RJ Pickens - Productions

VEST019 // My Boy Elroy & OpenOptics ft. Charlie Otto – Where Do We Start Now EP
This 19th Vested label release features a trio of versions of an insightful, inspiring, feel-good song – “Where Do We Start Now”. Now, more than ever, our disjointed world could use a light ray of positivity, and after enduring what we’re presently going through as a human collective, this song asks the questions, “Where do we all start now? Where do we go from here?” The beauty in these questions is that the answer will be painted by us on what is presently a blank canvas.  We have an opportunity to begin again. Start new. Rebuild. Be better. Rise above. Let’s all be better and do better.  

My Boy Elroy and OpenOptics’ original vocal version starts this EP off on a deep, driving, sublime journey laced with organic and synthetic textures alike, making a beautiful hybrid of sounds. Hang drums meet synthesizers in a juxtaposition of deep house and synthwave vibes, drizzled with Charlie Otto’s superb vocals and lyrical stylings. Fans of Rufus Du Sol will be predisposed to connecting with the plush vibes set forth in this vocal groover.

Second, Vested label head RJ Pickens teams up with good friend and labelmate Rez Dorsia in re-styling this gem of a track in the direction of melodic and grooving techno. Aptly-titled as the Redlight Rendition, this remix is inspired by the carefree and liberated spirit of a redlight district, with cinematic scapes meeting thundering low-end and elegant percussion.  

Rounding out the release is the instrumental version that you got a taste of on the “From Chicago With Love 2020” artist sampler. Surprise – this beautiful instrumental song also had a vocal version, which inspired this to be assembled and released as you see it here.

Bon appetít! Dig into these three delectable soundscapes as you decide where you’ll go from here.

Spotify / Beatport Exclusive Release date:  Friday, September 24th, 2021 
Beatport pre-release on-sale date:  Friday, August 27th, 2021

My Boy Elroy & OpenOptics Ft. Charlie Otto - Where Do We Start Now (RJ Pickens & Rez Dorsia Redlight

Released on Tru Musica Miami 2016 Compilation.

Russoul - Workin' On Me (RJ Pickens Self-Help Mix)

As a token of thanks for all the support I received in winning the GCLAX 2014 competition, I'd like to share this cheeky little bootleg that I've been holding onto for a while. I originally made this remix for my dear friends Johnny and Laura Concklin to be played on their wedding day, and now I feel that it's good time to share it with all of you. I wanted to go in a different direction with this mix, as everyone become a little accustomed to hearing big room sounds when it comes to the most prominent remixes of this track from a few years ago. This lovely track by The Temper Trap will never really get old, and I hope you feel like this version helps preserve the timelessness of this future classic tune.

Free Download

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (RJ Pickens Electric Remodel) [FREE DOWNLOAD]

Almost 6 years ago, I put this re-edit together to be played during a specific time at a private event, to create tension, excitement, and revisit a special place in space and time.  I then realized that I needed to play this out at an upcoming special event production at Vision.  I probably only played this out 1 or 2 other times after that, and I didn't really share it with many people.  

The original version of this song is "Baba O'Riley" by The Who, and there was a remix of this that Chicago legend Teri Bristol produced -- that went on to become one of the most popular tracks played at the former Windy City nightlife institution -- Crobar -- especially during Teri Bristol and PsychoBitch's residency there over all those years.

Well, I always liked hearing that epic chord sequence and the roar of the crowd when it was played at Crobar, but years later, I found myself wanting to hear more of the original version from The Who shine through in a new version...  So a few years back, I decided to make my own re-edit of this Chicago nightlife classic.  I added some of my own elements, sampled Teri Bristol's version, fused in the original version, and added a bunch of soundscape elements with a side order of studio rack magic.  The outcome was what you hear now.  I then played it that same night that I finished it in 2009 on a night I played with Sander Van Doorn for a special "Dusk Till Doorn" event, and it was memorable.  And it also payed homage to a past dynasty in Chicago nightlife.

