HEADS KNOW TAPE 007: Traxman
An interview and DJ mix from the Chicago footwork legend.
Photo courtesy of the artist.
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We don’t toss the term “legend” around lightly, so when we say Traxman is a living legend, it’s because he deserves his flowers. An early pioneer of footwork and ghetto house, the Chicago native remains one of the most prolific producers to this day. He’s one of the co-founders of the Geto DJz crew and a founding member of Ghetto Teknitianz—or what we now know as Teklife.
His sound is soulful, stemming from house and funk rarities that have solidified him as one of the greatest crate-diggers in electronic music. Although Traxman is a (well-deserved) juke mainstay, he’s an incredibly versatile DJ. Immersing himself in the music on any night of performance, he’ll diligently watch the crowd and deliver a set nobody expected they needed.
Traxman became part of the HEADS KNOW family when he played one of our parties at Paragon in July 2023. By blending Chicago house, footwork and ghetto house so seamlessly, he reminded us where the genres—and all electronic music—stem from. There were moments where the audience would stand in awe of his skill, and the same sentiment rang true once we got our ears on this mix. Check out Traxman’s tape and Q&A below.
Thanks for being part of this! How are you doing?
TRAXMAN: I’m doing just fine and I hope you’re doing better.
You traveled a lot on tour last year. What was your favorite city to play in and why?
I would definitely have to say Asia because of the food and their love of the music.
What did you accomplish in 2023 that you're proud of?
That I still have it I’m still able to make people dance and have smiles on their faces. Everybody just grooving and having a great time. That’s the great part of it and [it] surely is a blessing.
What's your earliest memory of music that made you realize how important it was to you?
Hearing the Hot Mix Five—the local DJs in my neighborhood—when I was eight or nine.
Was that the same moment you realized you wanted to be in music?
Definitely. My whole life changed lol.
You're one of the earliest producers of juke and footwork. How did your involvement come about?
Well, I guess it’s safe to say that I watched the development of some of the other great producers who were doing it their way, but I was always influenced by the producers of the early house records.
My involvement came about the default of someone that I knew that was doing it on the west side of Chicago. We were doing it our way but we wasn’t calling that. You still got Gant-Man and Dj Poncho who came up with that concept.
In 2014, you made a documentary about the genre. Do you think an update is overdue? If so, what do you think needs to be included that people might be misinformed about?
People should know that this music comes from the foundational Black Americans of the brothers and sisters of West and South Side Chicago who are loved by everyone around the world. Nothing more.
If the dancefloor clears, what's the song you use to bring everyone back?
Blow your whistle haaaaa haaaa ha lol
What can we expect from this mix?
A push in the envelope of sound and groove.
Is there anything I haven't asked you that you want to talk about? Anything you want to promote?
Just keep supporting tracks man on all platforms keep booking your boy and I will keep bringing the service.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Follow Traxman on Instagram, Twitter, SoundCloud and Bandcamp. Plus, check out when he’ll be in your city next via Resident Advisor.
TRACKLIST
DJ Twan - FootWorks Symphony
Traxman - HE COLD AS HELL!!
DJ Woo x Traxman - I’M STILL ALIVE MF!!!!!!!!!!
DJ Twan - Twan’s orbit bangs
We can go Anywhere (Traxman’s Rework)
DJ Twan - IT’S A FOOTWORK THANG
Traxman - Bring Real Footwork Back
DJ Woo x Traxman - Washin!!!!
DJ Twan - CAN’T HIDE YOUR WORKZ
Traxman - The End
DJ Twan - Cold as Ice
Traxman - Voodoo Trax
Traxman - My little Queen
DJ Twan - TWAN GOT SWAG
Traxman x DJ Fred - Set ya safe Down
Traxman - Joy over Me
Traxman - Make um All Say
