“His gritty storytelling…doesn’t require more than his powerful, growly baritone and an acoustic guitar…” – No Country for New Nashville
Justin Wells sings loud songs.
After spending nearly a decade fronting the Kentucky southern rock band Fifth on the Floor, no strangers to a rocking show, Justin spent his nights on the line between a slow country ballad and fast rock-n-roll. Now on his own, his songs are a little older, a little leaner, a little meaner. Currently playing a handful of solo dates prior to hitting the studio for his debut release, expect his show to feature stories instead of solos, or a stomping boot instead of a drum.
Self dubbed “The Future of The Future,” The Fantastic Plastics simply describe their sound as “Candy Coated Cyanide.”
The Fantastic Plastics, craft infectious pop hooks sprinkled with thick analog synths and a dose whip smart lyrics. The Fantastic Plastics live in the world of retro-futurism and their songs are often cautionary tales for a society blindly adopting technology for which the consequences are not understood.
The Fantastic Plastics are known for their energetic concerts. The live shows are enhanced with video installations, lights, costumes and more. A blend of 2001 A Space Odyssey with the glam sensibility of Ziggy Stardust.
Keith James is a multi-platinum songwriter whose distinctive mix of Pop, Hip-hop, and R&B has led to writing hits for top-selling artists such as Jeremih, Wale, and others. Now, his unique musicality and charismatic appeal have him stepping into the spotlight as the performer with his most recent masterpiece and debut single, “Not My Day” (Releasing Feb 9, 2015).
Born and raised in one of South Side Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods, James began performing at the tender age of nine, singing in his church choir and playing both piano and saxophone. Writing music nightly, James never allowed the harsh reality of his surroundings – or the sound of gunshots outside his window – to steer him from creating the positive, uplifting lyrics and melodies that have since become his trademark.
Teaming with multi-platinum producer and musical genius Mick Schultz in 2008, James co-wrote the platinum smash “Birthday Sex” with recording artist (and childhood friend) Jeremih. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The trio then collaborated on the hit record “Imma Star,” which reached gold status, and a publishing deal with Universal followed.
Colleagues have described James’ music as a contagious mix of Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, and John Legend, and his voice as a soothing mix of Teddy Pendergrass and Barry White – a sound that is magnified by the warmth and positive energy reflected in James himself.
“Keith James is an incredible songwriter but has always been a true artist at heart,” says Schultz. “It’s now time for the world to know that!”
Realizing that they share a special bond, James and Schultz continue to work together to change the face of music, and have written a large catalogue of songs together that the world has yet to hear. With his producer firmly by his side, the career of Keith James is history in the making.
The Preacher’s Kid
It is often said religious families birth the worst rebels. This cross-cultured fact has become the creative fingerprint for Sir the Baptist, and the inescapable thought of religion worldwide explains why he is an emerging artist with a universal market. Sir the Baptist, the son of a preacher, is an indie American renaissance artist noted as “one of the chosen ones” by Universal Music. If 2Pac was our first urban Prophet, he’s our first glimpse at an urban hymnist with that same ghetto gospel. He is a religion rebel. In the 1950’s, Ray Charles was rebuked by the church for bringing gospel music to the secular/pop world with his hit song “I Got a Woman”. Sir is the second coming of that twisted faith. “Thank God real performers still exist”, says Sean Dale of Power 92.3fm. He’s a game-changing fusion of secular and sacred – with a message that is refreshingly progressive, delightfully innovative, and unapologetically necessary for today’s socio-political climate. He has hip-hop’s aggressiveness with a crooner’s charm that paints the provoking imagery of a sinner who juggles desire for salvation and plotted bad habits.
The centuries spent branding religion makes his target easy, limitless… sometimes reminiscent of the world renowned Broadway musical “Book of Mormon” with his church stylistic comedy, while other times referencing the serious and thought provoking fire and brimstone teachings from his upbringings. Jeff Vaughn, of Warner Music Group, says “Sir blurs the line between Saturday night at the club and Sunday morning at church. Simply incredible.” Sir’s willingness to invoke both humanity’s longing for redemption, and its lust for worldly practices is a surprisingly relatable exhibition of the human condition.
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Sir the Baptist was born William James Stokes at the “Gateway of Jazz Heaven” also known as Chicago’s historically artistic Bronzeville neighborhood, to Christian Apologist Dr. James Benton and Mission Ambassador Patricia Ann. The mystique of Sir’s artistry is connected to the memories of his father’s sermons and Chicago crime and drug infested ghettos. Dr. Benton had the great fortune of not only seeing the foundation of Bronzeville’s rich musical community, but also was a part of its economic engine that pushed Bronzeville to keep giving back to its community, even after his death. His neighbors’ residue was his inspiration. Ella Fitzgerald played at Bronzeville’s Sunset Café, which today is where Ace Hardware resides. Lena Horne, Duke Ellington and Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole along with countless others also were regular performers at Sunset Cafe. In addition, their Bronzeville homes have been deemed historical landmarks. Being a part of the same community as those greats before him made Sir the Baptist the genius he is today. Brandra Ringo, of Universal Music, proclaims “Amen! One of the chosen has arrived. Save music!” .
