Over the past few weeks, electronic artists have celebrated the musical contributions of black artists by compiling ORBIT: AMPLIFY playlists. The playlists have succinctly spotlit productions from black artists and artists of color that have influenced these artists’ careers, and on a simpler level, kept them moving and grooving.
Following respective ORBIT: AMPLIFY playlists from Martin Badder, Loud Luxury, Akira Akira, Anabel Englund, Brando, and Major Lazer‘s Walshy Fire, CeCe Rogers joins the ORBIT: AMPLIFY series to curate his own playlist. Credited as one of the artists who established house music alongside the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Ten City, Robert Owens, and Joe Smooth, Rogers has a resume that spans more than 20 years in the dance context.
Dubbed the “Godfather of Soul” by James Brown, Rogers has a host of landmark house releases under his belt, including “All Join Hands” and “Someday.” Now, he’s highlighting releases from black creatives and other artists of color in a 19-cut collection that spans productions from Jefferson, Kerri Chandler, Blaze, Inner City, Aly-Us, Smooth, and many more. Notably, Rogers’ ORBIT: AMPLIFY Playlist hosts Morel’s “Club Mix Single” of Rogers’ “No Love Lost,” as well as Rogers’ new collaboration with Benny Benassi, “I’ll Be Your Friend.”
Make no mistake—dance music is born from black culture. Without black creators, innovators, selectors, and communities, the electronic dance music we hold so dear would simply not exist. In short, dance music is deeply indebted to the global black community and we need to be doing more. Black artists and artists of color have played a profound role in shaping the sound and culture of dance music and now more than ever, it is necessary for everyone in the music community to stand up for the people that have given us so much. Dancing Astronaut pledges to make every effort to be a better ally, a stronger resource, and a more accountable member of the global dance music community. Black Lives Matter—get involved here:
National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program
Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Legal Defense Initiative