Chicago Skyway – Body Remembers EP [CCDC008]

Artist: Chicago Skyway (Sean Hernandez)

Label: Calder City Development Corp.

Genre: Chicago House / Raw House / Machine Soul

Release Date: Januay 10, 2025

General Overview

Calder City Development Corp. continues its mission to bridge the sonic gap between Detroit and Chicago with its eighth release. Sean Hernandez, better known as Chicago Skyway, delivers the “Body Remembers EP,” a collection that feels like an archeological find from the late 80s, yet pulses with contemporary urgency.

This isn’t house music produced for mass consumption; it is a raw, emotional exploration of machine soul. Hernandez, remaining faithful to his philosophy that his music is made strictly “for those who are dancing,” utilizes a stripped-back aesthetic where every element is essential. The EP captures that rare “swing” that connects physical movement to deep-seated memories of the dancefloor, living up to its title: the body remembers what the mind might have forgotten.

Track-by-Track Guide

• A1. For Real / Casio Madness (129 BPM): A masterclass in lo-fi elegance. Driven by a restless Casio synth, its 129 BPM tempo provides a driving energy, making it a perfect peak-time tool for those who prefer grit over commercial polish.
• A2. COMP3WT2R (129 BPM): This cut leans into the more mechanical side of Hernandez’s arsenal. The sharp, syncopated percussion and layers of “computer-esque” textures provide a hypnotic groove, excellent for DJs who enjoy long, layered blending.
• A3. Risking The Cosmos (124 BPM): While the tempo drops slightly, the track maintains a powerful punch, designed specifically to set the dancefloor on fire with its high energy. It is a cosmic affair where soaring pads meet a relentless rhythmic drive, making it a standout weapon for high-intensity moments.
• AA1. Weirdo (126 BPM): True to its name, this track features off-kilter synth lines and an unconventional structure. It’s a “secret weapon” for breaking the monotony of a set with a very distinct rhythmic personality.
• AA2. Body Remembers (126 BPM): The emotional heart of the EP. A pure slice of house energy where Detroit meets Chicago, focusing on a deep bassline that hits directly in the chest.
• AA3. For Real / Outro: A brief, conceptual closing that returns to the main motif and leaves the listener in a reflective state.

Conclusion

With CCDC008, Calder City solidifies its position as a vital outpost for uncompromising electronic music. This release doesn’t just add to the label’s catalog; it reinforces a trajectory that honors the heritage of the Great Lakes sound while providing contemporary tools for the most discerning selectors. Chicago Skyway proves once again that when there is genuine soul behind the machines, technical simplicity becomes an insurmountable strength.