The world, although it may not always seem so, is ready for new points of view. “This is It”, says Rex Rideout of Motown Records. Tunji Bungalow, of Interscope, simply states “Thank you for making good music”. When asked what genre his music is, Sir says “It’s Art Tatum boogie woogin’ on an old upright piano in a small tavern with a choir and Andre 3000 or Pac at the mic,” or simply put “church pub rap”. Although this isn’t remotely innovative, he has recorded with towering Steinway Composer Lee Musiker; who produced for the likes of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra Jr. This type of diversity has him leaving the studio with a Sinatra to recording “Familiar” with Chance the Rapper on Surf alongside King Louie and Quavo. From finales with Joffery Ballet to taking that same 8-piece horn section to RAGE venues with Travis Scott at Chicago’s renowned venue “The Metro”, Sir the Baptist a new voice in music to be reckoned with. From Pitchfork features for his trap production with his collective StokFord, to composing the theme for Dysfunctional Friends, a major motion picture, now featured on Redbox, Netflix, and international film outlets Sir the Baptist is an accomplished and versatile artist. An extended version of the film’s theme also made it to Sir the Baptist’s “PK” album. Rated as “one of the most diverse records of the year, welcome to church” by Grammy Governor and multi-platinum artists representative Daryl Jones. .
Jeff Morris – Singer, Guitarist and Songwriter performing solo electric and acoustic.
Morris established his credentials in the late 80’s Boston punk rock scene as the songwriter/lyricist/guitarist in seminal east coast street rock punk band The Bruisers from 1988 through 1996 with current Dropkick Murphys singer, Al Barr.
Jeff’s signature guitar style and songwriting helped create what has become known as the street rock punk scene in the USA. He and The Bruisers are constantly cited as influences by up and coming bands.
The Bruisers released seven records and toured extensively in the US and EU, and are now considered an icon in the scene. They shared the stage with legendary bands including Bad Brains, Agnostic Front, Sheer Terror, Madball, Blood For Blood, Dropkick Murphys, The Business, Biohazard, Type O Negative, Life Of Agony, Murphys Law, Breakdown, Nuclear Assault, 25 Ta Life, Converge and many more.
The Bruisers influence and popularity have only increased over time as all of their recordings are still in print on Taang! and available on iTunes, Amazon and elsewhere as downloads and their merchandise continues to sell through online retail.
They recently played two reunion shows to several thousand eager fans and plan to work more in 2015/2016.
After The Bruisers, Morris formed Death & Taxes, a three piece post-punk roots rock band who played extensively and released one critically acclaimed record; “Tattooed Hearts and Broken Promises” on I Scream Records of USA/Belgium.
Death & Taxes also shared the stage with legendary bands and artists, including John Doe (X), Brian Fallon (Gaslight Anthem), The Supersuckers, Dropkick Murphys, Ted Leo, Street Dogs, Darkbuster, Three Blue Teardrops, Casualties, Waco Brothers, Chris Mills, Stigma, Drag The River, Woggles, Michael Graves (Misfits) and others.
Stylistically Death & Taxes are a logical progression from the late Bruisers sound, and the reception by fans to this day proves that the style Morris helped create is still relevant today.
Morris’s skill and notoriety have earned him endorsement deals with several guitar gear manufacturers including Reverend Guitars, Jenkins Sound Shop, Truck Amplifier Co, Sweet Sound Effects Pedals and ProAnalog Effects Pedals.
Morris’s solo electric and acoustic shows typically include songs from both The Bruisers and Death & Taxes as well as new material.
In 2009 Morris relocated to Chicago where he continues to write and record.
Fans of acts such as Darkest Hour, Cannibal Corpse and The Acacia Strain are sure to uncover a whole new sonic disease when exploring the punishing sounds of Forty Winters. An exhilarating band on the rise based out of the South Florida music scene, Forty Winters present passionate tunes of darkness and integrity that will tear into your soul and then toss your ass into the nearest mosh pit of mass destruction. Their latest recording is entitled ‘Isolation’, an assault to the senses that will leave the listener gasping for air.
Upon their formation in 2013, Arvia immediately discovered a passion for songwriting and performing that has since carried them to enormous heights. The band has shared the stage with acts such as Against The Current, Late Nite Reading, and Slaves, and since the release of their debut EP “Everything You Dreamed Of” in December 2014, the band has quickly become a recognizable name in the Chicago scene, continuing to expand their fanbase and broaden their horizons.
Composed of Aren Andersen (Vocals), Alex Nauth (Guitar, Vocals), Ricky Ayala (Guitar, Back up vocals), and Alex Ayala (Drums), the Indianapolis, IN pop rock quintet have quickly taken the independent music scene by storm. Formed by brothers Ricky and Alex Ayala at a young age, the band released their first EP, “Seasons” in 2012, and their first full-length album, “To Be Alive” in 2013. We Are Forever’s distinct brand of fun up-beat Pop Rock has captured the hearts of thousands and secured their spots on large shows alongside bands such as The Maine, Breathe Carolina, Sleeping With Sirens and many more as well as winning a spot on the Ernie Ball stage at Warped Tour. The band is currently in the studio with ZK Productions (Cartel, Mayday Parade, The Summer Set) working on a new EP, expected in 2015.
The Big Time is a Pop Rock/Alternative band from Altoona, PA. Since forming in 2009, they have released four albums and most recently worked with producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount (Mayday Parade, All Time Low, Cartel) on their newest album “Imaginary Heart” that was released in early September 2014.
In the past few years The Big Time has quickly gained a strong following with their tireless work ethic, utilizing every social networking avenue available and sharing the stage with artists including; All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Breathe Carolina, The Downtown Fiction, We Are The In Crowd, Hit The Lights, and The Wonder Years to name a few. The Big Time has also been featured on The Gunz Show and had their newest album streamed on idobi Radio before its release.
Just give me the chance, and I’ll take it.” This lyric from pop-punk band 7 Minutes In Heaven sums up the ethos of Timmy Rasmussen, Alex Rogers, and Justin Mondzak. Formed as a solo project by Rasmussen in late 2012, 7MIH (the abbreviation favored by fans) added musicians Rogers (Vocals/Bass) in early 2014 and Mondzak (Guitar) end of 2014. Having already toured as a solo act in support of a self-released EP (“Get in The Van!”), Rasmussen found the addition of both Rogers and Mondzak as the missing pieces to what he had set out to accomplish.
