“Smug Brothers newest album is one of their strongest efforts to date. A tight, urgent, and catchy blend of indie rock from rock Mecca Dayton, Ohio.” -Daniel Taylor, The Fire Note [thefirenote.com]
“’90s and ’00s era indie rock and power pop is deeply embedded in the DNA of Dayton, Ohio’s Smug Brothers and for good reason…the effort delivers a shining beacon that proves Dayton artistry is still a formidable force to be reckoned with on the indie rock landscape in 2015.” -Tim Anderl, Ghettblaster Magazine [ghettoblastermagazine.com]
Stone Cold Cash is Chicago’s NEW Johnny Cash Tribute. Stone Cold Cash authentically reproduces the sound and feel of Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three throughout their rise to Rock and Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame. Filling the shoes of the ‘Man in Black’ is Dan Simpson, whose bass-baritone voice faithfully recreates the energy and rich, southern sound of Johnny Cash from early to late Cash records. Lead by guitarist, David Welker, veteran Chicago musicians form the heart of the band and pride themselves on giving modern audiences high-energy, top-quality renditions of songs from the moment the train departs. “Hello. We’re Stone Cold Cash…
The Holy Motors are an up and coming Rock n’ Roll trio out of Chicago that bring a unique heat to cool, old school sounds. Consisting of bassist Brad Althaus, drummer Courtney Grove and Front man Brandon Reed. Tune into the power trio’s driving bass lines, insistent drums, and wicked thick guitar. The Holy Motors put on a high-energy live show, don’t let it pass on by.
For an artist with serious mainstream aspirations, Decatur, Georgia’s Jarren Benton has spent his career going against the grain. One of Funk Volume’s premiere acts, Jarren admits, “I love the music I do now. I do it in the safe-mode.” That’s rather shocking for an artist whose last album, Freebasing With Kevin Bacon lived up to its name, at least in attitude and style, evident on single “Skitzo.” He continues, “I want to take it a lil’ further. I just haven’t had the balls to go all the way there yet, ‘cause I presently want to keep a foot in the mainstream too.”
However, courage is not something Benton’s music or live show is lacking. Studied in the anything-goes showmanship of Prince, Marilyn Manson and Method Man, Jarren shares, “The essence of giving of a good show is not givin’ a fuck,” he says, while pointing to stage-diving, beer-chugging and more depending on the night’s particular vibe. This type of authenticity, balanced with intricate, golden ear-informed lyricism has attracted attention from Erick Sermon (EPMD, Redman) to No I.D. (Common, Kanye West) in courting Jarren to potential major label deals. However for the father and family provider, only indie juggernaut Funk Volume really voiced his biggest concerns. “All I was asking for was progress. I just wanted to know that what I was doing was the right move – especially chasing a dream with a family.” Funk Volume offered what Def Jam and the others weren’t – and in recent years, Jarren has been able to support his family and his dreams simultaneously.
In addition to Funk Volume, which Jarren refers to as “family,” the rapper maintains strong ties in the Atlanta community, such as Rittz, Playboy Tre, Spitzwell and his SMKA affiliates. “It’s the best of both worlds,” says Jarren, of playing a significant role in a respected collective of talent, as well as being an artist in one of the most powerful new labels in Hip Hop. “We all still came from that era about lyricism, even if you were making Southern music.”
After two successful digital releases and a video fast-approaching one million YouTube plays, Jarren is hard at work on what will inevitably be his biggest album to date. Following the star-filled supporting cast of Freebasing With Kevin Bacon and Huffin’ Glue With Hasselhoff, the comedic emcee promises to break from the series with a purpose in mind. “This one has a different vibe. It’s a lot more personal stuff so people can learn who Jarren is,” he says, also suggesting more refined production that translates more to his ambitions of being a household name. In the same vein, that courage Jarren felt was missing is brewing on his upcoming work. The vet points to “Heart Attack” and “Smells Like Murder” with R.A. The Rugged Man as some of the most conceptual, dazzling work he’s recorded to date.
