Honey Dijon Talks Early Chicago House, First Record & Being A Party DJ

When Honey Dijon starts talking Chicago house history, we all lean in, because this isn't just a DJ set—it's a living archive, and we're the grateful students. Her Boiler Room BUDx Santiago session is a masterclass in storytelling through music, reminding us why we fell down this rabbit hole in the first place. The vibe is warm, educational, and deeply reverent, a Santiago studio transformed into a temple of house music heritage. Technically, this spans classic house and beyond, with a BPM average of 124 but a range from 115 to 154, showcasing the genre's flexibility.

The harmonic keys are diverse (9B, 12A, 10B), reflecting the eclectic selection, and the energy balance—heavily mid-focused at 79%—prioritizes melody, vocal hooks, and that unmistakable Chicago swing. Honey's mixing here is conversational and educational, often letting tracks play out to make their historical point, with blends that feel more like respectful hand-offs than technical feats. The arc is a journey through time, from the post-punk disco of the 80s to the raw, jacking house of the 90s. Crate digging treasures abound: the opener 'Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax (New York Mix)' is a bold, sleazy statement.

'Lil Louis & The World - I Called U' is a 15-minute epic of aching, minimalist genius. 'Yello - Bostich' provides quirky, synth-pop energy, and 'The B-52's - Mesopotamia' is a left-field, post-punk gem that shows house's wide roots. The journey begins with the provocative 'Relax', hits a deep, emotional peak with Lil Louis's timeless call, and closes on the playful, mechanical funk of 'Bostich', a perfect encapsulation of house music's joy and soul.