With the newly completed line-up taking form, 7MIH toured virtually non-stop in 2014 (including a summer of promotion following the Van’s Warped Tour) in support of their self-released “The Statement” EP. The immense support from fans old and new allowed the band to revisit the “The Statement” EP and record a companion release “The Statement: Deluxe”.
The band kicked off 2015 with a co-headlining tour supporting “The Statement: Deluxe” followed by a national tour with pop rock veterans Metro Station. The band will be embarking on a tour in early June to support friends Hollywood Ending on their farewell tour. The rest of the year will find Rasmussen, Rogers and Mondzak preparing new material for a fall 2015 release. It’s clear now; 7MIH has an extremely bright future ahead of them!
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Jason Horn or more commonly known as JHornay, A.K.A Sir High, lives the laid back West Coast life style of smoking weed and letting his thoughts flow freely behind the microphone. Reigning from Phoenix, Arizona, J has built his ever-growing empire with the HIGH Maintenance Smoke Shop brand to fund his passion for music. Having already toured with many national acts such as Krizz Kaliko, Johnny Richter, Sunspot Jonz and more recently, Devin the Dude, Berner, and Potluck, Hornay continues to actively tour the country to grow his brand and distribute his art. Despite the laid back lifestyle, Horn hustles hard to earn his success and unwinds by getting in the studio and doing what comes natural to him, rapping. After returning from the Buds and Suds tour in 2014, Jason began production on his next project, including collaborations with Grammy nominated Planet Asia, Crooked I, Berner, and Devin the Dude. Although none of the tracks have been leaked and there’s currently no set release date for the project, Hornay continues to build the anticipation by grinding harder than ever! Prepping to hit the road this spring with Rittz and Crooked I on the SouthWest Kings tour, J just might give you a sneak peak at what he’s been working on!
Young De aka Demrick is a Recording Artist / Songwriter currently residing in Los Angeles, California. He has a unique style of music, both raw and soulful. “The songs I write are about my life, friends, family and people I’ve met along the way, most of my inspiration comes from my everyday experiences.” He is best known for his collaborations with high profile artists such as Xzibit, Kurupt, Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, B-Real and Cypress Hill. He is also recognized as a protege of B-Real & Xzibit.
As seen on the “Unsigned and Unholy” Metalsucks feature, Midwestern progressive thrashers BLACK FAST has a short but concentrated history. Formed in 2010 by fellow music students Aaron Akin, Trevor Johanson, Ryan Thompson and Ross Burnett , BLACK FAST has been melting faces and sharing the stage with bands like Havok, Vektor, Toxic Holocaust, Cavalera Conspiracy, Revocation, Forbidden, Warbringer, Nachtmystium, Enabler, Lazarus AD, and Agrimonia.
Black Fast recorded a self-titled EP in 2011 and in August 2013 they self-released their first full-length album, ‘Starving Out the Light,’ which helped them win accolades like ‘Best Thrash Metal” album in the 2013 Metal Storm Awards.
Cannabis corpse was founded by Landphil and Hallhammer in the summer of 2006. The band was a heart felt tribute to smoking pot and the most brutal band in the universe CANNIBAL CORPSE! The original demo “Blunted at Birth” was recorded in the kitchen of a shit hole apt. in “Oregon Hill” a small neighborhood in Richmond VA.
Landphil and Hallhammer wrote and recorded the songs with no vocalist in mind, but since Andy “Weedgrinder” Horn lived in the same Apt. and was known to do extreme metal vocals from time to time he was recruited. After “Blunted at Birth” was complete it was put out as the first release on the fledgling record company “Forcefield Records” The album received a great reaction so Nick was recruited to play as the live guitarist.
Many many shows followed with this line up including two Euro tours, and several treks across the U.S. Landphil and Hallhammer continued to write and record albums including “Tube of the resinated” in 2008 “The Weeding E.P” in 2009 and “Beneath grow lights thou shalt rise” in 2011.
In 2012 Andy and Nick parted ways with the band and Brent “Legion” Pergason was recruited as the new live guitarist and Landphil took over vocal duties. The band continues forward with no end in sight! Stay tuned for more brutality!
American troubadour Matthew Bean, better known as Portland’s Sneaky Bones has been wandering North America for the better part of the 21st century having done time with The Dwells and causing a stir across Europe with his genuine take on dusty Americana folk-rock. The sound is that of Sweetheart of the Rodeo era Byrds with a hint of Townes Van Zandt. The debut self released 7 inch single “Eternity” is set for a Fall 2014 release. Prepare yourself for a sonic treat with rustic instrumentation and analog aesthetics.
We are Bellwether Blues, a four piece rock band from Lake County with psychedelic and blues influences. Although blues is in the name, this is no blues band. Our music defies easy categorization yet we show our affinity for rock and roll and its pioneering elements with our performances and song catalog. Our sound displays a wide range of musical styles and influences, has a strong melodic component, and appropriately uses three-part harmonies to make our tunes captivate music lovers of any genre.
Bellwether Blues was formed in Lake County in late 2012 by guitarist/vocalist John Mesce, guitarist/vocalist Billy Nixon, and bassist/vocalist Shane Seebock with drummer Bryce Ring joining in early 2013. Having similar musical influences such as the Beatles, Cream, Wilco, Spoon and (of course) the blues has helped us develop the ability to play unhinged rock and roll side by side with sophisticated and attractive pop songs. We have performed throughout the Chicagoland area in the past year, and we are eager to continue to broaden our horizons.
Ultimately, we would like to gain popularity from our original songs but we understand some venues like to provide music that is familiar to their audience. So, we can offer over an hour of original music and/or another hour of recognizable covers. We are currently working on the release and promotion of our debut album For The Birds, which introduces the world to Bellwether Blues and provides a glimpse of the first steps in a much longer journey. Our goal is to produce enjoyable music that is meaningful and lasting.
