Scotch Hollow began when Mark Verbeck met Carley Martin while they were both attending Berklee College of Music. The music he made on guitar, slide and ukulele was a perfect match for her full range vocals. Their mutual love for the blues, traditional country and roots music brought them together to form the successful Scotch Hollow. After graduation they toured regionally and played in Nashville for a couple years. When the wind blew them north in 2008, they temporarily switched their name and direction with the funk rock band named Bandit Runner. After a short run, Mark unfortunately came down with a severe case of tendonitis that put the brakes on all musical pursuits for the next 2 years. Determined to not be thrown off course, Mark, using various apps on his Ipad, continued writing music and eventually found himself with a whole catalogue of new music. After he was majority of the way healed, Mark contacted his friend and former band mate Albert Dingnus to start arranging his songs for physical instruments. To their surprise, music seemed to flow out of them like water from a faucet and the beginning of the New Scotch Hollow started to develop. After allot of hard work, practice, and gigs; Mark, Carley, and Albert found themselves with a new band, sound, and a fresh new EP that would show the world who Scotch Hollow exactly was.
The Neutrinos is a ska/punk throwback playing pop anthems or top 40 of any decade in the spirit of 90s style ska/punk. The band features a hot horn section and blazing energy to match. You never thought you’d be singing along to these memorable hits while skanking, til you met the Neutrinos.
THE ORPHAN THE POET
The idea of a “music scene” is one that is lost on The Orphan, The Poet. Developing their craft in rural southern Ohio, the members of this 4-piece indie rock outfit founded their group on a musical island—not a single band or venue in nearly 100 miles. Though anything but isolationists, the group does wear their solitary inception as a badge of honor, giving it credit for much of the honesty and introspection found in their music. Furthermore, the band has made great strides outgrowing their modest beginnings.
Lions Lions comes out of the Boston music scene.Brandon Davis (formerly of Vanna and Therefore I Am), Jon Kay (formerly of The Jonah Veil), Joshua Herzer, Nick Sjostrom and Isaac Vigil have all come together to form a sound that includes influences from all genres of music. Pulling references from all of their own individually culturally diverse backgrounds, they make a sound that is completely a vein of its own.
“The essential conditions of everything you do must be choice, love, passion.” – Juliette Nadia Boulanger
It makes sense that the members of the best post-hardcore/melodic rock band to come barnstorming out of the Northeast in ages would draw inspiration from this quote (from a celebrated French composer) and adopt part of it as their moniker. Conditions is all about choice, love and passion. Having cut their teeth in heavier acts before coming together, the guys joined forces with the swift and decisive mission to explore broader creative terrain, to pour ever more devotion into their craft and to share it all with others.
The contemplative but catchy bounce of Jimmy Eat World, the esoteric but driving atmospherics of Thrice, the dark experimentalism tempered by soft sentimentality of Brand New and the soaring radio melodies of Foo Fighters and Blink 182 have all found a new home within Conditions, who have fashioned this formula into something uniquely their own. With a passing glance backward and a full throttle charge forward, Conditions are taking melodic post-hardcore toward the future with the stunning new album, Full of War.
The stage is set for a full-on salvo on the medicore and mundane. “The radio is full of droning songs for lemmings that are about absolutely nothing,” Brandon Roundtree laments. The singer and the rest of the band defiantly stand apart, producing spirited anthems filled with meaning.
The best art stands for something. It doesn’t have to be political, it doesn’t have to be divisive, but the best art has a strong point of view, take it or leave it. Conditions posses a depth and artistry that is lacking in many of today’s bands.
Conditions creates music that demands further inspection. It demands listener attention beyond the surface hooks. “We want people to stop listening with their eyes, so to speak,” explains the singer. “To stop buying into what is being force-fed and to start re-growing the ability to say ‘no’ to certain things; to have a musical opinion. People just blindly start to listen and blindly start to like certain things. It’s frustrating.”
In the recording studio, interacting with fans and supporters or touring the US and Europe with Paramore, New Found Glory, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Sleeping With Sirens, letlive. and on the Vans Warped Tour, Taste Of Chaos, at Bamboozle, at SXSW, Conditions are always cognizant of the choices out there and endeavors to offer something truly unique, invigorating and refreshing. It’s no wonder why Alternative Press called them a “Band You Need To Know.”
Roundtree’s impassioned pleas pull from the deepest recesses of angst and the highest reaches of optimism with one of the most distinctive and powerful voices of this generation of bands, in full partnership with exceptionally creative guitarist/vocalist Alex Howard, fluid and dynamic bass player Corey Thomas and powerhouse drummer Ryan Tinsley, who demonstrates high-caliber skills throughout.
“A Mammoth Task” is the brain-child of Logan Huber of Antioch, Illinois. It began in 2008 while the eleven year old was writing songs for a full length album. In 2010, he began looking for musicians for his new band “This Is Noise” and recruited cousin and bass player Chris Fleming. After several name changes, 15 songs were written under the new name “A Mammoth Task.” The album, “Let’s Break Their Arms” is a stripped down, bare bones punk rock album with a certain individuality that sets it apart from other “run of the mill” punk bands although “Let’s Break Their Arms” is just the tip of a mammoth iceberg for these punkers. 2013&2014 will bring a more complex and sophisticated side of this seemingly straightforward, no frills band. Their new material has been classified anywhere from “skater thrash” to “all over the place experimental.”
After Let’s Break Their Arms was released on February 14, 2013, A Mammoth Task didn’t waste any time recording and releasing the lo-fi follow up, Let’s Break Their Legs [E.P.] on April 22nd. They are currently playing shows in support of their first two releases, welcoming music newcomer Camera Foster behind the drum kit. On August 5th, 2013, they released the live album “Let’s Break Their Hearts – Live At Swing State” two days after the show on August 3rd. In addition to playing live, they are also writing new material and are currently recording their second full length album Free Thinkers Are Dangerous which will be released Halloween (October 31st) 2013.
