Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Armando, Ron Hardy, Paul Johnson… just some of the artists that are synonymous with Chicago label Trax Records, which is marking its 40th anniversary this year with a new compilation.
Set to land on 20 June, Trax Records: The 40th Anniversary Collection, celebrates the label that was founded by Larry Sherman in 1985, and went on to be a pioneering force in Chicago‘s emerging house music scene.
The label is currently headed up by Screamin’ Rachael, one of house music’s first female trailblazers, who said that Trax Records’ ethos remains its refusal to compromise.
“We don’t follow the formula of looking at follower counts,” she commented. “We care about music. That’s why Trax still means something.”
The compilation, curated by artist Jorge, features iconic tracks from house legends like Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Phuture, Ron Hardy, and Paul Johnson, alongside new producers such as Hiroko Yamamura, and Analog 87 – tracking the evolution of the label from early classics such as Move Your Body and Your Love to the present day.
The anniversary project will also feature a run of limited vinyl releases of just 150 copies each, accompanied by bespoke artwork, while on 20 June, Trax Records will host an event at Chicago’s Reckless Records, featuring performances by Joe Smooth, Ron Carroll, and Screamin’ Rachael, alongside new-generation artists LaZara and Chillsesh.
Additionally, Trax is releasing Rising Again, a limited vinyl project featuring Screamin’ Rachael, Joe Smooth, Jacques x Gregory, Spada, Kushgad, and DJ ThadX, with all proceeds going to nonprofit SocialWorks founded by Chance the Rapper.
The 40th anniversary also introduces Trax’s first official fashion line, created in collaboration with Chicago designer Mario Maldonado, which will be distributed through Desslab, Juno, HHV, and deejay.de.
“Trax has always been about raw creativity,” Screamin’ Rachael added. “This label is my life – and I’m not done.” More information is available here.
Trax Records: The 40th Anniversary Collection – Tracklist
Jacques x Gregory feat. Screamin’ Rachael – I’ll Take You There (Full Journey Mix)
Willie Wonka – What Is House
Frankie Knuckles – Your Love
Marshall Jefferson – Move Your Body
Stylophonic – Jack It Up
Armando – Love In Heart
Mark Row, Jame Starck feat. Carol Jiani – Free Your Mind
Paul Johnson – Follow This Beat
Screamin’ Rachael – Rising (Lea Rognoni Remix)
Fuck Charley Pleasure Zone – House Nation
Yuri Suzuki – DATA MANIA
D Beat – Pump It (Lea Rognoni Remix)
Sir Nesis- Freaks (So Called Friend Remix)
Frankie Bones – Beat Me Up
Joey Beltram – The Start It Up
Ricky Dillard – As Always (Full Vocal Version)
Marshall Jefferson – Ride The Rhythm (Remix)
Owen E – Shift
Analog 87 – rOOmclaSSic
Jorge, Carmelo Carone – Jack the Acid Kid (Hiroko Yamamura & Eric Elvambuena Remix)
Phuture – Spank Spank (Original Mix)
Screamin’ Rachael – Gina (XXX) [Someone from Lithuania with a Friend Named Jorge Remix]
Jared – Fly So High (Roger Sanchez Tilt Mix)
Hercules – 7 Ways to Jack
Ron Carroll – 1993 the Bargin Enterprize
Luca Gerlin – Battery (Kkles Mix)
Jesse Velez – Girls Out On The Floor (Dub)
Camilo Do Santos – 1984
Samurai Sam – House of Japanese
David Chong – There Is No Place
Frankie Knuckles – Your Love (You Got The Love Remix)
Seph Martin – Rainy Nights
Larry Sherman – Colors
Miss Autumn Leaves – No Turning Back
Late Nite ‘DUB’ Addict – The ‘F’ Word
Carlos Nilmmns feat. Genoveva – Fade Out (Original Mix)
Ron Hardy – Liquid Love (Chicago Mix)
Screamin’ Rachael – Sensation (Zewmob Radio Edit)
Chris Jones – Strong2 (Dance Mix)
Screamin’ Rachael – My Main Man
[All photos copyright by Phuture Trax]
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