Using Chicago as a point of influence and interest a group of local producers developed an innovative approach to creating digital music.

Dubbed the Closed Sessions, founders Mike Kolar (Audio Engineering) chief engineer and owner of Chicago’s SoundScape Studios, Omar Solis (Media Technology) and DJ RTC EIC (Viral Media) of Rubyhornet.com and also a renowned DJ plan to release their first EP via free download next month.

UPDATE: The entire 14 track album is now available for free download in both mp3 and lossless FLAC formats.  An updated tracklisting appears below.

The first EP Closed Sessions: Vol. 1 features artists who were either visiting Chicago while on tour or are natives of the city.  Each artist selects a beat from the extensive Closed Sessions catalog and then are given free reign to lay down a vocal track of their choice.

Video cameras and still photographers are present at each session to document the process and made available shortly after they happen.  Each track gets released individually but will also be included in the multi-media EP release.

Chicago artists appearing on the EP include Astonish, BJ The Chicago Kid, GLC., Mikkey Halsted, Hollywood Holt, Kidz In The Hall and Rhymefest.  Often parties or events for the participants are thrown after they record a track and tours of the city are given for inspiration and background.

In a press release, Rhymefest said, “Closed Sessions is like being in the club when it’s poppin’ minus all the hatin’ ass ni***z.”

Below is one of the videos already posted documenting Bun B, GLC and BJ The Chicago Kid recording “Happiness Before Riches”  and an mp3 of the song has also been made available for free download.

UPDATED Tracklisting for Closed Sessions Vol. 1:

1. Curren$y – “Rapper Weed”
2. Tanya Morgan – “Posted Intro”
3. Tanya Morgan – “Posted”
4. Emilio Rojas, Scheme, and Astonish – “Helluva Year”
5. Truck North and The Rapper Big Pooh (Little Brother) – “Dutch Dalton”
6. Double O – “Fresh Academy Intro”
7. Kidz In The Hall, Chip Tha Ripper, Mikkey Halsted, Donnis – “Fresh Academy”
8. Amanda Diva – “I Can See”
9. Amanda Diva – “Crack The Code Intro”
10. Skyzoo and Rhymefest – “Crack The Code”
11. CurT@!n$, Hollywood Holt, U-N-I – “So Cold”
12. GLC – “Happiness Before Riches Intro”
13. Bun B, GLC, and BJ The Chicago Kid – “Happiness Before Riches”
14. Rhymefest – “Closed Sessions Outro”