Crazy Talk is an exciting “New’ Country band playing the current country hits plus remakes of classic country standards and has that “NOW” sound. With five vocalists their rich harmonies are complimented by outstanding musicianship and their live performances are a pleasurable experience.
The Peachtree is a Hip-Hop/ Latin Rock band born in Aurora, IL during the late winter of 2008. Not trying to fulfill any particular genre, but instead creating their own sound, The Peachtree has managed to reach a large number of fans that are just as eclectic as their own sound.
Fed up with the trends flooding the Metal scene, NERVOCHAOS was born on the spring of 96, with the idea of creating aggressive and chaotic music shredding the barriers of Death Metal and Hard Core. NERVOCHAOS gained cult status in the extreme music scene due to their hard work over the years, offering their sonic extravaganza in their unique way. The band’s demos have become collectors’ items throughout the underground.
AMAZING HEEBY JEEBIES was born in the back seat of a ’63 Caddy tearing down Highway 41. Amazing Ary and Earl “Wolfdaddy” knew they had created something that could be a sinners delight. Neighbors curiosity grew hearing the two bang out what became the foundation of AMAZING HEEBY JEEBIES.
Chicago Artist Ary started painting at a young age..but visual art was just not enough. When she turned 21, she became a regular fixture lurking in the shadows of the hippest live music shows mingling with international party girls, hep cats & kittens…now cutting her teeth as a musician/songwriter/performer, taking souls & rockin’ bones on stage for the first time…raawwwr! This petite bad girl packs a powerful vocal punch like nobody’s business. Her live performances show her provocative but sweet style, invoking artists from past and present, from blues to punk, hell raisin’ rock n roll with a twist and shake of vintage kitsch.
Earl “Wolfdaddy” Carter is also one of the two original members of The Riptones, and before that he was in numerous other insane notable local bands (Deacons, Deke Rivers, Rebel Rousers, The Buzzerds, and the late and great Elvis impersonator Tom Green). Slappin’ & howlin’ in league with the hellhounds from the blazin’ fires of nitro moonshine madness, Wolfdaddy will make you scream!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch….other talented son-of-a-guns joined in;
Randy “Doctor”” Carter: Guitar/Mandolin (bluegrass band Slightly Bent). Creating the monstrously sick incurable sound deep within your brain-that will haunt your memory in that feel good kinda way.
Bob “Be-Ware” Hyatt: Guitar/Vocals (Los Diablos, Red, Hot and Blue, Riptones). Bob’s brooding and dangerously dark songwriting and sounds will start rumbles and will make you kids run to your mommas.
Tom “Boss X” Klein: Guitarist Extraordinaire (Liquid Soul, Country Doctors, Razorhouse, Ambassadors to Earth, and in the past, Spies Who Surf). The mystery behind the mayhem, this assassin of sound will cause explosions and riots with only six strings.
And last but not least the king of swing Danny “Danny Boy” McClain on drums (Los Diablos, Red Hot & Blue). Banging to the drum of his own primal beat, invoking crazy voodoo magic, makin’ you twist, shake and move your feet.
Together this bizarre musical powerhouse is putting a spell on amazed crowds everywhere including the hottest spots in town, various hotrod shows, and other footstompin’ happenings. Too dangerous to stop. Too gone to turn back jack!
Best described as “Dixiefried Garagabilly” drawing on various eras and genres from hillbilly, gritty blues, 60’s garage punk, deep from the underworld of moody psychotic rock n roll!.
The Third Coast Kings are a seven element proper deep funk and soul outfit from Michigan. They make it a point to remain true to the style and technique of playing proper deep funk and soul to a live audience that might otherwise only be heard on dusty 45s. They are proud to be a part of the growing number of acts putting the right kind of funk back onto the stage, bringing the hot heat to wherever they perform, like only the Kings can. These cats will put the dip back into your hips and the jive in your stride.
The Third Coast Kings are composed of Steve Barker on bass, James “Gemstone” Keovongsak on drums, Andy Filisko on guitar, Terry Kimura on trombone, Ryan Dolan on trumpet, Alec Cooper on tenor sax and Sean Ike on vocals.
Amateur Hour has come a long way in their first year together. Starting out as three musicians playing in a basement, they grew into a five piece band that has evolved way past playing open mics that their name originated from. You can now find them hosting their own shows at Berwyns VFW hall or booking their own stage at this summer’s American Fest in Cicero. Amateur Hour’s sound speaks way beyond their name. From the laid back, loving vibe of Bossa Nova or the rocking social critique of Cesspool, the band will take you on a sonic experience you won’t soon forget. Fresh off their win at Reggie’s Rock Club’s Battle of the Bands, it’s full steam ahead for these five, so keep your eye out and your ears ready.
Bino (Brandon Bryant) at the age of 19, is a young artist/director/engineer from Chicago. He set his goal to achieve a title in music his freshman year at the age of 14. Although he started writing in the 7th grade he didnt feel that it was a shoulder he could lean on at the time. Bino is driven by his emotion on every song and he is determined to make people remember his name. He quoted “Its not about how much talent you have or how bad you want this… its about the people remembering you as an icon, a role model, an artist. you cant be someones favorite artist if they dont remember your name. my goal is to be remembered.” Bino takes his music serious and he takes his lyrics to the heart and he just wants people to realize that music is not just a hobby for him… its his life.
She’s Alive formed in the fall of 2011 by JBazan, Ben Fleishman, Matt Smith, and Aaron Tolbert. Veterans of the Chicago music scene the foursome settled in a studio in Chicago and began the process of searching for a singer. After auditioning talent from across the country they were lucky enough to find young Alex Rogers in their own backyard. They are now hard at work creating music for you!
