Derrick Carter

Derrick Carter is a pinnacle of Chicago house music and one of the most respected underground DJs in the world. Born in Compton in 1969 and raised in Chicago’s western suburbs, he started DJing at age nine spinning disco at family reunions, and by the mid-90s was a key figure in Chicago house’s second wave. He co-founded Classic Music Company with Luke Solomon in 1995 and runs his own Blue Cucaracha imprint, recording under aliases including Sound Patrol, Rednail, and The Innocent. His signature “boompty” sound blends house with old-school disco, soul, and jazz. Landmark releases include Squaredancing In A Round House, Fabric 56, and remixes for Tortoise, The Human League, and Modjo. A longtime fixture of Chicago’s queer party scene, he held legendary residencies at Smart Bar, Shelter, and Foxy’s, and remains a headline draw at LGBT+ dance events worldwide, including Glitterbox at Hi Ibiza. Openly queer; his “Birthday Song (For Andy)” was written for then-partner Andy Butler of Hercules & Love Affair.