WRIGLEYVILLE — Those who wish they could capture the furious energy of Smart Bar and take it home are in luck: The dance club is launching its own record label.
Northside '82 will focus on "a variety of different sounds within dance music," ranging from house and techno to disco, label manager Steve Mizek said. With the club's 33-year history, Mizek said there's potential for some Smart Bar alums like Derrick Carter to be a part of the label, as well.
The label's name has fairly simple origins — the bar, 3730 N. Clark St., opened on the north side of Chicago in 1982. The idea was first floated when Marea Stamper, aka the Black Madonna, became Smart Bar's music director in 2013.
Stamper and Mizek, who is also a junior resident, are both curating the label, which will make it possible to expand the reach of Smart Bar resident DJs and other up-and-coming performers with potential.
"It's hard for us to export what we do. Obviously, it's limited to people coming to the club and being able to experience it, so here's our chance to show off the talent of the people who play the club or people we believe in," Mizek told DNAinfo Chicago.
Iconic clubs like Berlin, Germany's Berghain have also spawned labels in past years, making good company for Northside '82.
"I would say a lot of the better-known dance clubs have record labels. Smart Bar is known around the world for being not only a historic venue, but also a venue that's still seen as a hot spot to travel to to see music," Mizek said.
Northside '82 will release its first EP on vinyl July 3. Ike Release, half of the Innerspace Halflife duo, is releasing his Dance Equations EP, which Smart Bar said shows off the Chicago producers "more physical side." The EP will be digitally released Aug. 14.
"People should expect a variety from us, but I think most people who enjoy dance music will find something to enjoy. It's not the kind of thing where the first record necessarily defines the whole label. It bears multitudes, and there's lots to choose from," Mizek said.
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