monty kiddo
Watching other
artists
command a room has also provided important lessons along the way. Sharing stages with names like John Summit, ANOTR, Jungle and Luuk Van Dijk offers a close look at how different performers channel energy
and control the
atmosphere of a dancefloor. The common denominator among them is not necessarily extroversion but conviction. When the music begins, hesitation disappears and the DJ becomes the focal point of the room’s collective attention. “As soon as they plug in their USB’s, they’re in control and the whole room can feel it.”
That transformation is some- thing Monty Kiddo carries with him whenever he steps behind the decks. Even in unfamiliar cities where nerves might creep in before the set begins, the moment of connection with the equipment resets everything. The booth becomes a place of clarity where instinct takes over and confidence replaces uncertainty. Once the music starts, the responsibility
is
simple: guide the crowd through the night. “I might be nervous, mind racing, but as soon as I plug in, I’m on the clock, I’m in control.”
Beyond his own performances, Monty Kiddo also plays a role in shaping
Chicago’s club
culture through the House Calls event series. The goal from the beginning was to create an intimate environment where people could reconnect after the isolation of the pandemic. In a city rich with musical heri- tage, House Calls offered a new platform for artists who were not always receiving opportu- nities within larger venues. “The original intention of the party was to create an intimate spa- ce for people to connect out of COVID.”
The atmosphere of the events quickly became their defining characteristic. Even as the rooms have grown larger and the lineups more diverse, the sense of closeness between artist and audience remains central to the experience. For many attendees, the nights feel less like traditional club events and more like gatherings among friends united by a shared love for house music. That spirit of community continues to guide the project’s evolution. “A feeling like you’re home listening to the most incredible music with your best friends.”
Looking ahead, Monty Kiddo believes the future of Chicago
house will depend less on individual stars and more on collaboration across
other rather than operating in isolated
support each circles.
scenes
and neighborhoods. The city’s musical ecosystem is evolving as artists and promoters increasingly
That exchange of audien- ces and ideas strengthens the cultural fabric that has sustained Chicago house for decades. In many ways, the next chapter is already
unfolding across
both established venues and grassroots DIY spaces. “The next chapter of Chicago house is all about community.”
From underground warehouse parties
to internationally
recognized stages, the spirit of the city continues to adapt without losing its essence. Large clubs still host major acts and attract global attention, but the smaller DIY scene remains a crucial incubator for experimen- tation and new voices. For Monty Kiddo, that balance ensures the culture remains alive rather than fossilized by nostalgia. Chicago house has always been about movement, evolution and shared energy. “The DIY scene conti- nues to push that Chicago spirit forward and into the next evolu- tion of Chicago House.”
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