Wikepedia describes Bruce Hampton as a “Surrealist American musician.” While that’s a good try, it’s simply impossible to put into words the impact he has had not only as a musician based out of Atlanta for more than 40 years, but as a bandleader who has opened the door to creativity and musical exploration for legions of artists. In the late 60s, Bruce’s Hampton Grease Band played free shows at Piedmont Park with the Allman Brothers Band and recorded the album Music to Eat for Columbia Records in 1971. Bruce has made more than 15 albums solo and with his various groups including the Aquarium Rescue Unit, The Fiji Mariners, the Codetalkers and the Quark Alliance. The 2013 documentary, Basically Frightened: The Musical Madness of Col. Bruce Hampton, Ret. features Dave Matthews, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Billy Bob Thornton and many more artists talking about how Bruce changed their lives and trying to explain why he is the “the coolest extraterrestrial you’ve never heard of.”
Dualstyles is a hard rock band from Chicago that blends elements of hip hop and electronic sound into their music. The band uses a multicultural influence to express the world through their eyes and of those around them.
So many bands nowadays sound alike, and even more shoot for a linear sounding style, it’s due time a band steps forward to break the stale mold of the progressive metal scene. “To create a fresh perspective on progressive metal and help to rebuild their scene” – that’s the mission of The Great Divide. The Great Divide is a three piece collective of best friends based out of Chicago, IL, formed in late 2013. The band prides themselves on doing everything independently, from recording their own music to running all aspects of their business and marketing. The Great Divide believes that with enough hard work, dedication, and a strong vision, anyone can create their own reality, and that much is apparent from their work ethic and devotion to their music.
New Orleans’ EYEHATEGOD is the snarling, bilious sound of dead-end America. Since 1988, they’ve been a soundtrack for the troubled masses. Ugly music for ugly times. That’s the sense of disenchantment and disease that lies the heart of their latest and sixth full-length album, A History of Nomadic Behavior. Anyone familiar with EHG’s story knows this is survivor’s music, a sound unto itself where Sabbathian riffs are meted out with a caustic anger that goes beyond punk. That’s been the blueprint since guitarist Jimmy Bower (also of NOLA supergroup, Down) founded the band in 1988 with vocalist Michael IX Williams joining not long after. With a discography including sludge-punk mainstays like In the Name of Suffering (1990), Take as Needed for Pain (1993) Dopesick (1996) or 2014’s eponymously-titled LP, released in the US through Housecore Records, EHG laid the cracked foundation for their infamous and influential sound. A History of Nomadic Behavior finds the band, now slimmed to a four-piece rounded out by bassist Gary Mader and drummer Aaron Hill, leaner and meaner than ever; road-hardened by recent tours with Black Label Society, Corrosion of Conformity and Napalm Death in the US and abroad. From the bitter pill of opener “Built Beneath the Lies” to the hypnotic haze of closer “Every Thing, Every Day” it’s clear that that EYEHATEGOD hasn’t slowed or mellowed with time. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. This is disorienting, uneasy listening. Music that still hurts.
Very influential British punk rock band which formed in 1977 with the original line up of Terry ‘Tez’ Roberts on vocals, Tony ‘Bones’ Roberts on guitar, Roy ‘Rainy’ Wainwright on guitar, Nigel Bamford on bass and Akko on drums. Shortly after Nigel Bamford left the group, and Rainy moved to bass. This line up sounded much more like the Sex Pistols, but only recorded one demo. The line up and the sound changed in 1979. It became: Kelvin ‘Cal’ Morris on vocals, Bones on guitar, Rainy on bass and Tez on drums, which many consider to be the “classic” Discharge line up.
The band pioneered a heavy, distorted, and grinding guitar–driven sound and anti–melodic shouted or screamed vocals with on a focus on anarchist and pacifist themes and frequent mention of nuclear war.