Billy Nixon – Guitar/ Vocals
John Mesce – Guitar/ Vocals
Shane Seebock – Bass/ Vocals
Bryce Ring – Drums
Cult Of Luna is a Swedish post-metal band from Umeå. They formed from the remnants of a Umeå hardcore punk band called Eclipse in 1998. They slowly garnered critical appreciation and underground popularity with early releases Cult of Luna (2001) and The Beyond (2003); however, it is 2004’s Salvation that can be considered their ‘breakthrough’ release. This was followed by Somewhere Along the Highway in 2006, another largely well-received album.
In August 2006, the band released a remake of “Marching to the Heartbeats” from Somewhere Along the Highway entitled “Heartbeats” solely on the internet community MySpace. The song was available for download for a few days and was later removed. The point was to see if the song would be kept alive by file sharing, and was also apparently a statement against the conservative music industry, said keyboardist Anders Teglund in an interview.
In 2008 the band released its fifth album, Eternal Kingdom. It was released in Europe on June 16, followed by its release in the United States on July 8.
In 2009 they released a DVD including a live performance from 2008, an interview with the band, as well as all of the band’s videos.
On October 18, 2009, the band released Eviga riket, a hardback book/audiobook covering the story and themes from Eternal Kingdom. The book and audiobook are bilingual, printed and spoken both in Swedish and English. The audiobook contains new pieces of music and soundscapes written by the band. Eviga riket was released the 23 of February 2010.
On October 8, 2012, the band announced the title of their sixth studio album as Vertikal, as well as the first leg of their upcoming European tour. The release dates were confirmed as November 5, with the European release on January 25, 2013, and the American release four days later on January 29, 2013. A companion EP, Vertikal II was released on September 20, 2013. It includes the three songs with which Cult of Luna intended to conclude Vertikal as well as a remix of “Vicarious Redemption” by Justin Broadrick.
On December 17, 2013, the band announced that they’d be taking a break of sorts for the foreseeable future stating “2013 have been a very active year for us and neither do we want or think it is good to continue in that pace” they also said “Sooner or later we will return in one form or another”.
In May 2014 the band curated the Beyond The Redshift festival in London, held across 3 venues with Cult Of Luna closing the festival with a headlining set at the Forum.
At the end of the 20th Century, few guitar virtuosi were as respected and revered as MARTY FRIEDMAN. After first rising to prominence alongside fellow six-string whiz Jason Becker in the influential band Cacophony and via his well-received solo debut “Dragon’s Kiss,” FRIEDMAN joined Megadeth, with whom he soon wrote and recorded the thrash landmark “Rust In Peace.” His 10-year tenure with the iconic group — during which they sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and earned multiple Grammy nominations — saw the band’s dream lineup reach its greatest heights, and FRIEDMAN’s unique sonic contributions became heavy metal DNA that to this day continues to inspire new generations of metal fans.
On paper, it seemed as if FRIEDMAN was living the dream as a well-respected player in a multi-platinum act, but after a decade of cryptic, risky countdowns, the Washington, D.C.-native found himself anxious to explore new challenges. Soon after the release of 1999’s “Risk,” FRIEDMAN announced his departure from Megadeth and — at least to many American fans — vanished. A fanatical devotee of current Japanese music and pop culture, he rather suddenly moved to Tokyo, where continued to record and release albums that further solidified his guitar hero reputation overseas. Meanwhile, his absence from America seemed to be a catalyst to the legend and influence of his previous catalog growing greater with each passing year.
In Japan, FRIEDMAN became an enigma of sorts: Armed with a fluency in the Japanese language, he left a platinum-selling American band to start from nearly zero to pursue his longtime dream of making his mark on the Japanese domestic music world. That mission was accomplished far beyond his wildest expectations, as FRIEDMAN has since performed at the largest venues in Asia, including three shows at the Tokyo Dome and five at Budokan. In addition, he played on and wrote several Japanese Top 10 hits, including a #1 single in 2011 and a #3 single in 2012. At the same time, FRIEDMAN also became a popular Japanese television personality who not only hosted several programs, but was even featured in several long-running national ad campaigns. He estimates he has made well over 600 network TV appearances in Japan, including three televised sold-out solo performances with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2012, Prosthetic Records — a U.S.-based independent label that introduced the world to Lamb of God, Animals As Leaders and All That Remains, among others — approached FRIEDMAN about giving proper American releases to four of his Japanese studio albums and reissuing another that had become unavailable Stateside. Those conversations led to discussions about making a new record that would see FRIEDMAN remind the world outside of Japan of his phenomenal talents and why he’s considered the greatest lead guitarist in thrash metal history.
That wasn’t enough for FRIEDMAN, though. “I wanted to create a new landmark to which my future music will be compared,” he says. “That idea of just going completely balls-out — knowing what the full potential of my music and my playing could possibly be, and actually making it a reality — was what drove me through the whole process.”
The result: “Inferno,” FRIEDMAN’s first album of original material in four years and his first in more than a decade to be released worldwide simultaneously. Recorded in Los Angeles with engineer Chris Rakestraw (Children of Bodom, Danzig) and mixed by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Amon Amarth), the album features what FRIEDMAN told Guitar World is “the most intense writing and playing I can do,” with the goal of “go(ing) completely ape-shit, in the most ‘Marty’ way possible.”
“I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve done with Cacophony and Megadeth, but I was never interested in looking back or stopping there,” FRIEDMAN says. “‘Inferno’ is the album that fans of my work with those two bands have always wanted me to make. I’ve finally made it, and completely on my own maniacal terms.”
