DJ Janky: Queer Nightlife Favorite
From Underground Warehouses to Global Tech House Stages
DJ Janky has cemented himself as a premier force in the Chicago house music scene. A self-taught artist who mastered his craft in the industrial grit of the city, Janky bridges the gap between the polished club circuit and the dark, minimal energy of the underground. Known affectionately as the “Music Daddy,” his sound is a relentless fusion of Tech House, Minimal, and Deep Tech, influenced by his Turkish heritage and a lifelong obsession with complex drum beats and “sassy” vocal samples.
Iconic Chicago Residencies and Northalsted Nightlife
Boystown nightlife (now Northalsted), Janky holds high-profile residencies that define the neighborhood’s sound:
- Hydrate Nightclub: Resident DJ for the legendary “Social House” Saturdays, where he drives packed dance floors with body-shaking tech-house sets.
- Replay Lakeview: Host and headliner of “Janky’s House,” a monthly staple for house-heads in Lakeview.
- Joy District: Providing the high-energy soundtrack for bi-monthly drag brunches, expanding the queer music footprint into Chicago’s River North.
Headlining Major Queer Events: IML, Market Days, and Beyond
Janky’s influence extends far beyond the club booth. He is a sought-after talent for North America’s most massive LGBTQ+ festivals and events:
- International Mr. Leather (IML): Headlined the 2023 Victory Party at House of Blues with CircuitMOM Productions.
- Northalsted Market Days: A recurring main-stage favorite for Chicago’s largest street festival.
- Global Appearances: His “cheeky” minimal style has taken him to international decks in Tulum, London, Malta, and Istanbul.
Musical Style & Live Performance Energy
Underground House and Tech-Driven Dance Floors
DJ Janky’s sound is built for queer crowds who want movement, pressure, and release. His sets typically feature:
- House & tech house grooves
- Deep tech and minimal rhythms
- Underground techno textures
- Vocal accents and rolling basslines
Known for reading the room with precision, Janky crafts long-form sets that build intensity without losing control — making him a go-to DJ for gay bars, Pride events, circuit-leaning nights, and underground queer parties.
Amanda Louise
Amanda Louis: House Music & LGBTQ+ Nightlife Icon Amanda Louise is a Sydney-born DJ known internationally for her deep house, classic house, disco, and tech house sounds. She developed her passion for dance music while living abroad in London and soaking up underground scenes in Berlin, New York and Ibiza. ✈️ Amanda Louis Journey: Amanda Louise’s obsession with the dance floor began half a world away from her current home. While living in London for several years, she immersed herself... more>
