Redefing House in 2008

With all the wonderful events that have happened in the month of June, some may ask why there is still a stigma about “Chicago Sucking” when it comes to the house music scene. This opinion comes from the lingering experiences of yesteryear and the current experience some go through now in Chicago. I've been keeping my ears to the ground and gathering different views on why people feel this way.

Recently I posted a topic on www.bringtheheat.com titled “Redefining House Music." Some stimulating comments were made in regard to the current state and the days of old.

BTH member Whispers0268 had this to say,
“Defining house: all of the above the music changed, the people changed the venues changed....we got the new heads and we got the old heads which isn’t too many left...the new heads are into the commercial house wish is something like bad luck, Annie Mae, brothers gonna work it out...the old heads like stuff like pleasure principle, sweet lucy, my first mistake, spread love, energy to burn, real thing, thanks for the memories and anything Teddy...The venues changed because u don’t feel or see the atmosphere..The darkness the lights, the special effects..Like Ron had at the box..The Dj's changed because some aren’t as deep anymore…There are few that is they play for the younger crowd now...to many remixes and not enough originals and tracks.”


So do we allow the minority to dictate the majority of people that are just coming or been on the scene. I mean in regard to the music that's being played. Or can there be a common ground so that everyone can enjoy.
I am the first one to admit that it is what it is. But also I am not one for sitting down and accepting what's given to me, that is why I try and support different events that appeal to me.
But my topic is redefining House Music. Are we "Redefining House Music" or accepting what it has become?
Or maybe the question should be are we satisfied with the current state here in the chi??????


BTH’s Rod Mason said,
“I don't think that anyone who truly loves the House culture can be happy with what's going on in the Chi. The few who want to keep House in its infant stage, (while it seems like they are the majority)can't be allowed to dictate its course.
I guess in my mind redefining this thing we love, means knowing when to let go. If there are sooo many varying views on what House is, where does the new fit in.”


Some here are doing a great job of exposing Djs, introducing new and old music and putting together some wonderful events.
I guess this topic has been done to death but I really haven't seen the monumental change that some people want. That's why I asked if we were satisfied with the current state of house music here in the city.
So what can we do to solve this current situation? If the solution has been presented why are we not acting on it?
Could the city be a lot further than it currently is? Have we done enough to communicate, organize, and stay positive throughout it all?

BTH member Lost n205 said,
“ I'm not sure we've truly established what the problem is therefore there is no solution...I mean, we have so many great DJ's right here putting music out & most of the time we have quality Battles. With radio shows, blogs, and there's still more than one party every week being promoted, etc., I think what can be done is being done.
In this day and age it's just not realistic to expect what we once had. I grew up on a block where everyone knew everyone and today after two years, I don't know the people across the street. The mid 80s thru early 90s was our generation puttin' it down and we're a hard act to follow...”


BTH’s Marcel Vogel from Switzerland gave us his musical timeline,
“Kind of how I experience House Music even if I know that the artists produced before and after that... just what I was feeling biggest when...
House Music in the 80ties: Electro Funk, Disco, Boogie, Traxx Records, Hip House, Lil Louis
House Music in 1993: Todd Terry, Nick Holder
House Music in 1996: Cajual Records, Disco-House
in 2000: Osunlade, KDJ
in 2002: Theo Parrish, Metro Area
in 2008: Peven Everett”
To see the entire thread check out http://www.bringtheheat.com/bthforum/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3859