Notably, “Inferno” includes several collaborations with players influenced by FRIEDMAN, including Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom), Revocation guitar whiz David Davidson, the flamenco/metal acoustic duo Rodrigo y Gabriela and acclaimed rocker Danko Jones. In addition, the album features FRIEDMAN’s first songwriting collaboration with Jason Becker since the pair played together in Cacophony. Ultimately, though, it’s arguably the most compelling chapter yet in FRIEDMAN’s improbable international journey — one for which he’s excited to have fans in all countries along for the ride.
Upon its release, “Inferno” became FRIEDMAN’s first-ever solo record to crack the Billboard Top 200, while readers of Guitar World magazine voted it “best shred album” of 2014. Major features from Rolling Stone and Billboard were also firsts for Marty as the US mainstream picked up on “Inferno” and Marty`s unique story of leaving a multi-platinum band only to find greater success in another country and another culture. His story spawned both a documentary and a biography that are currently in production. To support the release of “Inferno”, FRIEDMAN has toured extensively internationally alongside the likes of Arch Enemy, Kreator, Shining and Gus G in addition to performing at major international events such as Loud Park (Japan) and Guitarfest (Chile). Earlier this year, he also embarked a 20-date Brazilian clinic tour, which Rolling Stone Brazil called “the most extensive and ambitious guitar seminar tour in South America’s history.” This fall, FRIEDMAN will embark on the eagerly anticipated North America tour for “Inferno”.
Established in March of 2013, IN LA KESH brings a seasoned lineup of Chicago-scene musicians and a massive repertoire of original and cover material. Perhaps most easily described as a “jamband”, IN LA KESH pulls from a variety of influences. Known not only for their countless original tunes, you can also hear IN LA KESH covering The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, Ween, Pink Floyd, The Band, and other “kind” music extensively. Don’t expect the same show twice.
IN LA KESH has already played many notable venues around Chicagoland such as Martyrs, Durty Nellie’s, Abbey Pub, and Mojoes while also making appearances on several regional festival bills (Nippersink Music Festival, Rossaroo Music Festival, Cosmic Railroad’s Family Gathering, Mr. Blotto’s Blottumnal Equinox and Mars Hotel festivals). Previously, IN LA KESH also held a weekly Wednesday night at Mackey’s Hideout in McHenry, IL for over 9 months, and currently hold a Thursday night residency at Windy City Inn in Chicago, IL. Rumors of a potential first record have been tossed around for mid- 2015.
“A great part of the changes has to do with
The shift in consciousness
And, what if, for a moment, we took the place of the others?
What if I were you, and you were me…
…Just for a moment.
Think about the other before acting, before responding…
…First, think about others
Inlakesh, is the name it is called…
…and the Mayans left this secret for us, among others
The meaning of Inlakesh, is to take another person’s place
It ´s about understanding another person before taking action.
The world needs to apply Inlakesh, I am you and you are I
Whenever there ´s a doubt in you, repeat:
Inlakesh, I am you and you are I
Get in the other person´s place, and then go ahead with your decision
Inlakesh … repeat it endlessly
And transmit the concept by helping others during the shift.”
The seeds of The TIP were sown when Benny Carl, Dixie Carl and Ricky Dover Jr met bassist Drew Uldrich knocking on the door of their rehearsal space in the spring of 2014. The simple gesture let to a perfect match up between the four musicians, and by June the band was playing their first show at legendary Atlanta strip-club The Claremont Lounge. The independently released four song, “Killin’ It Wasted EP” quickly followed, and by November of the same year the band was on tour with Hollywood’s Hammered Satin (Burger Records).
After linking up with NashTray Productions in East Nashville, the band recorded their self-titled debut album during January of 2015. With continued success playing regional showcases, The TIP is now set to release their debut album in the summer of 2015. Starting June 18th at Star Bar in Atlanta, The TIP are set out on a 16-date East Coast / Mid West tour with notable shows at Brooklyn’s Grand Victory, Minneapolis’ First Ave/Seventh St Entry, and Chicago’s Reggie’s. After the summer tour, the band looks to the West Coast for a string of dates in the latter half of 2015.
Members of The Tip have also played with The Poor Boys, The Booze, Abernathy, and Static Revival.
Moon: Heavy, melodic, propulsive, spacious, dark, rock. Moon is echo-laden guitar, post rock bass, propulsive drumming, shifting time signatures, and haunting, ethereal vocals.
Moon formed in late 2008. They released their first album, Finding and Losing the Light in 2012 and their second album, Distant But Close in 2014, and third album, Extinction, in 2018.
The Chinese Professionals are drummer Victor Salazar and guitarist Peter Allen. The Chicago natives formed the band as an alternative musical outlet to the duo’s main band, Big Electric. The Chinese Professionals combine improvisation with structured motifs and riffs to create an exciting blend of rock, metal, and prog tinged instrumentals played with precision and passion.
“A transparent band in a time where imitation is common”
The beginning, One Steel Wound began in 2012 when Brandon Castillomet Mike Boyer and D. Reitz in the south suburbs of Chicago. In the following months consisting of a search for a bassist, Gerard Ortiz would emerge and fill the vacant space thus completing the line-up. By the time the line-up was complete, the sound harnessed, the goals marked, and the first songs composed; the year was coming to an end.
Amidst opening for artists such as Drowning Pool, Affiance, It Lies Within, Tenafly Viper, Mushroomhead, Eyes Set To Kill, and Kill Devil Hill; OSW was creating what would become their first recorded effort in the format of an EP.
DEC 1, 2014
This date marked the writing process of One Steel Wound’s debut album “Vendetta”.
Performing as headliners and opening acts ranging from city house shows to Mojoes; it is evident that with a determined unfiltered mindset One Steel Wound is living by their guts and goals and not dollar signs and thus retaining a permanent space within individuals eager for a refreshing artist of modern times.
