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Long before the Bronx-native producer Dennis Ferrer was Dennis Ferrer, he was “Morph,” a techno producer putting out records in the mid-90s. During this time, he was also finding success through Afro and gospel house releases on his Sfere label which he co-founded with his buddy Kerry Chandler. Fast forward a few years, and Dennis Ferrer was abruptly sprung back into the house music scene right when the world most needed him. He came back stronger and more popular than ever before.

Ferrer has a pretty hefty roster of hits he has put out over the years, many of which have become house anthems. The producer has been performing at shows and festivals around the world for nearly the last two decades.

 with THE FUNKTION HOUSE, Ferrer reveals that his interest in music really sparked in the early 80s when his next door neighbor had inherited some turntables. His neighbor started bringing in records and Ferrer would come  over and try to learn and battle him on the decks. “You weren’t just a hip hop DJ, you played everything, you know, you played from Chicago house to hip hop to slow jams,” said Dennis of the block parties in New York.

Ferrer shares how he’s been all around the genre sphere over the years weaving in and out of playing certain genres - from hip hop to techy back to hip hop to house. When asked which hit of his took his career to the next level, Dennis responds with “Everybody likes to point to ‘Hey Hey’ but ‘Hey Hey’ was the commercial success and that I shied away from... It was an underground soulful house record when it first came out, it just started speeding out… I licensed it to Defected and Defected took it and ran with it, now it’s not a bad thing – It’s one of my biggest records if not 

 biggest record, I can’t lie, but it doesn’t define who I am.” (


Ferrer is not just a producer, but a true artist. He says one of the most valuable lessons he learned from his friend Kerry Chandler is if you’re going to do something, do it right (

 with THE FUNKTION HOUSE). With this in mind, he has practically perfected the craft of jumping genre to genre and maintaining the integrity of his artistry along the way.

United States

deep house

house

uk funky

Dennis Ferrer

deep disco house

minimal tech house

minimal techno

The Martinez Brothers

Spain

spanish techno

Paco Osuna

Brazil

tech house

Classmatic

Germany

Melanie Ribbe

Hï Ibiza

The Martinez Brothers Week 5

german house

german techno

progressive house

Claptone

Airrica

acid techno

float house

CINTHIE

United Kingdom

Demi Riquísimo

Rio Tashan

Amnesia Ibiza

HE. SHE. THEY Week 2

HE.SHE.THEY

raw techno

Eats Everything

chicago house

classic house

latin house

Louie Vega

detroit techno

outsider house

techno

Carl Craig

uk dance

The Blessed Madonna

uk house

Sam Divine

bass house

deep groove house

Low Steppa

Italy

Riva Starr

Netherlands

dutch tech house

Prunk

South Africa

south african house

Fka Mash

Ushuaïa Ibiza

Defected Opening Party

Defected

big beat

disco house

filter house

speed garage

vocal house

Armand Van Helden

Bastian Bux

Beltran

ChaseWest

HoneyLuv

pop dance

Sonny Fodera

Gene Farris

acid house

Marshall Jefferson

uk tech house

Idris Elba

J. Worra

electro house

progressive electro house

Kaskade

Luna Mar

Purple Disco Machine

latin tech house

Tini Gessler

Riordan

SYREETA

elrow Ibiza

ARC Music Festival is a relatively new addition to Chicago's rich festival scene, celebrating house and techno music. Hosted at the historical Union Park in Chicago, this festival aims to gather top-tier artists from these genres, giving attendees an immersive experience in the world of electronic music. Reflecting the city's deep-rooted house music culture, ARC Music Festival stands as a testament to Chicago's legacy and continuous contribution to the electronic music world.

