President Donald Trump and Joseph R. Biden Jr. squared off in the first presidential debate last night at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.
Sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), debates are intended to serve as a vehicle for candidates to state their policy beliefs and critique their opponent before voters make their decision.
However, last night’s debate moderated by FOX News’ Chris Wallace — the first of three — was chaotic, with Wallace unable to maintain control of the proceedings. Continue Reading →
This month siblings Shermanology — Andy Sherman and Dorothy Sherman — made their stunning debut on Hot Creations by way of their Bon Bini EP. Hailing from the Dutch-Caribbean island of Curaçao and based in Amsterdam, the title of their three-track release means welcome in Papiamentu. (Fun fact: their father is singer extraordinaire Tony Sherman.)
The Shermans have been building their infectious house signature since 2009. To date, they have released on Rawthentic, Armada and Dirtybird, along the way collaborating with The Martinez Brothers.
With their latest release now in the books, we checked in with the Shermans to find out what they’re listening to. Continue Reading →
Next up in our Last DJ Set series, where we’re talking to a wide range of artists about their final gig before government-ordered lockdowns and travel bans went into effect in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is Swiss DJ and producer and Polaris festival curator Mirko Loko.
Earlier this month, Loko’s phenomenal Detroit Love Vol. 4 was released via Carl Craig’s Planet E. The compilation features previously unreleased collaborations with Derrick May, Ursula Rucker and a special edit of his collab with Stacey Pullen, “Tronic Illusion.”
We recently caught up with Loko to discuss his last gig at Le Bourg in Lausanne, Switzerland, on February 29, before the world went completely sideways.
Globally revered DJ/producer/label owner Michael Zucker died on September 26 after a two-year battle with colon cancer. He had entered hospice two days before his death.
Born and raised in Boston, Zucker got into DJing in 1988. He went on to work for Balance Music Group and began co-producing tracks for Balance Recordings. He later struck up a friendship with Chicago house pioneer Chez Damier and began to collaborate with him
“I linked up with Chez in 2004,” he toldInnate in 2018. “It was quite cool how we met really. I emailed him and we started talking about GOD, and how we both believe. We became really close friends.”
Damier was a contributor to Zucker’s long-running Finale Sessions, a label that released sublime deep-house gems by Luke Hess, Willie Grafff & Tuccillo, Alan Oldham, Patrice Scott, Fred P, Kai Alce, and Keith Worthy.
In 2018, Zucker attained a professional milestone when he released his full-length debut album on Finale Sessions, Draw Closer. At the time he said of the album, “I am very honored to be able to present to you my life story in these 8 songs !!! This is my debut album and I am thankful for the gifts that God gives me to be able to express my thoughts and actions to you !!! I love you.”
Rhonda Dietz, a longtime friend, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for Zucker’s funeral and burial expenses.
Zucker is survived by his sister, Kelly Zucker Davis. According to Dietz, she is dealing with her own health issues and the loss of their mother last year.
Damn man, we lost Mike Zucker of Finale Sessions. What a gent. Condolences to his family during this sad time. All we can do is push on. What a year.
We’re devastated by the loss of Michael Zucker. A loving friend to those he crossed paths with, he made an impact on so many through his spirit and left a lasting legacy with his music and Finale Sessions label. He will be greatly missed.
RIP to Michael Zucker. He might not have been the biggest name to the general public but all the deep heads knew him. I am proud to have my old group included in the list of releases on his Finale Sessions label. And he was just a very chill dude who loved music.
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