Marco started scratching and mixing when he was just seventeen. Assuming the moniker of "The Hustler," he began entering--and usually winning--dozens of Chicago-based DJ competitions throughout the late 1990s. His success during battles earned him guest appearances at Chicago clubs including SmartBar, Boom Boom Room, Zentra, The Note, and Crobar, to name a few. Marco's work on the decks also caught the attention of producers from "The Jenny Jones Show," who invited him to spin during a live, studio taping. In 2002 he was accepted to the prestigious Red Bull Music Academy in Sal Paulo, Brazil. Here, he immersed himself in production and performance techniques. His success in the program earned an invitation to play the Sonar Festival in Barcelona, Spain as a RBMA alumnus. A talented producer in his own right, look for Marco to meld the diversity of sound when he launches his own record label in mid 2008. In the mean time, you can catch him at his very popular night, "Blamby", Wednesdays @ Moonshine.
BEN (of Orchard Lounge, limited availability)
An iconic figure in the jam band scene, Ben's passion for music borders on obsession. A wiz on the guitar, and creator of one of the first ever (!!!) internationally recognized audio blogs, Silver's Boogaloo, this man thrives on exposing the masses to rare undiscovered music, new and old. Silver recently moved to Chicago from Madison, WI, and is a resident DJ with his Orchard Lounge cohorts at Smartbar. Ben has one of the most rigorous tour schedules of anyone on the team, and is most comfortable focusing on non-wedding events. He's as passionate as they come, and his love for what he does is evident every single times he puts the headphones on.
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