“From my ranges of influence, I think a lot fans appreciate my personalities, but they don’t really get into the music… yet,” admits Benton of his available catalog. The stakes are high and the time is right for the man who has pursued a dream for a decade. “I love this. I’m not driven by money, but I’m conscious of making music that can be universally appreciated.” It is coming to life for an artist closely connected with the tenants of Hip Hop: style, skill and absolutely not givin’ a fuck.
Brian Fresco is the 22-year-old hip-hop artist and street ambassador for SaveMoney. Hailing from the Ida B. Wells projects he has a very different and unique path that he’s traveled then the rest of his Savemoney brethren. He was named one of the Chicago RedEye’s Top 15 Acts to Watch in 2015 due in large part to his critically-acclaimed SoulMoney release with MC Tree which was also featured in the Chicago Reader who said “Fresco’s earned his place on a list of talented youngsters, whether involved in Save Money or existing outside its periphery.” Since then he has debuted content on sites like Noisey, HotNewHipHop and done freestyles for DJBooth and HipHopDX, performed alongside MC Tree & Juicy J in Los Angeles as part of RedBull’s ‘30 Days In LA’ concert series, and also has headlined a slew of shows from LA to Chicago. A core member next to emerge from the ridiculously talented SaveMoney collective, Fresco follows in the footprints of longtime friends Vic Mensa and Chance The Rapper who have made waves the last couple of years. Now it’s his turn with his highly anticipated “Casanova” follow up to his first project “Mafioso”; Casanova was released the July 5 2016 featuring with the smash record Higher featuring Chance the Rapper & Blue Hawaii.. a ton of plays on Soundcloud and YouTube to back it up. Brian Fresco is definitely a name that is here to stay.
Born and raised in Rochester, NY Cae Jones has experimented with his musical gift for quite some time now. Currently attending college in Chicago, he is collaboratively working with artists such as Elias Abid and SuchNSuch while branching out to create his ideal musical fusion. With much success from his April 2014 released titled “On Me” and creating a strong presence in the city of Chicago, Cae Jones knows that making and performing music is what he is best at. Recently signed to AEMMP Records as a featured artist, Cae is currently working on his debut project titled “Too Uncool” which is set to release in December of 2014.
Think The Killers meets Coldplay meets Imagine Dragons. It’s music for the hungry at heart.
AyOH developed their own unique blend of harmony and sound, churning out original songs Avi Dell, lead vocals, has a romantically charged style that naturally accompanies polished lyrics with the raw energy of the band. Listeners can’t help but be captivated by the power of lyric and melody.
With such natural chemistry and dozens of original songs on their roster, the next step for AyOH was to head to the studio. Chicago’s own legendary musician and owner of Transient Sound Productions, Steve Gillis, was “blown away” by what he heard from AyOH. Together, they created AyOH’s debut EP, a sneak peak at the full album to come, “Take it to the People,” available on band camp and iTunes
*NOTE* Black Pussy does not condone or endorse any sexism, racism, ageism, violence, or any other douchebaggery that has been spoiling the party since the party started. If you are offended by the band’s name please refer to the following quote…
“Few people can see genius in someone who has offended them.”
-Robertson Davies
When The Rolling Stones wrote their classic track “Brown Sugar” it was originally titled “Black Pussy,” but record-label politics got in the way: It was deemed too offensive and the powers at work refused to put it out. So the band had to change the name to something that was easier for the general public to swallow. At least that’s how the legend goes.
For Dustin Hill, the creative mastermind and songwriter behind Black Pussy, it sounded like a fantastic band name. It encapsulates exactly what the band is: a sex-charged, ’70s-influenced, hide-your-daughters-because-they’re-coming-to-town rock ‘n’ roll band that sounds like Tarantino directing a Thin Lizzy video in the low desert. Considering the name comes from a song that directly speaks out against racism, Hill isn’t willing to entertain the notion that the band intends to offend anyone.