“If I were to trace the genealogy of the country music Outlaw, it would start with Bobby Bare, roll through Willie & Waylon and that whole gang, follow Cash through the late 90′s, and end up in the country music underground with people like Peewee Moore as possibly the perfect example of the Outlaw lineage in the present day”
When good times, a 24 pack of domestic beer, and groove get together, there is The Bjorkestra. We are a band that has a pretty eclectic overall song selection mixing blues, funk, jam, and rock n’ roll all into one beautiful sound.
Stephen Speights (Born April 27,1990), a.k.a EstaBoN, is an intuitive storyteller whose captivating lyrics derive from his childhood experiences. Despite being born to an abusive and poverty stricken household in Detroit, Speights landed in Chicago at the age of 6 and stayed with his aunt in the Suburb of Homewood, IL. During the remainder of his childhood, Speights explored the arts of drawing, poetry, and song writing. Today, his versatile style, and ingenious rap lyrics depict his experiences on both sides of the tracks, and are captivating audiences nationwide. He cites his musical influences as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Michael Jackson, the Notorious B.I.G, Eminem, Drake, Lil Wayne, Andre 3000, Lauryn Hill, and Anita Baker. EstaBoN is trying to etch his name into the rap game and plans to be the next big artist to gust from the Windy City! EstaBoN, recently announced the launch of his new and exciting project, “EstaBoN Days”, which will be highlighted by the release of six new tracks during the months of October and November (2012). During “EstaBoN Days”, fans can download 6 new songs on the following release dates: October 1st- Army Fatigues, October 8th- Voila, October 15th- Rags 2 Riches, October 22nd- Witness, October 29th- Life in Motion, November 5th- Winners Circle.
A lot of people have complained about the condition of hip-hop right now. With the emergence of less lyrics and a more dumbed down approach to reach the masses, there is no reason to argue.
Luckily, In Aug 1988, KURT was born in long island New York . KURT has a demeanor much would call COCKY, or Hard to love, but once you love him, you understand why. His upbringing in the suburbs of long island has taught him to live with class. However, the discipline of his Haitian parents taught him to fight for his own. These are the things he brings in his music, a classy ruggedness.
In 2011 KURT received radio spins on New york’s number 1 and number 2 stations for hip hop and r&b and continues to build his brand.
KURT’s approach to the game is to bring classy together with the ignorance in the shameful joy of hip hop, and with that he has formed his groups the BougieBoys and BougieGirls who live by the same guidelines.
Follow KURT on the red carpet as he takes his journey to the world premiere of his career.
Raw, heartfelt, and uncompromising. Oregon born singer/songwriter, Aaron “Dog Bite” Harris is who he is, does what he does, and no trends, cliques, or flavors of the week will ever change that. Dog Bite’s inspiring DIY ethos have seen him self release 4 albums, tour the United States, and co-host a popular podcast, “Dogwater Radio”, on Shooter Jennings “Outlaw Radio” network before it shut down. He is a event promoter the master mind behind Ruckus In The Boonies Music Festival, and Ruckus In The Records, Whether he’s on the road, in the studio, or on the airwaves, or promoting other peoples music,or being a dad, you can be sure Dog Bite is giving one hundred percent of his heart and soul to anyone that’s listening, and doing so on his own terms.
“At the lonesome crossroads where country and metal intersect, stand two swaggering badasses holding acoustic guitars. They’re not interested in your soul they have plenty of soul already.” ~ Kevin Kurtain Cult favorites WhiskeyDick blow minds with a double barrel blast of dreadnaught shredding and hillbilly bellowing that makes you want to knock back a shot, stand up tall, and holler “Oh-Hell-YeeHaw!” WhiskeyDick’s live show is a true spectacle: two men saunter on stage then pick up acoustic guitars and proceed to amaze everyone by generating more power than a full band by means of Fritz’s deep, rich vocals, Johnson’s unapproachable acoustic guitar heroics, and their triumphant songwriting. Their lyrics are their lives. With continuously touring in the States and Overseas, including being part of the “Crusty Punk Blues Band” Black Eyed Vermillion (8 Years), this duo plays over 200 shows year, bringing their country-fried, no-collar sensibilities to small towns and big cities all over the World and are building faithful followers everywhere. On their travels, they’ve shared stages with the likes of Ray Wylie Hubbard, HELLYEAH, Shooter Jennings, Scott H. Biram, Pentagram, Foghat, Joe Buck Yourself, Antiseen, Wayne “The Train” Hancock, Honky, Bob Wayne, Bob Log III, Nashville Pussy, Reverend Horton Heat, Jayke Orivs, Goddamn Gallows, Weed Eater, Peter Pan Speedrock, .357 String Band, Nick Oliveri, Wino, Spirt Caravan, The King DMC and The Supersuckers.
Highlonesome is a group of guys being as real as can be. They play loud fast music, described as Mountainbilly, a mix of true American roots mountain music mixed with rockabilly influences
Columbia, Missouri trio The Hooten Hallers are a high-energy blues, rock, and soul band known for hard-traveling and wild live shows, with a seemingly endless tour schedule. The myriad of influences in their music range from pre-war blues to rock’n’roll to honky tonk and a hint of jazz, with a thematic penchant for the strange and the unexplained. In the same vein, the Hooten Hallers’ music isn’t quite Americana and it’s not quite punk, but a bit of both, fused together in a drunken tangle. Their live shows take the listener on a seamless ride from unapologetically raucous blues on the lap steel and bass sax, to a sweet three part harmony country ballad, to a romping dance number.
