Elbert Phillips

Elbert Phillips | Chicago
DJ, Label Owner, Remixer, Producer

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Elbert has a residency at Chicago’s 416 S Clark Street, called Music Mondays Wild & Peaceful. Check it here

Creative, Steady, Determined. This native Chicagoan came of age during the burgeoning 1980’s local dance music scene. A fast and eager learner of the technical skills of his craft, he desires to speak to his listeners through musical selections which evoke feelings. Beyond mere dance floor mayhem, he plays music that makes a difference.

In 1998, Elbert was approached by the Giorgio Armani boutique to play their annual Christmas Party at Maxim’s de Paris, a posh, private venue on Chicago’s fashionable Gold Coast. He received rave reviews and numerous guest appearances followed, most notably are: the Monkey Club in Paris France; the 25th Anniversary of Empire/Full Circle Reunion Party in the U.K.; the Def Mix Zone (XM Radio channel 80); the grand opening of A/X Armani Exchange in Schaumburg, Illinois; Boiler Room TV’s official tribute to Frankie Knuckles at Smartbar, Chicago; and a featured interview on the Ministry of Sound’s Mix of Nations television program.

In the summer of 2003, Elbert joined respected DJs, producers and performance artists for Chicago’s summer music festival, the Silver Room Sound System Block Party, a wildly popular annual event. In 2002, Elbert was commissioned by Frederick Dunson, of D/E Entertainment, to play a birthday celebration for legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles. Frankie was so impressed with Elbert’s talents that he granted him the rare and honored privilege to open at D/E’s annual July event at the House of Blues. This opportunity led to a four year tenure of warming up crowds and playing for private home gatherings for the Godfather of House Music!

The City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs put together an epic event honoring Frankie’s life on June 3rd 2014. Elbert was the first deejay contacted to pay his respects with a heartfelt set, playing to a crowd of thousands in Millennium Park. Progressively moving into studio production, Elbert’s reworking of Rufuss’ “Higher Together” (DJ Elbert’s Dance floor Redux) was featured on Qalomota’s Classics Remixed, and “Beacon of Light” featuring spoken word artist Isa Bright Starr was also released on Qalomota Records, France. Elbert was a contributing editor for 5 Magazine Chicago, a monthly publication that covers local, and international house music culture. Check it here.

In 2007, Elbert graduated with a design degree from Columbia College Chicago, and was selected by CDM/NFP to create the official logo for “Move: the 2006 Chicago International House Music Festival”. Elbert also lent a hand with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events and the Theare Group’s 2015 exhibition Move Your Body: the Evolution of House Music, creating a Chicago House Music Timeline: 1982 – 1989 prominently displayed in the art installation. With these reputable talents behind him, look for Elbert to gain new levels of experience in the times to come.

More about Elbert in Amanda Frontany’s wonderful Blog questionsandartists