Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAC0rwwfeko&ab_channel=Poducer
In this episode, we talk to KC Wray, producer, DJ, and promoter, about house music history and culture. We discuss the origins of house music in Chicago, the rise of techno in Berlin, and the evolution of club culture in Europe vs the US.
He shares details about reviving The Warehouse venue in Chicago and his vision for creating an inclusive, community-oriented space. We also discuss his musical projects like the record labels BroBot, Kultur, and Shake Shop Records.
We analyze why house music did not break into the mainstream as quickly as hip hop, despite originating around the same time. KC talks about the commercialization of different genres and how mainstream promotion impacts artists.
Follow: KC Wray
Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/kcwrayofficial1
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1DmiWFJ7UWvY6k9blpQALC?si=_DVqEy2XROuoO2TwbxsfTw&utm_medium=share&utm_source=linktree&nd=1
Beatport - https://www.beatport.com/artist/kc-wray/718230/tracks
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kcwraymusik/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kcwraymusic
Follow Poducer:
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijzViDaoVljjDXyEPTIwyQ
Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/poducer
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/28RTvQMv5fMfF2ozxO2zdw?si=e76566f2c7a246c4&nd=1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/poducer_podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PoducerPodcast/
Discord - https://discord.com/invite/TRNMsja
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
5:20 First concert experience
10:06 Moving to Berlin and Europe DJ culture
15:12 The Berghain and Other Clubs in Berlin
20:01 Chicago house music history and venues
25:57 Relaunching The Warehouse venue
32:18 The economics and business side of venues
39:14 Funding and investing in The Warehouse
45:44 Cultivating an inclusive venue culture
52:55 Counterculture origins of house music
58:28 Music discovery and social media presence
1:04:22 Differences in European vs US venue culture
1:10:34 Favorite European cities and travelling
1:15:42 Learning from house music legends
1:21:19 Working with the labels Culture and Brobot
1:27:28 Platforming new talent with minimal social media presence
1:32:18 Navigating the music industry and sustainability
1:38:26 Shoutouts to contributors
1:40:02 Wrap up
