Alan King's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Alan King
Welcome to the Podcast of DJ Alan King! Alan is one of Chicago’s original house music DJs and a member of the legendary DJ crew The Chosen Few™ (Wayne Williams, Alan King, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn). In a 2007 interview discussing his return to Chicago, Grammy Award winning DJ and producer Frankie Kunckles observed: "One of the best things about returning to Chicago is catching up with some of the home-grown talent. I like to hear the spin that some of them put on house music - that's what sparks me. The brilliant Andre Hatchett is the perfect example. He is one of two guys in Chicago who have the biggest impact on me. The other is Alan King. They are the truest to the house music form, yet there is soul, personality and individuality in what they're doing. They're the real thing."
In the late '70s and early '80s, the Chosen Few DJs were among the DJs primarily responsible for spreading the soulful brand of dance music that came to be known as "House Music" at legendary Chicago night spots, including The Loft, First Impressions, Sauer's and the Playground. Still together more than 35 years later and with the addition of their youngest members, legendary DJs and producers Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn, the Chosen Few DJs make regular DJ appearances in Chicago, New York, Miami and around the world and bring you the annual Chosen Few Old School Reunion Picnic every July in Chicago, one of the largest house music festival events in the world. Started in 1990 as a "reunion" of the Chosen Few DJs and friends from the early house music days, the Chosen Few Picnic is now the largest single-day music festival in the City of Chicago and attracts more than 40,000 house music lovers from throughout the United States and around the world.
With Alan's Podcast, you'll hear the latest, rare and exclusive mixes from Alan spanning more than 25 years, featuring Alan's unique presentation of the latest in soulful house music as well as disco and house classics. Enjoy!
For Booking: alan.king@chosenfewdjs.com
Was really rocked by some news yesterday in the house music community and I'm getting tired of all of the divisive discourse about presidential candidates and their supporters - and I need to do better too. But music always takes me away. Enjoy!
Well, it is Christmas and President Trump has been impeached. So there's that! Enjoy! AK
Been a minute since I recorded a Disco & Classics mix. Was not the plan, but I put on the first track and got inspired! Enjoy! AK
Ok good people, it's been a minute since I've had time to record! Here's the latest in my "Late Night Sessions" series. Enjoy!
AK
Between the Tribe Tambor Cruise and my visit this week to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, so much inspiration! This is "Black Music" (April 2019). Enjoy! AK
2018 was a wonderful year full of music and love. My last deposit of the year. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all! AK
Still on a musical high from ADE and looking forward to closing out the year with some exciting dates in Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto. The latest in the "Late Night Sessions" series. Enjoy! AK
Another Chosen Few Festival in the books! So much love, community and great music! Humbled by your support, proud of what we've created, and proud to be one of the Chosen Few! AK
Man, I am still on a musical and spiritual high after last weekend's Tribe Tambor Cruise! Such a special gathering of some of the best DJs on earth, incredible music and beautiful people from around the world who are serious about dance and have a deep love and appreciation for house music. I'm back on land, but I'm still Cruising!
AK
So I've read a few posts over the last week or so talking about how cool it would be to have the Chosen Few Picnic in Wakanda! :) We can only dream...but I hope you enjoy this mix inspired by Black Panther & the Motherland!
AK
Been sitting on this one for a few weeks waiting for some unreleased music to come out. So although it's November, this is my "October Surprise!" Enjoy!
The first time I ever played music for people to dance to at a party was in June of 1977, during the rise of disco. I was 14 years old, and disco music would remain a major part of the soundtrack of my teenage years. Over the course of 40 years as a DJ, I believe great dance music has been made in every decade, but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for disco. I was in a disco mood the other night and hit record, and this is what came out. No remakes or remixes--all original music from the '70s and '80s. I hope you enjoy the tunes...and dance!
AK
Still on a musical high after last weekend's Tribe Tambor Cruise! Such amazing DJs and music and beautiful people bound together by our love of House Music. I was also truly touched to hear from so many people from around the country who said they follow and enjoy my Podcasts. So inspiring! With "Gratitude" - AK
Like everyone I have my challenges, issues and disappointments, but I'm feeling really good and optimistic right now about where I am and where I'm going in my music and law careers and with family life. I feel truly blessed and have far more than I deserve. I hope you enjoy my latest, "Feeling Free."
AK
Decided to record one more before year end just to say thank you to the people who follow and enjoy my podcast. I'm touched all the time by stories of how my mixes get you through the work day or through your workout, through illness or even through law school. I sincerely appreciate all who take the time to listen. Enjoy the Gift!
I recently recorded his one-hour promotional mix to for the Tribe & Tambor Cruise that will set sail May 5-8, 2017 from Miami to the Bahamas. The cruise will feature an incredible ineup of DJs, including Joe Claussell, Jellybean Benitez, Zepherin Saint, Stan Zeff, DJeff, Mark Francis, Wayne Williams, Tyrone Francis and myself, Alan King. You can book your cabin and join us on this amazing cruise here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tribe-tambor-cruise-party-2017-tickets-22914596174?aff=TribeTamborCruise2017&afu=43214786702
I hope you enjoy the mix and hope to see you on the cruise!
