These are mixes made by the current members of Research & Development, Makeen and JS Alvarez

Mixes by R&D members

Chris Mitchell is co-founder of Vanguard Sound and Anunnaki Cartel. He recently launched his own imprint, Feral Colony. He has released and remixed on a variety of labels for a variety of artists. Here he plays some music from friends and others.

RND 045 - Chris Mitchell

Drexcyian-born, Chicago-based Electro DJ, @niiiiigggggaaaaaaaa is an uncontested mutant whose selections blend effortlessly between driving aquatic industrial, acidic breaks, funky sci-fi percussions, ghetto robotic slammers, fast tempo club anthems, and futuristic electro. A hellion capable of soundscaping Freaknik ’96 invaded by space aliens. Niiiiggggaaaaa, aka Shaun LaCosta-Sinclair, is also a co-Founder of the allegiance, Legion of Doom. An all-Black techno party in Chicago highlighting the true underground.

RND 064 - Shaun Lacosta Sinclair aka DJ Inward

https://soundcloud.com/monger-dc
https://soundcloud.com/dead-channel-records
Louisville based producer Monger, label boss at Dead Channel Records, lands on Research & Development with an hour full of mutant electronics. A staple of the Midwest scene for years, and co-founder of the cult wave night ‘Moderne’ in Cincinnati, along with Keith Frey and Kevin Frey, his varied selections fuse seamlessly between weirdo acid, scum electro scorchers, broken gutter techno, minimal synth and early EBM. The label hosts the acclaimed Decomposition mix series as well as a slew of cutting edge artists at the forefront of experimental dance music including Chris Mitchell, Acidic Male, Galactic Funk’s Bertram, L/F/D/M, Keith&Kevin, MANASYt, ccciclo, TANS, TLXCO, and many more.

RND 066 - Monger

https://soundcloud.com/dstrange-estmort
D. Strange is a techno archivist and textural obsessive based in Chicago, IL. With music released on Tram Planet, Tresor and his own imprint LO·TEK·NO COMM. he continues to explore the loose but ultimately magnetic thread between club music and left-field electronics.

RND 070 - D. Strange

https://soundcloud.com/clubdrippy
Club Drippy is the amorphous moniker of Jonathon Freund, Chicago native and co-founder of electronic powerhouse Pixel Grip. Taking inspiration from sweaty raves, the ocean, and queer joy, Club Drippy absorbs and reflects his experiences through producing, DJing, and writing.
As resident DJ and promoter of DiSCOTHEQUE, Drippy presents his record collection with elements of synthpop, industrial, new beat, and italo for an eclectic dance floor experience.
In addition to his work with Pixel Grip and Duke Davenport, Drippy released his ambient-techno debut EP ‘Made of Silk’ in December 2020.

RND 079 - Club Drippy

https://soundcloud.com/ericavanberger
Erica Van Berger, a Brazilian sound artist who steps outside of current trends in electronic-industrial music with compositions that focus on heavy, nocturnal atmospheres which are primarily driven by downtempo, sub-bass heavy tracks that are laden with a sinister and seductive ambience.
Her music is tastefully marred by martial industrial rhythms that juxtapose distorted synthesis which injects an acute urgency in her music while remaining beguilingly hypnotic. The electronic pulsation disembody Erica’s signature imperious and abrasive sound design which blurs the lines between electronic music genres and lend narrative ideas to the listener of conflict, turmoil, desire and control.

RND 80 - Erica Van Berger

Jason Patrick’s lineage connects two of the most influential cities in electronic music: Chicago and Detroit. His unique sonic fingerprint combines influences from both cities, honing in on that unmistakable Detroit spirit, while harmoniously incorporating a subtle influence from the Windy City. As a highly-skilled, dynamic selector, he’s been a resident at Chicago’s infamous Spybar with regular travels across the USA, hitting cities like Los Angeles,New York, Miami and Detroit respectively. He’s also been booked to play in Europe, appearing at Tresor in Berlin and Plastic in Milan.

Equally adept in the studio, he channels years spent refining his technical skills into tracks that have landed on labels such as KMS, Gynoid Audio, Dumb-Unit, Northern Parallels, Future Arkive, DJ Hyperactive’s 4 Track and his own Klectik label. Focused on the same nuanced, hypnotic sound Jason is known for, Klectik launched in 2007 and is now 33 releases deep. Equipped with deep knowledge, superlative skills, and a progressive, driven attitude towards his
work, Jason Patrick is one of the lynchpins of Chicago techno.

Today, he is an intrinsic part of Chicago’s Astral Undertones collective, performing as their resident DJ, while also passing on his extensive knowledge to the team. Meanwhile, in the studio, he works with up and coming producers to impart his studio know-how, gained through two decades of dedication to exploring sound and frequency in great detail. In doing so, he is ensuring the next generation of Chicago’s electronic music community are equipped with the
knowledge they need to take the scene forward and continue the legacy laid down by the pioneers from both Detroit and Chicago.