“One Steel Wound is a band determined to live by what is in their blood and displays disregard for the status quo.”
~thank you to everyone who supports us. Listening, connecting, and representing… it is truly an honor. We’ll keep going as long as you’re listening. -One Steel Wound
Nick Nixon is one of those amazing artists that rarely surface today. This velvet voiced singer was born and raised in Nashville, TN, and was part of the thriving Jefferson Street blues scene of the 60’s. Nick was a Chess Records recording artist in the 70’s, and is a key figure in the reviving Nashville blues scene today. His latest, soon to be released CD on Blind Pig Records was recorded with guitarist/bandleader “Andy T” Talamantez (Guitar Shorty, Smokey Wilson), and produced by Anson Funderburgh. This follows the Andy T – Nick Nixon Band’s Delta Groove releases, “Drink Drank Drunk” (2013), and “Livin’ It Up” (2014).
As a long-time member of The New Imperials, an act with a forty-five year history, Nick has performed with many of the top blues and R&B artists in the world.
Nixon is something of an institution in the Music City, regularly performing for civic functions and even singing before thousands at the Riverfront Park, accompanied by the Nashville Symphony. His blues duo, Nick and Bayou, is the only act to have ever sung in the chambers of the Nashville Metro Council.
Despite such a varied and successful career in the music business, Nixon is still remembered by many as a friend and sometime stage mate of the late, great Jimi Hendrix. Nick befriended Hendrix and his pal (and later to be Band of Gypsies member) Billy Cox when they arrived in Nashville in the early ’60s. To this day Nick often writes and performs with his good friend, Cox.
“Andy T” Talamantez was born and raised in Southern California, and relocated to Nashville in 2008. His guitar style is influenced by T-Bone Walker, BB King, Magic Sam, and Albert Collins among others, yet it remains his own. Andy has toured internationally with blues greats Guitar Shorty and Smokey Wilson, and has performed with a long list of major blues artists around the country.
After meeting James “Nick” Nixon, and watching him perform, Andy knew that they would make an unstoppable combination.
Concept albums are not new territory in metal by any means. But Northern Virginia’s YESTERDAY’S SAINTS elevate the notion of conceptual metal to a whole other level, thanks to the rich, extensive storytelling and the pummeling metal in Generation of Vipers. The music is as smart and thought provoking as it is extreme, that’s not an easy thing to do. Striking an artful balance is difficult, but YESTERDAY’S SAINTS make it seem easy.
YESTERDAY’S SAINTS, who play a death-thrash-power hybrid, has been in existence since summer 2010 and with a self-released EP and some regional touring under their belt. They knew that a full-length concept album was the next step to take. But they did not go about it capriciously. The decision to go with a concept for the 11-track Generation of Vipers was driven by the most important things —the songwriting and careful thought.
The album is assembled like an opera, three acts, with an instrumental interlude and outro. It traces the story of Satan, one of the most notorious characters in history, throughout time, from his desire to usurp God’s throne to his modern infiltration of mankind to the indication that all mankind are now his descendants.
It’s a lot to process, but once you absorb that story along with the music, your appreciation will be furthered and deepened, as all senses are satisfied by Generation of Vipers, which targets one’s brain and one’s body.
In the frozen reaches of Canada, where the mountains meet the sea; a band of young men locked in steadfast tenacity have assembled to live out their worldly dreams. The dawn of 2014 has seen Crimson Shadows borne to international praise and repute by their unwavering delivery of boundary-crushing and genre-defying modern death and power metal.
‘Combining the fiercest elements of power and death metal with crushing guttural vocals, three-part vocal harmonies, seraphic guitar-work, formidable bass and miles of breakneck drumming; Crimson Shadows have unveiled a new breed of extreme metal both ironclad and spellbinding, leaving Crimson Shadows sights set for the stratosphere!’
Having appeared at the world stage of Wacken Open Air in Germany mid-2013, the band triumphantly laid claim to the title of International Wacken Battle Champions. After touring their native Canada coast to coast, Crimson Shadows are ready to take the world by the throat and deliver their brand of heroic metal that only the ice-clad lands of Canada can forge!
Worthwhile is an American melodic hardcore band formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2009. With the successful reception of Worthwhile’s first two releases, “Miracle Me” and “Not Fixed But Found,” the band spent 2009-2011 gaining a strong hometown following and beyond. As the band gained its loyal fan base, listeners latched onto the heartfelt lyrics, high energy, and positive message the band put forth in their music and shows.
When Worthwhile decided it was time to start writing their third release, they realized band members had matured through some tough, personal times and developed musically. A pop punk album could not properly portray the lyrics and feeling the band wanted to create. With a love for melodic hardcore, members drew inspiration from bands like Have Heart, Verse, and Touché Amoré as they set out on their new project. After a long year of carefully writing new songs with their new sound, Worthwhile headed back to Panda Studios to record their new album “Carry On Kid.”
Many longtime fans have claimed it is a whole new band. However, Worthwhile has gained many more followers with this new sound. The heartfelt lyrics, high energy, and positive message are as loud and clear as ever.
With the success of the self-released album, Worthwhile re-released “Carry On Kid” through InVogue Records after having it remixed and remastered it by Jay Maas of Defeater at Getaway Recording. Worthwhile leveraged their strong underground following, embraced newfound sound, and consistently positive message and lyrics into a deal with Hopeless Records the start of 2015.
Driving off of their matured melodic hardcore sound, they went back in studio with Jay Maas of Defeater to finish their second album with Jay. Worthwhile is excited for new ears to hear their music, continue to spread their positive message, and hear the stories of fans that drive them on their journey. Worthwhile is managed and published by Worthwhile Music.
