Play-Joh is making waves in the electronic music world with his debut release, Dirty Kicks EP, which has officially hit #1 on Beatport.
Released under Direct Action Records, this four-track project cements Play-Joh as one of the most exciting rising names in tech house. Known for his deep roots in the Chicago underground and his work as the founder of the Chicago DJ Academy, Play-Joh blends raw house grooves with high-energy tech house elements to create a sound that’s both underground and mainstage-ready.
The Dirty Kicks EP delivers a club-ready experience, merging hypnotic vocal chops, deep rolling basslines, and relentless percussion. Each track on the EP showcases a different side of Play-Joh’s signature style. “Dirty Kicks” serves as a bass-heavy anthem with hypnotic vocal loops and hard-hitting grooves, while “Ma Money” keeps the energy high with its relentless, percussion-driven beats. “Chicago Boiler” brings a deep, rolling groove infused with tight drum work and shimmering synths, and “Crushed Horizon” is a peak-time weapon designed to ignite dancefloors. This milestone is a huge moment for both Direct Action Records and Play-Joh, marking the arrival of a fresh force in tech house.
Play-Joh has been a staple in Chicago’s underground scene, bridging the gap between classic house and modern tech house. His production style takes inspiration from the city’s rich house music legacy while pushing the sound into new, energetic territory.
With Dirty Kicks EP climbing to the top of the charts, he’s proving that his unique blend of underground grit and mainstage energy is exactly what the scene needs. His ability to merge raw house influences with modern tech house elements has made him a name to watch in the industry.
Tech house continues to dominate global dancefloors, and Play-Joh’s success highlights the genre’s unstoppable momentum. Beatport’s chart rankings show a growing appetite for raw, club-ready beats, and Dirty Kicks EP delivers exactly that. This rise in popularity reflects a shift in the scene, where artists who maintain the underground roots of house music while bringing in fresh, high-energy sounds are gaining major recognition.
With this breakout success, Play-Joh is set to make an even bigger impact. Fans can expect upcoming tour dates, new collaborations, and more releases that push his sound to the next level. His unique ability to craft infectious grooves and high-energy drops has already caught the attention of key players in the industry, and his next moves are highly anticipated.
If you haven’t listened to Dirty Kicks EP yet, now’s the time! Stream it on Beatport and let us know your favorite track in the comments. Who do you want Play-Joh to collaborate with next?