The Hooten Hallers’ new self-titled album, out April 21, 2017 on Big Muddy Records, is the culmination of their experiences from 10 years of performing and traveling together. They’ve injected the album with the stories and characters they’ve been meeting on the road all this time. Produced by Johnny Walker (Soledad Brothers, All Seeing Eyes) and Kristo Baricevic (Big Muddy Records), the Hooten Hallers’ latest effort showcases their evolution as musicians and songwriters. It garnered attention by Noisey – “This album rules”; Rock’N’Reel (UK) – “This is a band that really understands and exudes the history of rock and roll”; Impose Magazine – “another stunner of a music collection”; New Releases Now – “one of the most dynamic live shows around”; AXS – “This album is sheer madness in the best way”; Ground Sounds – “gritty, groovy, and bluesy”; No Depression – “evokes images of Tom Waits tending to a trotline at Lake of the Ozarks”, amongst others.
John Randall’s demonically-tinged vocals and blues-inspired, manic guitar, and Andy Rehm’s screaming falsetto vocals and steady, pounding drum beat keep the band focused on their unique blend of deep blues and country punk. Kellie Everett brings the power with the deep rumble of her baritone and bass saxophones. When The Hooten Hallers come to town, you know it’s gonna be a party!
Have you ever wondered what happened to REAL country music? Sadly, it has been pushed into the underground by the image-consumed, money-making monster of the corporate music industry. These days, only a few brave souls dare to make the kind of authentic country music that honors American heritage and culture; rooted in the influence of Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and the other all-but-forgotten legends of the genre. Genuine country music reflects real life, and not the latest fashion trends. One of the strongest and most charismatic forces in the real country music arena is J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters.
Originally formed in December 1998, J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifters have steadily made a name for themselves in the U.S. and around the world. A “retired” hobo, Beverley took his experiences from the road, the trains, and everyday American people he encounters, and molded those experiences into some of the most heartfelt, real-deal country music to see the light of day in a long time. With driving acoustic rhythm guitar, slamming upright bass slapping, amazing banjo rolls, and other blistering accompaniment, Beverley and his “high lonesome” voice have earned a solid reputation for their live shows.
J.B. Beverley and his Wayward Drifters’ endless life on the road is studded with highlights, including a 7 week tour with Hank Williams III and shows with contemporary greats like Wayne “The Train” Hancock, Dale Watson and Lee Rocker. They have been joined on stage by legendary Commander Cody guitar picker Bill Kirchen, and other friends in the music community. The band also has made fans out of the likes of John Carter Cash, Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats, Bruce Springsteen, and Piedmont Blues great Warner Williams.
J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters have been featured on several radio and TV programs, including the MHZ Network’s “Spotlight”, Austin’s Capzeyes TV, and radio shows like Colorado’s KRFC “Live at Lunch, and Knoxville’s WDVX FM. The band has released two heavily-circulated demos, and a full-length studio CD entitled “Dark Bar & A Jukebox” (Helltrain Records). The band toured relentlessly for over two years in support of “Dark Bar”, and also wound up the subject of an upcoming documentary road film by Wayward Souls Productions out of New Mexico.
In 2008, J.B. opened Rebel Roots Studio in Richmond, VA to record and produce “Watch America Roll By”, the band’s sophomore effort. Described as “an organic road record that may as well have soil falling off it’s roots”, the 2009 release stirred up quite the buzz amongst Wayward Drifters fans and roots-music enthusiasts alike, and took the band across the US and to Europe non-stop from it’s release into 2011.
As of 2012, J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters have re-entered Rebel Roots Studio to begin work on their new CD “The Way We Do It In Dixie”, scheduled for a 2014 release on RUSTY KNUCKLES MUSIC.
Roger Alan Wade has something to prove. Why would anyone who has penned songs for country music’s royalty such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Hank Williams Jr. and others have anything to prove? A bit of a history lesson may be in order here.
Once upon a time, Wade worked in Nashville writing songs for other folks to record. Hank Williams, Jr. took his song “Country State of Mind” to number one back in 1986 and garnered Wade three gold records and one platinum. When Nashville stopped making country music around the early ’90s, where was a guy like Roger to go? For years he played for next to nothing in honky-tonks and clubs entertaining anybody who would listen. Then in 2005, Wade’s All Likkered Up became the first release on the independent label Johnny Knoxville Records.
Consisting mainly of novelty songs with a satirical nod to rednecks and honky-tonk culture, All Likkered Up brought Wade to a global audience. The tracks “If You’re Gonna Be Dumb” and “BB Gun” were featured in the highly successful “Jackass” films/video game and MTV’s “Wildboyz” TV series. But there were a few songs on it like “Sweet Wine of Sorrow” or the heartfelt “Johnny Cash has Died” that showcased Wade’s ability to stretch out in a more serious direction.
In 2009, Wade released Stoned Traveler, another solid album with about a 50/50 balance of novelty songs and more traditional singer-songwriter material. Stoned Traveler included “D.R.U.N.K.” which appeared in the MTV show “Nitro Circus”.
Then in 2010 Wade released his masterpiece, Deguello Motel.
The inspiration for Deguello Motel may have been thirty years of hard living, but the approach was a sober one. The first challenge was for Roger Alan Wade to get sober. (He did.) The second challenge was to see if he could write a song that way.(He can.) But that wasn’t enough for Wade. He had something to prove. “He was good till he kicked the drinking and drugs” is how the cliche goes. Years of prejudice and misguided notions were waiting to be quashed. Wade quashed them, and then kept moving. He wasn’t satisfied proving the notions wrong, he wanted to prove that the opposite was right.
After hearing Deguello Motel Wade’s fans started asking, “Is this the same guy who wrote ‘Poontang’? Deguello Motel catches people looking the other way. You keep waiting for the next song to be the goofy one, and it never comes, adding gravity to the songs, making you perk up and pay attention saying, “This is serious stuff.”
