Footwork forward: auntie’s rise in Milwaukee’s electronic scene

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, DJ Kenny Perez had the chance to speak with auntie, a rising producer from Milwaukee who’s making waves with a sound deeply rooted in Footwork.

If you’re wondering what Footwork is, you’ll have to take it back to Chicago in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This high-energy, rhythmically complex dance music evolved as a faster and more abstract offshoot of the Chicago ghetto house sound. Known for its rapid-fire beats, syncopated rhythms and chopped vocal samples, Footwork was designed for competitive dance battles and often pushes tempos past 160 BPM, challenging both dancers and producers to innovate in real time.

Auntie’s passion for rhythm and experimentation was ignited at just 8 years old, influenced by her uncle (a producer himself) and, perhaps surprisingly, the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Despite its controversial content, the game’s in-car radio stations introduced her to a wide range of genres, sparking her interest in sound design, storytelling and genre blending.

Join us as we dive into auntie’s creative journey, her take on the Milwaukee music scene and how she’s crafting something new while honoring the rich legacy of Midwest electronic music.

Episode guest host: DJ Kenny Perez

Uniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library and supported by our Radio Milwaukee members.