Discharge also pioneered “D–beat” as a punk subgenre. The band’s sound, political viewpoint and stripped–down aesthetic can be traced to modern hardcore bands like ; Disfear, Tragedy, Nasum
In the fall of 1999 three out of four members of a band called “Exit23” decided to leave home in search of a new and better music scene. They packed up all their worldly belongings and moved 1,000 miles away, ending up in the outskirts of Chicago, IL.It was a slow start for Matty, Dave, and J. They spent the first few months just trying to survive. They lived in an empty apartment, slept on the floor, and for fun played a game they called “Sock,” which was basically baseball with a rolled up sock. It wasn’t easy, but they were determined to make things work.While struggling to keep each other fed and clothed, they put up some flyers in hopes of finding a drummer. As fate would have it, the first drummer to respond to the flyer was a young lad from Oswego, IL named Rich. A meeting was arranged, a practice was held, and a decision was made. The band was complete, and they began writing songs.Then in the spring of 2000, J was forced to return to NY. Family issues, among other things made it impossible for him to remain in Chicago. After a friendly parting of ways the remaining three decided to regroup and start something new, without subtracting any of J’s profound influence. He is missed every single day.Months of playing with different fill-in bass players went by. And finally, an Email response to their calling came in from a punk named Toby from Lockport, IL. Once again… A meeting was arranged, a practice was held, and a decision was made. At long last, “Jinxpack” was in full effect.In the summer of 2001 their debut album “Nobody’s Clean” was recorded and released in October. They began touring hitting most of the states south and west of IL. Since then, they’ve just about covered the entire US. They’re sponsored by Skate Shack of Lisle, IL. And have songs on many compilation discs!Jinxpack is a melodic punk band with big dreams, and has set no limits. They remember all those that have helped them along the way. Now you know the important parts of their past… They hope you’re excited for their future!
VibraphoniX is collective of Chicago musicians all hailing from some of the top acts in the Midwest! This super group features a rotating cast and frequent big sit ins from members of Terrapin Flyer, Fresh Hops, The Dropper, Downers Groove, Shady Grady, The Casual Ties and Zmick for an eclectic, multi genre show of originals, improv sections and select favorite covers that will have you rocking and grooving all night long. Spread the good Vibes!
Singer and rapper Tunde Olaniran works for Planned Parenthood, and is an active supporter of the LGBT pride scene around Detroit and his home base of Flint, Mich. The non-musical side of his resumé hints at the hard and unpredictable work of taking on social issues, so it’s no surprise that his music reveals a restless spirit and seemingly bottomless supply of energy.
According to Olaniran, “KYBM,” which stands for “Keep Your Body Moving,” is dedicated to the social justice community in Detroit, working to better lives in and around the notoriously troubled city. Olaniran’s voice swoops from falsetto to exaggeratedly, artificially lowered echoes in the span of two words, over a brassy synth line and a drum machine like a jumping heartbeat. This is a dance anthem that won’t quit, dedicated to friends and colleagues living by the same principle.
Fronted by REILLY VALENTINE, with JOSH BOYER on lead, SPENCER LOVE on bass, and MIGUEL WHITE on drums, PSYCHIC NURSE is cooking up 90’s desert rock with a glam twist. Blues-inspired and lyrically minded, this grungy foursome will severely impact your hearing in the best way possible.
The Fourmula is one of the hottest up and coming bands from Peoria IL. They’ve been winning over audiences with their smooth style of blues and great live show along with tasteful original music. The Fourmula is Bob Kelly on drums and vocals, Aaron Miller on guitar and vocals, Chris Nix on Harmonica and Keyboards, and Mike Stumpo on bass guitar and vocals.
Cory Henry is a multi-instrumentalist and producer with a catalog worthy of a man twice his age. His primary instrument is the organ, and he began playing at the age of two. At the age of six he competed at the Apollo Theater and made it to the finalist round. In 2010, he co-produced Jay White’s “Larger than Life”. Later that year he released his first album “Christmas With You”, which featured his lively renditions of Christmas classics and prominently showcased his skill as an improviser. Kim Burrell’s Grammy nominated and Stellar Award winning “Love” album released in 2011 boasted several tracks that were written and produced by Henry. Later on that year, he released a single entitled “Leave Me Alone” featuring his vocal artistry.