AK
I really had a great summer, but I can feel it slipping away. Time to get back in the groove. I hope you enjoy my latest offering. Peace and blessings to all.
AK
Day job has been a killer lately, but I am blessed and thankful all around. It's been a minute since I've had a chance to record anything. Hope you enjoy the latest edition of "Late Night Sessions."
AK
Time. Haven't had a lot of it lately. Was finally able to get into some tunes tonight. Hope you enjoy the mix.
AK
Deeply grateful and appreciative to all who have supported me over this past year! Looking forward to a music-filled 2016! With love, friendship and respect,
AK
Wasn't planning to record again so soon, but you never know when the mood is gonna strike. The latest in the "Late Night Sessions" series. Enjoy!
AK
When it comes to musical inspiration I swear I sometimes get it from the strangest places. Been searching for it of late and read an article today about some things going on in South Africa and just came home and hit record. Hope you dig it.
AK
Put together a soundtrack for my annual trip to Martha's Vineyard. So need the R&R! I was going to keep this one for the private collection...but what fun is that? Enjoy!
AK
Still coming down from the high that was the 25th Anniversary Chosen Few Picnic! We did it our way and it was everything we planned and could've hoped for! Best of all we were able to share it with our friends and loved ones and fellow DJs and artists whom we love, respect and admire and who have made major contributions to house music...and we gave our guests an outstanding show and an unforgettable experience!
So please continue to "Celebrate" with me by enjoying my latest mix.
AK
The latest in the "Late Night Sessions" series. Some newer music and some classics with a twist. Enjoy!
AK
Can't tell you how thankful I am to have a second bite at the apple at this DJ thing. As many of you know, my first DJ "hey day" was in the late '70s and early '80s before I took a detour pursuing life. To be able to come back and do what I love, and to still have people--old fans and new ones--appreciate and enjoy what I do, is very special and not something I take for granted. From me to you, I hope you all enjoy this latest mix. Thank You!
AK
I don't always name my mixes and I never have a name for a mix before I record it. Usually at some point during the mix a name just comes to me based on the selections, the vibe or my emotions. So from me to you, with "Love."
AK
Whew...got my January mix in just under the wire! Hope you dig it. Yes, with download. :)
AK
Wasn't planning to record again for a while, but I'm feeling inspired by some great new music, a great trip to Amsterdam and by the many exciting things going on for me individually and the Chosen Few DJs as a collective. I feel like I finally see the complete vision of where we're going, and now it's just about executing on the plan. I am "Taking Flight" baby!
AK
One of the things I love the most about house music is its versatility. It's my favorite genre of music because it often incorporates the best of what other genres have to offer. In this latest mix hopefully you'll hear some jazz, gospel, Latin, African and even classic rock influences. #onehouse #onelove #oneworld
AK
Had a great time playing the city's SummerDance festival yesterday. House music and house heads always seem to bring out the best in our city. Here's a mix I recorded a couple nights ago as I was getting some tunes together for SummerDance. Enjoy!
AK
Been trying to find time to record since I got back from playing in Atlanta a couple of weekends ago with my man Stan Zeff and the Tambor Party family. No place beats Chicago when it comes to House Music, but I have to tell you that I am really digging the House scene down in the ATL. There's just a freshness and openness and focus on music and dance that seems to get lost sometimes here at home. And we really feel the love whenever we visit. Be on the lookout for even more collaborations between Tambor and the Chosen Few DJs. I hope you dig this mix that was inspired by my latest trip to the ATL.
AK
What a whirlwind the last month and a half has been! After a fun but exhausting week at WMC in Miami, I thought I was coming home to get caught up on sleep and back into the normal routine. Well, I was home exactly one day before the tragic news hit that Frankie Knuckles had passed. Since then it's been a maze of tribute and birthday parties, some amazing and emotional sets, legal work, and Frankie's very emotional Memorial Service. Just been trying to hold it all together. I'm not sure I even know what normal is anymore, but I guess I'm getting back to it. With that, a new edition of the "Late Night Sessions" series. I hope you enjoy the music. Music and love always save the day.
AK
Already did my "tribute" mix years ago...tonight I just hit "record" and played from my heart. Love Always, AK
It's been a brutal winter in Chicago but there's light at the end of the tunnel. Spring will soon be here. Here's a new mix inspired by thoughts of Spring! Enjoy!
AK
I've been busy in the clubs this month so I haven't had much time to record. Got a session in tonight. I hope you enjoy the groove.
AK
I was honored to participate in a wonderful program tonight at the Chicago History Museum: "The House That Chicago Built." To mark the occasion, I recorded a little "classics" mix earlier this week. Some disco, some Italo, and some house classics. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks again to CHM and to all who came out and to all who keep house music alive!
