Al de Leon

Electronic dance music sometimes gets a bad rap for being cold, computerized and lacking soul. Breaking through that stigma is Bay Area native Andy Caldwell, whose sound as both a producer and DJ centers on soulful music with smooth melodies, lyrical vocals and a heavy focus on strong songwriting. That sound filters throughout his work as part of electronic-music band Soulstice, as well as in the more than thirty singles, remixes and compilations he has released for some of dance music's most influential imprints, like OM Records and Naked Music. Caldwell's production style is truly San Francisco deep house at its best, featuring sun-drenched beats and jazzy bass lines, often backing a dynamic guest vocalist. For his upcoming DJ set at Smart Bar, Caldwell plans to weave in a tougher electro sound. True house-heads can only hope he culls from his own catalog of productions, or from the records released on UNO Recordings, the label Caldwell launched earlier this year to celebrate artists as keen as he is on bringing vibrant, emotional music to the forefront of electronica.

Andy Caldwell spins at Smart Bar, 3730 North Clark, (773)549-0203, on October 1.

(2004-09-29)

Also by Al de Leon

Tip of the Week
In Chicago we had Frankie Knuckles; New Yorkers had Larry Levan; and in Los Angeles, Marques Wyatt helped establish the West Coast house-music scene in the eighties
(2004-09-23)

Clubs Tip of the Week
You don't become the featured DJ at the hottest party at Miami's Winter Music Conference unless you're something special
(2004-09-14)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment