Spinning Soul & Breaking Boundaries: How DJ Debbie and the Heart of Chicago Soul Club Are Keeping Vinyl Alive
“All vinyl. All heart. All soul.” That’s the mantra DJ Debbie lives by—and in a digital world obsessed with algorithm-driven playlists, she’s keeping things raw, real, and deeply analog.
In a scene dominated by EDM drops and AI-generated beats, DJ Debbie and the Heart of Chicago Soul Club are cranking rare grooves straight from the crates—45s only, no exceptions. Think Northern Soul stompers, deep-cut R&B, and the kind of floor-fillers that once kept underground UK clubs sweating through sunrise.
“It’s not just about the music—it’s about the community,” Debbie says. And that’s exactly what she’s built: a space where soul lovers, crate diggers, and newcomers can gather, dance, and rediscover the powerful roots of Black American soul music.
🇬🇧 Northern Soul, Chicago-Style
Originating in the UK in the late ’60s, Northern Soul was a sound—and a movement—powered by obscure, overlooked American soul singles. Now, DJ Debbie is flipping that energy back stateside, spinning rare vinyl to keep the Midwest’s soul scene alive and thriving.
“People don’t realize how many of these records were slept on in the U.S.,” she says. “But over in Wigan Casino or Blackpool Mecca, these tracks were religion.”
💻 Soul in the Stream
When the pandemic hit, Debbie didn’t miss a beat—she brought the party online. Live-streaming rare vinyl sets to an international audience, she turned isolation into connection. What started as survival became a movement, with dancers from Chicago to Tokyo two-stepping in their kitchens to her curated cuts.
💃 Inclusivity on the Dance Floor
For DJ Debbie, it’s more than a party—it’s a mission. She’s pushing for diversity and inclusivity in dance culture, reclaiming space in a genre that was born in Black communities but too often co-opted.
“Everyone’s welcome. Just bring your love for the music. That’s all we ask.”
🎉 What’s Next?
The Heart of Chicago Soul Club is just getting started. With all-vinyl soul nights, special guest DJs, and rare grooves planned through the year, the needle is far from lifting off the record.
So, dust off your dance shoes and keep your eyes on the decks—because DJ Debbie is proving that soul never went out of style.
Catch them on their IG page for updates
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