Shanti makes textured waves in Chicago’s techno scene with her curation of dark, sinister, and ethereal soundscapes as a means of coping with the otherness and hybridity she has experienced throughout her life. Shanti’s sets weave a story of despair and yearning that combines surreal, atmospheric, and haunting sounds.
Shanti cohosts Otherworldly Ambiguity with Scum.ee – an experience of existence between rigid categories. She is a member of techno collective Research & Development, and she hosts a monthly radio show, “Liminal Radio” on WIIT 88.9 FM to feature thoughtful artists at the core of Chicago’s underground music scene.
Shanti has been billed alongside international acts including DJ Nobu, Rrose, Polygonia, Perc, Ø [Phase], Function, Aurora Halal, Mozhgan, Lady Starlight, Black Light Smoke, Esther Dune, Zenker Brothers, Noncompliant, Xtin, and more. WOW. She has had the immense pleasure of conjuring spirits at Chicago’s most beloved clubs such as Smartbar, Smoke & Mirrors, Podlasie Club, and always the underground gatherings. This past year, Shanti has expanded her surreal storytelling beyond Chicago by playing in Amsterdam, L.A., Detroit and notable Midwest festivals such as Minnesota’s The Great Beyond and Madison’s Musique Électronique. Her mixes have been featured on Dirty Epic LA, The Black Lodge Radio, SutroFM, Mutant Radio, PPRZ, Distant Signals, Death Decay & Magic, Braid Records, Low Visibility, Dance All Day, and m50’s etc radio among other podcasts and shows.
K Priest (aka Kevin Priestley) started DJing and producing in 2020, amid the sludge of the COVID pandemic and the chaos of the uprisings in Minneapolis. Behind the decks, he’s crafted a style built on the underground sounds of Midwest house and techno, delivering sets that emphasize rhythm, groove, soundscape, and soul. Check out his small slew of original, self-released productions, and keep an ear to the ground for more as-of-yet unpublished work.
With a deep love for music and appreciation of its history, K Priest guides listeners on journeys through space and time, exploring thematic, rhythmic, and harmonic linkages between artists and genres.
Lost track of how many sweaty years in hypnotic underground black boxes have culminated in a thriving relationship with vinyl turntables. Fluent in house & techno and progressive & disco, and open to anything: all music is dance music.
Language Models hosts Open Decks, a Cactus+ Program that makes professional DJ equipment available with guidance to both aspiring and practicing DJs. Open Decks occurs twice each month: the 1st Saturday with digital formats, and the 3rd Saturday with vinyl.
Language Models also hosts Transport, Cactus Club’s own late-night dance party series that focuses on the psychedelic sounds of Midwest house and techno, classic and cutting edge. Transport brings DJs from throughout the region to share the the variety of this rich tradition on the Cactus dance floor.
Language Models is optimistically curious about the political potential of dance music events. If you’re curious about just how curious, feel free to check out the dissertation.
Inquiries: languagemodelsmusic@gmail.com