For the past few years, the group has perpetually headed out on nationwide tours, including a full U.S. and Canada stint opening for ex-Kyuss legends Vista Chino in 2013, rightfully earning them the tagline, “ON TOUR FOREVER.” The group has also spent the last two years constantly working on heavy, psychedelic rock songs with not only Portland recording engineer Adam Pike (Red Fang, Norska, Black Elk, etc.) but also the legendary Kyuss founding drummer and multi-instrumentalist Brant Bjork.
Black Pussy’s heavy, bluesy sound and clear influences of Kyuss, Hendrix and The Who have found a niche in the ever-growing, global stoner-rock movement. The band exclusively uses vintage Sunn gear, pushing a massive 44 speakers when playing live and tends to land shows with the heaviest, sludgiest bands in the Portland, Oregon scene. However, their classic, upbeat, relentlessly hooky tracks have led to Hill coining the phrase “stoner pop,” like The Cars meets Black Sabbath. The band’s catchy music tends to seduce anyone, even those who walk in off the street after seeing the intriguing band name on the marquis of the venue.
The 2012 debut album, On Blonde, is Hill’s baby: It was written and mostly recorded by him alone, though guitarist Ryan McIntire, drummer Dean Carroll, bassist Aaron Poplin and keyboardist Chief O’Dell were later added to the band. The record, which kicks off with the rip of a bong and sounds like a drug-riddled midnight misadventure in a ’70s muscle car, even found its way across the ocean as well: The track “Blow Some Steam Off” landed a spot on the February 2013 Metal Hammer compilation. 2013 saw a split release from Black Pussy and LA-based Biblical Proof Of UFOs: a contact high-inducing, 22-minute psychedelic opus entitled “Galaxies.”
“For The Sake Of Argument” is the first taste of Black Pussy’s forthcoming album, Magic Mustache, which will be out in early 2015. The band’s evolved sound takes the feel of rock legends Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy and Hawkwind and combines it with the heaviness of stoner rock icons Kyuss and Monster Magnet, adding add a potent dose of pop sensibility reminiscent of The Cars and Queens Of The Stone Age for the quintessential stuck-in-your-head-for-weeks, sound that is Black Pussy. Filmed using an analog liquid light projector, the video utilizes a classic yet unique-looking take on the psychedelic and drug inspired imagery popularized in the 60s and 70s. Black Pussy are back doing what they do best: sending on a journey through time and space where vintage gear acts as the controls, and sound waves are the highways.
OBY is a big band collective formed in the halls of Columbia College Chicago on February of 2014. Since then, OBY has built a very strong and loyal fan base through their non-traditional style of music and extraordinary live performances. Their genre and style of music falls under what they like to call “Big Band, Hip-Hop” which consists of jazz, gospel, funk, and hip hop influences.
Batsauce (born Britt Traynham) is a musician/producer/DJ from Jacksonville, Florida. Following his well received EP & LP with Qwazaar, Batsauce debuts his instrumental intergalactic love saga entitled “Starcrossed.” Batsauce is also one-third of the Smile Rays (along with Paten Locke & Lady Daisey). He has worked with Mr. Lif , Akrobatik, The AB’s, Paten Locke, Lady Daisey, Surreal, Dillon, Chop, Boog Brown, and MassInfluence. Not to mention, the likes of Bahamadia, George Clinton, Vinnie Paz, and Dumbtron have appeared on his tracks. As well as an avid beatmaker, Batsauce is a multi-instrumentalist and DJ. He resides mostly in Berlin, when he isn’t couch-surfing elsewhere.
With previous appearances at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Prairie Home Companion, Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour, Music City Roots and the International Bluegrass Music Conference plus four well received full-length original records and a 7” single (‘Ship of Fools’ released April 2, 2013) under their belt, Pert Near Sandstone continues to build momentum. They have just released a new album of original material in April of 2014. Their new record, “The Hardest Part of Leaving” showcases the evolution of the band’s sound and pushes them further into the spotlight as international leaders of the modern American stringband movement.
