Winter Mixtape: Warmth of Love

Artwork by Austin Eustice

I made this mixtape a few weeks ago inspired by my first months in Chicago. I included songs that have been on heavy rotation on my iPod as well as songs that capture how I feel about Chicago - a little nervous, but above all, jazzed and freaking excited. A lot of girly and dorky bedroom dancing happened in the production of this mixtape.



The people of Chicago are amazingly welcoming. There are nice people in New York too; there's a camaraderie that happens because almost everyone is a transplant.  But in Chicago it feels more basic than that. It's not about a need for friends, but rather a way of life.  The other thing that differentiates Chicago from New York is its modesty.  This windy city is full of quietly amazing talent and secrets.

Though mild this year, Chicago winters are long and cold. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But the wonderful people of this city have kept my spirits high and made me fall in love. I feel so lucky to be here, and I'm so thankful for the new friends in my life.

Photos by Corey Lillard with Owen Black

Chicago is doing me good.  Rebuilding my life has helped me figure out how to make time for myself and my passions.  I've been fortunate enough to meet some incredible DJs who have inspired me to step up my game.  Two DJs in particular have been especially helpful and influential - DJ Major Taylor and Carlos Capcom.  They're each so talented, so talented that if I were to one day be half as great I'd be completely satisfied.

Since moving here, I've entered a couple DJ contests.  One for was for a chance to DJ at New York Fashion Week.  I didn't win that one, but I did make it into the Top 3.  The other one I just entered yesterday for a chance to DJ at SXSW.  I made an hour podcast for PodOmatic, and there will be two rounds.  Win or lose, I'm excited just to be challenging myself and sharing music I love.

  

Photos from my Instagram

Tracklist

- CSS, Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above (Spank Rock remix) 
- Body Language, Falling Out
- Chromeo, When the Night Falls (Sammy "Saxy" Bananas remix)
- Cassius, The Sound of Violence (Aeroplane remix)
- The Magician feat. Jeppe, I Don't Know What to Do (Plastic Planes remix)
- ABBA, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (Stas Twee dirty edit)
- Madonna, Hung Up (Diplo bootleg remix)
- Katy B, Lights On (Gigamesh remix)
- Lisa Lisa, If I Take You Home
- Evelyn "Champagne" King, Love Come Down
- The Rapture, How Deep is Your Love? (Emperor Machine remix)
- Breakbot feat. Ruckazoid, Fantasy (Jacques Renault remix)
- Beni, It's a Bubble
- Cajmere, Percolator
- Nicola Roberts, Beat of My Drum
- Sneaky Sound System, Big (Oliver remix)
- Munk, Down in LA
- Lovebirds feat. Stee Downes, Want You in My Soul
- The Drums, Best Friend (Olympic mix)
- Frank Ocean, Thinking About You (Phi Uni Moombahton remix)