On the final night at Castle just this past Saturday (Jan 3rd, 2015), before we opened the doors for the night, I was sitting in the office with my good friends and colleagues Phil Rizzo and Victor Flores (who steered the Castle / Vision ship after I left my position there), and we were watching footage of past events there, reminiscing a bit.  I was flattered when they suggested that we play this track as the final track of the night, ending a really long chapter of Chicago nightlife of our own.  How could I say no to that?

After holding onto this tune for a while now, and after as amazing and bittersweet of a night it was to be part of closing that club down with a huge exclamation mark (!), I feel like it's time to give this one away.  THANK YOU is all I can say.  Thank you to the club that was such a big part in me establishing myself and growing as an artist in Chicago.  Thank you to all of you that have supported me for so long.  And a giant THANK YOU to everyone that stayed till the end on Saturday, and closed this club out with us in such proper form.

The chapter of Castle and Vision may be closed, but for so many of us, it will forever live on within.  Here's to the new year - 2015 - and the new chapter in Chicago nightlife that we will begin writing now.

Cheers!
--RJ--

Teri Bristol Vs The Who - Baba O'Riley (RJ Pickens Teenage Wasteland Re - Edit)

Deep Tribe - Do Your Thing ( RJ Pickens Rework ) 
[Wülfpack] Release JUNE 29th, 2015
pro.beatport.com/artist/deep-tribe/460596

More info, comments and industry reviews.
vipultima.com/promo_sheet.php?releaseId=38578

Deep Tribe Just Wants You to ‘Do Your Thing’ on Their Next Wulfpack Release

From bass-heavy to stripped sounds, Deep Tribe continue to showcase their many interpretations of four-to-the-floor rhythms with an eclectic output of tunes. Proving that it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing, Deep Tribe give us something to groove to with the release of Do Your Thing EP, out on Wulfpack Records.

Diving head first into the fun, “Do Your Thing” begins on a percussive high with snaps, claps, and snares to fuel the energetic notion. With a familiar vocal pitched down to perfection, “Do Your Thing” is sure to bring everyone to the dance floor. On the remix tip, Victor Vega starts us off with chilled stabs that coax you throughout as a shuffled snares continue to move you forward. RJ Pickens provides a dark melodic vibe to his remodel, dolling out airy strings overtop punchy kicks and hi-hats. Chicago’s own Twitchin Skratch brings a progressive feel to the techy original, incorporating smooth synth pads and a growling bassline and ending with a searing siren that cries from the dark shadows of this remix.

Ready for peak time or lull time, just Do Your Thing and dance with the latest Deep Tribe release!

www.deeptribe.com
pro.beatport.com/artist/deep-tribe/460596
www.twitter.com/DeepTribeMusic
www.facebook.com/DeepTribe
#JointheTribe

Deep Tribe - Do Your Thing ( RJ Pickens Remix )

Final Mastered Version.
Released 11Apr2016 - Glamour Punk Recordings

Rydel - Beat The Men (The RJ Pickens Just Doesn't Listen Mix)

VESTED: adjective - held completely, permanently, and inalienably.

Keeping true and parallel to the musical vision of Vested as a Chicago-based music and event brand, Vested Recordings will be a home for a range of forward-thinking electronic music sounds, ranging from deep to tech-house to progressive to techno to house, with the common thread being the timeless low-end prime-mover groove that proper progressive house has always championed.

This inaugural label offering features a pair of reconstruction mixes by label head, RJ Pickens, of a truly stellar original song by Sykoya, a vibrant up-and-coming UK-based indie music collective.  The Late Night Reconstruction lends itself perfectly to play in a club or festival setting, while the more stripped-down Early Morning Reconstruction would find a suitable home at a place like Burning Man.

Sykoya are making a lasting impression both recorded and live with their timeless mixture of indie electronic and dream-pop tracks. The haunting vocals of front woman, Anna Marcella sit perfectly atop her melodic synth lines and the deep, engaging rhythm section of drummer, Curtis ElVidge and bassist, Joe Cross, making a sound well beyond the trio's size. Drawing comparisons to London Grammar, Poliça, and Massive Attack, their sound ebbs and flows seamlessly from light to dark, catching listeners between wanting to dance and sit in soft reflection.