Raymond S. Hinton is a product of Milwaukee’s under-rated diverse, fertile, underground community of artists, musicians, and songwriters. Raymond’s distinct signature sound has enhanced significantly in the past few years. His diversified sound has been compared to the smooth, melodic sound of Eric Clapton—in addition, he also has the intensified electric sound of Jimmy Hendricks and Steve Ray Vaughn—all of which are major influences in his career.
Raymond has been performing in the Milwaukee scene for over a decade now. Born into a family of musicians (father is guitarist and mother is organist/singer), Raymond began to play the guitar at the tender age of 12. He’s built up a solid foundation in this city, while developing his unique playing style with elements of classic R&B, blues, jazz, pop, rock, and hip-hop.
He is currently working on his first ever solo project as an artist. He’s produced and co-wrote this project with some of his closest friends in the industry. His CD is entitled “The Love Story.” The vision is to not only resurrect real music, but also true love music.
Shon’s gifts have truly made room for him and has given him the ability to play with some really great artists such as:
• Cash Money Recording Artist: Lil Wayne
• Geffen Recording Artist: Mary J. Blige
• Jive Recording Artist: Angie Stone
• Def Jam Recording Artist – 112
• Geffen Recording Artist: Avant
• Def Jam Recording Artist: Kelly Price
• Jive Recording Artist: Syleena Johnson
• Epic Recording Artist: Glenn Lewis
• Columbia Recording Artist: Michelle Williams (from group Destiny’s Child)
• Blackberry Recording Artist: The Williams Brothers
• Motown Recording Artist: Dave Hollister
He is currently on staff with John Legend and Jill Scott as their guitarist. In March of 2006, Raymond was appointed Music Director for Mary J. Blige. Currently, and when not touring, Raymond plays for various local artists and is currently embarking upon leading his very own contemporary jazz band.
…And the list doesn’t stop there. Raymond is a phenomenal drummer, bassist, song producer, and studio musician. He has unlimited talents and his unique sound will always keep you guessing…yet yearning for more.
Usnea formed in late 2011. After solidifying a line-up, they fine-tuned material for a debut record. The S/T debut was recorded at Haywire Studios with Fester (who also recorded records by Stoneburner, Nux Vomica, Atriarch, Burials, Knelt Rote, Rabbits, Spectral Tombs, etc). Adam Gonsalvez mastered the mammoth hour long four song session and Orca Wolf released the LP in February of 2013. The S/T LP features the first 2 songs clocking in at just over 30 minutes, an 11×22″ poster/lyric insert and a download code for the record tracks plus two extra songs (totaling almost an hour of music). Eternal Warfare released a cassette version of the S/T album containing all four songs in late 2013. Usnea embarked on a West Coast tour in May 2013 followed by a short tour to Dead Fest in Oakland later that August with Portland buddies Stoneburner and Bastard Feast. In January of 2014, Usnea hit the studio with Fester again for a split 7” EP with Ruins co-released stateside by Halo of Flies Records and in Europe by Germany’s Twisted Chords Records in June 2014. After inking a deal with Relapse records, Usnea went back to Haywire and close friend Fester to record the 2nd full length LP, Usnea’s Relapse Records debut. In August 2014, Usnea toured the West Coast, half with Fórn from Boston, and half with Augurs from Oakland. A full US tour to support the 2nd LP will be in the works after the new record drops with tentative plans to tour Europe on the horizon.
Previous projects members of Usnea have been in: The Makai, Amarok, Banishing, Dopesmoker, Absence of Light, Lasers for Eyes, Bodhisattva, Effrays, Electric Desert, and Descent From The Cross.
Get Out of the Car is the sound that results from a decades-long conversation between friends. Since their first discussions in the pre-high-rent-district of Wicker Park in the early 1990’s, Mindy Thomas and Karl Kuhn have been engaged in robust, high-volume arguments about what constitutes “Rock and Roll Worth Considering.” After years committed to other projects, they decided it was time to start their own damned band. Get Out of the Car formed to bring to life a new, uniquely Midwestern sound grown from the roots of traditional rock and roll.
With Karl on guitar and vocals and Mindy on bass and vocals, they began as a songwriting team. After setting down some jams that they agreed would sit nicely amongst their record bins, Seaghan Brien was brought in as the drummer. With Seaghan’s propulsions, Get Out of the Car began to venture beyond the initial Detroit Garage and Prairie School freakouts to reflect the grit and grace of not only Chicago but the wider Midwest and its graffiti rail yards, 3rd shift taverns, river valleys, as well as endless back roads.
Get Out of the Car’s first full-length LP, Mission (2014) is a collection of narratives evoking this landscape and its characters. The haunted guitar, the relentless rolling of the rhythm section, and the interwoven vocal lines create a driving backlit atmosphere to the band’s answers to the question of what lies at the darkened but still beating heart of Rock and Roll.
Devil’s Fen began with two cousins. The name was chosen from the family’s common name, Osterholz, which is also a district of Germany from which the family originated. The Osterholz-Scharmbeck district of Germany is home to one of the largest fens in the world. A fen is a wetland, like a bog, only it is rarer and has more of a neutral pH as it is fed by groundwater, whereas a bog is acidic and fed by rainwater. The German word for this fen is Teufelsmoor. It translates as Devil’s Fen.
Devil’s Fen relishes in improvisation, while staying grounded in melody, harmony, and groove. To see them live is to experience something new each time, whether it be four-part vocal harmonies or heavy hitting guitar leads. Their debut EP is a blend ranging from blues, southern boogie, and rock. Devil’s Fen is a collective that allows everyone in the band a chance to shine. They are constantly reaching for the process in which the sum of the parts – the songs and the band, are greater than the parts themselves. Since all four members of Devil’s Fen are related by past experience, and in some cases blood, the notion of a group is enhanced, and the result is a musical tribe.
Devil’s Fen is 21st Century American Rock N’ Roll with a splash of funk and reggae.
Devil’s Fen has packed bar rooms, barns, breweries, pool halls, and main stages. With the recent release of Umbra, the band’s first full-length studio album, D.F. is sure to get your shadows dancing.
Trent Osterholz – Guitar/Bass/Vocals
Brian Connolly – Bass/Guitar/Vocals
Garrick Rohm – Keyboards/Vocals
Mark Fairchild – Drums/Percussion/Vocals
This year 2019, UFOMAMMUT is celebrating 20 years as a band!
The band was formed in February of 1999 by Poia, Urlo and Vita in a small room in the middle of nowhere in Italy.
The idea was to survive the boredom of living in a little town while also having the intention of creating music to spread all around the Globe.
After eight albums, plenty of tours, festivals and kilometers on the road, the band is ready to celebrate this important anniversary event with their marvelous and loyal fans with a special European and a North American tours this spring.
Devil In A Woodpile is a Chicago based trio that plays old acoustic music. They’ve released 3 recordings on Bloodshot Records. The trio is made up of Rick Cookin’ Sherry (vocal, harp, washboard, clarinet), Joel Paterson (guitar, vocal), and Beau Sample (bass, occasional jug).
THE PISTACHIO BROTHERS
The Pistachio Brothers create upbeat, feel good music. Combining the percussive rhythm of the acoustic guitar, the driving force of the “Mississippi kick drum” and the high energy electric guitar solos, the duo is a force to be reckoned with. Typically, the duo’s setlist is made up of their multi genre originals, with a variety of covers that they add their Pistachio flavor to. Ian Engels shreds the lead electric guitar while AJ O’Reilly lays down the acoustic rhythm guitar, and stomps on the “Mississippi kick drum”. The duo both exchange in covering the lead and harmony vocals. Together they are The Pistachio Brothers.
Spencer Moody is the vocalist for Seattle-based noise rock group Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death. He was the lead vocalist for the Murder City Devils until their breakup in 2001, and returned to the band when they reformed in 2006.