At the tender age of nineteen he had the opportunity to begin traveling with the Jazz legend Kenny Garrett as his organist in a stint that lasted three years. He has done television work playing on the third season of Sunday’s Best for BET and on the Jimmy Fallon Show. He has worked with Aretha Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Sara Bareilles, Stanley Brown, Ray Chew And The Crew, P. Diddy, Kirk Franklin, Rob Glasper, Ron Grant, Lalah Hathway, Derrick Hodge, Israel Houghton, Joe, Shaun Kingston, Donald Lawrence, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Michael McDonald, Boyz 2 Men, NAS, Snarky Puppy, Tommy Sims, Bruce Springsteen, The Roots, Hezekiah Walker, Bishop Jeffrey White, the late Timothy Wright, and many others. Henry’s awe-inspiring impromptu YouTube performances have gained him a loyal and sizable following. His latest release, “First Steps” was released in the July 2014 and was celebrated on iTunes as “New and Noteworthy” and debuted #1 on the iTunes charts. He is currently touring with Snarky Puppy, his own band “The Funk Apostles” and lending his talent to the production of several projects for other artists.
Amongst many attempts to describe The Whiskey Gentry, perhaps the best take was from Paste Magazine, who called them a “toe-tapping, steamrolling kind of band, its fingers picking deep into fields of bluegrass…with a punk-inspired kick drum.”
The Whiskey Gentry’s catchy tunes reel in listeners ranging from young music novices to wider mainstream audiences, while their musical chops earn the professional praise and respect of those with the most sophisticated of musical palates.
Initially a quintet formed by husband and wife duo Lauren Staley and Jason Morrow, the band’s 2011 debut album, Please Make Welcome, became a critically-acclaimed success, garnering official recognition as a finalist in the Chris Austin Songwriting Competition held at MerleFest. While touring in support of the record, the full lineup was solidified, with Michael Smith on mandolin and Rurik Nunan on fiddle/vocals joining Chesley Lowe on banjo, and Sammy Griffin on bass.
For their 2013 sophomore effort, Holly Grove, the band once again sought the talents of engineer and co-producer John Keane (R.E.M., Uncle Tupelo). In early 2013, the band successfully rallied fans to help fund the studio sessions through a Kickstarter campaign. Local artists and established pros alike pitched in as well, creating a true ensemble effort on songs such as a duet with Butch Walker on “One Night in New York,” and cameos throughout the album by Les Hall, the Dappled Grays, and Radiolucent. Mastered by Glenn Schick (Indigo Girls, Drive-By Truckers), Holly Grove infuses elements of country, bluegrass, folk, rock, and punk with a mix of poppy and poignant lyrics, fiery and heartfelt vocals, traditional and progressive sounds, honesty, edginess, and entertainment all around.
With two studio albums under their belt, April 2014 saw the release of Live From Georgia on Goose Creek Music, which captures the raw energy and powerful stage presence fans have come to expect at live shows. Indeed The Whiskey Gentry is riding a wave of momentum. Holly Grove peaked at #16 on the Americana Radio Chart, they continue touring extensively up and down the East coast from Tampa to Boston, through Texas and Louisiana, the Midwest, and many points in between, including Europe. Luring listeners in, capturing their ears, hearts, and minds, and blazing new trails in Americana music and beyond, The Whiskey Gentry is only just warming its heels.
Hunter S. Thompson wrote that “the whiskey gentry” was “a pretentious mix of booze, failed dreams, and a terminal identity crisis.” Though they are never lacking offers from fans for a shot of whiskey, their dreams are becoming reality, their identity is distinct, their future on a steady crescendo.
