We all have an urban soundtrack, and if you’re in Chicago this summer White Mystery might be curating yours. The Chicago band of siblings Alex and Francis Scott Key White has partnered with the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) to create a Lightscape Mixtape featuring Chicago musicians.
Since 2011, Lightscape has illuminated State Street with light and sound installations choreographed to music in 18 planters. White Mystery collaborated with CLA to select 33 tracks for a summer soundtrack to be played at the Lightscape sculptures.
“The songs had to be upbeat with a positive melody, created by a Chicago band, and have sound good enough to be played outdoors,” Alex White told Urban Explorer.
“My purpose for this urban soundtrack is to positively impact 80,000 persons per day in downtown Chicago…”
The Lightscape Mixtape features a range of local grooves including explosive South Side psych-rock by Avantist, gospel-influenced R&B by Krystal, Belmont & Clarks’ industrial electronic synths, and “retro spooky space punk” by Earth Program. Several bands from Intonation Music are featured, which provides youth with musical instruments and workshops in partnership with schools and community organizations. In addition to White Mystery, garage-psych vibes are provided by the likes of North by North and Electric Sheep.
“My purpose for this urban soundtrack is to positively impact 80,000 persons per day in downtown Chicago with visual art, and the heartfelt music of its people,” said Alex White.
The Lightscape Mixtape will launch on July 28, 2016 to coincide with the start of Lollapalooza’s 25th anniversary festival. The mixtape can be heard from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on State Street between Lake and Van Buren through the end of August.
Listen to the Lightscape Mixtape.
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
