Homegrown (June 2022)
From Rappers And DJs To Designers And Poets, Chicago Has Always Been Home To Countless Creatives And Visionaries. Our New Series, Homegrown Is A TGF X Fromchicagototheworld Guide To Chicago’s Creative Community And Is Dedicated To Uplifting Our Local Artists.
For the month of June, we linked up with PREME, Simmy and nombreKARI
Stay tuned for bi-monthly updates!
DJ SIMMY
Twitter/Instagram:
DJ Simmy is truly a jack of all trades.
Aside from DJing, she’s done everything from producing for artists like Kilt Karter and Carla G to being the founder of Juice Room & Simmy Shades.
Simmy is set to leave her mark on not just Chicago's music scene, but the city as a whole.
Be on the lookout for more from DJ Simmy and the return of Juice Room.
Can you share a bit about yourself and what you do? Who is DJ Simmy?
DJ Simmy: 'DJ Simmy' is a Chicago-based DJ, producer, and entrepreneur. Everyone asks if my name is from the character on 'Coming to America,' haha, but nope. My name is Symone and 'Simmy' is a nickname that a college friend gave me. My journey began in 2016 when I started producing music. It was a hobby at first until people started asking for beats. That's when I knew for sure what I wanted to do with my life. Since then, I've produced for artists, such as Carla G, Kilt Karter, KingPin Rue, Floss Mob Chase, and the list goes on. My ultimate goal is to become one of the top female producers in the game! It's not many, so it feels good to represent the ladies.
Producing every day inspired me to want to showcase my love for music. That's when I decided to become a DJ in 2018. Since then, I've DJ'd all across the city, from nightclubs to storefronts, and even big events like Summer Smash and Black Women's Expo! I've also had the opportunity to be a guest DJ on Power 92 Chicago and Sway in the Morning in New York. Some people may recognize me from Tik-Tok, where I post all of my mixes and highlight underground artists.
My number one word is fearless - I put my all into my work and I'm not scared to take risks! I love my job and I hope that I can inspire anyone who is reading to do what they love.
What does being from Chicago mean to you?
DJ Simmy: Being from Chicago means everything to me! Not to sound cliche, but I love this city and words can't describe how proud I am to claim it. Chicago is super authentic - everything stems from our lingo, music, artists, style, and so on. Every time I'm away from home I miss the Chicago vibes - there is no place like home!
How do you hope to use your art/craft to impact the city?
DJ Simmy: I believe that I have extensive knowledge of all kinds of music. So, my ultimate goal is to bring a new vibe to the scene. We already have the best DJs, but some of us fall into the trap of playing the same music over and over at each event. I want to bring nostalgic vibes to events that I curate and/or participate in. I want crowds to feel like they can hear house, throwbacks, pop, or trap in the same room and just vibe out! If you've ever been to my sets, you know that I try to play songs that you wouldn't hear on a normal night. I would love to continue this in my city!
Now as a female producer, I want to bring the noise. As I said before, there aren't a lot of female producers in the industry, so I want to put us Chicago female producers on the map!
In April, you were a part of Footlockers' Fly Womxn DJ. Can you talk about that? What does that opportunity mean to you as a woman in the music industry, an industry that traditionally isn't meant for us or supportive of us?
DJ Simmy: I loved that event! Shoutout to my girl Sky Jetta. The goal was to empower women and highlight dope, female DJs in the Chicago music scene. So to be a woman in the industry, I would describe the experience as inspiring. To this day, I still meet people that have never seen a female DJ. This particular event was full of females who were interested in doing so. I thought that was awesome! It's important that we continue to inspire and build each other up. Also, the location (Footlocker Chicago) was a cool choice. We definitely need to run that event back next year!
Besides DJing, you do a little bit of everything from selling sunglasses to producing to founding the Juice Room. Can you share a bit about those other outlets?
DJ Simmy: Yes! 'Simmy Shades' was established in 2021. I always used to wear different pairs of glasses to my DJ sets and eventually, everyone would ask where to get them. From there, I thought it would be a cool idea to actually sell sunglasses. Recently, I expanded the brand to menswear and I'm working on something for the kids! There's a lot on the way- from more collections to collabs, so be on the lookout!
As far as Juice Room, I created the platform to highlight some of my favorite artists and music moguls. It started with posting music on Instagram, and then I expanded to interviews, online performances, and events. Juice Room is currently on a hiatus, but will be back very soon! We had a strong run since 2019, and the team and I truly miss Juice Room, as it was a platform that brought many artists together. You can find our content on YouTube. And when we come back, it's going to be bigger and better! We can't spill all the beans, but there are some events in the works.
nombreKARI
Twitter/Instagram:
There are few artists that stand out more than Bronzeville product, nombreKARI. His most recent project, Children Play With Fire, is an impressive offering that tells the intricate story of his inner-city upbringing.
As much as nombreKARI is inspired by his hometown, his growing influence and artistry offer plenty of inspiration for local listeners and artists as well.
Can you share a bit of background about yourself and what you do? Who is NombreKari?
nombreKARI: My name is Kari and I'm an artist from the South Side of Chicago (Bronzeville). I come from a somewhat musical family. My grandpa plays organ and drums and my Mom sang a bunch when I was growing up. That eventually bled into what I do now. I write, produce, perform, etc. Ultimately, nombreKARI is an artist who hopes to advance the welfare of humanity through art.