All this talk of sobriety may have you thinking Wade lost his edge. On the contrary, Deguello Motel is like fighting fire with fire, and telling the hard, cold, ugly truth, with a poet’s wit and wisdom. The album is a catharsis, with the lyrics like toxins being purged out in all their candid rawness bringing Wade out of the shadow of being Johnny Knoxville’s cousin or a writer of silly songs, and into the company of people like Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt as a premier songwriter.
In 2011 Wade reached back into his bag of novelty songs one more time and released Too Fat to Fly. Kicking off with the title track, which is based on the dispute between Southwest Airlines and film director Kevin Smith, Wade trades in the bleakness of Deguello Motel for more irreverent humor. More exposure came with “Party in My Pants,” which was featured in the film Jackass 3-D.
The best moment of this brief album comes at the end with the masterful tune “The Sun Don’t Shine on the Same Dog’s Ass Everyday,” which, if you believe the story, was pitched to Cash, Waylon, Willie, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, and others, all in the hopes of Wade being able to afford a box of jelly-filled donuts for his cousin Knoxville’s birthday!
Wade has appeared on “The Jimmy Kimmel Show” and “Howard Stern Show” and Johnny Knoxville and Wade launched their own weekly radio show “Big Ass Happy Family Jubilee” on Sirius/XM Satellite’s Outlaw Channel.
In December 2011, Wade launched his Official Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/RogerAlanWadeMusic with a special gift for his fans. When friend, fan and Jackass Star Ryan Dunn tragically died in an accident earlier in the year, Wade wrote the hauntingly beautiful tribute “The Light Outshines the Star”. Wade gave the song away for free too his Facebook fans as a gift from Dunn and “all the Jackasses that love him”. The response has been overwhelming.
2012 is gearing up to be a big year for Wade. The next CD titled “The Last Request of Elijah Rose” is a prequel to Deguello Motel. Roger states, “This album is more about foreboding than darkness. You will feel the storm coming. It’s about the journey in, when you’re young and everything seems like it’s going to go as you planned. And then, man, it just don’t sing your song no more for some reason. You hit a time when it tests your mettle. You either come out on the other side or you don’t. What’s tantalizing is that I can hear it, I can feel the weather change and I can feel all the characters involved in it.”
Whether he’s writing the dark and poetic tunes of Deguello Motel or “Psycho Bitch from Hell,” Roger Alan Wade is “an American treasure and one of the greatest songwriters we have.”
Jessi Colter is one of modern music’s singular talents, a singer,
songwriter, and entertainer whose influence continues to echo across
musical genres.
An artist talented and versatile enough both to top the pop charts and to be part of the groundbreaking Wanted: The Outlaws album, she is assured a place in the history of both formats. With the release in 2003 of An Outlaw …A Lady: The Very Best of Jessi Colter–which No Depression called “one of the more important and plain necessary releases of the year“-and the 2006 release of “Out of the Ashes” -her legacy has been showcased again both for those who were part of the magic as it happened and for a new generation.
Jessi Colter was born with the name Mirriam Johnson in Phoenix. (She adopted the stage name Jessi Colter after her great-great-great uncle who was in Jesse James’ notorious outlaw gang.) Her mother became Sister Helen, an ordained Pentecostal minister, and Colter became the church pianist at age 11. As a teen, her musical talent
impressed rockabilly guitar star Duane Eddy, who produced her 1961 single “Lonesome Road.” They married in 1963. He wrote and recorded an instrumental, “Mirriam”, while she wrote some of his album tracks, as well as “No Sign of the Living” for Dottie West. In 1967, Eddy and Colter recorded a duet single, “Guitar on My Mind,” but divorced the following year. She married Waylon Jennings on Oct. 26, 1969, at her mother’s church.
In 1975, Colter notched a sizable country and pop hit with the self-penned “I’m Not Lisa.” That was followed a year later by the success of Wanted! The Outlaws, a collaboration with Jennings, Willie Nelson and Tompall Glaser and the first Nashville album to sell a million copies. Her best-known duets with Jennings are “Suspicious Minds” and her soothing composition “Storms Never Last.”
Her re-emergence as a recording and concert artist, bodes well for the future of popular music when it can surely use someone of her vision, originality, and accomplishment.
Good Gravy’s flavor can be described as a modern approach to American roots music or Americana. Within their recipe, are the remnants of bluegrass, rock, folk, electronic, jazz, and even calypso. This band has an eclectic earthy palette that is even furthered by the use of improvisation, a hard driving rhythm section, and occasional electric instrumentation.
Reaching phenomenal energy levels with their acoustics, they take it to the next level when they do use electrics. The artistry and intermittent use creates a dynamic story throughout their live shows that’s not only tasteful but distinguishing.
Captivating melodies, thick vocals, intriguing dynamics, and intense improv jams, this bands imagination is fresh in the live music scene. Good Gravy is said to “melt the heart, as well as the face.”
Original techniques in the composition of their music is paired with influences that are evident. Ensuing the paths of the defining bands in the “jam” scene of Colorado, artists such as the String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Leftover Salmon are obvious inspirations.
Guaranteed to throw down everything from psychedelic dance beats to slamming bluegrass this contemporary band takes acoustic song writing to new and exciting realms.
Since 1996, Chicago’s Rhythm Rockets have been delivering 100 shows a year of their brand of vintage Rhythm & Blues, with songs influenced by the sax-driven bands of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. In keeping with that style of music, the Rhythm Rockets’ performances reflect the diversity of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues for which Chicago is famous.
From original compositions to matchless arrangements of vintage classics, the Rhythm Rockets deliver danceable, high-energy music in an authentic stage show that appeals to audiences of all ages. Fronted by veteran vocalist Nicole Kestler, the Rhythm Rockets move effortlessly between torch ballads by Etta James & Dinah Washington to up-tempo numbers by Louis Jordan & Louis Prima. Along with Nicole’s old-school interpretation, the Rhythm Rockets are backed by three saxophones, upright bass, drums and guitar, Ms Kestler transfixes audiences with vocals that are authentic and second to none.
