Note: The 5 Magazine DJ Series was a monthly CD series released in a limited edition around the Chicago area, from March 2007 to November 2008, superseded by New Mix Monday. We featured mixes from legends such as Frankie Knuckles, Gene Hunt and Terry Hunter to the next generation of hard-working Chicago House Music heroes. While the CDs are no longer available, the mixes still are! Enjoy!
With his blazing marathon set at D/E Entertainment's "The Gift" party last July 3rd, Craig Loftis rose to the occasion and made a packed house move in unison from the time the doors opened until the lights came on. It was just the launch of one of the most memorable weekends in the Chicago House Music scene, and you couldn't ask for a more capable pilot to flick the ignition switch.
We're proud to have Craig Loftis as the latest star of our monthly 5 Magazine DJ Series mix, available in limited quantities of CDs around town and at Kstarke Records (1109 N. Western and at myspace.com/kstarke) and, as always, a free download on our website at 5chicago.com/djseries.
Craig is well known for his versatility, crossing over from the deepest of Deep House parties to commanding the floor at vogue balls and events targeted strictly at the city's black gay audience.
"I was actually talking about this with DJ Boxx, who's a great DJ by the way, when we were playing at one of Bob Yeaworth's parties," he said. "There really is a difference in sound between the different crowds. The young, black gay market and the vogue kids, they don't like it too slow. 'Mirror Dance' is one of the hottest tracks out there right now for them. You have to follow the crowd."
So how does one who plays for so many different crowds organize his crate? "Actually, right now I'm using a CD book that was passed down to me by Frankie Knuckles," he says. "Deep House makes up one section. 'Regular' House, the newer stuff, that makes up one section. Then there's the more tribal stuff, along with vogue beats and things of that nature. Trust me, it doesn't look as neatly organized at the end of the night, but that's how it looks at the start, anyway."
Look for "an exclusive, underground House party" from Craig in November, and follow him online at myspace.com/loftwerkproductions.
