ABSTRACT SCIENCE is back at PODLASIE CLUB with RAW CODE, a night focused on leftfield club sounds at the meeting of midwest dj culture + the UK hardcore continuum. Chicago footwork experimentalists JANA RUSH + DJ HANK join veteran ABSCI selectors CHRIS WIDMAN + WHOA-B.
fri 08 december 2023
abstract science presents
RAW CODE
with djs
JANA RUSH
[planet mu, dance mania, chicago]
DJ HANK
[hyperdub, chicago)
CHRIS WIDMAN + WHOA-B
[abstract science, wluw 88.7fm]
PODLASIE CLUB
2918 N Central Park Ave., Chicago
9pm-2am 21+
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JANA RUSH [planet mu, chicago]
Chicago born and raised, it’s safe to say that Jana Rush is deeply familiar with the inner-mechanics of footwork, the exciting house mutations that have shaped the sonic identity of the windy city. Her 2017 album Pariah was a masterclass in the dynamic tension between frantic subbass and spacious headroom; a footwork masterpiece that brought the genre to new heights. With Jana’s most recent album, the 2021 Planet Mu release Painful Enlightenment, her craft is becoming even more distinct. Letting loose some of the more conventional rhythmic characteristics of the Chicago sound and incorporating challenging jazz samples, Painful Enlightenment is a deeply personal work that’s well-versed in both the world of footwork and experimental electronic music.
DJ HANK [hyperdub, chicago]
DJ Hank is a producer who lives on the Southside of Chicago. When he was 18, he moved from North Carolina, and got his introduction into the world of footwork and inspiration to start producing by attending the footwork battle night Battlegroundz. His uk garage/footwork hybrids have been a key part of Kode9’s sets for the last few years, featuring in the Burial & Kode9 mix for Mary Anne Hobbs back in 2018. The City Stars EP is crystalline and minimal, eschewing the classic footwork drum sound of the Roland 808 for a wider percussive palette. Previously, he sped up and remixed garage tracks for footwork speed, but here he’s synthesized a new sound that integrates both sides. Across the six high energy tracks, the chopped, cyborgian R & B samples and swung rhythms of classic 2-step are rebuilt at 160bpm. The marimba and bells of early 80’s Japanese ambient, inspired by listening to Mkwaju Ensemble/Midori Takada are also integrated into the mix, especially on the last two tracks Kiosko and Mkwa giving the music an additional retro-futurist refresh.
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ABSTRACT SCIENCE
Abstract Science is future music radio: a weekly exploration of innovative electronic music and its roots since 1997. This staple of Chicago’s airwaves investigates the current evolution and influence of dj culture, dance music and experimental sounds on a global level. Co-hosts CHRIS WIDMAN, HENRY SELF, LUKE STOKES, JOSHUA P FERGUSON + BILL BEARDEN (WHOA=B) showcase the latest releases alongside underground classics, overlooked gems, exclusive live performances, interviews and dj mixes.
Past guests of note include ACTRESS, AMON TOBIN, APPARAT, THE BLESSED MADONNA, BONOBO, CONVEXTION, DAEDELUS, DEADBEAT, DJ KRUSH, FOUR TET, JAGA JAZZIST, JUAN ATKINS, LUKE VIBERT, MONOLAKE, MODESELEKTOR, MR SCRUFF, PLAID, RJD2, ROBERT RICH, ROMARE, SHIGETO, SLEEPARCHIVE, SQUAREPUSHER & TRENTEMOLLER. Over the years, abstract science has curated and co-sponsored hundreds of events at Chicago’s premiere venues, including residencies at Sonotheque (“Funk the Mental” 2004-2006) and Smart Bar (“Abstract Sessions” 2001-2003 + “Subfix” 2008-2011).
Abstract Science broadcasts every Thursday night (8-10pm usct) on WLUW-Chicago 88.7fm and wluw.org, in addition to a weekly podcast and archives at abstractscience.net.
In 2022, Abstract Science celebrated 25 years years of broadcasting + 1225 episodes with a 25 hour takeover of WLUW-Chicago 88.7fm.
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