In their home state of Illinois, the Rockets have performed at the Paramount Arts Center, Willowbrook Ballroom, Green Dolphin Street, Rialto Square Theater, House of Blues, Chord on Blues and Chicagoland’s longest-running weekly Swing event at Frankie’s Blue Room for nine years.
In addition, the band has performed in numerous venues across America, recorded and self produced four albums, and had four original songs featured on the FOX-TV show, the Tick in 2001. From their infectious music to their unforgettable stage show, there’s just no telling how high the Rhythm Rockets will soar in years to come.
Start with a boil, add 4 cups punk rock, 2 cups of speed, a teaspoon of ska, two pounds of melody and you’ve got a tall glass of Get Up & Go. Four over-caffeinated dudes from Chicago with bad jokes and some tunes that’ll put some bear on your chest and the criminal back in your life.
From Jefferson City Missouri four musicians came together to form what is now known as 4 Skeevy Dudes. With an exciting mix of Punk and Ska, 4 Skeevy Dudes have started making their mark on the music scene.
The lead singer-Trinity, also known as T to his friends, fronts this collection of talented artists. The energy and enthusiasm he brings to the stage is infectious as the bare footed front man pours sweat giving all that he has in every song to ensure that the crowd feels the music like intended.
Guitarist-Joe with his old school punk thrasher drives the music. He rocks on his low riding guitar slamming the strings with every down stroke, producing a sound that any punk fan would love.
Bassist-Chad, beats on his ax with ferocity, and was known to play a show with nothing but his bass and naked glory. “I never felt like an actual bass player until this band”.
Drummer-Chris pours his heart and sole into every show. Numerous times the drum set is vacated for a quick exhaustion vomit outback and then back on the drums…not missing a beat.
Hailing from the Chicagoland area comes the in your face, high energy, punk rock of the Dead Split Egos. Featuring the raw vocals and guitar playing of Nick Toppel, the punchy bass lines of Brett Sullivan, and the hard hitting drums of Dennis Toppel. Dead Split Egos brings you a taste of old school hardcore punk mixed with their own style of new school punk rock. Come prepared for a hard hitting, fast paced, hard-as-hell-core punk show that will blow your head off.
The Wild Finish are an “adult-contemporary punk” band from Chicago, Illinois. They play music for people who like music. Here is a nice thing that was said about them:
“I have no doubt that The Wild Finish WILL blow me away when their full length is released. I just hope it’s sooner than later.” – Critical Mass
Relentless is a new Heavy Metal band from Chicago, Il. Their debut album “Souls of Charon” is to be self released in November 2013 via Do Or Die Records
Sloppy J started in the fall 2010 as the colorful co-host of a local bar’s open mic night. After being 86′d from the suburban (er) ‘hotspot’ for possessing an aesthetic (& other things), Sloppy J soon reformed in 2012 under the name “Sloppy J & the Overdubs”, adding kazoo, whistling, yodeling, & various barnyard sound FX to the olio of oddities. Known far and wide as a legendary siffleur & ardent punk rocker, Sloppy J has played with numerous projects in the past and has opened for such eclectic acts as Marc Ribot, Pere Ubu, War, & The Village People.
Sloppy J resides in all of us. “I am that I am, and if that happens to be that I am chunky, obnoxious and mindless, so be it. I have a moral obligation to my god, yes…but only if that god is a black militant lesbian named Desweetest.”
The Revomatics are an instrumental hot rod/surf band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The group consists of veteran musicians who have been active in Milwaukee’s local music for many years. The Revomatics had the honor of opening for Dick Dale, the King of Surf Guitar, in 2011. In 2013 the group performed at Ohana – Luau at the Lake festival in Lake George, New York. New album available Spring 2014! For more information or booking, please contact the band at info@therevomatics.com.
Stabbed in Back is a Punk rock band from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the United States. The band was started in 2004 by Lillingtons drummer Timmy V. In 2006 the band was signed to Basement Records, and subsequently released their Portrait of Noise EP.
Bones, Jug, Xylophone, kazoos, steel pan resonator guitar, banjo, double bass, drums, all sorts of noise makers. These are just some of the instruments we play around with at our shows. The group began with the dream of throwing an energetic party with acoustic instruments, a high quality, clearly audible musical experience that could be had on street corners, on the beach, in living rooms, or amplified in a club.
We started with some old xylophone rags, featuring Cody Jensen, and have since built a large repertoire of originals and covers, old and new. As old as Leroy Carr’s “Barrelhouse Women”, Memphis Jugband’s “Sugar Puddin’”, and the classic “Salty Dog Blues,” and as new as the Beastie Boys’ “Girls,” Bone Thugs N Harmony’s “Crossroads,” and Abigail Washburn’s “Divine Bell.” We are highly influenced by jugbands and string bands, both new and old. We also perform calypso tunes featuring Tim Berg on steel pan, Mississippi John Hurt tunes featuring the guitar work of JP Goguen, and a slew of bluegrass standards and not-so-standards. With our extensive collection of instruments, our large spectrum of influences, and our quirky and thoughtful songwriting we embark on our journey of creating a new sound to share with all who will lend an ear.
We pride ourselves on being seriously silly, it’s a commitment to fun. We want to party. We want, we want to party. With you. And your friends. And other people that neither of us know. We’re hoping we can all dance till we fall down, sing till our voices cannot be found, and smile till our faces fall off. Bones.
Ghostwriter could be the post-punk version of a Harry Smith era self-accompanied singer-songwriter… For the last decade, Ghostwriter has hit the road in true troubadour form; one man traveling, music that is direct and uncompromised. Ghostwriter has shared the stage with icons like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Real Kids, and T-Model Ford, and is currently supporting his sixth album on End of the West records, “Prayin’ all the time” – LP & MP3, 2012.