Paper Mice is a three-piece whirligig from Chicago that blends a freakish range of influences into miniature, prog-punk puzzles. The band is a fixture in Chicago’s tight-knit DIY community, performing their high-wire “stop-start mess of rhythmic tics and awkward face plants” for dance-soaked warehouse hounds throughout the Midwest and East Coast since 2007. Their first album, “Paint it Pink,” featured sixteen short, spastic songs about bizarre news stories, botched surgeries, and hirsute politicians. The follow-up, “The Funny Papers, continues the band’s jagged jaunt through the world of current events with eleven tracks about canine heroes, fast-food meltdowns, and Dolly Parton. The album was completed over three days in an elementary school gymnasium-turned giant, temporary recording studio. The comic artist, Paul Hornschemeier, designed and illustrated the album’s artwork. Two of the band members are music teachers, devoted to spreading their love of musical fun and mayhem to America’s youth. They love animals.
Poppy Seed have been on the Toronto independent music scene since the early 1990’s. Featuring songwriter, vocalist and guitarist Steven Bromstein and a changing assortment of collaborators, the band released their debut album, Days Dream of You which received positive critical reviews and provided Poppy Seed and the Love Explosion Orchestra opportunity to promote the album on a variety of media outlets in Toronto including appearances on Breakfast Television, Open Mike with Mike Bullard and CFNY’s Live in Toronto.
Poppy Seed and the Love Explosion have completed work on a follow-up full length album entitled Beyond the Seventh Sun. The latest release has been a labour of love for leader, Steven Bromstein. The album was recorded over a series of separate recording sessions over the past decade involving five different drummers. It features several epic tracks encompassing many of the musical influences featured on the band’s debut album. It mixes psychedelic and Kraut Rock influences with mid 90s Brit Pop sensibilities.
During the past decade, the band has performed live with a revolving cast of characters including Eddie Kalwa of the Rain Parade, Glenn Milchem of Blue Rodeo at such events as Kensington Rocks, although for the most part all attention has gone to the making of this new release.
The current line-up consists of Mitch Perkins formerly of Rusty on drums, James Strachan on keys, moogs and second guitar, and James Ansara on bass. The album includes appearances by Glenn Milchem of Blue Rodeo, Mike Armstrong of King Cobb Steelie, Chris Brown formerly of the Bourbon Tabernacle Choir, Dominic Whelan of the Mahones, Gene Hughes of Telejet, as well as Krist Ladva, Joseph Bauman, Randy Curnew, James Strachan, James Ansara, Chad Allen and David Jager. The album production team included Peter Lesperance of Harem Scarem and Liverpool’s Mark Winer as master knob twiddler, producer and editor.
Videos for the majority of the tracks on Beyond the Seventh Sun have been produced that mix some live band performances with archival footage.
Steven Bromstein has been involved in the Toronto music scene since the early 90’s performing and promoting. In 1994 he began the legendary Sedated Sundays residency at El Mocambo Tavern. This featured everything that wasn’t fitting into the Pearl Jam/Nirvana format that was then ruling the club scene at the time. From folk to psych to whatever. 16mm films ran as features before the music started and then as visual eye candy during music performances. It was an atmosphere in which one never knew exactly what was going to happen. A pyrotechnic show? A solo set by Art Bergmann or Ron Hawkins? He also pioneered the multi-band tribute night doing evenings of the Velvet Underground, The Smiths, The Pixies, The Cure, Joy Division, New Order, Syd Barrett, Arthur Lee and Love, and the memory get hazy here…. At the time these happenings were rare and very well attended by the entire music scene, this was long before other people jumped in and started doing these nights all the time.
Further, Steven has promoted shows with the Silver Apples, the Magnetic Fields, E.A.R., Spectrum, Damon and Naomi, Colin Newman of Wire and Steve Wynn.
Singer-songwriter, Kara Cavanaugh with Cornmeal‘s multi-instrumentalist, Philip Roach, perform Kara’s original music and captivating covers.
About the artists-
In the short time since Kara Cavanaugh has ventured into the Chicago music scene, the soulful, dynamic vocalist has accomplished more than most singers in a lifetime. Making a name for herself backing the nationally touring Grateful Dead tribute band Terrapin Flyer and Jerry Garcia Band alumni and organist, Melvin Seals, Kara stretches the genre with powerful performances and sultry lead presence.
It was only a matter of time before the charismatic vocalist sought to move out into the spotlight, fronting her own band to showcase her abilities as a songwriter and strengthen her solo performances. Currently in production on her first full length release, Kara Cavanaugh is poised and ready to introduce a side of her as yet unseen.
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Philip Roach began playing violin at age 5 and soon after was asked to perform with the nationally renowned Midwest Young Artists. During his time with that orchestra, he performed with his long time hero and fiddle great Mark O’Connor. His presence permanently influenced the course of Phil’s musical life, and he soon traveled down to Nashville to attend fiddle camps, where he received lessons from giants such as Vassar Clements, Darol Anger, and Mark O’Conner himself.
Phil then pursued a degree in classical violin performance, where upon graduating, he began a 3-year tenure performing with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestras, and Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Phil began recording session work in Chicago as an outlet for his love of improvisation, where he was featured on multiple recordings as a violinist, guitarist, and mandolinist for artists such as Lupe Fiasco and Company of Thieves. This led to meeting The Giving Tree Band and in 2009 he joined full time, performing hundreds of shows from coast to coast, as well as through Canada and Europe. He currently tours with the band, Cornmeal.
Born in 1954, Scott Henderson grew up in an era where blues-rock was at it’s peak. His formative musical years took place in South Florida where he played the clubs with various bands, playing everything from Led Zeppelin to James Brown. As he was learning his instrument, Henderson was influenced by Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, and his favorite blues guitarist Albert King.