1. Divide - Temple - Faut Section
2. Dario Duegra - Layers Of Tension (DC 11 Remix) - Post Dynamic
3. Lakej - Blind Faith (Andre Miranda Remix) - Collective Details
4. C SCH - Impulsive Counterattack - Post Dynamic
5. Notzing - Downhells - Knotzept
6. Dave Wincent - UFO - Soma
7. S.E.R.E.S. - Ejecta - Warm Up Recordings
8. Crown - Fictional Harmony - B55 Records
9. Viels - Pursuit of Perversion - Edit Select
10. Pyramidal Decode - Volture - Post Dynamic
11. Michael Ferrell - L. Gaunt - Illegal Alien Records
12. Lakej - Coulomb Force - Nachtstrom Schallplatten
13. Juan Trujillo - Indifference - CMND CTRL
14. Kike Pravda - Rotational - Mord
15. Kike Pravda - Ground - Senoid
16. Jason Patrick - Calculated - Future Arkive
17. JOHRN - Ciclo Y Epiciclo - Archived Dialogs
18. Mist Gasp - I Do Not - Mord
19. Lidvall - Hunger - Faut Section
20. Michel Lauriola - Persevere - Post Dynamic
21. A Thousand Details - Stokendack - Selected Recordings
22. Arjun Vagale & Robert Hoff - Polymerization - Robert Limited
23. BOHM - Absolute Zero - Animal Farm Records
24. BRÄLLE - Reap What You Sow - INNSIGNN
25. Oxygeno - Deception - Asymetrik
26. Nørbak - Hats Going Nuts - Kias
27. Divide - Temple - Faut Section

RND 083 - Jason Patrick

Photo by Justin Aulis Long
https://soundcloud.com/justin-aulis-long
Justin Aulis Long is a sonic sorcerer, urban Homeric poet, and cosmic wanderer that exists within the liminal spaces where light meets dark. Long is the offspring of a gorgon, conceived within a brick and mortar labyrinth while surrounded by the supernatural electronic voices of angelic forces.

While engaging in themes of the uncanny and erotic, Long opens thresholds which lead to psychedelic realms during communal dance gatherings. Applications of sonic alchemy during ritual action generate vibrant forces created through collective effervescence, causing a bubbling over of ecstatic energy leading to rapture. During the rite, incantations are expressed through fusing a swarm of aural fragments composed from diverse temperaments by way of a personal and singular technique.Sacred objects (records), selector’s tools (turntables and mixer), body, spirit, harmonic and discordant voices unify and become one - The Soft Machine.

During a ritual performance, phonic collages are created intuitively on sight, sigils are aurally direct with specific intent, and offerings are bestowed before an alter, all charged by an engine of chaos. Time and space unravels while normality ruptures and disintegrates as foundational structures of the status quo are dismantled through intensive executions, founded in the practices surrounding musical selection.

RND 088 - Justin Aulis Long

For mix number 18 in the PPRZ Podcast series, we have a mix from Chicago's @makeensound

Chicago based producer and DJ Makeen is focused on groovy textural techno
with a dark edge. He co-organizes the party series Research & Development
with J.S. Alvarez and founded the parties Spent and Near Dark.

His electronic music obsession began when he started performing live sets
on tables full of gear. With an interest in sound design and synthesis, Makeen
spent the early part of his artistic life composing and performing
experimental music more focused on acoustic instruments. The latest leg of
his journey has brought him back to electronic music with an elevated
passion for dance floor-focused beats.

Mix Description:
I decided to take a playful approach to this mix— playing some lighter and
groovier tracks with an emphasis on trippy sounds and atmospheres. This
mix was recorded with 3 x CDJs and an Allen & Heath Xone 92 mixer. The
focus was on long continuous blends, while shifting between new and
unexpected sonic worlds.

Tracklist:
Oktobr - Sleepdancer
Dj Hyperactive & Jason Patrick - Harrier Env (Original Mix)
BLANKA - Howl
Atonism - Back And Forth
Temudo - P is For Paula
Karo - Uväll
Vladw - Aou Mallku
Augusto Taito - High Trip
Ohm - ASKE
CRAVO - Innerversion
Tsibo - M25
Takt - Groove Chaser
Orbe - Post-Cycle
Toru Ikemoto, bw - Don’t Play 050r
Amotik - Saat
Zisko - State of Rhythm
Seigg - Secondary Options
Planetary Assault Systems - Raww
Speedy & Steve - Rotor
Temudo - Susto
Gaetano Parisio - Klytia

PPRZ Podcast 18 - Makeen

https://soundcloud.com/jem4u
JEM, a raver first, DJ second. Mixing a freaky fusion of leftfield electro, uk bass, wave, idm, acid, and more.
With a musical background stemming from everything but electronic music, expect the unexpected when it comes to her sets. You’ll hear influences from punk, Motown, jazz, hip hop, shoegaze, rock.Her inspiration knows no bounds.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit and now a proper city resident of ten years. Detroit is ingrained in her and she is representing the birthplace of techno from a point of view focused on recognizing and sharing the rich musical and cultural history of the city, while simultaneously pushing the status quo and breaking boundaries of what electronic music is "supposed" to be.

