Chicago’s legendary TRAX Records, is hitting a monumental milestone: its 40th anniversary. To celebrate four decades of groundbreaking beats and influence, the label is dropping “RISING AGAIN (TRX2620)“, a limited-edition vinyl release (only 500 copies worldwide) curated by executive producer Pi Rho, who dedicated two years to bringing this project to life. Pi Rho assembled a global collective of artists, each bringing their unique musical perspective to the table in the release. Link to purchase is here.
Since its arrival in 1985, TRAX Records has consistently delivered hit after hit, shaping the soundscape of dance music through the visionary work of pioneers like Frankie Knuckles, Larry Heard, DJ Pierre, Marshall Jefferson, Ron Hardy, Phuture, Mr. Fingers, Joe Smooth, Paul Johnson, Jamie Principle, and the label’s current driving force, Screamin’ Rachael. Notably, Screamin’ Rachael’s iconic vocals feature prominently on every track of “RISING AGAIN,” putting history on display through the new sounds.
The creation of “RISING AGAIN” is an innovative blend of classic artistry and cutting-edge innovation. At Denger Studio in Marseille, France, award-winning sound engineer Gerald Kuentz, with the assistance of Greg Lion and Jacques Lavoisier, meticulously mixed and mastered the record on a vintage Neve console, utilizing classic synthesizers and microphones to capture that authentic house sound. Adding a truly unique dimension, the project incorporates groundbreaking neurotechnology. Through a brain-computer interface powered by gen-AI, developed by Inclusive Brains (initially designed to aid people with disabilities in mind-controlling devices), unique sound textures were generated directly from the brainwaves of Lion and Lavoisier.
Here’s what Pi Rho had to say:
“It’s been an amazing journey producing ‘Rising Again’ for the 40th anniversary of TRAX Records. What makes this extra special for me is that it’s more than just music—it’s a collection of friendships, each with its unique story. In celebrating four decades of TRAX Records, I wanted to bring together artists from around the world to showcase how big a global movement house music is, while honoring its roots in my hometown of Chicago. I’m thrilled to have collaborated with everyone to release music on vinyl at TRAX for the first time in over 10 years! Celebrating such a major milestone with an iconic red-labeled vinyl only felt appropriate. This marks a new chapter. TRAX is rising again!”
Designer, photographer, and beatmaker Le Ghost has crafted the artwork for this limited vinyl release, marking his debut in record cover and inner sleeve design. He respectfully integrated TRAX Records’ iconic red color with a contemporary twist, seamlessly blending the label’s storied past with its dynamic future. The release also benefits from an eco-friendly pressing thanks to an innovative vinyl manufacturing process at the Object Manufacturing plant in Berlin (Germany), which favors materials and production methods that support sustainable development.
RISING AGAIN is a non-profit release. In partnership with the DJs4good movement (launched in 2016 to engage DJs with social impact projects), all proceeds will be given to SocialWorks, a Chicago-based organization founded by Grammy-Award-winning musician and humanitarian Chance the Rapper to empower youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement.
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