With roots as a longtime participant in Chicago's electronic music scene, RJ Pickens is now helping shape the future of the Windy City's dance music. With over 19 years of DJ experience and tirelessly pursuing the perfect mix of progressive, tech-house, techno, and house sounds, he rocks rooms ranging from intimate to large, and can go from being the supporting act of choice for many notable global headliners (such as Eric Prydz & Pryda Friends, Hernan Cattaneo, Jody Wisternoff, Nick Warren, Erick Morillo, or Martin Roth - to name but a small few out of many) to being the headliner himself. 

Track credits:
Original track production: Sykoya, remix production: RJ Pickens
Engineering and Mastering for Early Morning Reconstruction by Nick Stoynoff.
Engineering and Mastering for Late Night Reconstruction by Peter Kontor.

vestedrecordings.com
sykoya.com
soundcloud.com/rjpickens

Shiver (RJ Pickens Late Night Radio Edit)

Sykoya - Shiver (RJ Pickens Late Night Radio Edit) [Vested Recordings 001]

Shiver (RJ Pickens Late Night Reconstruction)

Sykoya - Shiver (RJ Pickens Late Night Reconstruction) [Vested Recordings 001]

Shiver (RJ Pickens Early Morning Reconstruction)

Sykoya - Shiver (RJ Pickens Early Morning Reconstruction) [Vested Recordings 001]

Some deep-, tech-, and progressive-house goodness for the fine people at ADE 2017 and beyond -- crafted by Chicago-based artists, with love, from the Windy City. 

Please follow our featured Chicago artists:
https://soundcloud.com/alex_castaneda
https://soundcloud.com/hummingbird_dj
https://soundcloud.com/djozmtz
https://soundcloud.com/karstensollors
https://soundcloud.com/jacobbjorge
https://soundcloud.com/rjpickens
https://soundcloud.com/mvrtell

ADE 2017 Chicago Artist Sampler

Karsten Sollors Ft. Jacob Bjorge - Exposure (RJ Pickens Remodel) [Vested Recordings 003]

My Boy Elroy / Frankie B / RJ Pickens
As a DJ, turntablist, and beatboxer for the acid jazz group and grammy nominated artists, Liquid Soul, My Boy Elroy has an extensive resume. He’s opened for huge live acts like Massive Attack, has shared the bill with electronic heavyweights such as Bonobo, and has supported all-time legendary musical greats such as Stevie Wonder and BB King. In his DJing and production, he combines a potpourri of elements ranging from instrumentals, to Nu Disco vibes, to Tech House grooves and more, with his percussionist background to create his unique eclectic sound.
An up-and-coming singer and songwriter from suburban Chicago, Frankie B has been singing her entire life. In school growing up, she won every talent show she participated in and went on to start writing her own songs at the age of 15. She plays in a band and they play both originals and covers in Spanish and English, having performed at a number of prestigious venues around Chicago. Not tying herself to any specific genre and committing to a lifetime of music, her future looks bright already, and she’s just getting started.
RJ Pickens is a longtime Chicago resident artist with 15+ years of notable gigs and residencies under his belt, is a hardworking producer with some thought-provoking releases to his name, and is the captain behind all things Vested. In addition, he's contributing to the re-edit of this track under the Carbon Copy pseudonym with longtime friend and co-conspirator, My Boy Elroy.
Follow My Boy Elroy: https://soundcloud.com/myboyelroy
Follow Frankie B: https://www.frankiebsings.com/
Follow RJ Pickens: https://soundcloud.com/rjpickens 

VESTED: adjective - held completely, permanently, and inalienably.
Keeping true and parallel to the musical vision of Vested as a Chicago-based music and event brand, Vested Recordings is a home for a range of forward-thinking electronic music sounds, ranging from deep to tech-house to progressive to techno to house, with the common thread being the timeless low-end prime-mover groove that proper progressive house has always championed.