What does being from Chicago mean to you?
nombreKARI: Chicago is an incredibly unique city. From the colloquialism, the food, the layout, all of its attractions... I credit growing up here for who I am, my outlook on life, and my values - being from Chicago means everything to me.
How do you hope to use your art/craft to impact the city?
nombreKARI: I wanna use my art to inspire and create opportunities for other artists in the future. One thing I'm really adamant about is helping contribute to building the city's art infrastructure.
Your most recent project, Children Play With Fire, is home to features from a few different artists from Chicago. How important is it to you that you work with people from the city rather than branching out? Why? Can you talk about what influenced that project as well?
nombreKARI: I think it's important to start at home. Chicago is home to a lot of really talented artists and I wanted to make sure the project demonstrated that. I also wanted to debunk the myth that Chicago's music scene lacks community. There are so many different strong communities of artists here. Chicago's long history of world-class artists is what influenced the project, to be honest. From Common to Lupe to Kanye - they all played a significant role in inspiring the sound of the project.
The city popped out for Dreamer Isioma’s show where you performed as well. It was all over my timeline, how does it feel to be a part of that moment and to have the support of other Chicago creatives but also the city as a whole.
nombreKARI: Being a part of that moment felt amazing. I think folks in the city are excited to be back outside again, so it felt good being able to perform at one of the first shows in the city this summer. There's a lot of power and being able to band together, which is why I think it's important to collaborate with Chicago artists.
What’s next for NombreKari this year?
nombreKARI: Im gearing up to release a film that I wrote back in 2018. More music! More videos! More collaborations! Expansion!
PREME
Twitter/Instagram
Eastside DJ, PREME, is a major pillar in Chicago.
The TGF veteran, despite his young age, has already accomplished a lot and has more on the way.
Fresh off of opening up for Pusha T’s Chicago tour stop with Hatesonny, DJ PREME is definitely making the city proud!
Make sure you press play on his latest mix, STILL LOADING.
Can you share a bit of background about yourself and what you do? Who is Preme?
Preme: Well I'm Preme! A 22-year-old Artist and DJ from Chicago (eastside to be exact) and I've always been around music my whole life no matter if it was listening to it, experiencing it, or participating in it. I feel like (to answer your who is PREME question) I am a very energetic yet collective person who loves music and culture but also wants to bring his ideas to life and to the forefront of the world.
What does being from Chicago mean to you?
Preme: It means a lot to be from Chicago. I feel like if you are from the city it's like a badge of honor and just a beautiful place to be from. It means that whatever you've experienced growing up here you know it's not easy and that sometimes sacrifices either have to be made or they are made for you. I feel like all aspects of being from Chicago build character not only in the music or arts but in the mentality and lifestyles of the people here.
What Chicago artists are on your radar right now?
Preme: Man, it's so many dope artists on the rise right now. I've been highly invested not only in the homies but some of the generations coming up too! I would definitely say HL, Bandhunta KT, Jabba 4x, Lil Lex, SugeofChicago, Fuego Baine, and icyybands!
You’ve done a lot of sets with Kinginesse, another up-and-coming name in the city, can you talk about your relationship and how y’all work together?
Preme: I think our relationships always come together so organically because we are all kinda like on the same path career-wise. We all have either grown up on the same stuff or gone through things in our career that has either made or broken us and we collectively know that it's our time to shine not only individually but also together because when we all come together it's always super insane or a big turn out. Also, I feel like the talent level of where we are especially for our age is really rare and we just wanna show the city we are here to stay!
One big thing that I really appreciate about you is that you always show love to creatives in the city. Why is that so important for you?
Preme: I feel like it's my job as a DJ to do that and always keep my ear open to new things and "ear to the streets" because things move fast and the city is always curating new things. I also feel that some people just need that one repost or one that listens or something to keep them going and I always would want someone to do that for me. I feel that love is so easy to show and give out especially in this complicated music stuff because things can get clouded & frustrating at times as a creative/artist.
In your 2020 In Ya Face Interview, you mentioned how you got your start through older kids you met in high school. Now that you’ve built a name and career for yourself, what advice for young kids wanting to DJ or even be where you are now?
Preme: Honestly, I would definitely say never quit. First and foremost I'm very proud of where I've come from, what I've seen, and what I've been able to experience but I also try to always remember the end goal. You are gonna have tough nights, boo's, cheers, depression, and super-duper highs but in everything, you have to remember whatever your end goal is no matter if it's short-term or long-term. Also, put yourself out there you never know who's watching or clocking you these days so please put yourself out there but don't force yourself on people to be able to give yourself room to grow while also showing the world why you deserve to be in the position your chasing.
Aside from DJing, you're also an A&R. When are we going to hear some songs/projects A&R’d by Preme? Or have we heard some already?
Preme: I have definitely been tapping in with some artists as of recent I'm not gonna promise anything yet but there are a couple of things that are being worked on right now/ in the beginning stages. I'm really just trying to take it step by step and really just have fun with it!