Chicago juke mainstay Jana Rush returns with Painful Enlightenment LP

Planet Mu’s unofficial ‘summer of 160 continues unabated

Jana Rush has returned to the Planet Mu label for her second LP, Painful Enlightenment, As part of Planet Mu’s unofficial ‘summer of 160’, Chicago-based artist

Painful Enlightenment is an experimental dance record documenting Rush’s personal growth through struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, and is intended as a glimpse into a dark period of her life amid learning the art of letting go.

The follow-up to her debut Pariah LP on Objects Limited, ‘Painful Enlightenment’ aims to be a simultaneously chilling and difficult listening experience, evoking a complex mood of tumult followed by peace.

Collaborating with a slew of artists from the post-footwork diaspora, such as DJ Paypal and Nancy Fortune, the album shows off Rush’s cut teeth in the worlds of ghetto house and juke, having made her come-up on the legendary Dance Mania records in the late ‘90s. 

Jana said: “This album is not a footwork album. It’s more like dark experimental listening music, an opportunity to be myself without judgement!”

‘Painful Enlightenment’ will be released on vinyl via Planet Mu on August 13. Pre-order your copy here