About the mix:
This is a one-take, all-vinyl mix focusing on my collection of '90s/'00s hardgroove and rave records, with a few modern records included. I wanted to keep things simple with just two turntables and a basic mixer. Real old school shit. I feel like it transports you back in time to a warehouse or basement rave where there weren't any bells or whistles, trendy tricks or social media. But it's cool because, despite many of these tracks being 20, even 30 years old, the sounds still feel relevant and bangin' for today.

RND 095 - Jem

https://soundcloud.com/sardashhh
A self-described "rave-generalist", Sard is a DJ, producer, and Live PA artist living in Detroit. Combining his passion for perfect dancefloors and the deeper technical aspects of dance music, his performances and productions have maintained a steady placement in the Midwest and beyond. Sard channels a life dedicated to music study into his sound, blending influences of North American techno and rhythms from abroad. His releases on Fixed Rhythms, PPRZ, Amphiboly, and Codec Recordings have been played globally by friends and heroes alike.

RND 099 - Sard

30,000AD is a DJ and hybrid performer raised in Chicago. She calls her style of music “TDM”  (Transgender Dance Music). She also is moving to another live project called infinityBC and is part of the sound collective Spiral Generator. This set was recorded in July, 2023 and is a mix of a tracks, a sampler, and two drum machines.

RND 105 - infinity BC fka 30,000AD

https://soundcloud.com/merrickb
Merrick Brown — a vinyl virtuoso and mixing maestro — boasts three decades behind the decks and leads the way as one of Chicago's finest underground selectors. A favorite of both DJs and dancers, Merrick's multi-genre sets weave their way through deep house, broken beat, UKG, bass, electro, techno and beyond with psychedelic twists and tantalizing turns. With deep roots in rave and a love for everything Detroit, he's a sonic explorer that uncovers unheard gems while connecting the dots across genres. Beyond his role as a DJ, he's the visionary behind esteemed cult labels Tektite Recordings and Chalant Music, as well as contributing his own productions and remixes to respected imprints like Harmonious Discord, Denied Music, Safe in Sound, and Aathee Records. Catch him spinning across Chicago and the Midwest (including this year's The Great Beyond), where every set promises the unexpected.

Tracklist:
Mount Kimbie - Satellite 9
Al Wootton - Snake Dance
Rrose - Spore
Ivy Lab - Mild Snake
Parris & Untold - Lip Locked
96 Black - Laco (Metrist Reworm)
Nikki Nair & DJ ADHD - Fidget Spinner
Bodhi - Popit
Posthuman - Mosquito
Cocktail Party Effect - Fixing the Roof
Imogen - In Bed With My 808
Manao - Control
Bass Junkie - Blast Them To Infinity!
DJ Bone - R.I.D.E.
EQD - 010B
Mount Kimbie - Zone 1 (24 Hours)
Yoofee - Make You Believe (K-Lone Remix)
Bianca Oblivion/Onhell - Sinais (Glitch Mob Remix)
Special Request - Killa Beez
Cesco - GITP
Losco/Onhell - Carnal
Rohaan - Easy For Them
Soukah - Windowlicka
Saule - Objekts
Anna Kost - Seasick
Mia Koden - Racket
Toumba - Janoob
DJ NK - Mete Chuva Muita Chuva
Vladimir Dubyshkin - Adrenochrome Breakfast
Oyubi - Taiko 160
Morelia - Eat It
DJ Godfather & DJ Starski - City Of Boom
Clafrica - Smoke A Sack
Privacy - Sword
Assembler Code & Jensen Interceptor - Xtro
Diner’s Club International - Track #1
Dylan Beale - Tri-Fusion
Laksa - Mind
Piezo - 4e4u
Kai Campos - Quartz (DJ Stingray Remix)
British Murder Boys - Now, This Is You
Blawan - Don’t You Dare Squawk At Me
Carrier - Markers
Batu - Other Means
KW - Paste
Re:ni - Burst Trap
Stolen Velour - Ulysses
Blame - Infinity Drums
Sister Zo - Chop Dat
Roll Dann - Cinquenta Segundos
Symbiosis - Terra
Oscean - Echoes of Chaos
Answer Code Request/Amotik - LED
Tammo Hesselink - Function as Foils
Vril - Boom To The Moon
Fields of Mist - Orbital Mist

RND 107 - Merrick Brown

Flores Negras travels through multidimensional sounds of hypnotic, mechanical,  tribal, dark, sensual, & heavy.  Exhibiting sounds of Chicago brutalists & industrial scene scapes. Flores embraces the essence of the warehouse. Inspired by strip clubs, horror films, Chicano culture and heavy metal.

