Gray Area and Spotify Launch Mixtape Series

The mixtape is a staple of dance music culture and serves as a tool for artistic expression and discovery for listeners. Throughout the years, the medium has evolved from physical tapes to digital streaming, but the mixtape remains a powerful storytelling device for DJs.

In 2021, Spotify introduced DJ Mixes to the platform, offering artists a way to connect with fans and reach a wider audience. Gray Area partnered with Spotify to curate a series of ten mixes from some of their favorite artists, starting with legendary DJ and producer Gene Farris, founder of Farris Wheel Recordings.

Gene has been a part of the dance music community since its beginnings and is a respected figure in the Chicago scene. His label features a variety of artists in the house music genre and his mix, made entirely of Farris Wheel tracks, showcases top tech house artists like MISS DRE, Casmalia, and Will Clarke.

In a conversation of Gray Area with Gene, he shared his excitement about being able to reach a wider audience through the mix, the importance of quality control when choosing which tracks to feature, and the influence of Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy’s mixtapes on his own work. Despite not necessarily capturing the spirit of old-school mixtapes, Gene aspires to be just as innovative and impactful in his mix.