Even though Henderson claims to be more of a blues-rock player, it was the influence of jazz that led him to the style of playing and composing that he is now famous for.
Scott studied arranging and composition at Florida Atlantic University, then moved to Los Angeles in 1980. He toured and recorded with Chick Corea’s Elektric Band, violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, and was pleased to get the opportunity to work for four years with one of his favorite musicians, Weather Report’s Joe Zawinul. He recorded two albums with the Zawinul Syndicate, “The Immigrants” and “Black Water”. Henderson formed the legendary band Tribal Tech in 1984 with bassist Gary Willis, and recorded ten critically acclaimed albums. The most recent recording is “Tribal Tech X” released in March 2012.
In 1991, Scott was named by Guitar World as the #1 Jazz Guitarist, and in January 1992, he was named #1 Jazz Guitarist in Guitar Player’s Annual Reader’s Poll. His first solo blues album “Dog Party”, a welcome retreat to his musical roots, won best blues album of 1994 in Guitar Player Magazine. His next solo albums “Tore Down House” and “Well to the Bone” paired Henderson with legendary vocalist Thelma Houston. “Vibe Station”, Henderson’s latest and most accomplished work as a leader, is an instrumental trio record featuring Travis Carlton on bass and Alan Hertz on drums. The trio has toured extensively throughout the world in over 50 countries, playing music from the solo albums as well as some of Henderson’s music recorded by Tribal Tech.
Scott has also released two albums with “Vital Tech Tones”, a trio collaboration with bassist Victor Wooten and former Journey drummer Steve Smith. In 2009 he began touring worldwide with the HBC Trio, featuring bassist Jeff Berlin and drummer Dennis Chambers. Their first record “HBC” was released in October 2012.
As is often the case with a musician of Scott’s caliber, the demand is great that he share his knowledge with the current generation of guitarists. He is on the faculty at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, where his Open Counseling sessions are some of MI’s most popular. Scott has also written columns for Guitar Player Magazine and many other guitar publications.
Alfred Publishing has released Henderson’s instructional DVD entitled “Scott Henderson – Jazz Rock Mastery”, and his first transcription book “The Scott Henderson Guitar Book”. His other two transcription books, “The Best Of Scott Henderson” and “Scott Henderson – Blues Guitar Collection” are available through Hal Leonard Publishing, as well as his instructional book “Jazz Guitar Chord System”, a revolutionary way for students to study the pluralities of jazz harmony.
Zeta June is collaborative effort of 4 guys who share a passion for making music that makes you dance, melt your face off and is just down right funky. Being heavily influenced by bands such as The Grateful Dead, Umphrey’s Mcgee, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin, Phish and many more, these guys are sure to give you shredding guitar riffs, dynamic, funky-heavy bass lines and drum beats you can’t help but rock out and dance to. Zeta June has played at many well known festivals across the Midwest including three years in a row at Summercamp Music Festival, Camp Euforia, 80/35 Music Festival in Des Moines, Jammin on the Wolf, 515 Alive, and several others. They have shared the bill with acts such as Future Rock, The Floozies, Dopapod, Family Groove Company, Roster McCabe, Euforquestra, John Wayne & The Pain, Tallgrass, and Dead Larry.
Zeta June’s first album, self-titled “Zeta June”, released in September 2013. The album brings a blend of many styles and influences the band shares, and these influences show through the tracks on the record. The flow of the album showcases their ability to create a muisical flow in songs, and sounds. This a trait of Zeta June’s that they showcase in their live shows that the album demonstrates well. The opening track, “Resume To Consume” captures the listener with a catchy dance groove, firm lyrics, and a punch in the hard rock style riff in the chourus. The feel of the album changes in the acoustic guitar, mandolin, ballad style track “Pick Up the Stones.” A song that starts off with a soft guitar line, and heartfelt lyrics, gradually builds into a climax that leaving the listener with chills, and wondering what is next. The single off the album comes in track seven, “Without Caution”. A funkier-disco style song, that has a hint of Red Hot Chili Pepper influence in the outro, and a Umphrey’s Mcgee like breakdown, takes listeners on a roller coaster of sounds, and adds to the unique style of Zeta June.
As a result of these individual influences, their soundscape mixes elements of funk, blues, slap bass, classic and synth rock to form a truly sophisticated track. However separate the backgrounds; chemistry between them is undeniable as their entire resonance reflects it. From seamless breaks to interlocking rhythms, Zeta attains a level of jam unseen in many acts. Moreover, they have an uncanny ability to control the atmosphere of the room with a vibe that is sure to get crowds of any age groovin.
Zeta June originated and formed in Iowa City, Iowa and have relocated their act to Denver,Colorado as of the summer of 2014. Catch a show soon near you and find out what their live performance is all about.
Lost Years is an Alternative/Punk band founded in 2010. Since their formation, the group has self-released 3 full-length records with Seth Henderson at ABG Studios and toured across 20 states. Their music has been described as “rust-and-beer-soaked pop punk anthems” and they’re all too happy to agree. Join the party and see for yourself.
“Instrumental funk crew PHO could pass for a pack of young CPAs, or a Mormon mission group. Yet they lay down industrial-strength grooves in the grand tradition of the JB’s, AWB and the Meters, with an electric Miles Davis flourish or two for good measure. These eight guys write catchy originals, and offer exciting solos to go with their irresistible rhythms. Like the BT Express, they’ll do it till you’re satisfied.”
The Quiet is Kept, a local Chicago band playing Future Folk, having just released their second studio album “Seance”, will be performing at Reggies Rock Club Thursday January 5th. A great local act to catch live, the Quiet Is Kept combines great mystical songwriting the likes of Leonard Cohen, with great reggae flavored beats and energetic performances by frontman Michael Bijan. Check out their new album SEANCE and check for upcoming shows at www.thequietiskept.com
