"It was so difficult to become someone." The house hero talks about Chicago's competitive scene, developing a sound and letting go of his ego. 

Theo Parrish is one of dance music's most influential DJs and producers. Raised in Chicago, he's become synonymous with slow-burning, immersive grooves and sets that mix classics with obscurities. He began DJing in 1986 aged 13, eventually earning a degree in sculpture and moving to Detroit, where he hit his stride as an artist and became a member of the collective Three Chairs alongside Moodymann, Rick Wilhite and Marcellus Pittman. He also started the label Sound Signature, which uses the language of soul, jazz, disco, Chicago house and Detroit techno.

A few months ago, Resident Advisor teamed up with London institution fabric to host Parrish for an eight-hour set—his first time playing the club. While he was in town, he also spoke with CDR's Tony Nwachukwu. In the Exchange, Parrish talks about the intensely competitive scene he grew up in. He DJ'd for 13 years before he was ever paid or had his name billed on a lineup. It took years of passion and hard work to break out of his local scene and build the career he's become known for. 

"At five years, you're dealing with the technical part [of DJing], at ten it's finding your sound and at 15 it's dealing with the ego of it all," he says. "It's not until much later that you actually start to play for and with people."

Parrish also reflects on the ongoing dearth of diversity in the dance music industry and posits whether some of the most popular music in the US—such as trap—reinforces counterproductive racial stereotypes. He asks: did house music ultimately survive because it left where it originally came from? Listen to the episode in full. -Chloe Lula

EX.763 Theo Parrish

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@kickstarter co-founder, @chidm exec board, professional flaneur & nomad; currently ORD - prev SK, SFO, LGA. LHR. Designer, cyclist, runner, environmentalist.

I am DJ Sister Sesh and I live and breathe music! 

My main genres are Disco, Nu- Disco & House but I do play, Tech House & Garage as well. 

My uploaded mixes entitled 'The Sister Sessions' include all things, House, Funk and Disco predominantly and when I play out you can expect to hear the vocals you know but also rare gems from back in the day, your forgotten classics and new music that will become your new favourite tunes!

I have been DJing for the past 2 years and I've played some small festivals such as Blue Lagoon and Snowdance. i also had a residency at the Corporation Yard in Cardiff where I've received much acclaim for varied back catalogue. In addition, I have also played in District night club for the world class DJ Darius Syrossian's label 'Moxy Muzik' warming up for the man himself. 

I consider myself an old soul and my style of music reflects that! I really feel that I bring a certain energy to the Decs and my passion for music really shines when I play!

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