GenZ drinks differently, Stussy goes full Stassy

Written By Robert Pointer

Tuesday’s House Focus News Brief – August 12–18, 2026: Today and every Tuesday we shift focus to House Music and our Deeper Shades of House syndicated show now streaming on Robtronik.FM (Tuesdays 8a and 8p as well as Sundays at 10a - all PST).

// CULTURE & CONTEXT

This may or may not be Ricardo V.

Nightlife Shifts as Gen Z Drinks Differently

A widely shared series from housemusic.us highlights how alcohol consumption patterns among legal-age Gen Z are changing nightlife. While 74 percent still drank in the past six months, moderation is rising and low- and no-alcohol options are gaining ground. The conversation points to sober raves and alcohol-free events as growing alternatives that keep the focus on music, community, and experience rather than heavy drinking. For house and deep-house nights that already prioritize selection and atmosphere over bottle service, this trend feels less like a threat and more like an opening for more intentional programming.

Chris Stussy Officially Becomes Chris Stassy

The Dutch DJ and producer known as Chris Stussy has changed his artist name to Chris Stassy, confirming the update via Instagram on August 18. The one-letter shift keeps the same pronunciation, with the simple statement “One letter, same mind. Same music, same vibe.” His label Up The Stuss and USS party series remain unchanged. Fans quickly speculated about possible trademark issues with the streetwear brand Stüssy, though no official reason was given. The timing coincides with upcoming N.A.M.E. party dates in Birmingham and Amsterdam later this month that will launch the new chapter. It is a clean, low-drama rebrand from one of the more consistent voices in contemporary house and deep-tech.

New Small-Scale Nightclub XTC Bushwick Opens in New York

A new intimate venue called XTC Bushwick has opened in Brooklyn, taking over a former auto shop and short-lived jazz bar. Capacity sits around 74 people across indoor and rooftop spaces. The project comes from Brooklyn DJ Sheezy Kebab, inspired by time spent at Es Paradís in Ibiza. Early events already include open-deck rooftop sessions for emerging DJs and a local techno collective pop-up. In a city where large warehouse parties dominate headlines, a deliberately small room feels like a quiet win for the kind of focused listening environments that deep house thrives in.

House Releases Worth Noting

Borrowed Identity & Mechanical Soul Brother – Since That Day (Quintessentials)

A modern house track with a clear retro twist, premiered through Deeper Shades of House. The collaboration leans into the warm, grainy, cinematic side of house that sits comfortably in deep and quality programming. Full premiere details and listening links are available via the Deeper Shades site.

//HOUSE MUSIC ESSENTIALS

DEEPER SHADES OF HOUSE - Every Tuesday at 8a & 8p PST and Sundays at 10a PST.

… Updates

Deeper Shades of House #962 with Guest Mix by Ilhaan Fortuin

Lars Behrenroth’s weekly show continues its strong run of South African talent with Johannesburg’s Ilhaan Fortuin taking the second hour. The episode dropped mid-August and delivers the deep, soulful, carefully programmed selection that has defined the series for more than two decades. Tracklists, download options, and streaming are available on the official site.

Deeper Shades of House #961 with Guest Mix by Kelly B

The previous week’s episode featured another Johannesburg selector, Kelly B, keeping the focus on the deep house continuum coming out of South Africa. These consecutive guest slots underline the show’s ongoing role as a reliable pipeline for new voices in the deeper end of the spectrum.

… Worth Your Time

Bella Claxton – Progressive House DJ Set | SECTION. | August 2026

A recent full set from the Melbourne-based (now Amsterdam-resident) DJ that sits firmly in quality progressive and house territory. Clean programming and forward momentum make it a strong listen for anyone following the deeper and more musical side of current house.

Tinzo – Latin House Party Mix in Brooklyn, NY | Book Club Radio

An energetic Latin house session recorded at a Brooklyn party. The mix moves through Latino party favorites, Latin house, and related rhythms with live energy and crowd interaction. Useful reference for the warmer, more percussive end of house programming.

Ben Sims – Techno DJ Set | SECTION. | August 2026

A precise, drum-led set from the long-running London selector. While more techno than pure house, the funk and broken rhythms keep it relevant to deeper programming conversations and the broader electronic continuum that feeds quality house nights.

// LOOKING AHEAD

Next 7–14 days and beyond

  • Saeed Younan at Pachi-Pachi, Downtown Las Vegas – Saturday, September 12, 2026

    • Younan Music presents Saeed Younan with support from Edgar Reyes, Pat SL, and Robtronik. The night runs 9 PM till late at 211 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Portal 120 (corner of 6th & Carson). Techno, tech house, and minimal flavors are on the flyer, and the event is a Robtronik.FM / Pachi-Pachi collaboration. Tickets via Eventbrite.

  • Chris Stassy (formerly Stussy) N.A.M.E. parties – Birmingham August 22 and Amsterdam August 27

  • Lars Behrenroth upcoming vinyl sets include a poolside session in Oceanside on August 29 and later dates in San Diego, Miami, and Dallas through October.

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Thanks for reading. Keep it locked to Robtronik.FM.

Robert Pointer

Owner and founder of AccelerateRPM LLC.

http://acceleraterpm.com
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Journeys - the art of the DJ set; Recommendations!