DJ HEATHER
DJ Heather’s interest in music was sparked by her own parents’ eclectic record collection and then nourished by her own discoveries. Heavily influenced by the burgeoning waves of industrial, alternative, rap, and house, she began to explore the art of deejaying by attempting to replicate what she heard at underground events, clubs, and on radio.
With 36 years behind the decks, Heather is known for her dexterity and ability to traverse genres fluidly. Her collaborative work alongside Brett Johnson, Derrick Carter, Johnny Fiasco, and others, as well as licensed mixed compilations for Afterhours, Fabric, Om, and Nordic Trax, highlight her range. Her releases have appeared on Aroma, Classic, Seasons, and 20/20 Vision, and she has launched her own imprints including Blackcherry Recordings and the newly minted Apollo Music Group beside Dan X and Lil’ Mark.
Her first residency at smartbar began in ’96 with Heavy Weight Session, a weekly party centered around hip hop, downtempo, and rare groove. Different incarnations followed over the years, such as Sorted, Blackcherry, and most recently, Lake Effect, with house always as its focus.
Heather continues to champion the sound of Chicago house globally while capturing the essence and its influence worldwide. In 2020, she launched H Is For Hustle, a home-studio online streaming series that further showcases her deep, ever-evolving catalog.