RND 113 - Flores Negras

Shanti is a Chicago-based DJ who curates eerie, otherworldly, and longing sounds. Music has always been a means of coping with the otherness and hybridity Shanti experienced throughout her life. While she is a philosopher and writer, Shanti has felt limited by words and has recognized the transcendent ability of music to express concepts, states of consciousness, and conflicting emotions. Philosophical themes of existential angst and ambiguity are explored in her sets through ethereal, foreboding techno, angsty EBM/dark wave, and squishy acid sounds. Music has always been a way for her to cope with the darker realities of existence. Shanti’s sets weave a story of the simultaneous despair and yearning that are intertwined with the human condition and illustrate an intentional trajectory.

Polar Inertia - Interlude (Sound Stroke)
IG METALL - Muscle & Hate
Maedon X - Subterranean Caverns
Lonefront - Crisalign
Troy - Shadow of the Comet
Stecks - Hemoglobin
Sard - orange ii
P.E.A.R.L. - Sangre IV
Israel Vines – WWKD (Silent Servant remix)
BEAU WANZER - Non Human Headlock
British Murder Boys - It’s in the Heart
Crystal Geometry - Class Real
Julia Govor - Close to the Sun
Makeen - Pallets
Uun - Atrahasis
Mtrl & Tenzia - Strange Signs
SHXCXCHCXSH - Stämma #3
DJ Nobu -  Blue Zone
Alexskyspirit - Lost Humanity
Elijan- Sara
v_3.378 - Submissive Gesture (Original Mix)
Surgeon – Convenience Trap, Pt. 2
CA2+ - Zugzwang
David Wincent - Virtuoso
Planetary Assault System - Undertow
Luigi Tozzi - Obsidian
Actress - Static

RND 114 - Shanti

Dan B Hood (He/They/She) is a Chicago based Artist, DJ, and smartbar’s Lighting Designer. Inspired by construction sites, bathhouses and ‘acid heads’, Dan navigates raw textures and atmospheres to create momentary sensory escapes. They have released mixes on Mutant Radio, Bleak Narrative, and previously hosted a show on My House, Your House. As a new resident of Research & Development they are eager to continue community building by making spaces for dancers and artists to experiment and expand our growing network of like-minded folks across the planet.

RND 117 - Dan B Hood

Electric is the only way to describe Andi’s sets. The specific dynamism the NYC-based DJ and producer constructs is an intoxicating flow that is always palpable between the walls of the foggy, neon-lit dancefloor. Parts sleaze and sultry, Andi’s aesthetic is body music based, thriving on the delivery of the groove and the bombastic highs of a track’s apex. As a devotee of distinct sounds such as EBM, new beat, Italo, and freestyle—with hints of housey 90s elements—her sets reflect her deep vinyl collection: diverse, yet focused, and completely one-of-a-kind. Further, as the boss of SYNTHICIDE—the internationally known party, label and event series—Andi has cultivated the dark underground scene for over a decade in Brooklyn. 


Her own productions aim to challenge the expectations within the confines of traditionally masculine dance genres. With bassline-heavy grooves and a conceptual emphasis on storytelling with samples taken from long-forgotten erotic thrillers and seedy sci-fi films, Andi adds a wry yet delicate touch to machine music. Andi has released on aufnahme + wiedergabe, Mecanica, Mannequin, and Curses’ Next Wave Acid Punx Deux compilation. Most recently, she contributed a track to Dischi Autunno's Intermezzo Tre compilation with the track "End Program."

This mix was a recorded set for Dykes of Darkness in San Francisco on October 12th

RND 119 - Andi

https://soundcloud.com/zona_cinco
Pronouns: she/her
Zona Cinco got her start at Rice University's radio station KTRU which always pushed their DJ's and audience out of their comfort zone. Avoiding repeats was not just encouraged but at times enforced which pushed their DJs to venture out into the other thousands of cd's and records in the studio. This single-handedly changed her life's trajectory and to this day influences her approach to DJing. She started playing house parties and then went on to play proper venues, festivals and even a Boiler Room set. When she visited Chicago in 2016 for the first time and attended Smartbar, her trajectory took yet another change. She knew she had to move to Chicago did so in 2018. 