AK
Well, it's Christmas Eve. Lots going on today, but I took a little time out today to record a special mix to say "thank you" to the followers and supporters of my Podcast over the years. I am truly thankful and humbled by your support and the kind words you often express online and in person. Music is to be shared and it's power to bring us together and make us happy is such an awesome thing. Thank you, and Merry Christmas to all!
AK
It has been sooooo cold in Chicago! Stayed in tonight and played some hot tunes. Hope this gets you moving.
AK
My latest session last night. Got a lot of suggestions of classics, but just wasn't in the mood to go there. A couple nods to the old school, but I'm in the here and now. You really have to be if you want to be in this game in any meaningful way. Hope you enjoy the tunes.
AK
It's fun playing all the old school stuff at the annual Chosen Few Picnic, but soulful house music is alive 364 other days a year. Please support today's house music artists and producers who, along with the DJs, are keeping this music and art form alive. Was up late last night just playing some tunes. Some brand new music and some of my newer school favorites. Enjoy.
AK
A little traveling music for my trip to Winter Music Conference in Miami this week. A little old school flavor and some hot new tunes! Enjoy!
AK
Sometimes there's no substitute for coming home and getting into the zone with my music. Tonight was one of those nights. Hope you dig it.
AK
Another in the "Late Night Sessions" series. I really needed this tonight. I hope you enjoy the tunes.
AK
As I was recording this mix today it dawned on me that I am almost 50 years old and I still get the same Joy out of doing this as I did when I was 15! That's how you know it's real, I guess. Hope you all enjoy this one!
AK
As much as I love my hometown and old school house music, Chicago is such a "classics town" that it sometimes does get frustrating as a DJ to play venues where the newer music is not always appreciated in the same way. So I had a great time playing some newer music at Sullivan Room in New York this weekend, along with some classics of course! It's nice to have the "Freedom" to play both new and old, and this mix reflects some newer joints I'm feeling right now...and, of course, some classic flavor. :)
AK
From jazz to house to disco and back again, with a tribute to the late Etta James. I hope you enjoy this musical journey in "House Musicology!"
AK
One of my most popular mixes, and one of my personal favorites, is a gospel house mix called "The Revival" that I recorded back in 2003. A lot of folks have asked me over the years to do another gospel house mix. So "hear" it is: "Praise" recorded this week before Thanksgiving, 2011. I hope you get some inspiration from it or at least enjoy the tunes!
AK
Another in the "Late Night Sessions" series. These are always fun to record because I never know exactly where I'm going to go with it. New music? Classics? Who knows? :) Hope you dig this one.
AK
Thought I'd share one from the vaults, recorded 10 years ago. All vinyl...those were the days. Enjoy!
AK
Had a heavy heart of late...something I'll talk about down the road. Don't know where I'd be without my music to pour it into. Another one of my "Late Night Sessions" last night. I hope you feel me on this one.
AK
I'm back with a new episode inspired by that glorious, wonderful ride that is Life! I've been reflecting a lot lately on how truly fortunate and blessed I have been, in so many ways, and it moved me to record this mix--a little musical celebration of life. I really hope you guys enjoy this one! AK
Ok, confession time. Some nights I have trouble sleeping, so I head down to the "lab" to create. Sometimes I hit "record," sometimes I don't. Sometimes I catch lightning in a bottle, sometimes I don't. This is one of those "Late Night Sessions" when it all came together. The mix starts off with one of my all-time favorite remixes from none other than the Godfather himself. And speaking of Frankie, if you hang around until the very end of the mix, there's a little treat for the Powerplant heads. :) Enjoy!
Welcome to the Podcast of DJ Alan King! Alan is one of Chicago’s original house music DJs and a member of the legendary DJ crew “The Chosen Few” (Wayne Williams, Alan King, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Andre Hatchett and Terry Hunter). This episode features a gospel house mix I recorded back in 2003. It's still one of my personal favorites. Get ready to clap your hands and stomp your feet!
Welcome to the Podcast of DJ Alan King! Alan is one of Chicago’s original house music DJs and a member of the legendary DJ crew “The Chosen Few” (Wayne Williams, Alan King, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Andre Hatchett and Terry Hunter). This episode is my musical tribute to a great friend and inspiration, legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles. The mix features a combination of some of Frankie's productions, some of his personal favorites and signature tracks, and a few tracks that Frankie turned me on to that I love. Let's go, let's go!
Welcome to the Podcast of DJ Alan King! Alan is one of Chicago’s original house music DJs and a member of the legendary DJ crew “The Chosen Few” (Wayne Williams, Alan King, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Andre Hatchett and Terry Hunter). This episode captures the mature vibe of the Chosen Few's current bi-monthly residency at Lounge 52, 5201 S. Harper Avenue, in Chicago. So kick back and enjoy the Podcast of one of house music's DJ pioneers, the Chosen Few's DJ Alan King!