VEST005 // MMW 2018 – Vested Chicago Artist Sampler
This fifth label release offers a compelling spectrum of the label’s musical spectrum in showcasing 5 superb tracks from hardworking Chicago-based artists ranging from some deep-, tech-, and progressive-house goodness for the fine people at Miami Music Week 2018 and beyond -- all crafted by Chicago-based artists, with love, from the Windy City.

Chicago is presently in a great creative place, and this sampler serves as only a snapshot of what this lovely city and birthplace of house music has to offer.

vestedrecordings.com
 soundcloud.com/vestedchi

Vested Miami Music Week 2018 Chicago Artist Sampler

My Boy Elroy Ft. Frankie B - Fallin' (RJ & Elroy's Carbon Copy Re-Edit)

The Sights and Sounds Exclusive Premiere:
Chicago-based Vested Recordings / Release 006

VEST006 // CiCi Hunter – Bodies EP
This sixth label release offers a striking pair of reconstruction mixes of “Bodies”, by Scotland-born and UK-based vocalist and songwriter – CiCi Hunter.  Vested Recording label head and Chicago-based artist, RJ Pickens, takes the reigns of the Early Morning Reconstruction and turns in a mix laced with deep growling bass, driving percussion, melodic balance, thick vocal layers, and use of many of CiCi’s original track elements – with a vibe perfect for an underground club or an outdoor sunrise set.  Chicago-based progressive rising-star, Jeff Ozmits, turns in a simply sublime, slightly higher tempo melodic beast of a mix, perfect for a peak hour progressive set, complete with powerful synth lines, a more uptempo vibe, and a guitar line that will give you proper goosebumps, aptly titled the Late Night Reconstruction.  Dive in.

VESTED: adjective - held completely, permanently, and inalienably. 
Keeping true and parallel to the musical vision of Vested as a Chicago-based music and event brand, Vested Recordings is a home for a range of forward-thinking electronic music sounds, ranging from deep to tech-house to progressive to techno to house, with the common thread being the timeless low-end prime-mover groove that proper progressive house has always championed.   

Release date:  Friday, June 29th, 2018  
Beatport pre-release on-sale date:  Monday, June 4th, 2018
LINK:  https://www.beatport.com/release/bodies/2307083

soundcloud.com/vestedchi
soundcloud.com/selinahunter
soundcloud.com/rjpickens
soundcloud.com/jeffozmits
facebook.com/vestedchi

Exclusive Premiere: CiCi Hunter - Bodies (RJ Pickens Early Morning Reconstruction) [VEST006]

This seventh label release offers a compelling assortment of the label's musical spectrum in showcasing 4 tracks from hardworking Chicago-based artists ranging from some deep-, tech-, and progressive-house goodness for the fine people at ADE 2018 and beyond -- crafted by Chicago-based artists, with love, from the Windy City.

Romasoul swears that rhythm chose her. Having lived in Eastern Europe as well as the American Midwest, she was exposed to a wide variety of musical styles from a very young age. Carefully selecting unique and only the highest quality produced tracks, Romasoul curates a dance music set which takes the listener for a journey. The listener is captivated and dancing the entire time. And as far as style is concerned, never has she been a follower of trends, she only follows her heart. For many years in the Chi-town nightlife and afterhours circuit, Romasoul has had the privilege of working with some of the most talented producers and DJs. Global residencies include Mexico, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her first release "All night long" came out on The Pool House Records, with a new EP out this past spring. 
RJ Pickens is a longtime Chicago resident artist with 15+ years of notable gigs and residencies under his belt, is a hardworking producer with some thought-provoking releases to his name, and is the captain behind all things Vested, and will humbly leave his resume at the door here. In addition, he's contributing to the re-edit of this track in collaboration with friend and co-conspirator, Romasoul. 
Follow Romasoul: https://soundcloud.com/dj-romasoul   
Follow RJ Pickens: https://soundcloud.com/rjpickens  

Keeping true and parallel to the musical vision of Vested as a Chicago-based music and event brand, Vested Recordings is a home for a range of forward-thinking electronic music sounds, ranging from deep to tech-house to progressive to techno to house, with the common thread being the timeless low-end prime-mover groove that proper progressive house has always championed.

