Storied nightclub Smart Bar has announced the launch of its own imprint, Northside ’82, named for both the Chicago neighborhood in which it’s situated and the year of its foundation. One of the US’ most respected dance music institutions, the club has won increased attention recently thanks to chief talent buyer Maria Stamper’s (a.k.a. The Black Madonna) forward-thinking party series and support for local talent.
Resident DJ and Chicagoan Ike Release (given name Ike Velez) starts off proceedings with the jacking Chicago house 12″ Dance Equations. Velez also serves as one half of production duo Innerspace Halflife with Hakim Murphy, and has appeared on MOS, Skudge, and his own Episodes label, among others. The EP is out on vinyl on July 3, with a digital release to follow on August 14, and clips for all three tracks can be streamed below. (via Resident Advisor)
A Dance Equations
B1 Bijou
B2 Direct Current