STRANGER
Based out of the South Bay of San Diego, neighboring the highest crossed border in the world, the members of Stranger draw inspiration from their diverse surroundings. It is multicultural and musical diversity that grants Stranger a soulful blend of reggae roots, rock and jazz infused with conscious lyrics.
Stoop Goodnoise leads the way in the new Chicago rock scene. Chicago has always been a city of collided cultures coming together to form something amazing, and there is no band that encapsulates this like Stoop Goodnoise. A facepunch of 90’s grunge fury, punk choruses, and intergalactic guitar solos. One part Chicago street kids, one part classic rock phenoms, but all one original sound that cannot be missed, ignored, and cannot be stopped.
Stoop has played at numerous clubs around Chicago such as the Bottom Lounge, Beat Kitchen, and House of Blues. They have gone as far as being one of the three finalists in the MTV VMA 2009 Best Breakout Chicago Artist Contest, where they supported All Time Low & White Tie Affair at Six Flags Great America. Their set from that day was also featured on Comcast On Demand followed by a short interview with the band.
Their self-titled debut EP, produced by Wuli Records CEO Louis Svitek (Ministry,Mindfunk,M.O.D.) & Ten23 Studios CEO Ryan McGuire (Lee Dewyze) was released on March 17th 2010 and accompanied with airplay on Q101’s Local 101 with their song, “First Names.”
Stoop Goodnoise is an endorsed artist by Steve Clayton Guitar Picks & Accessories as of January 2012, and were finalists in the Elbo Room’s “I AM Fest” Battle of the Bands.
Stoop has just finished their debut full length album titled “Crash Me, Cloud,” that will be released on January 28th 2012. It was produced by Brian Tepps & Dave Lugo of Sciphonic Productions and recorded at Million Yen Studios in Chicago.
The Ori Naftaly Band (ONB) is an award winning Soul, Funk and Rock band based out of Memphis, TN. Ori Naftaly, founder of the band, along with lead singer and songwriter Eleanor Tsaig, moved to America a year ago and have been touring with the band, reaching over 30 states in a year. The band is recognized internationally and has toured the Netherlands twice. ONB recorded the single ‘Do It To YA’ in July of 2014 at Ardent Studios in Memphis, TN and is currently working on a new album release in 2015.
Founded in New York City and now based in Chicago, Ace Reporter was born of exhaustion. “I was burned out by music in every way, except creatively,” explains Snyder. “I just wanted to write.” And so he did, finishing a new song every 24 hours for 365 consecutive days. The songs that resulted from this threesixfive project span most of the genres so often prefixed by “indie” — rock, folk, electro, pop. But they are also immediate and cohesive, grounded as much by propulsive beats and hooky melodies as by the dark wit in Snyder’s lyrics. Following Snyder’s move to Chicago in 2013, the band’s membership solidified into a powerful four-piece: Snyder on vocals and guitar, Ben Dacoba on drums, Corbin Howard on keys, and Gordon Walters on bass. Having toured with bands as diverse as The Fratellis and Steel Pulse, Ace Reporter has gained the reputation of a band that shouldn’t be able to top their recordings…until you see them live.
Blood of the Wolf is a blackened death metal band from Chicago, Illinois. Formed in 2012, Blood of the Wolf combines razor–sharp riffing with memorable melodic passages, relentless drumming and intense vocal delivery. For fans of: Belphegor, God Dethroned, Marduk, Vader
It’s probably best we get this outta the way as soon as possible: Derek Grant plays drums in Alkaline Trio. He actually plays a buncha instruments for that band in the studio, but that’s beside the point. Derek has been all over the punk scene, playing in The Vandals, Suicide Machines, even a stint playing in a grindcore act named after Dungeons & Dragons creator, Gary Gygax. NOW we’re talkin’! But before we bore you with nerdery or wow you with punk cred, let’s just get one thing straight: the man has a resume.