vestedrecordings.com
soundcloud.com/vestedchi

ADE 2018 Chicago Artist Sampler

Romasoul - Dewpoint (RJ Pickens + Romasoul Re - Edit) [Vested Recordings 007]

This tenth label release offers a compelling spectrum of the label’s musical spectrum in showcasing 5 superb tracks from hardworking Chicago-based artists ranging from some deep-, tech-, and progressive-house goodness for the fine people at Miami Music Week 2019 and beyond -- all crafted by Chicago-based artists, with love, from the Windy City.

Heliosheath is a live PA and techno performance moniker for Chicago-based artist, Ken Sheldon. Ken is an electronic music lover through and through, a big audio gear enthusiast, involved with multiple event producers in Chicago such as Obscure, Format , and Sleepwalker, and the original composer of this release’s synth hook-driven track, “Awash In Beauty”.
RJ Pickens is a longtime Chicago resident artist with 16+ years of noteworthy gigs and residencies under his belt, is a hardworking producer with some thought-provoking releases to his name, is the captain behind all things Vested, and will humbly leave his resume at the door here. In addition, he's contributed the progressive-driven rework of this fine tune.
Follow Heliosheath: https://soundcloud.com/heliosheath-music  Follow RJ Pickens: https://soundcloud.com/rjpickens

Release date:  Fri, March 29th, 2019  
Beatport pre-release on-sale date:  Tue, March 26th, 2019

Chicago is presently in a great creative place, and this sampler serves as only a snapshot of what this lovely city and birthplace of house music has to offer.

MMW 2019 Chicago Artist Sampler

Heliosheath - Awash In Beauty (RJ Pickens Remodel) [Vested Recordings 010]

VEST011 // ADE 2019 – Vested Chicago Artist Sampler
The 11th Vested label release offers a compelling assortment of the label’s musical spectrum in showcasing 5 tracks from hardworking Chicago-based artists ranging from some house, tech, and progressive goodness for the fine people at ADE 2019 and beyond -- crafted solely by Chicago-based artists, with love, from the Windy City.

Beatport / Spotify Exclusive Release date:  FRI, October 18th, 2019 
All other online platforms:  FRI, Oct 26th, 2019

The W0lf - "Night Raid" (RJ Pickens' Reckless Endangerment Re-Edit)
 The W0lf is a house and techno production alias by longtime multi-genre Chicago artist, Josh Naster.  With a few releases under this moniker on CHI labels like Farris Wheel Recordings, Aathee, and The Pool House, he’s seen some of his work under this name receive global support via broadcast on BBC Radio. 
 RJ Pickens is a longtime Chicago resident artist with 15+ years of truly notable gigs and residencies under his belt, is a hardworking producer with some thought-provoking releases to his name, and is the captain behind all things Vested, and will humbly leave his resume at the door here.  This collaborative track submission for this release “Night Raid (RJ Pickens’ Reckless Endangerment Re-Edit)” features driving techno grooves and percussion fused with ambient moody guitars and a roaring motorcycle vs police chase.  Close your eyes, press play, and take the ride. 
Follow The W0lf: https://soundcloud.com/thew0lfofficial   
Follow RJ Pickens: https://soundcloud.com/rjpickens

Chicago is presently in a great creative place, and this sampler humbly serves as only a snapshot of what this lovely city and birthplace of house music has to offer.

vestedrecordings.com   
soundcloud.com/VestedCHI
facebook.com/VestedCHI 
Instagram.com/vestedmusic

ADE 2019 Chicago Artist Sampler

ADE 2019 Chicago Aritst Sampler

The W0lf - Night Raid (RJ Pickens' Reckless Endangerment Re - Edit)

VEST008 // Emod – I Found My Voice EP

This 13th label release offers a delectable trio of remixes from a trio of music acts, based off of original works by German-born and super-notable young up-and-comer – Emod.