Jai Young Kim – Bass (Secret Chiefs 3)
Arian Jade – Vocals/Violin (Nik Turner’s Hawkwind)
Kephera Moon – Keyboards/Vocals (Nik Turner’s Hawkwind/Brainticket)
Jason Willer – Drums/Percussion (Nik Turner’s Hawkwind/Brainticket/UK Subs)
Nicky Garratt – Guitars (Nik Turner’s Hawkwind/Brainticket/UK Subs)
History German? British? American?
Actually Hedersleben was hatched in the village of the same name on the outskirts of Quedlinburg, Germany by British guitarist Nicky Garratt yet are based in the Oakland/San Francisco bay area.
In the role of musical director Garratt pulled together musicians to record the Nik Turners Space Gypsy album in Los Angeles. After a short incubation period the prototype version of Hedersleben manifested from Nik Turner’s touring band.
Following the success of Space Gypsy, Hedersleben, worked with original Brainticket Keyboard/Flute/Sitar player Joel Vandroogenbroeck recording a new album for his legendary Swiss band.
Hedersleben recorded their debut album Upgoer back to back with Brainticket’s Past, Present & Future, again working again with engineer Jeremy Goody at Megasonic Sound.
In October 2013 Hedersleben embarked on their first national tour, both opening for and backing Nik Turner. Hedersleben’s second, highly acclaimed, album Die Neuen Welten featured guest vocalist Kati Knox, and was again recorded at Megasonic sound in Oakland in May 2014. Side A of Die Neuen Welten was set to film by San Francisco filmmaker Erin Franklin.
A one off gig On June 3rd featured special guest Captain Sensible on 2nd guitar. The show was filmed at 1234go records in Oakland. On August 26th Hedersleben took to the road again on a repeat of the previous years tour with Nik Turner. Again Hedersleben both opened and backed the ex Hawkwind front man.
Hedersleben have just finished recording their 3rd album The Fall Of Chronopolis.
IN DEFENCE
In Defence has been hitting the road since 2006. Starting as a hardcore band, In Defence incorporated wicked fast riffs with a satirical message. The early days brought the mantra ‘Call More Dudes’ to the basements across America. Calling for social change and bringing together Dudes of all shapes and sizes – no matter your gender, sexual preference, or dietary habits.
Later, In Defence kept that same tongue in cheek delivery and coupled it with ripping thrash riffs. Once In Defence was gaining some attention, it became clear that people needed to be taught proper mosh etiquette, and ‘Don’t Call Me A Moshist’ was born. ‘Fuck That Shit, Let’s Circle Pit’ was the new message for the kids. Then, In Defence started to raise issues that didn’t seem to make much sense: moshing in a circle and tacos instead if pizza. Maybe the fact that In Defence had people debating such meaningless topics was the joke itself. It’s hard to say.
Have you ever seen a room full of punks yell ‘The Police Are Fucking Rad’? In Defence has. Have you ever pissed off black metal fans by confusing them with Juggalo’s? In Defence did. And they did it all while praising Rob Halford. Praising him not only for being in one of the greatest bands ever, but for being out while doing it – especially during a time when Nu Metal was all the “rage”.
Nowadays, In Defence still keeps the van in motion. Crossing the US multiple times a year, In Defence has toured/shared the stage with bands such as: The Casualties, MDC, Toxic Holocaust, DRI, Cro-mags, Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, Danzig, plus many, many more.
Although not a DJ by trade, Mike Velure is an all around fan of music specializing in late ’70’s early ’80’s power pop punk. He hobbies spinning records, dropping needles here & there. MVelure rarely disappoints drawing eclectically anywhere from metal to dance and all in between all from his bag of tricks he calls a record collection… Eh, Fame. Whatchya like is in the limo.
CHANEL WEST COAST
Of course, she’s the sharp, smart, and saucy blonde from the MTV hit shows Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, but she’s got a lot more up her sleeve than quick wit on-camera. In fact, her fierce and fiery flow will make you do a double take. Those impressive MC skills belie her sexy street chic style and high-fashion persona. You really want to get close to her though? Take her 2013 mixtape Now You Know for a spin…
Music came first for Chanel West Coast—born Chelsea “Chanel” Dudley. As a child, she took singing and dancing lessons with the encouragement of family. Later on, she’d eventually study violin as well, gaining formal musical training. Growing up, she split her time between North Hollywood with her mom and New York with her DJ father. Dad would even bring the eight-year-old along when he spun at packed nightclubs in the city. “I don’t know what the clubs were thinking letting me in,” she laughs. “I’d be in the DJ booth with him just watching everything. I was the tiniest kid ever so I don’t even think anybody could even see me. I’ve always been around music, and I knew it’s what I’d do for the rest of my life. I didn’t have a choice” Immersing herself in hip-hop and picking up skateboarding in the process, she formally got behind the mic in none other than the legendary Marvin Gaye’s Hollywood Hills studio. A friend had been recording there and invited her by to drop some verses. Despite feeling like the room was haunted, the atmosphere inspired her to go as hard as possible, pursuing that dream. At 17-years-old, she launched her first MySpace Music page under the name Chanel West Coast.
“I uploaded all of my music, and I spent all day every day adding people,” she remembers. “I tried to network as much as I could on there, and that’s how I became friends with Fantasy Factory’s Scott ‘Big Cat’ Pfaff.” As a result, she eventually met Rob Dyrdek who invited her to act as a receptionist and rap during a 2010 Carl’s Jr. promo on Fantasy Factory. Music essentially provided her gateway into television. She killed it on her first episode and joined the series full-time. In between, she tirelessly gigged around Los Angeles and the rest of the country, increasing her fan base dramatically in the process. 2012 proved to be a breakthrough year though.
