Both key figures in Chicago's vibrant jazz scene, Damon Locks and Rob Mazurek are multifaceted artists who have been working together since the peak days of Chicago's late 1990s and early 2000s music scene up through the present day. While both artist's respective discographies run deep, Locks was notably featured as lead vocalist on multiple critically-acclaimed albums by Exploding Star Orchestra, an adventurous jazz outfit led by Mazurek, and Locks has also earned great renown for his revolutionary latter-day gospel/jazz project Black Monument Ensemble. The two artists have joined forces for the collaborative album New Future City Radio that was released by International Anthem Records on July 28th. The album runs like a boombox mixtape as it sonically contemplates community, transformation, and the future through the programmatic format of a pirate radio station for the people.
Damon Locks & Rob Mazurek's exclusive guest DJ mix for Midnight in a Perfect World is a thrilling deep dive into their record collections as they unearth provocative gems that tap into the outer realms of dub, psych, rock, jazz, Latin, krautrock, and experimental styles.
| Artist | Title |
|---|---|
| Midnight in a Perfect World | Intro |
| Damon Locks | (In The Mix) |
| Broadcast | Microtronics 13 |
| Ruby Dee | Calling All Women |
| Supa K | I Tried So Hard |
| Dennis Bovell | Brain Damage |
| Black Cat | (Kingston) Cardova |
| Robert S. Abbott | He's A Black Man |
| James Brandon Lewis Trio | Someday We'll All Be Free |
| Peru Negro | Navidad Negra Y Zapateo Criollo |
| Traffic Jam & Wailers Band | History Book |
| Syrinx | Aurora Spinray |
| Playgrounds | Playground In My Mind |
| Kahil El'Zabar | How Can We Mend A Broken Heart |
| Rob Mazurek | (In The Mix) |
| Lorez Alexandria | My Little Boat |
| Tyondai Braxton | Studio Mariachi |
| M. Takara | Lago Indefinido (feat. Hanna Olivegren) |
| GOATFACE! (Guilherme Granado) | Camara |
| Mikel Patrick Avery | TATTLE |
| Jan St. Werner and David Grubbs | Translation from Unspecified (excerpt) |
| Black Snake 808 | Skatelife |
| Anna Clyne | Fits and Starts |
Midnight in a Perfect World, KEXP's weekly hour-long guest DJ show, airs Fridays at midnight. This multi-genre program features eclectic sets by a rotating cast of international and local DJ's, each building upon a party vibe to kick off your weekend. Midnight in a Perfect World is made possible with support from New Belgium Brewing.
Portland-based artist sqip shares an immersive guest DJ mix that weaves through hypnotic electronic rhythms and dreamy ambient passages.
Seattle-born musician and performer Andy Ammo shares musical inspirations and a few unreleased gems in his hypnotic and adventurously eclectic guest DJ mix for Midnight in a Perfect World.
Montreal-based band Braids share a dreamy guest DJ mix featuring new and old favorites alongside songs that inspired their latest album Euphoric Recall.