Since then she's played many of Chicago's favored venues including the now defunct Danny's, Exit, Berlin and others still going strong like Thalia Hall, Podlasie, and Smartbar including a special supporting role opening for the late, legendary Silent Servant. She's DJed and thrown many DIY parties, and recently has become a resident of both Mictlan and Research and Development. 
"I love this city and I feel blessed to feel that love in return."

RND 121 - Zona Cinco

This mix is from a very special at night November 09 2024 at Smartbar with my dear friends Nikki Nair, Madeline and Pen Pals. I was tasked with closing out the evening and was an honor to do so. Thanks to everyone who came out and stayed till the lights came on.  Hope yall enjoy!

Live mix at Smartbar Nov 09 2024 - Dan B Hood

Umair Chachar, born and raised in Pakistan, now a resident of Chicago, a fanatic for music his entire life, has been exploring the universe through music with his production for a decade through various unknown aliases. Char, his current musical persona, solidified in 2023. It is a lens into his heart, memories, and perspectives of life. 
 
He believes that music is a divine entity and the act of interacting with it is akin to communing with the entity in a religious way. Whether it is producing, mixing, dancing or simply listening to it. The merger of his Sufi upbringings with his love for all things dark has led him into the world of exploring music in a near Shamanistic way. 
 
Char hurls himself into a state of dark hypnosis through music, and those who follow the path are welcomed by the horrors of the void that are being communed with. 
 
"And in that void, one truly sees how beautiful the dimmest candles can be."

This mix is centered around four rituals by Nusku, tapping into specific emotions and stories. It explores the concepts of musical cyber shamanism and invites the listener to surrender to the dark & hypnotic voices of the world.

A number that has represented life/light and death/darkness in various cultures.

The Rituals Tracklist:
Nusku - The Akasha Ritual

The Widdler - Totem
Sepia - Ancient Tribes
Ome & Yoofee - Talkin' Mathematics
Truth - Liquorice Tea (Cartridge Remix)
Isgang - Iglesia de Bellum
Rich Venom - Locomotor
Balanca - Storm
Ignez - Sahasrara
Yanamaste - Hatred

Nusku - The Rúah Ritual

Juss B - Sandman
Mystic State - Scimitar
Ghab Saviv - Strange Feelings
PLL018 - Change
Phaaar - Rhythm Sticks
Yanamaste - Japanese Rave

Nusku - The Kyushu Ritual

Bonin - Fujiwara Clan (Ikiryō Remix)
Tzusing - 東方不敗 - 03 Esther
Ikiryō X raku - ghoul (グール)
Kiri - Ronin
Onryō + raku + Ikiryō - 魔女の幽霊 (Ghost Of Witch)
Bereneces - Yokai (VIP)
Deep Isolation - Dimensions
Nusku - The Lost Ritual
Char - Voidwalker
Char - Corinthian Order
Char - Faris (فارس)

RND 122 - Char

https://soundcloud.com/minamills333
Mina Mills is a Chicago based DJ and producer from Des Moines, Iowa.

RND 123 - Mina Mills

https://soundcloud.com/cyberfab
Fabiola is an NYC-based, Detroit-rooted DJ/producer who digs deep into the archive of dance music. Her style is versatile + cheeky with depths of acid and bass. From listening sessions to sweaty dance floors, Fabiola’s sound is known to be eclectic and expansive. Regardless of time or space, Fabiola holds a strong midwestern flare to every set.
Track List:
Dial’Afreaq - Erykah Badu
Machines 2003 - Techmaster P.E.B.
Cellular Phone - Dopplereffekt
Call Me - Bileebob
Phone Home - B. Calloway
Artificial Intelligence - Detroit Grand Pubahs
Dial-A-Freak - The Egyptian Lover
Obscene Phone Caller - Rockwell
The Telephone Call - Kraftwerk
Cuties get connected - Domino
Teknphone - Tekniq
When Can I Call You (Frankie Bones & Tommy Musto British Telecom Mix) - Lisa Lee
Bullet Train (the men from P.A.C.K. remix) - Japanese Telecom
I Fear The Night (Original Subterranean Club 12" Mix) - Tyree Feat. Chic
Toi Et Moi - Pal Joey; Papa Stomp
Behind the Wall - MBRS
Call Me Mr Telephone (Street Dub) - Answering Service
No Estas - Isamar & Compania
4 Who Is It (Uk Club Mix) - Mantronix
Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) -De La Soul
Toy Box - Insane Clown Posse
Circles - Yendri
Gaslighter - Download
Show Me Love (Fabricated Remix) - t.A.T.u.
Fact 2 - POISON GIRL FRIEND
7th Message - Prefuse 73
Be Yourself - Logic System
When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone) - Michael Franks

RND 124 - Fabiola

https://soundcloud.com/lonefront
Lonefront, aka Ross Hutchens, is a producer, DJ and live performer based in Minneapolis. His sets focus on extradimensional techno, which is also charcacteristic of the music released on his label, Uncoiled. 
https://soundcloud.com/uncoiled

RND 125 - Lonefront

Hussain immediately fell in love with techno and Midwestern DIY culture after attending a party during a trip to Chicago. Inspired by his experiences on dance floors around the Midwest, Hussain started mixing in 2024 while living in Champaignm IL. Now based in Chicago, he has been honing his skills behind the decks.

