Meet SILK: Black Artists Reclaiming Space in Bay Area’s Dance Music Scene
SILK was created in 2024 by Kilo.Wav and Lefty to put Black artists at the forefront of Dance music. Their mission is to reclaim space, honor the roots of House, and push the sound forward. They celebrate Black culture in dance music, share its history and magic, and create a safe space for longtime fans while welcoming those discovering the genre for the first time.
More About Silk
What’s the origin story of your crew?
Silk was created as a vessel of change that we wanted to see in the Dance music scene in the Bay Area. We felt that although House music is Black Music, it often isn’t represented and respected as such. Thus Silk was born! With a focus on activating unique spaces, we wanted to highlight Black sound curators and bring Black music back to Black people.
How would you describe the SILK Community? What vibes can people expect coming to one of your parties?
We wouldn’t be in the position we are in without the community that supports us. That community is the focal point of Silk events. Crowds of dancers, DJs, and House heads all flock to our dance floors and create a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy House music blaring out of the speakers.
Who or what influences your sets the most? Genres, eras, mentors, movements — what shapes your sound?
This is an interesting question for Kilo and I. Collectively, we share a common love for Kaytranada. The way that he curates infectious rhythms that make you instantaneously start to groove should be studied! Apart from that, we are constantly inspired by our peers in the dance music scene as well as each other. Perpetually pushing each other and our sound forward as been a bottomless well of inspiration.
How do you stay connected to your community outside of the booth? Where and when can we catch you outside of MINTED SF?
As Silk continues to grow, we feel it’s necessary to remain in community with the people who support us. One of our core values is providing free all-ages events such as Silk Sessions (a traveling, all-ages, free pop up series that we recently had inside of The Mellow coffee and plant store) & The Market (a vendor swap meet and silent disco that we hosted inside The Ferry Building).
We are not super stars, models or idols, just two young Black men trying to make a difference in the world. So having our boots on the ground, listening, and speaking to the ones who come out to support Silk is essential.
To stay in the loop with Silk, follow @longlivesilk on Instagram.