Hailing from the heart of Chicago, Deep Cuddle has quietly shaped the city’s underground for over twenty years—producing, DJing, curating and even mentoring in local collectives.

With releases on his own Penthouse Audio Group, he’s become known for trippy, immersive tracks that balance raw dancefloor power with subtle psychedelic detail.

He’s prolific—and this year proves it. Singles like “Smoothjaxx,” “Frequency,” and “Need You” already hit club systems and streaming playlists, traversing hypnotic rollers and tighter percussive cuts. “Put Your Faith In Me” joins that sequence, sharpening the narrative with its sturdy groove and vocal kernel.

Deep Cuddle talks to 6AM about his two-decade evolution, the duality of his name, and his latest single "Put Your Faith In Me".

Hi Deep Cuddle! Thanks for talking to 6am group how are you doing?

I’m doing fantastic actually. Life is amazing! There’s been a real momentum lately, with so many exciting projects in the pipeline, from new releases to some creative event activations and collaborations I’ve been manifesting for a while. It feels like the universe is showing up with opportunities, and I’m in a space where I’m ready to say yes to all of it. It’s a world of abundance, and I’m just trying to stay grounded and serve as a conduit for whatever’s flowing through.

 

First, let’s start off with your artist name. It almost has an ironic contrast combining the words “Deep” and the playful term “cuddle” together. Is there any particular meaning or story behind it? How does the name represent the music you produce?

Have you ever done MDMA? What does it make you feel like? If it’s ever made you feel like cuddling, then you already get the essence of what I’m doing. The name came from that space, something deep and driving, but also warm, emotional, and inviting. I want my music to feel like a hug that wraps around you on the dancefloor. There’s a lot of intensity in the rhythms and basslines, but at the same time, there’s softness too. Melodic touches, vocal moments, emotional release. The name reflects that duality. It’s serious and silly, grounding and euphoric.

 

For those that don’t know, you’re from Chicago. How has the local scene with such deep roots in house music shaped the way you approach production and DJing? Do you feel the Chicago vibe naturally goes into your work, or do you consciously channel it?

Chicago has absolutely shaped my sound, but probably not in the obvious, heritage-house way that people might expect. When folks think about Chicago house, their minds often go straight to the early classics, Frankie, Ron Hardy, that jackin’ energy. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for that era, but house music has evolved so much since then. What excites me is how broad the spectrum has become. I tap into that legacy, sure, but I’m also drawn to the deeper, more experimental shades of house. The vibe of Chicago is in me because I grew up in the thick of it, but I’m not trying to recreate the past. I’m more interested in pushing the sound forward while still honoring where it came from.

 

You’ve been part of Chicago’s underground for two decades and have been known to be a mentor on top of being a DJ, producer and label owner of Penthouse Audio Group. How do these roles and experiences feed into one another? With wearing all these hats what change have you witnessed within the underground scene in Chicago?

I’ve been in the trenches of the underground for a long time, and it’s given me a real appreciation for the hustle and creativity that happens outside the spotlight. But honestly? I’m kind of over the underground scene at this point. I still love and respect it, but it’s a chapter I’ve outgrown. There’s a point where hiding in the shadows stops feeling subversive and starts feeling limiting. I want to step into the light a bit more, to share what I’ve learned, to connect with a wider audience, and to create space for the next generation of artists. Running Penthouse Audio Group has taught me how to build platforms, not just tracks. Mentoring is a big part of that, helping artists not just make good music, but navigate the maze of the industry without losing themselves. The scene’s changed a lot. There’s more access now, more tools, but also more noise. Helping people find their voice within that has become more important to me than just playing underground parties.

 

Your latest track “Put Your Faith In Me” is set to release on Aug 12th. The track is built around a low-end groove, a warped acid line, and a vocal hook. How do these elements connect to the house traditions or sounds you grew up with in Chicago?

It’s definitely rooted in nostalgia. Acid house was huge in Chicago and that squelchy 303 sound is burned into my memory from warehouse parties and late-night radio shows. The track is my little love letter to that era, especially the early 2000s when things were getting weird in the best way. The low-end groove gives it that body-moving foundation, the acid line brings in some tension and psychedelia, and then the vocal hook adds a layer of soul. That balance - groove, grit, and emotion - is something I’ve always connected with in Chicago house, and I wanted to reimagine it through my own lens.

 

What kind of response or feeling do you hope “Put Your Faith In Me” sparks in the crowd? Have you had the chance to road-test it in your sets yet, and if so, at what time of the night and dance experience do you feel it fits?

I have road-tested it in a few different sets now, and the reaction’s been amazing. It’s a proper banger for the headliner slots when the energy’s peaking and the crowd is locked in. There’s something about the acid line that really grabs people, and the vocal gives it a sense of uplift without being too polished or predictable. I think it works best in those moments when you want to push things a little weirder, a little deeper, but still keep the floor moving. I’ve used it to transition between harder, more minimal grooves and more melodic territory. It’s a great bridge track that holds its own.

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to 6AM. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I just want to send love to the whole 6amGroup team and say thank you for the support. I’ve got such good memories of spinning for you guys at WeJack in Denver, Colorado, especially sharing the lineup with the legend Frankie Bones. May he rest in house heaven. That night was pure magic and it’s stayed with me all these years. I’m looking forward to making new memories together soon. 

 

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