RND 126 - Hussain

Black Light Smoke is the electronic music moniker of Jordan Lieb -
producer, songwriter, and Daytime Emmy Award winning film and tv
composer. Chicago born, Jordan transplanted to New York City in 2001
where his career as a multi-disciplined musician has taken flight in many
forms. In 2024 he returned once again to his native Chicago.
Black Light Smoke first lit up the dance music scene in 2010 with his EPs
“Lovework” and “Switch Back” (Scissor & Thread), which were spurred on
by a remix from DJ T and a spot on Andrew Weatherall’s Masterpiece. In the

following decade he put out a wide range of records, including the synth-
drenched EP “Firefly” (2014), two tracks from which were featured in Ana

Lily Amirpour’s 2016 indie cult film “The Bad Batch”. Black Light Smoke
has showcased his wide breadth of influences - from techno, darkwave and
italo disco - with releases on Zone Music (France), hafendisko, Nein Records
and more. In 2025 he released his EP “CONTROL” on Tiga’s Turbo
Recordings, bringing together his techno, EBM, and electroclash influences
for his strongest record yet.

In 2020 Black Light Smoke launched his own imprint, Death Decay Magic, a
platform for dark techno, EBM, post-punk and wave genres. With tracks
from The Hacker, Cardopusher, Dina Summer, Filmmaker, himself and many
others, Death Decay Magic has received praise and support from the likes of DJ Hell, Laurent Garnier, Green Velvet, Jeniffer Cardini, Silent Servant,
Bloody Mary and more.

Black Light Smoke has performed his unique live set around the globe,
including Fabric in London, Boiler Room, Robot Heart, the BPM festival in
Mexico, and in many cities across North America.

"For this mix I focused primarily on driving, somewhat abstract techno. I wanted to bring myself and the listener to a place of concrete rhythms and unrelenting drums, while keeping an eye on the open-ended mystery of space."

Tekra - Skogafoss
Surgeon - First (Outline Mix) (Len Faki Hardspace Mix)
Dispar Vulgo - Daydreams of a Megalomaniac
Cardao - Phenomena
Yan Cook - Invisible Force
Alberto Tolo - Empty Mind
Oscar Mulero - Covered In Sand
Justyn Nell - Two Steps Ahead
Ø [Phase], Phyxix, MATRiXXMAN - Psykhosis
Alberto Tolo - Skills Drop
Arthur Robert - Safety
DJ Dextro - Stripe 82
Diego Amura - Pattern 02
Stef Mendesidis - Profiler
SIIE -À - Travers

RND 127 - Black Light Smoke

We are so lucky to release this mix for our 37th entry, recorded live at SmartBar (Chicago) by our friend and excellent DJ Shanti!

From the artist:
I am so grateful to be able to share this mix with you all through PPRZ! This is a mix that was recorded at Smartbar in Chicago when I opened for Lady Starlight as part of Justin Aulis Long's series, Flowers of Romance. It was a 3-hour long set from 10pm-1am on a Pioneer V10 Mixer with 3-4 CDJ 3000s. 

What I love about opening sets is having the ability to set the tone for the night as people are arriving and making the transition from wherever they came from to the communal embodiment of dancing. The other fascinating element about an opening set is the dramatic contrast between the beginning and end as one first experiences an empty dance floor and sees the gradual process of it growing with energy and feeling even though I can really only see beautiful silhouettes moving in the darkness. I take an opening set to be about the gradual cultivation of energy but also an opportunity for creative tension and exercising restraint for the headliner and rest of the night.

Bio:
Shanti is a Chicago-based DJ who explores philosophical themes of existential angst and ambiguity through surreal, foreboding, and atmospheric soundscapes. Her sets weave a story of the simultaneous despair and yearning that are intertwined with the human condition. 

While she is thoughtful about curating multifaceted energy and emotion within her sets, she also co-curates events such as Otherworldly Ambiguity as Evanti, a conceptual experience centered around the phenomenon of hybridity, occupying the spaces in between and outside of pre-existing concepts and rigid categories. She is also a part of Chicago-based DJ collective and label, Research & Development which is a mix series and curator of multifaceted music-centered experiences. 