Har Mar Superstar started as a solo, modern pop R&B side-project for Sean Tillmann in 1999. Hailing from the Twin Cities, Tillmann quickly gained notoriety worldwide for boisterous, sweaty live shows that often ended disrobed down to a pair of briefs, while managing to create a balance of trust and nervous energy from unsuspecting crowds. He toured the world, priding himself on being an “artist’s artist,” championed by his peers The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gossip, Father John Misty, and The Faint, among others, who repeatedly selected him as a main-support opening act. Lizzo even joined the band for a few tours.
As Tillmann’s songwriting grew stronger, the shtick began to fade and gave way to more honesty in his albums & live performances, while the band grew in size, volume, and restraint. Everything really came together with the release of Har Mar’s landmark, classic soul album Bye Bye 17 in 2013, and he was finally, solidly gaining his own audience globally through a non-stop tour schedule that continued through his most recent album, Best Summer Ever. By 2016, the band had grown into an unstoppable 7-piece behemoth, famous as much for their entertainment sweat equity as they were for their ability to seamlessly morph through sets of widely varying styles, energy, and raw emotion.
After living in London, LA, and Brooklyn for 14 years, Tillmann is back in Minneapolis and proud to call it home. The new album, Roseville, is a love letter to the community, artists & family that drew him back and the experiences he had along the way.
Steve Jr. grew up in the Chicago Suburb Wheaton Illinois. His first instrument was piano; he started playing drums by age 13. Stephen concluded his eclectic early education at the Chicago Academy for the Arts high school. Roosevelt University was the next stop, and there Stephen was able to experience and be educated in Classical, Jazz, and traditional music of many different styles. Composition and arranging was one of the greatest interests that grew for Stephen in college.
PROSTHETIC RECORDS has signed Minneapolis based tech-death metallers, REAPING ASMODEIA. Formed by former members of With Dead Hands Rising, REAPING ASMODEIA self-released their debut album, “Poison of the Earth,” a year later. The album was mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren (All Shall Perish, Suffocation) and received high press in the death metal community. The band spent most of that year touring in support of the album, playing shows all across America with the likes of Abiotic, Beyond Creation, Boris The Blade and many more. They also appeared at the Texas independence Fest, Orange County Death Fest and Austin’s Hoodang Festival. Their intense live show and unrelenting work ethic, made them the go-to regional metal band in the Minneapolis area, having been chosen to support artists like Veil of Maya, The Faceless, The Contortionist as well as last year’s Summer Slaughter. With the signing to PROSTHETIC and a new album planned for Summer 2016, expect REAPING ASMODEIA’s reach to expand worldwide.
Early in his career, Malcolm performed guitar and piano on Bill Ward’s (Black Sabbath) record ‘Ward 1’, which included piano on a track featuring Ozzy Osbourne. He recorded with Dick Heckstall-Smith, and a Brand X compilation featuring 2 of his own songs performed withPercy Jones, John Goodsall and Pierre Moerlan. In the 90s Malcolm toured and recorded with ‘Lost City’, featuring Rue Phillips and Kofi Baker, which included a double headline US tour with Edan Everly (Don Everly’s son).
Malcolm has recently spent time in Nashville at producer Kevin McKendree‘s studio (Delbert McClinton, Brian Setzer, John Oates) and was in the studio as assistant engineer with Little Richard for a tribute to songwriting legend Dottie Rambo. Whilst in Nashville, Malcolm also played bass on fretless guitarist Ned Evett‘s record ‘Treehouse’ produced by Adrian Belew. Malcolm also played bass on a song featuring Elton John playing piano and singing a duet with Frankie Miller, which will be released on a special tribute record to Frankie, with Frankie’s longtime guitarist Ray Minhinnettand producer David Mackay.
Malcolm performed shows with his father over the years, in the UK, US and Europe. He appeared on several of Jack’s recordings, including ‘Shadows in the Air’ on tracks with Eric Clapton, and ‘More Jack than God’ featuring Dr. John, culminating in work on Jack’s final album ‘Silver Rails’, recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 2014.
