Format is a Chicago techno mainstay driving the scene through high-impact events, a dedicated record label, Format Recordings, and an extensive, long-running archive via the Format FM podcast. Format’s identity is shaped by the city’s ’90s and early 2000s rave era—a time where DIY sound systems, raw performance, and community defined the culture. Today, that same uncompromising spirit carries forward, championing the
integrity of the scene.

The Format brand is driven by Mark Angel, Adam Curtis, and Brenda. United by their roots in the warehouse era, the team is dedicated to carrying that torch forward. While each maintains specific roles, all three contribute to the identity and curation of Format events, ensuring the work remains a reflection of their shared vision.

Format is built on the strength of the underground. From its long-standing history with Obscure to collaborations with crews like Synthetik Minds, 6AM, I Love House Music Chicago, Green Machine, R&D, APart, Flowers of Romance, and 100% Live, the collective helps link the national scene together. These ties reflect a shared commitment to keeping the community vibrant and unified.

The relationship between Format and smartbar is rooted in trust and a shared vision. This synergy extends to the production and hospitality teams, ensuring every night is handled with the care the music deserves. Having started with grassroots warehouse parties, Format remains dedicated to pushing Chicago’s techno legacy forward—driven by passion and grounded in the underground.

Mark Angel: Founder of Format Recordings, Mark handles the label’s releases and visual identity. Hosting Format FM for over a decade, he crafted a unique weekly platform that balanced international artists with a consistent rotation of local resident DJs. His sound is hard-line and homegrown; a signature style rooted in Chicago’s warehouse heritage and driven by raw, hypnotic textures.

Adam Curtis: A key architect of Format events, he works behind the scenes as a talent buyer, leveraging strong relationships with agencies, artists, promoters, and collectives. Adam also guides social media presence, helping preserve Format’s underground roots while navigating the modern landscape.

Brenda: A central force as a DJ and curator, she helped build the Format FM podcast into a platform for the resident community. During the warehouse era, she led A&R and hospitality, welcoming global artists and expanding the collective’s reach. She remains a staple of the city’s sound, with her three-year smartbar residency serving as her primary home.