The second track on the release is Vested label head RJ Pickens’ rework of "Once There Was". What was originally a 4-to-the-floor stomper is taken in an epic and cinematic melodic techno direction, complete with an array of analog and organic sounds (such as acoustic and electric guitars, analog bass tones and thunderstorms) that compliment and balance against the original synthetically-driven original elements and give the listener quite a lustrous journey.

Jump in and have a swim in these sublime sounds.

Short Bio:  RJ Pickens
RJ Pickens is a longtime Chicago resident artist with 16+ years of notable gigs and residencies under his belt, is a hardworking producer with some thought-provoking releases to his name, and is the captain behind all things Vested. Tirelessly pursuing the perfect mix of deep, progressive, tech-house, house and techno sounds, his tastes translate to his productions and DJ gigs in intimate to large venues alike.  Having been a supporting act of choice for heavyweight artists such as ARTBAT, Joris Voorn, Eric Prydz, Hernan Cattaneo, Above & Beyond, Chus & Ceballos, Jody Wisternoff, Eelke Kleijn, Dosem, Eli & Fur, H.O.S.H. and so many more, his diverse gig history over all these years speaks for itself.   Follow RJ Pickens at the links below.

www.facebook.com/RJPickens  
www.instagram.com/rjpickens1  
www.soundcloud.com/rjpickens  
www.twitter.com/rjpickens1  
www.beatport.com/artist/rj-pickens/490186

I Found My Voice (Remixes)

Emod - Once There Was (RJ Pickens Analog Reconstruction) [Vested Recordings 013]

This 14th label release offers a top-flight collaborative original song offering by Chicago-based electronic artists Jeff Ozmits and RJ Pickens.

First up is the original mix of Rules of Engagement. This driving progressive house stormer has been getting great reactions from dancefloors it has been tested on over the past 9 months, and it is truly a pleasure to now make this available to the world. A galloping rhythmic arrangement paired with an unforgettable melodic composition of arpeggiated leads, soaring synths, and energizing guitar plucks is designed to take make the dancefloor take flight.

The second track on the release is RJ Pickens' Flightplan Edit of the original. Being that this composition was deeply inspired by fighter jets and their marvels of modern engineering, it felt only fitting that a version of this song was made that took the listener even further into the experience of supersonic flight. Nuances of fighter jet engines, aircraft flight, radio communications, and cockpit sounds are tastefully woven into the mix, giving an immersive feel of the energy felt during tactical flight.

Follow us :
SC: soundcloud.com/ravvenmusik
FB: facebook.com/ravvenmusik
IG: instagram.com/ravvenmusik

► Vested Recordings ♫
SC: soundcloud.com/vestedchi
FB: facebook.com/VestedCHI
IG: instagram.com/vestedmusic

► Jeff Ozmits ♫
SC: soundcloud.com/djozmits 
FB: facebook.com/jeffozmits 
IG: instagram.com/jeffozmits 

► RJ Pickens ♫
SC: soundcloud.com/rjpickens 
FB: facebook.com/RJPickens 
IG:instagram.com/rjpickens1 

Release Date: 10 Sep 2020

Download : https://bit.ly/3blDonR

Jeff Ozmits & RJ Pickens - Rules of Engagement EP

☼ Get your copy ☼

PREMIERE: Jeff Ozmits & RJ Pickens - Rules Of Engagement [Vested Recordings]

PREMIERE

Support the artists if you enjoy the music ♥

⁍ Artists: @djozmtz & @rjpickens
⁍ Track: Rules Of Engagement (RJ Pickens Flightplan Edit)
⁍ Label: @vestedchi
⁍ Release Date: 11/09/2020
⁍ Buy: tinyurl.com/yyrduspk

About the release
This 14th label release offers a top-flight collaborative original song offering by Chicago-based electronic artists Jeff Ozmits and RJ Pickens.
The second track on the release is RJ Pickens’ Flightplan Edit of the original.  Being that this composition was deeply inspired by fighter jets and their marvels of modern engineering, it felt only fitting that a version of this song was made that took the listener even further into the experience of supersonic flight. Nuances of fighter jet engines, aircraft flight, radio communications, and cockpit sounds are tastefully woven into the mix, giving an immersive feel of the energy felt during tactical flight.

