Borrowing his flow and rhythm from a heavy mix of hip-hop, R&B, ghetto house and UK bass genres, Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based producer Brenmar creates music using minimal equipment for maximum impact.
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Working from a distinct palette of sounds, identifying his own brand of club music, Chicago has played an integral role in helping Bill Salas shape-up his double-jointed, fast-moving mash-ups. Owing much to the rich culture of the windy city, Chicago is commonly regarded as the home of house music. Brenmar takes i-D online on a guided tour of 24 hours in his hood. Look right for the exclusive play on Brenmar’s latest release, ‘Children of the Night, available on Grizzly on September 24th.’
“I live in Brooklyn now but I was born and raised in Chicago. It’s the third largest city in the states, the heart of mid-west America. It’s a rough city, far from perfect, but it’s home.
Chicago is the reason I talk the way I talk, play the music I play, it made me who I am today. Unfortunately, Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in America and rife with gang violence. The city is basically split up between the North Side and the South Side. I grew up in and around Logan Square on the North Side, which back in the day was very Latino and pretty hood. Things have changed a lot though since then, today you don’t have to worry about getting shot cause you’re wearing the wrong colors or your hat is tilted the wrong way in the neighborhood.
Easily one of the best things about Chicago is the food, there’s no lack of great restaurants and places to eat. I’d start the day off with brunch at Lula Café, which is in the heart of Logan Square. Café Con Leche is another Logan Square staple that has been around for ages and could suffice if Lula is overcrowded and busy.
Time for some new trainers? Maybe you need a new snap-back? Let’s spend a little money and head a little further east up Milwaukee Ave. to St. Alfred. One of the best streetwear boutiques when it comes to limited-run shoes and the like. Very cool and unpretentious I try and pop in every time I go back home. Maybe they don’t have what you’re looking for though? Time to head to Leaders on Wells St. in downtown Chicago. Another really dope street wear boutique, selection is tight and they got great design.
Since we already downtown, let’s head over to the MCA, one of the countries largest museums dedicated to contemporary art. I used to spend hours here when I was young taking in everything that I saw, I didn’t always exactly know what I was looking at but that was half the fun. We then drive (or bike if you prefer) over to Gramaphone Records on Clark St. Probably one of the most famous record stores in the country, they have been around forever and helped promote many of the early legendary Chicago house DJ’s.
It’s getting late and I’m getting tired and hungry, let’s go to Irazu for dinner. The city’s best (maybe only?) Costa Rican restaurant, I order an oatmeal shake, Costa Rican sandwich and a side of patacones. It’s been a busy day, time to go to the studio and make some beats now.”
soundcloud.com/brenmar
Text: Milly McMahon
Photography: Brenmar