Union Park

elrow Chicago at Arc Music Festival 2024

canadian electronic

electronic trap

fidget house

turntablism

A-Trak

italian electronica

melodic techno

microhouse

DJ Tennis

James Hype

Ky William

LP Giobbi

Malóne

Melé

Sosa

Thunderpony

deep tech house

Cuartero

Dennis Quin

Jaden Thompson

Kellie Allen

M-High

Ranger Trucco

Sidney Charles

Factory Town Miami

elrow Miami Music Week: RowsAttacks! 2024

Poland

Catz ’n Dogz

Mike Dunn

Defected Week 15

Dennis Cruz

Michael Bibi

Chris Stussy

italian techno

Davide Squillace

leipzig electronic

Matthias Tanzmann

Hungary

Reelow

DC-10 Ibiza

Solid Grooves

The Masquerade by Claptone Week 7

Claptone Presents The Masquerade

New Zealand

jazz house

nz electronic

Chaos In The CBD

lo-fi house

DJ Seinfeld

FJAAK

electra

Helena Hauff

afrofuturism

Jeff Mills

Joris Voorn

Russia

russian electronic

russian techno

Nina Kraviz

detroit house

Octave One

south african pop

Shimza

Anfisa Letyago

Belgium

belgian techno

Charlotte de Witte

Ben UFO

Iran

Dubfire

Colombia

colombian indie

latintronica

pop electronico

Ela Minus

Annicka

DJ Gigola

electronica

future garage

indie soul

indietronica

Jamie xx

 stands as a global beacon within the electronic music landscape, a pivotal event that draws enthusiasts and artists alike to the very heart of techno's origin. Rooted deeply in Detroit, a city celebrated worldwide as the birthplace of this influential genre, the festival serves as an annual congregation, forging an unparalleled experience for all who attend.

The festival's genesis was driven by a powerful vision: to honor Detroit's profound and lasting impact on the evolution of electronic music, with a particular focus on the groundbreaking sounds of techno. This foundational purpose, to celebrate the city's unique musical heritage, has remained a defining characteristic throughout the festival's journey. From its earliest days, the aim was to create a unifying experience, bringing people together through the shared passion for Detroit techno and the broader spectrum of electronic music, cultivating a strong sense of community around this significant cultural phenomenon. This initial concept was brought to life through the dedication and artistic direction of pioneering figures from the Detroit techno scene, whose involvement lent an immediate and enduring authenticity to the event, ensuring a deep and genuine connection to the music's core essence.

Throughout its history, the festival has consistently attracted highly influential and innovative artists, DJs, and producers, both from Detroit and from the global electronic music community. It has served as a vital stage for showcasing both the originators of the genre and the contemporary artists who continue to push its boundaries, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination within the international electronic music scene.

Attendees can expect to witness performances from the architects of techno, globally recognized icons of house music, and cutting-edge experimental acts that represent the forefront of electronic sound. As well as this, the festival plays a crucial role in nurturing the electronic music ecosystem by providing a significant platform for emerging talents alongside the established legends of the genre.

Over the years, the festival has undergone a fascinating evolution, adapting and transforming in terms of its name and production while steadfastly maintaining its deep connection to Detroit's rich musical identity. This journey reflects the resilience and adaptability required to thrive within the dynamic and ever-changing music industry. The diverse range of electronic music genres showcased is a testament to this evolution, spanning from the foundational sounds of techno and house to more experimental forms and related genres like hip-hop, funk, and breakbeats, mirroring the broad and interconnected world of electronic music culture. The experience is further enhanced by the presence of multiple stages, each meticulously curated with its own distinct personality and sonic focus, offering attendees a rich and varied musical journey throughout the event.

Attending Movement is more than just a music festival; it’s an immersive cultural experience. The atmosphere is palpable, connecting attendees to Detroit's industrial heritage and its vibrant contemporary culture. A strong sense of community permeates the event, as diverse individuals and scenes from across North America and the globe converge, united by their shared passion for electronic music. Beyond the captivating musical performances, the festival enriches the experience with engaging art installations, insightful workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions.

Movement also plays a significant role as a vital contributor to the local Detroit community and economy. The influx of visitors generates substantial economic benefits for the city, supporting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. By attracting an international audience, the festival provides a valuable opportunity to showcase Detroit's unique character and cultural richness to the world, potentially fostering a more positive global perception of the city. The festival organizers also demonstrate a growing commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, implementing initiatives focused on minimizing environmental impact and supporting the local community.

Movement Festival stands as an enduring testament to Detroit's pivotal role in electronic music history and its vibrant present. It continues to be an essential annual celebration, honoring the past while enthusiastically embracing the future of electronic sound. For anyone seeking an authentic and immersive experience within the electronic music world, Movement offers a unique opportunity to feel the pulse of a truly legendary festival in the city that started it all.

Dennis Ferrer

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