What’s more compelling is that he’s not only a virtuoso drummer, but he can play guitar and sing just as well. It’s actually really annoying to most people from the punk world who can barely play one instrument! But Derek’s unearthly abilities are what has enabled him to make his debut album, Breakdown, as he wrote ALL of the music and played ALL of the instruments. (Of course some creative credit goes to the dark times and divorce he endured, but we’ll get to that later.) This album isn’t another one of those, “Punk guy goes solo and makes acoustic music…AGAIN”, it’s more along the lines of “Crazy-talented weirdo makes a rock album with full instrumentation and it’s got everything”. Don’t think Chuck Ragan; think Brian Eno. Akin to projects like The Postal Service or She & Him or Gnarls Barkley, there’s a real sonic deviation going on here.
And what does it sound like? We’ll let the music do the talking and you can decide for yourself, BUT, we’re hearing one of the most diverse albums to come out of the underground music scene in quite a while. There’s hints of haunting rock like The Smiths, some Americana like Ryan Adams, and maybe even a bit of 80’s New Wave like Prince. Fortunately for Derek, he’s already part of an indie-punk titan and he can afford to take chances on Breakdown, but when all is said and done, fans of Alkaline Trio will probably really enjoy this stuff too. Because that’s how music works: even if it’s different, if it’s good, they will join the artist on the journey.
This debut has a lot of likable tunes, no doubt, but it also has some troubling undertones. These songs were all written while Derek was going through a divorce and dealing with life’s other demons. It was a bleak time for our protagonist, and he pretty much lays it out in the opening words of “You Don’t Know”, the album’s final track: “I’ve drank and drugged so many days, I wake up in some kinda haze—I’m reeling”. Let’s be honest here, breakups and hardship are the catalyst for the very best art, so the listener may as well enjoy it at his expense. It bears mentioning that Derek has since moved on, cleaned up, and living on a farm in…Vermont?! It’s true, and these are the songs that got him through it all. Hooray for happy endings, right?
When asked about playing solo, Derek told us, “Are you kidding?! I’m scared of playing alone. I’m probably going to have a band.” It makes sense, as there’s a lot going on with these songs. But the good news is in the subtext: there will be live shows! The immediate plan is to play some record release shows in his hometown of Detroit and the Alk3 stronghold that is Chicago. But beyond that, we’re excited to hear that he’s already getting offers to do more touring, so it sounds like Derek Grant will be taking his Breakdown around the land in 2015. – Toby Jeg
Ricky Rat co-founded the Trash Brats along with Brian O’ Oblivion in 1987. Over the course of 15 years, the Brats toured endlessly sharing the stages with the likes of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Johnny Thunders, Motorhead, Teenage Head, Marky Ramone Sylvian Sylvain and even unlikly pairings like the Goo Goo Dolls and Kid Rock. They released five full-length albums, several singles and appeared on numerous compilations around the world.
In autumn of 2011, Ricky released his debut solo single, Crossfire Summer, and begin his solo career.
2012 brought his debut solo full length album, Songs In C Major Love, and his first tour of Europe.
2013 brought more touring and shows with bands such as Sloppy Seconds, the Dictators and Sylvian Sylvain (New York Dolls) and Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols).
His latest single, Tokyo Pop, was released in Spring 2014 on New Fortune Records.
He is currently finishing up work on a forthcoming six-song ep.
Ricky has also toured and recorded with: Kevin K & the Kool Kats, Texas Terri & Cheetah Chrome, and Bootsey X & the Lovemasters.
What can I say about On A Highwire, that has not already been said about the Hope Diamond, the Arc of the covenant or Michelangelo’s David, Absolute perfection, in a word a perfect ideal of music and beauty, hearing this glory graced my ears like the glorious howling of a mid winter storm a wonderful braying of unicorns in gallop, a tremendous tsunami of tremulous vocals and melody brought on by these more than mortals, i grace myself to write such tales of their splendor and know that you will love these bards of Bucktown.
Rock ‘n’ roll faith-healers the Blind Pets, known for their show-stopping live gigs where frontman Joshua Logan jumps into the crowd wrestles his Gibson SG into sonic oblivion, have long been a spark plug in the engine of Austin’s underground music scene. Their working-class sound, recalling both the frantic guitar pop of Thee Oh Sees and the classic rock hooliganism of the Eagles of Death Metal, demonstrates conviction to the holy trinity of heavy guitar, bass, and drums that’ll make you a believer again.
