The Berlin-based experimental techno artist will kick off a stateside tour this Thursday, headlining Smart Bar's School Nights session.
Kangding Ray will make his Chicago debut this Thursday.
A quick stateside tour for the well-regarded Berlin-based artist, whose latest album Cory Arcane was released on Raster-Noton just a few days ago, starts with a live set at Smart Bar. He'll bring his futuristic take on techno to town to headline School Nights, the club's new series presented in collaboration with the Chicago-area audio products company Shure. Instead of the usual 10 PM start time, School Nights sees Smart Bar opening at 8 PM, with the night's headliner given a correspondingly earlier time slot, to better accommodate Friday-morning early risers.
Taking to the decks before and after Kangding Ray are adam_DTH and Debbie, representing the Chicago label, podcast and party Don't Trust Humans. DTH, whose own events have featured the likes of Mike Parker, Anklepants, Annie Hall and Josef Gaard (they also hosted a locals-focused party alongside Zach Lubin at the now-closed lounge Rodan), turned five years old in October.
Kangding Ray will also hit Toronto, Seattle and San Francisco on this month's tour—and for now you can try out a full stream of Cory Arcaneright here. Smart Bar, meanwhile, has another School Night lined up for next Thursday the 12th, when L.I.E.S. artist Ngly tops the bill.