Malcolm has been touring regularly, playing shows in theatres and clubs across the UK and the US, including venues in London such as The Jazz Cafe, The Troubadour and O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, and in NYC at BB Kings, Iridium and The Cutting Room.
Recent live work has included touring in the US with Leslie West and Corky Laing (Mountain), a 60 date tour as support for Joe Satriani across Europe, the US and Canada as part of Ned Evett’s Triple Double, and a special Jimi Hendrix Birthday tribute at BB Kings in New York City with Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors) and Corky Laing. Malcolm has also toured with Will Johns (Andy Johns’ son), Kofi Baker (Ginger Baker’s son), and Chris Page playing the songs of Cream, in the USA as well as the UK. He recently completed a 10 concert solo UK tour as support for Andy Fraser (Free), and toured Japan and Germany with guitarist Chris Spedding (Motorbikin’). He played piano for poet / Cream lyricist Pete Brown in Prague and Bratislava, at a CD release event for Czech star Miro Zbirka’s album recorded at Abbey Road with producer Rob Cass. Malcolm played a headline show at The Cutting Room in August, with a band consisting of guitarist David Malachowski (Anthony Rapp, Mamma Mia, Shania Twain), and the cream of the crop of Broadway musicians including drummer Gary Seligson (Rent, School of Rock).
Malcolm is now gearing up to release an album, recorded in Nashville and London, through Pledge Music in early 2016 and will be touring in support of the release through the late Spring.
There’s a free EP download for everyone who makes a pledge towards the Pledge Music campaign. For more info about how to get involved: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/malcolmbruce
Nuclear Waste is a hard rocking power trio that established itself in the 80’s winning H.S. Battle of the Bands performances in Chicago. 34 years later the trio has reunited. The founding members Marcelino “Ace” Diaz – guitar/vocals, George Fludas – drums, and Chris Clemente – bass/vocals have decided to revisit classic tunes and also add some new material. Big influences are Led Zeppelin, Rush, Van Halen and The Police, to name a few. Even though these musicians have carved their own separate music careers respectively in Jazz, Pop or Fusion they have returned to bring back the ROCK! And it’s heavy! Chris Clemente (bass,vox) is a veteran musician/producer/educator. He was a contributing composer for Harpo Studio and Chicago Public Radio. Chris has played with Jennifer Hudson, Kanye, Percy Sledge, Hiram Bullock. Local bands include: Amazing Headgear, General Zod, & BKO. Recently, his band Kick the Cat opened for Stu Hamm at Reggies…and they brought it! George Fludas (drums) A well established jazz drummer, George has played in Chicago clubs with local greats like Von Freeman, Jodie Christian and Lin Halliday, as well as in groups including Bobby Broom, and Ron Perrillo. He was a member of legendary bassist Ray Brown’s trio, and toured with Diana Krall’s group. He also toured and recorded with organist Joey DeFrancesco’s trio. Make no bones about it. George “Fish” is a heavy hitter often compared to John “Bonzo” Bonham. Ace Diaz (guitars/vox) is a driving force behind NW. Ace is a consummate guitarist in many rock styles. His guitar/amp collection is both confusing and impressive. He has played with local bands Arra, Infinity, Epic, and Evolution in many Chicago area night clubs. In NW he doubles on Moog Taurus Pedals and sings lead and background vocals.
Gonzo-Feedback rhythm and poetic space dabs
Cleancut-Leading sonic inspiration rhythm
Ratface-Leveled out tempo rhythm
Richardson J.-Low end fuzz rhythm
Ashbringer was established in 2014 by Nick Stanger with the solo-recorded debut LP Vacant (Avantgarde Music). The project was soon expanded into a full band to tour the United States and Canada. Subsequent releases Yūgen (2016, Avantgarde Music, Vendetta) and Absolution (2019, Prosthetic) further expanded on their kaleidoscopic sound, combining elements of black metal, post-rock, folk, noise and ambient music.
With their lineup now fully solidified, Ashbringer continue to evolve into a sound uniquely their own, drawing from an expansive palette to craft their most experimental yet accessible release to date: We Came Here To Grieve.
