ACIDMAN

Hailing from Chicago, Acidman is an influential figure in the city's underground electronic and house music scene. Known for his high-energy vinyl sets and deep connection to the roots of the genre, he has carved out a distinct legacy as a purist and powerhouse within Midwest club and rave culture.  

Growing up immersed in Chicago’s rich musical ecosystem, Acidman developed a comprehensive understanding of the city's indigenous dance sounds. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, his style remains strictly rooted in genuine Chicago House.  

When performing live, Acidman is known for spinning exclusively on analog hardware—specifically two Technics 1200 turntables "the way God intended". His sets are celebrated for their relentless intensity, taking listeners across a wide spectrum of house sub-genres—including classic House, tech house, disco, and heavy doses of raw acid. 

• The Rise of Shadefree Prds (1998): A major turning point in Acidman's career came in 1998 when he co-created and assumed the role of resident DJ for SHADEFREE PRDS, which rapidly expanded to become one of Chicago's largest and most prominent rave production crews. 

• Club and Festival Circuit: This high-profile residency propelled him from a local favorite to a household name across the Midwest underground circuit. Over his career, he has shared bills and top billing with legendary artists such as Paul Johnson, Roy Davis Jr., Green Velvet, and Colette. 

•  National and International Reach: Beyond Chicago, his reputation as an underground tastemaker has taken him to venues across the United States—including notable appearances for prominent underground collectives like San Francisco’s Housepitality—and internationally, with a featured performance at the esteemed Blue Buddha in Lima, Peru. 

True to the underground ethos of early dance music, Acidman maintains a humble approach to his artistry, famously noting that terms like "legend" should be preserved for the retired and the past, preferring to let the music and the dancefloor experience speak for themselves.