Rules of Engagement

Beaport

PREMIERE: Jeff Ozmits & RJ Pickens - Rules Of Engagement (RJ Pickens Flightplan Edit) | Vested

Enjoy the Track? Click the [Repost] 🔁  button so more people can hear it!

This 17th label release offers five wonderful and carefully-chosen selections of melodic electronic grooves, ranging from progressive house to deep house to melodic techno, produced by a handful of the Windy City's finest. In a year of unprecedented change and challenges, music has been the fabric keeping us united in the face of uncertainty, and this small cherry-picked collection of songs is being sent out to you all around the world to help close out 2020 – from Chicago with lots of love.

First up - Vested label regular Jeff Ozmits and label newcomer Bedroom Logic team up to bring you "Secret Sky" – a driving melodic peak-hour progressive gem that begs to be hammered during a prime stretch of evening. A deep and bouncing bassline paired with pleasing synth arpeggios really hit the sweet spot here and start this release off right.

Second - Vested label head RJ Pickens teams up with Tru Musica label head Brian Boncher to collectively bring you "Astral Dream" – a house-driven melodic progressive tune layered with guitars, synths, stacked percussion, and a bassline paying playful homage to an electronic classic. Special thanks to instrumentalists Jim O'Reilly and Skeebo Geebo for their melodic contributions to this composition!

Next up is the multi-faceted My Boy Elroy in a team effort with OpenOptics in bringing you "Where Do We Start Now" – a sublime deep melodic house offering infused with synthwave leads, organic handpan textures, a trotting rhythm section, and a low end groove that just feels amazing. Special thanks to instrumentalists OpenOptics and Troy Page for their contributions to this project!

"Clearing Space" is a lush and textured melodic techno composition with deep and driving groove from staple Chicago artist: Hummingbird. She's assembled a lovely, intricate, and moody piece of electronic music here will have you listening to all the nuances amongst the smooth energies of this piece over and again.

And rounding out this release is "Deeper Than Us" by FJ9 – a really promising newcomer to the label and the Chicago music scene alike. Fusing elements of melodic techno, house, and electro in this composition, he delivers a modulated-synth-driven piece of music that truly finishes this compilation with a big bang. A bonus edit of this track has also been provided for those of you who just want to cut to the chase.

Artwork by: Chicago-based photographer Eric Formato

Follow Vested Recordings:
SoundCloud: @vestedchi
Facebook: http://facebook.com/vestedchi
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/vestedmusic

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From Chicago with Love 2020 EP

Astral Dream

Premiere: RJ Pickens & Brian Boncher "Astral Dream" - Vested Recordings

For the past 2 decades, RJ Pickens has been a leader in building and growing Chicago’s melodic-driven electronic music scene. With nearly 25 years of DJ experience and tirelessly pursuing the perfect mix of deep, progressive, techno, and house sounds.  He rocks venues ranging from intimate to huge, and can go from being the headliner himself to being the supporting act of choice for countless global headliners on the best club and festival events the Windy City has to offer.  RJ is also a principal collaborator in a recently-launched and acclaimed music act called Portals & Parachutes, taking first flight in post-pandemic 2021.  RJ’s record label and music event banner — VESTED — has become synonymous with top-tier progressive electronic sounds.  Vested Recordings, while a relatively young label still, has seen remarkable support from some of the very best artists in the industry.  The event showcases produced under the Vested brand have been consistently showcasing the finest quality in its music bookings for the last 10 years. 

VESTED:  an adjective that means “to hold something completely, permanently, and inalienably — an unwavering commitment.”  In an electronic music sense, it simply means RJ is really serious about our party music, and his work on all fronts speaks for itself.

If you haven’t yet, tune in and turn it all the way up.

Links
facebook.com/rjpickens
twitter.com/rjpickens1
soundcloud.com/rjpickens
floorcontrolradio.com
facebook.com/vestedchi
soundcloud.com/vestedchi
twitter.com/vestedchi