Nick Stanger – Guitar/Vocals Jackson Catton – Guitar Nathan Wallestad – Bass Andy Meyer – Drums
Fusing foot-stompin’ bohemian cabaret folk, French chanson and `80’s punk, with vaudeville charm, steampunk flair and pixiespirit this Euro-American duo seamlessly blends raucous, danceable melodies and rhythms with cheeky stories sung in English and French.
The Nathaniel Johnstone Band hails from Seattle, WA, lead by multi-instrumentalist Nathaniel Johnstone (violin, viola, banjo, mandolin, and guitar). Their vibrant sound crosses boundaries and borders, resulting in a blend of European, Middle Eastern, and South American music with Jazz, Rock, Surf, Folk, Gothic, and Steampunk influences.
Joining the band on stage is world-renown bellydance fusion artist Tempest, adding another incredible level to the band’s dynamic stage show. All together, they provide an incredible audio-visual experience that delivers solid, reliable music and high-quality entertainment – all while getting folks up and dancing!
The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing are a steampunk band from London. Their name is a reference to the chalked graffiti discovered above a section of blood-stained apron thought to have been …
With a high energy blend of punk, surf and power-pop, Northern CA’s, DECENT CRIMINAL, offer catchy, upbeat songs that mercilessly collide with abrasive and often melancholy undertones, to bring forth a style that’s playfully compatible while still feeling inadvertently raw.
Clay Borrell is a 19 year old singer/songwriter and entertainer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the age of 12, Clay started filming short comedy skits, school projects and soon keeping up with this hobby by doing cover songs of a current favorite song by Jason Mraz or whatever caught his attention. At the age of 16, Clay’s long time friend and video cohort Alex Ernst (Vine, Digifest) introduced Clay to his current manager on a partnered video project. Soon following, Clay flew out to LA and began to record his very first song and debut single, “Hello L.A.”. Since it’s release, Clay has played concerts across the country and been on multiple promotional tours spreading the word. He has also attended and performed at VidCon, Playlist Live recently. In the midst of promoting and performances Clay has finished his much anticipated debut EP which will be released in 2015! With the accompanying release, Clay’s goal is to share his music and passion for living life to the fullest with as many people as possible. See you in 2015 and on friends, expect Clay in a city near you soon!
Whether performing with Ashish Khan the world’s foremost Sarod Master or opening for Bob Dylan, or performing at New York’s Lincoln Center, Boyd has always had one mission; to do things a little differently; a little off the beaten path. When Boyd decided to join the US Navy and perform in the US Navy Steel Drum Band, this ethic was truly put to the test. Deciding that the normal usage of performing Caribbean Steel Drums was not enough, Boyd set out to recreate the instrument and use it in as many different ways he possibly could, all the while singing and performing as many different musical styles as possible in order to gain a rich understanding of what the instrument can and will do.
Magick Potion is a power ambient duo from Chicago USA.Consisting of Classical Pianist Vivian Yanzhe Yu and Bassist JasonWayne Sneed, melting their individual styles, creating rich textured soundscapes. Known for their signature, eerie dark and beautifully cosmic sound. Using sub sonic frequencies to lull and terrify the listener, taking them on a journey to another dimension.
Cooper’s Grove is a band of brothers doing battle on the local and national scene. Pouring heart and soul into each of their compositions. A band with true Midwest values writing about real life experiences. The listener walks away with a sense of fellowship and a catchy tune to remind them we’re all in this together.
The loving sounds of those passed. The yearly ritual of erasing things. Ocean Days is a simple three piece indie band bringing the not so simple feeling of 20-something angst. You will be reminded of Elliot Smith, From Indian Lakes, Bon Iver, Foxing, and many others.
“The School of Rock AllStars are top teenage musicians from around the globe, touring North America and wowing crowds with classic and modern rock and roll hits. They are joined by School of Rock house bands that showcase the area’s local talent.”
