I-94 is a new mix series connecting Chicago & Detroit

I-94 is the highway that connects the cities of Chicago and Detroit, a vivid metaphor for the vital cultural connection between the two cities. “It’s far more than just a road,” I wrote in a piece about Detroit house music for the French magazine Trax a decade ago. “It’s a vital artery pushing records, the accoutrements of culture and — increasingly — people back and forth between the largest cities of the American Rustbelt still standing.”

I-94 is now also the title of a mix series from Chicago DJ VITIGRRL that we’re excited to see and happy to support, exploring “the gritty, raw and undeniable connection” between the underground scenes in Chicago and Detroit.

Debuting this Friday, “I-94” will feature a new mix every two weeks alternating between talent from Chicago and Detroit, prioritizing Black people, women, LGBTQ+ and POC artists. “The mission is to honor the strong legacy [The Architects], uplift the descendants and intentionally root networks of upcoming selectors and producers.”

The series opens with mixes from Chicago legend Craig Loftis followed by Detroit’s LADYMONIX. The first 10 mixes are from:

1. Craig Loftis – EAST – CHI
2. LADYMONIX – WEST – Detroit
3. Nosha Luv – EAST – CHI
4. Tammy Lakkis – WEST – Detroit
5. CTRLZORA – EAST – CHI
6. Miss Twink USA – EAST – CHI
7. Dej.y -WEST – Detroit
8. Father Dukes – WEST – Detroit
9. Ty Jones – WEST – Detroit
10. VITIGRRL – EAST – CHI

I-94 is also planning a series of events to “further solidify the bond” between the two cities.

The mix series will be hosted here; for more info see vitigrrl.com/i-94.