Inspired by the Godfather of House, Frankie Knuckles, his legendary NYC Sound Factory Bar residency and his timeless remix of “The Pressure” by Sounds of Blackness, this movement has blossomed into a powerful night devoted to the Black roots of house, soulful house, and techno. These are the underground sounds that not only shaped global club culture but continue to ignite and unify dance floors across the world.

The Sounds of Blackness (SOB) is more than an event, it is a musical manifesto. It honors the profound legacy of Black artistry in dance music while spotlighting the next generation of boundary-pushing talent. With a lineup of pioneering/trailblazing and up and coming American, European, and African DJs, each artist carries forward the spirit of freedom, resistance, and unity that birthed house and techno, ensuring its story continues to evolve and inspire.

The visionaries behind SOB bring decades of dedication and artistry to this mission. EPM Productions (Elliott Matos & Benjamin Aillery), Curtis Atchison (SoundGroove & Midnight Society), Hugo Hutchinson (HUGO H.), and Manny Ward are the creative force powering this experience. Elliott, Curtis, Hugo H., and Manny, each gifted Black artist, have long championed liberation and self-expression throughout the U.S. Together, with Benjamin’s partnership, they have aligned their talents and passion to create a movement: The Sounds of Blackness.