Mix mastered by: Umair Chachar

Tracklist:
Part 1:
Lemna - Memories
Lemna - Hallucination 
Voices from the Lake - Mika 
Donato Dozzy - Aquatica
SHXCXCHCXSH - A Sunny Day in Ostrogothia 
Dan B. Hood - Ode to Drome
BMG & Derek Plaslaiko - Ghost Ship 
Rrose - Signs 
Alexskyspirit - The Travelers (Polygonia remix)
Etapp Kyle - Source 
Mike Parker - Heat Inducer 
Love Letters - Morse (BMG mix) 
Club Drippy - Crashed
Ryogo Yamamori- Zw
Marcel Dettman - Rush (Deep Release mix)
Pause - Crater  
SHXCXCHCXSH  - HHHHHHHGGKS 
Part 2:
Rrose - Solaris 
Lonefront - Stera
Modes - M52 
NØRBAK - Luyr 
Allana Letm - Tempos Multiplos (Centrific Remix)
Nubbles - Reflect 2 
Maedon-X - Caged Animal 
Perc - Milk Snatchers Return
Ritaffein - Laiva
Regis - Body Unknown 
Jamaica Suk - Tes Levrés
British Murder Boys - We Will Show You 
Uun - Junkspace 
Kanding Ray - Dark Barker 
Peter Van Hoesen - Vola Flash 
Surgeon - The Golden Sea 
Alexskyspirit- SNCTR2 
Decoder - Falling Flat 
Part 3:
Quelza - Plastic Waves 
Neel - A Thought without Time 
Oscar Mulero - Tormenta 
Regis - The Theme from Street Walker
DASH3D - Neuropulmonar
CRØG - Fire 
Oblivion & Uranya - Bassa Marea 
Sorcery - Dark Scan
GiGi FM - Amadamushies
Neel- Riflesso 
Quelza - We’ll Never Be Friends Again 
J. Blofeld - Uranus 
Cej- Itchy 
Char - Free 
Psyk & Orbe - Tunnel Diode
Surgeon - Convenience Trap Pt.2

Donations if you enjoyed this mix from Shanti's recommended organization: https://www.newrootsinstitute.org/ - creating a just and sustainable food system for all through education.

PPRZ Podcast 37 - Shanti live at SmartBar Chicago

ZONA CINCO - MICTLAN - VOL 4

https://soundcloud.com/djlycra
A fixture in Chicago's underground for well over a decade, dj lycra is the result of an untold number of nights out, and approximately 1000 sun rise sets. A true vessel for the music, dj lycra lives to serve the dancers and does so with taste and style. 

"For this mix I just went right off the dome, doing what I do best.  A fast paced journey through house, techno and breaks, with flourishes of jungle and tribal."
Tracklist:
Crystal Clear - Selector ft Bryan Gee
dBridge, Jubei  - Show Me
Commix  - Satellite Type 2
MoMa Ready - The DDT
Danny Wabbit - Don't F With My Energy
Trax Unit - Naughty Bug
Peder Mannerfelt - Flash My Flip Phone
Fiesta Soundsystem - Acid Tool
Ricardo Villalobos - Logohitz
Samuel L. Sessions - Salsa Lesson (Vinyl mix)
Frankie Bones - Just A Rush
Justin Jay, Denham Audio - Swarm
Diskop - Cutter
A Bit Spooky - The Trip
DJ JM - Winted
Janice Robinson - Children (JTV Tribal Dub)
Speedy J - Pepper (The Hot Mix)
Regal86 - TR-909 Criminal
A. Sagittariun- Blake's Vision
Matthew Herbert, Zilla - Brand New Love (Special Request remix)
SP:MC - XL Bully
DJ Fudge - Escapade
Hatori Hanso - DEEP BURNT
Gangsta Pat, Psycho- I Wanna Smoke

RND 128 - dj lycra

https://soundcloud.com/arvin_t
Raised in the Metro Detroit area, and now based in New York’s dynamic music scene after time well spent in Chicago; Arvin is a DJ and producer who has been making waves on dancefloors in recent years. A frequent collaborator with the long-running dark dance party Synthicide. His presence has extended across many iconic dance floors both locally and internationally, such as Basement, Good Room, La Machine Moulin Rouge, and Badaboum. He has also established himself as a resident at NY legend Eli Escobar's hot new club; Gabriela.

RND 129 -  Arvin T

https://soundcloud.com/blackclubfm
Straight from Chicago, BLACKCLUB is a duo reinventing rave culture. Formed in 2023 by Tito Barbosa and Givens, their sets invite dancers to travel to the roots of 90s techno and house, while distilling a soulful groove and unstoppable rave. 
A true experiment in a new vision of underground dance, the duo have already lit up the dancefloors from Chicago to Europe, notably alongside LSDXOXO, Robert Hood, DJ Assault.
Their name is on everyone’s lips and their music is already being heard on the playlists of the world’s top DJs.