Lil Wayne personally invited her to his Miami studio to play some of her tracks. She left the meeting with a record deal, signing to Young Money Entertainment/Cash Money Records. The first taste of her YMCMB output is the irresistible “Karl”, the first single from Now You Know. Lagerfeld himself would undoubtedly be proud of Chanel West Coast’s impenetrable delivery and seductive swagger.
She admits, “I’m stepping out of the box and showing everybody who I am as an artist. It’s ironic that people know more about my daily life than my music, but this song is really me. I love fashion, and it’s a tribute to that. I’m not going to be satisfied until I reach the top.”
Elsewhere on the mixtape is the undeniable anthem, “I Love Money”. Coupled with its raw party video, the track remains something of a declaration for Chanel West Coast. “I’m not just saying I love money,” she explains. “I love having a good time and doing dope shit like going to Las Vegas, popping bottles at the club, and looking fly. It’s about having fun, going hard as a motherfucker, and getting money. I’m working my ass off, but I’m having an amazing time. This is the lifestyle. This is Chanel West Coast.” She can do anything as well, whether it’s light up a beat with a head-spinning rhyme or carry a pop hook. Chanel may be all about her fashion, but she grew up as a girl skateboarder amongst a bevy of guy skaters. It’s another side of her. “I went from Tom Boy to Tom Ford,” she laughs.
She relates some of that panache to quite the legendary connection, and it’s the source of her nickname “Young Bonnie.” “I’m related to the real Bonnie Parker,” she smiles. “Bonnie Parker lived her short life to the fullest and did what she wanted no matter what—whatever the cost. That’s how I live my life, sans the bank robberies and shooting. ”
Ultimately though, Chanel West Coast is ready to be finally heard loud and clear. “This is who I am,” she concludes. “I go through the same things everybody else does, and I’m rapping about real shit. I hope people feel that.”
Now You Know Chanel West Coast…
In their short 5 year existence, Ottawa, Canada-based MonkeyJunk has cultivated a unique blend of SWAMP ROOTS ROCK. Their extensive touring has helped to develop a notable fan base across Canada, the US and Europe. They have been rewarded for their hard work with many awards including:
2012 Juno Award winner – Blues Album of the Year
2008-2013 – 15 Maple Blues Awards
2010 Canadian Independent Music Award – Blues Album of the Year
2010 Blues Music Award (USA) – Best New Artist Debut
“The name MonkeyJunk comes from Son House, who once said ‘I’m talking about the blues, I ain’t talking ’bout no monkeyjunk.’ But I am going to talk about MonkeyJunk – they are brilliant and have produced one of the best albums I have heard in a long time…; Ten tracks that prove that this Canadian band is here to stay. And as Son House would have said if he had seen these boys: ‘I’m talking ’bout the blues, I’m talking about MonkeyJunk!’” – Bob Boncey, Blues Matters (UK)
When one hears the word “Clan” one would probably think of a group, tribe or family. And that’s exactly what Caesar “C-zar”, Nicky Bars and their band of brethrens are. Since 2004, cousins Caesar and Nicky have been rapping together and making a name for themselves in their small, hustle hard hometown, Kankakee, located south of Chicago.
In 2010 the two decided to “Finally” become a group (Hence the name of the first track on their Debut Mixtape “The Investment”), calling themselves Get Money Cliq. Thinking they should have a name that better described their personal bond with each other and the close-knit group of friends and family around them they decided to drop the word “Clique” for “Clan” and separate themselves from the ones who were just a group, instead they’re {G.M.Clan}, a family.
With popularity and street cred the two slowly but surely took over their hometown Kankakee, Illinois gaining major attention from the other local artist in the area who were also looking for their shot at a major deal. Keeping everything real in their music and maintaining a firm value of “Loyalty over everything”, it made it hard for the other artist in their area to deny their movement, so instead, a handful of other prominent local artists decided to join “The Clan” and combine their grind into one.
His style is undeniably captivating, at 24 years old, this Chi-Town native is secretly plotting his take over to what we know as Hip-Hop. Possessing a flow that sounds rather smooth but yet slick, and charisma to have an addiction for, Chris Parker is the definition of what happens when skills and swagger meet the streets.
Music listeners, enthusiasts, and professionals around the world have asked what is left of this “Pop Rock/Powerpop” scene? Is anything left? Have we completely moved forward and on to “the next big thing?” The genre we speak of being so lifeless in 2011 was the genre once tagged on Crown Point, IN’s own Asteria. A band that has gained extreme respect in the industry over the past 6 years as being a self-functioning, business savvy group of passionate musicians who have opted over the years to pass on professional industry help and chose to put the fate of their music career completely in their own hands. Recording, producing, album artwork, promotional campaigns, music videos, websites, tours, and everything else most musicians dream of getting professional help with have all been jobs executed by the members themselves. Turning a typical group of 5 twenty-some-odd year old bandmates hoping to be in the right place at the right time … into perfectionists, dream chasers, and experienced young men who have seen the triumphs and tragedies of the industry, together as a family.
With previous success on their 2007 Broken English/Warner full length debut SLIP INTO SOMETHING MORE COMFORTABLE, to their most recent 2008 self produced and released self titled EP, both bridged gaps between uber pop and and edgy funk style proven to be their own. Now in 2011 the band’s most recent LP titled MOMENTUM proves that the “Pop Rock” heart that so many of us have suspected to be beatless, hasn’t flatlined just yet. A new album that has the power to singlehandedly reverse this cardiac arrest of which we speak dropped in September 2010. What most would call a step in the right direction, MOMENTUM’s 13 tracks are a collection of songs compiled by Asteria over the previous 2 years, displaying the utmost diverse collaborations between these Midwestern road worn rock and roll renegades. Salty and sweet, hot and cold, yes, maybe, and no have all come out to play and no card is left unturned when you hear MOMENTUM and its large spectrum of feelings and vibes.