Raised mostly in a holler on the border of West Virginia and Virginia. Formed in summer of 2013 while working on a cattle ranch in East Texas. This family band is a second generation alt-country four piece that brings garage-rock speed and power, southern rock harmonies and straight up kickassery to their music. They played their first real gig together in October 2013 during ACL at the HIckoids’ Corn Lover’s Fiesta in Austin, and in the spring of 2014 during SXSW at Jeff Smith’s Saustex Records showcase.
Being raised in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and stemming from three chord punk rock provides for a unique twist on traditional instruments. With their first album “Empty Flask, Empty Heart”, the songs are described as an “aggressive yet melodic collection” ranging from fast and punchy tales of rambling and love, to dark and soulful songs birthed from whiskey and regret.
“Their live set is performed as impeccably as their studio set, and you really can feel how much energy, love, and emotion is poured not only into their writing, but into their performance.”
KINGS OF SPADE dish out a raw and grungey blend of urban funk, dirty blues, deep soul and rock. Don’t let the tattooed arms or florescent mohawk of the lead singer fool you. Her whaling vocals are fiery, passionate, and a unique hybrid of soul queens Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. Proud of not being boxed in a specific genre, the KINGS can remind you of a classic fist-pumping rock band in one number, take you for a dance-pop ride in the next, and then charge straight into an old smokey blues riff. Their shameless dancing, foot-stomping, and highly energetic live show has landed them gigs at LA’s House of Blues, The Avalon, and The Viper Room, as well opening for world-famous acts like Bon Jovi, Daughtry, Mutemath, Everclear, Rival Sons, and the Deftones. They just finished their 2nd studio album in Nashville, TN with Grammy nominated producer Dave Cobb which will be released on February 14th 2014. Their song “Boys In The Band” is featured on the film soundtrack for the Warner Brother’s released “Utopian Society.” Title track of their 2009 debut album “Crave” was also featured in a Roxy breast cancer awareness commercial. In 2012 KOS kicked off a cross-country tour at the Autumn Lights Festival in Los Angeles capturing fans in Arizona, Austin, Boston, Vermont, and New York. They launched an extensive 22 show US Mainland Tour in March 2013 which included a performance on Good Morning Austin on Fox 7 news and showcases at the Blind Pig Rooftop Stage, the Texas Rockfest Stage, and Red Gorilla Music Festival in Austin.
J. Bernard Bowse is a jazz pianist, vocalist, and songwriter. He began his classical training at the age of 11 in California. After graduating from high school in Massachusetts, he became part of the Marine Corps Band in which he performed as a pianist, percussionist, and singer for more than four years throughout the US, Australia, Thailand, and Japan. In 2011, he moved to Chicago to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at Columbia College Chicago where he studied piano with the well-known teachers Sebastian Huydts and Donald Neale, and voice with equally renowned Martez Rucker, Sharon Carlson, and Sandra Cross. He has performed at different venues around Chicago including Singer Salon, Davenport’s, Andy’s Jazz Club, Original Mothers, and PianoForte as a solo performer, accompanist, and backup singer. He is currently preparing his debut EP which will be released in Spring 2016.
If you don’t know Supa Bwe, you know his sound. The 29-year-old Chicago rapper has championed a combustible blend of hip hop, pop-punk, and R&B and helped carve out what would become a fertile, crowded lane occupied by younger stars like Lil Uzi Vert, XXXTENTACION, Trippie Redd, and YNW Melly. And yet, Supa is still constantly producing personal stylistic flourishes that no other artist could possibly replicate. On “Rememory,” from his new EP Just Say Thank You, he enlists Chance the Rapper to craft a dewy, electric piano-driven lullaby in which Bwe bounds in from left field and snatches the mic, instantly turning the track on its side with his singular singing voice—the sweet, sticky, Auto-tuned caterwaul of a lovesick feral cat.
Stumbling out of the local bar punk rock and roll featuring current/ex-members of the Bollweevils, Muchacha, Antabuse and some others you’ve never heard of but probably shared a drink with.