RND 130 - BLACKCLUB

We are thrilled to present this mix by Chicago based JS Alvarez for our 39th entry in the series. Both Adam and I admire what Jeremy contributes to the music scene with their podcast and event series Research & Development.

JS Alvarez is a shape shifting lizard that has learned human behavior from living in cities such as Chicago and Miami. He succumbs to no one genre and can be found exploring the depths of mutant techno and unruly bass music alike.

He is the founding member of Research & Development which ignited in the iconic Chicago mainstay of Smartbar. The event series has moved on to host community focused events centered on a wide variety of often cutting edge electronic sounds at venues like Podlasie Club, The Whistler and various DIY spaces. R&D also hosts a biweekly podcast 100+ episodes deep ranging from rising talents, hometown heroes and well established DJs and producers from North America and around the world.

He's shared the booth with artists such as DVS1, Veronika Vasicka, D.Dan, Hodge and others. His mixes have been featured on NTS Radio, Mutant Radio and SutroFM among others. Catch him at The Great Beyond this July! 

I was trying to find a very textured sound within the first quarter of the mix. My attempt at some sort of atmospheric sci-fi horror score followed by something a bit more hypnotic. By the end of the mix I wanted those vibes to explode into something highly rhythmic. Something to shatter what came before and get the sweat dripping off the walls. 

If you enjoyed this mix, please consider donating to JS Alvarez' organization of choice:
https://www.organizedcommunities.org/ 
https://www.organizedcommunities.org/donate

PPRZ Podcast 39 - JS Alvarez

When he's not annoying his downstairs neighbors, you can catch Patrick Conahan around Chicago DJing as a resident for Green Machine, of which he is also one of the founders.
Prior to that he has been in the local metal scene melting faces for about two decades in various heavy bands, his current focus playing guitar for the weirdo hardcore outfit Nequient. 

For this mix, come for the trippy techno but stay for some groovy electro. Hail Satan.

RND 131 - Patrick Conahan

https://soundcloud.com/Clarissa_musik
Chicago’s Clarissa spent his teenage years digging true Wax Trax! records, later falling down the techno hole and cutting his teeth as a DJ in NYC. In his time living in Berlin, he founded of Braid Records and now back in Chicago, he occasionally lets loose to DJ acidic laced techno, EBM and wave.
Tracklist:
Purge - Reka

Ode to Drome - Dan B. Hood

Centenary - Adam X 

Dimension - Dead Husband

Crime - Broke English Club

Pandora - Nero

Programa Retina - Bartig Move

RRV - Råd

Black Swan - Shawn Rudiman

Take Your Judgments - Marc Ash

Dreampain - ADSR

Paced Breathing - Archie Cowen

Deep and Binding - Bella Mode 

Maybe - The Hasbeens

Techno Boulevard - DJ T-1000

Into A Circle - James Ruskin

Promises on the Run - The Sixteen Steps

RND 132 - Clarissa

https://soundcloud.com/company-processing
Company Processing, the moniker for internationally acclaimed deep sea fisherman Peter Melter, sent us a powerfully twisted mix of acid infected techno after decades of transmissions between Peter and our staph.  Since relocating to Ocean Gate’s ‘Titan’ HQ in 2023, contact and communication has been severely limited. This transmission is the last known recorded contact.

RND 133 - Company Processing

https://soundcloud.com/mike-tansella-jr

Mike Tansella Jr. is an Italian born DJ based in Berlin. Since his arrival in the dance music hot spot back in 2013, he's waded deeply into the city's immersive underground scene appearing at venues such as Anita Berber, Paloma, Schwuz and Kit-Kat Club among others. He's made appearances stateside at events such as Los Angeles' The Black Lodge. Tansella has appeared on numerous radio shows across the world including his most recent takeovers at Mutant Radio out of Tbilsi, Georgia. Tansella's productions include Experiment Zero (w/ DJ Plant Texture) and Sons of Traders. Sons of Traders is a familial collaboration with his cousin, Tans. Sons of Traders have already seen releases on Clan Destine, The Black Lodge L.A. , Vastechoses and Gravitational Waves.  Their most recent EP, "Deep In The Flowers," includes remixes by hard hitters like Jason Loveland and Chris Mitchell. Can't wait to hear what's next! 

Check out Deep In The Flowers: https://sonsoftraders.bandcamp.com/

RND 023 - Mike Tansella Jr

Based in Chicago, R&D is a music event/mix series focused on nurturing new sounds, experiences and atmospheres while exploring the music and culture it was born or mutated from. Techno, electro, EBM, bass, breaks, club and beyond.
Current personnel
Jeremy Alvarez - JS Alvarez
Eric Fernandez - Makeen
Shanti Chu - Shanti
Dan Hood - Dan B Hood
Kona Mazariegos - Zona Cinco

Research & Development Mix Series

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