https://on.soundcloud.com/WjWHQxUqGdcXyP7h8
Brenda has been at the forefront of the local scene in Chicago for nearly a decade. With roots stemming from the '90s underground culture, she has actively curated club and warehouse events, served as a partner and A&R at Format Recordings, and been a long-standing contributor to the FormatFM podcast series. Recently, Brenda attained a residency at the legendary club, smartbar, now in its second year. A classically trained pianist and saxophonist, her expansive understanding of structure and rhythm allows her to draw inspiration from all types of music, ranging from soulful jazz to dark, gritty drum and bass. Brenda’s talent for laying down everything from pulsing ethereal beats to jackin’ stompers demonstrate her versatility all while maintaining a consistent theme of driving, hypnotic techno.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/brenda.curtis.37?mibextid=LQQJ4d

IG:@brenda.c_312

RA: https://ra.co/dj/brenda

RND 112 - Brenda

Just here for the quality music. 
Techno,  Dub techno,  and house music are my favorite. I'm not a Dj, hahahaha, just a person who enjoys and loves the genres. 
Techno made me, House saved me!!!

Smartbar Resident, Chicago 
Format Recordings 

Scientist by day, DJ by night. Brenda's life is a dynamic blend of science and music. A classically trained pianist and saxophonist, music has been a lifelong defining force. Active in Chicago's underground scene since the late 90s, Brenda is now a Smartbar resident, A&R for Format Recordings, and co-curator of Format events and the Format.FM podcast series. She creates a symbiotic relationship with the dance floor, feeding off its energy and giving it back tenfold, drawing inspiration from soulful jazz, dark, gritty drum & bass, and beyond. While her sets maintain consistent themes of darker, harder, hypnotic techno, she also explores moments of ethereal sound, harmonious melodies and jackin' stompers. An advocate for women in both music and science, Brenda, who holds a PhD in molecular and cellular biochemistry, champions diversity in all pursuits. She finds mentoring deeply rewarding and is committed to giving back to the underground culture—building community, fostering connections, and empowering others.

In the beginning, there was Jack, and Jack had a groove.
And from this groove came the groove of all grooves.
And while one day viciously throwing down on his box, Jack boldy declared,
"Let there be house!" and house music was born.
I am, you see,
I am the creator, and this is my house!
And, in my house there is only house music. But, I am not so
Selfish because once you enter my house it then becomes OUR house and
OUR house music!" And, you see, no one can own house because
House music is a universal language, spoken and understood by all.
You see, house is a feeling that no one can understand really unless
You're deep into the vibe of house. House is an uncontrollable
Desire to jack your body. And, as I told you before, this is
Our house and our house music. And in every house, you
Understand, there is a keeper. And, in this house, the keeper
Is Jack. Now some of you who might wonder.
Who is Jack, and what is it that Jack does?
Jack is the one who gives you the power to jack your body!
Jack is the one who gives you the power to do the snake.
Jack is the one who gives you the key to the wiggly worm.
Jack is the one who learns you how to walk your body.
Jack is the one that can bring nations and nations of all
Jackers together under one house.
You may be black, you may be white; you may be Jew or Gentile.
It don't make difference in our House.
And this is fresh!
- Larry Heard aka Mr. Fingers -

Research & Development
Podlasie
Chicago

JS Alvarez is a shape shifting lizard that 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. ﻿What started as a monthly event series at Smartbar took on a new path with a biweekly mix series focused on nurturing new sounds, experiences and atmospheres while exploring the music and culture it was born or mutated from. Find him at Podlasie Club or sweaty basements and warehouses in Chicago and beyond.

Minimal Detroit takeover
Minimal Detroit manager

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

RND 112 - Brenda

Research & Development Mix Series