While they’ve received consistent critical acclaim since forming in 2007—the Austin Chronicle calling their 2011 LP Sweet Tooth “One of the better Saturday night rock LPs in recent memory” and being repeatedly heralded as a must-see band by KUTX—2013 has proved a watershed year for the trio. They successfully completed three west coast tours, received prominent placement on the soundtrack for Showtime hit Californication, and had their He Said She Said 7-inch released by local trendsetters Pau Wau Records.
In Austin, you can find the Blind Pets detonating speakers at eastside honky-tonk the White Horse or laying down supped-up stoner rock on Stubb’s intimate inside stage, but more often than not, they’re out beating up the road and making their name the old fashioned way: playing shows and selling records.
Their energetic performances have been well documented, featured in taste-making video series the Good Music Club as well as in the documentary Outside Industry: the Story of SXSW, but it’s the Pets’ back catalog, three LP’s and a single, that proves them exceptional. Sugar (2007), Smashed (2009), Sweet Tooth (2011), and He Said She Said (2013) have exhibited continued growth in chemistry, songwriting, and overall intensity to become an all around dynamic force
The antithesis of today’s unruffled indie rock detachment, the Blind Pets fight with passion to connect. In their sweat, there’s showmanship. In their lyrics, there’s soul. That sound coming their amplifiers isn’t just distortion—it’s the invincible spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
Mike Browning formed Nocturnus AD as a reformed version (not a reunion) of Nocturnus that will continue on where “The Key” album left off. The band utilizes the same members as After Death but the music will be much more technical and in the vein of “The Key” album original released by Nocturnus in 1990.
Featuring former and current members of the Subversives, Eightysixed, The Virgin whores and Pist & Broke. Victory delivers straight up American Oi! like a steel toe to the face. Victory’s hard edged sound is fueled by lyrics based on the experiences of afghan war veteran and front man Dan and the bands struggles with being working class in a crumbling economy.
The Uncouth is one of those punk bands that do the standard punk rock quo exceptionally well. The fast strumming, three chords, 2 minute and 30 second songs are accompanied with the hell-raising lyrics most commonly associated with the punk bands of the 80’s. Their song “I Hate Your Mustache” just might
be what’s on every decent punk rocker’s mind. I leave it up to you to come and listen and decide for yourself, but I do warn you. That tingling that you feel in your pants isn’t foreplay. It’s The Uncouth getting ready to shove a little 1986 up your ass. -Courtesy of the boys at Recycled Rockstar
Punk rock never died. It just has the occasional nap. Fortunately, however, Booze & Glory have been keeping everyone wide-awake for the last decade, flying the flag for authentic working class rock’n’roll and the power of a rabble-rousing tune.
In the last 3 years this London band have added innumerable new triumphs to their already impressive CV, notching up nearly 300 shows played around the world, including high profile 5 week North American tour with Dropkick Murphy’s, 10 shows arena tour with Broilers and legendary Persistence Tour in Europe (Booze & Glory was the first punk band on this tour in the last 10 years). The band also appeared at the mighty Hell Fest in France, Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas and Pol’And’Rock Festival playing before Judas Priest in front of 500.000 people. 2018 also saw the band walk off with the Vive Le Rock Award for Best New Band, as voted for by the fans!
Recorded in Sweden at Soundlab Studios, the new album was produced by Millencolin guitarist Mathias Farm and promises to be the biggest, boldest and most explosive Booze & Glory album to date. With the introduction of piano and organ to the band’s trademark sound, the new songs amount to a wholesale upgrade for British punk rock, with a strong message of positivity and hope oozing from every boisterous, melody-drenched pore. Now featuring founder and singer/guitarist Mark alongside lead guitarist Kahan, bassist Chema, drummer Frank, Booze & Glory have never sounded more potent.
