In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Chicago creatives Greg Corner — bassist, DJ, promoter, and co-founder of the legendary Darkwave Disco parties. From playing bass with Kill Hannah to booking breakout artists at JBTV, Greg has lived through multiple eras of Chicago music and helped shape the city’s underground into a global influence.

He shares the journey from sneaking into raves and punk shows to sharing stages with icons, why the “bloghouse” years created a blueprint for today’s DJ culture, and what it really takes to build a scene. We dive into his philosophy on curation, taste, and trust, plus the challenges of breaking artists in a city that often celebrates its own only after they’ve left.

Greg also gives his perspective on the future: how AI could flood dance music, why bands may be poised for a comeback, and why real fans — not algorithms — still decide which art lasts.

🎧 Follow Greg Corner: https://www.instagram.com/gregcorner

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00:00 – Intro

01:22 – Darkwave Disco & Chicago’s Bloghouse Era

06:00 – From Metal to Electronic: Skrillex, Justice & Bass Culture

11:20 – Joining Kill Hannah & Blending Rock with Electronic Influences

22:31 – Life on a Major Label in the 2000s

28:20 – JBTV & Discovering Bands Before They Blew Up

36:43 – Why Music Became a Rich Kids’ Pastime

41:05 – AI, Dance Music, and the Future of Live Bands

46:16 – Culture Over Headliners: Throwing Parties in Chicago

48:46 – Daft Punk, French Touch & Chicago House Legacy

55:36 – Bands Writing Together vs. Bedroom Producers

1:12:32 – From Tracks to Songs: How EDM Went Mainstream

1:13:21 – DIY Culture vs. Capitalist Festivals

1:15:07 – Touring the World with Kill Hannah

1:20:22 – Behind the Scenes with Kesha’s Comeback

1:36:12 – Best Concert Ever: Rage Against the Machine at Metro

1:42:43 – Closing Thoughts & Shoutouts