Know Your Neighbor: Edwin Morales

LoganSquarist’s Know Your Neighbor meets to Edwin Morales (Konsept), Logan Square resident and Chicago DJ.

Occupation?

DJ and music curator making playlists for restaurants, hotels and other places around city.

Relationship status?

Newly single.

How long have you lived in Logan Square?

Seven years.

Favorite Logan Square hangouts?

My favorite bar in Logan would probably be The Double; it’s my neighborhood bar. I like hanging out at Longman. I like hanging out at Dorothy’s on Armitage, just west of Kedzie. It’s pretty awesome because it’s a liquor store, they have food, and it’s a bar. I guess it’s called Go Tavern and Liquors now.

What would be your last meal?

That’s heavy. I think my last meal would have to be lechon asado with arroz con gandules made by my mom. It’s like a Puerto Rican-style pork shoulder. But it would have to be made by my mom.

What are some of your favorite parties in Chicago?

My favorite parties are Wednesday dinner parties. I’m getting older and slowing down. Otherwise, my favorite parties right now are happening at Smart Bar, that’s what I’m most interested in. The tied parties are pretty good, they bring in good people. Before that, though, I would say Spy Bar for the talent they bring in.

What does a typical weekend look like for you?

My Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are like your workweek. Thursday I start at Studio Paris, and then it’s go time, my workweek has started. Thursday is 9 pm to 2 am, Friday is usually 9 pm or 10pm to 2 am, Saturday is 10 pm to 3 am or 10 pm to 5 am, Sunday is 10 pm to 2 am, and then Monday is my Saturday. I try to take Monday off, but there’s much to do. I’m also my own agent, so I have to take care of bookings and making sure I get paid. It’s really a full-time job.

How did you get into DJing?

Going to raves in 1993, 1994 and 1995. I saw everyone dancing and watched how the DJs controlled the room. I loved it. I didn’t start myself until 1995, and in 1996, I got some gear and was really bad at it. I kept at it and now really love it.

How did you get your DJ name, Konsept?

I opened the newspaper and blindly pointed at a word, and that was it. Concept. I changed one ‘c’ to a ‘k’ and the other to an ‘s,’ though.

Who is your role model or hero in your industry?

My dad is a big influence; he’s a musician. In church he played many instruments and led the choir. Professionally, I’d say Richie Hawtin is a big influence, DJ Hype, a jungleist. These are people that still influence me and I like what they do. And first wave ska and early dub were big influences.

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one record, what would it be?

“Since I left You” by The Avalanches. It’s my go-to record.

Any big shows coming up?

I’m playing with Jazzy Jeff on April 3, at Studio Paris.

Residents interested in Edwin Morales can follow him on Twitter @EdwinKonsept, on Instagram at instagram.com/edwinkonsept, and also on Facebook.

Photo: Tasya Menaker Photography

“Socializing the neighborhood” is at the core of the LoganSquarist mission, so we introduce readers to interesting and unique residents throughout Logan Square in our Know Your Neighbor column. If you know someone who would be ideal for to feature, let us know.