There comes a point for every DJ where the question stops being “Can I rock a crowd?” and becomes “Where can this take me next?” For DJs coming out of the 734, that next step has always been clear... Detroit. It’s the proving ground. The city where DJs don’t just play records, they break them. Where the right set in the right room can shift your entire trajectory. And while the distance between Ann Arbor, Ypsi, and Detroit is short, the leap into that market can feel a lot

In an era where songs can rack up streams without ever touching a dance floor, the real test still happens in the rooms with the DJs. On February 16, 2026 at 8PM, one of Detroit’s most trusted club DJs is bringing that room online. Flame or Shame is the latest live music review hosted by DJ Sussex Smooth, a Detroit DJ known for breaking records in clubs and parties across the city. If a record moves in his sets, it usually moves elsewhere in the city too.

Every so often, an opportunity crosses the desk that’s worth flagging immediately. Submissions are now open for the 24th Annual Music Is Art Festival, taking place Saturday, September 12th at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor and Terminal B. After reviewing the details, this is one we’ve intentionally selected for Family 734 artist members to consider. Why? Because not every festival aligns with developing independent artists. This one does.