The Suicide Machines

THE SUICIDE MACHINES

The Suicide Machines is an American punk rock band formed in March 1991 in Detroit, Michigan and disbanded in May 2006. Since 2009, the band has occasionally played reunion shows. During the course of their career the band released six full-length albums on the labels Hollywood Records and Side One Dummy Records. The band’s musical style initially blended elements of punk rock, ska, and hardcore into a genre popularly known as ska punk or “ska-core,” which characterized their first two albums. During the middle of their career they shifted gears, moving away from this sound and producing two albums with a heavy pop rock influence. Their final two albums moved back towards their mid-1990s style, bringing back heavy ska punk and hardcore elements.

MILO & OTIS

Meet Milo & Otis. Upon first meeting as freshmen at Brown University, Milo & Otis discovered their shared passion for music-making and live performance. They decided to let that shit marinate for five years before moving to Chicago and cooking up their first EP (Holiday!) in December 2011. Since settling in the Windy City, Milo & Otis have made a name for themselves in the up-and-coming music scene. Milo plays poetry & loop machines. Otis quite literally plays everything, especially bass. After seeing M&O live shows, fans marvel at how such massive sound could possibly come from such skinny people. Fans also claim to experience what they call “feelings” and often describe said “feelings” as intense, visceral, and chest-quaking.

What’s most unique about Milo & Otis is their imagination. Most bands play all of what they intend listeners to hear on their record. M&O only record half of what they write, and expect fans to recreate the hidden parts in their heads. Sort of like a mental math problem made of sugar, except without the math part. Simply put, Milo & Otis are adventure soul music: a road trip for your mind, a whizzing subway car for your heart, and sometimes even a party limo for your tuckus.

PEZBAND

One of the best American rock bands you’ve never heard of.

Mimi is best known as lead vocalist,singer/songwriter for the original power-pop group Pezband, for whom the phrase was coined.   In addition to critically acclaimed albums, his was the first US band to record a live EP at London’s famed Dingwall’s venue.

The Chicago-based singer/songwriter/guitarist enjoyed a modicum of fame and female adoration in the mid 1970s as he and his band mates were lauded internationally in magazines, newspapers and on TV by no less than Jane Pauley on “The Today Show.”

When marriage and family became a priority in his life, Mimi focused on another talent – fine art, which he taught in the Chicago Public School system.  The collage on the cover of “All That Glitters” is one of his creations.

“All That Glitters” marks Mimi’s long overdue return to music.  In addition to lead single “Love Is Just A Thin Veneer,” the 10-song CD includes Mimi’s heartfelt rendition of “Across The Universe,” his ode to John Lennon on what would have been the Beatle’s 70th birthday. His group is currently performing in the Chicago area.

DWIGHT TWILLEY

The Green Blimp was originally launched from Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early ‘70s. The ship first touched down in Memphis, Tennessee. It next departed to Tupelo, Mississippi, where the crew learned that rock n’ roll was not created by The Beatles. They just made it better. With Captain Dwight Twilley at the helm, and Commander Phil Seymour, his friend and partner steadying the course, the clouds were only the beginning. Cruises between Tupelo and Tulsa were enjoyed as they soaked up the tutoring of early Sun Records artist/producer Ray Harris. Eventually, the Blimp was docked back in Tulsa for maintenance.

The Captain and crew feverishly worked to blend their new Memphis influences with their childhood British roots. With repairs completed, the Airship was ready for its most ambitious voyage, to the far away land of Los Angeles.

After landing, the Blimp was comfortably anchored while the Captain and crew, now calling themselves The Dwight Twilley Band, indulged in recording rock ‘n’ roll records. Their first effort was the top 20 hit, “I’m on Fire.” The San Francisco Chronicle called it, “The best debut single by an American rock band ever.” The now iconic LPs Sincerely in 1976 and Twilley Don’t Mind (1977) sailed into a storm of critical acclaim.

In late 1977, Seymour disembarked to pursue his own command of the USS Precious to Me, while Captain Twilley charted a course of classic albums. 1979 yielded the checker board Twilley and Scuba Divers surfaced in 1982. 1984’s Jungle navigated its way with the Top 20 single, “Girls,” and its accompanying hit MTV video. During those years, classic records like “Looking for the Magic,” “Out Of My Hands” and “Somebody to Love” stood the test of time and remain frozen in the hearts of fans worldwide.

The excitement was high surrounding the release of 1986′s Wild Dogs, the follow-up LP that was poised to surpass the success of Jungle. But it was not meant to be. The album was issued into the shockwave of a major industry payola scandal centered on the president of Twilley’s label. “It was like the lights were just turned out and the record simply disappeared.” The years that followed left the Blimp abandoned and rusting in a junkyard in Bakersfield. In 1987 and ’88, the discouraged Captain hit the road, but with little fanfare without a record to promote. In 1989, Twilley began several years working on a new studio album, but the major labels were no longer interested. “At the height of my career I felt blacklisted.”

Finally, there was a little light. In 1992, Twilley’s song, “Why You Wanna Break My Heart,” emerged from the platinum-selling Wayne’s World soundtrack. Then in 1994, the Captain authored the award-winning book, Questions from Dad. That same year, the Northridge earthquake struck and virtually destroyed Twilley’s house. The Captain decided it was time to return home to the red velvet sunsets of Tulsa. Obviously, there was only one way to travel, so the long lost Blimp was rescued and restored. Stepping back on board his trusted ship, the stars began to align. The newly bristol fashion craft landed at The Big Oak Ranch, where the Captain and his mates built the Big Oak Studio and returned to their old habits of burning out hot records with a new, determined confidence.

The Blimp, in its polished brilliance, felt at peace in its new hanger. Resting next to the studio, it could listen to the Captain and his old friends, like guitarist Bill Pitcock IV, crank out another flaming blaze of albums: XXI (The Best of Dwight Twilley -1996), the internationally acclaimed Tulsa (1999), The Luck (2001), 47 Moons (2004), Have A Twilley Christmas (2005) – a collection of new Twilley holiday songs, All Access (2006) Twilley’s live album, and Out Of The Box (2009), his first album of all cover songs.

Now in 2010 with a documentary film about the Captain’s exploits in production, everyone felt compelled to start looking up again at the sky. It was decided to dedicate our greatest effort to the vehicle that had sailed us through decades of life changing musical adventures, The Green Blimp.

We drew on all our skills to construct a record worthy of our ship’s name. With the Captain perched confidently again at the wheel and his First Mate Jan manning the controls, it seemed like a pirate’s party. Special guests like Rocky Burnette and Susan Cowsill were singing and toasting flagons of ale. It was a magical frenzy, with all hands buzzing around making musical noises.

Now, we find the ship’s cargo overflowing with all new signature Twilley songs, from hard driving rockers like “Get Up,” the melodic, harmony-filled “Me and Melanie,” to the haunting ballad, “Let it Rain.” We are now preparing to ascend again high above the purple clouds of Oklahoma with no course ever to be charted. “Sky’s are blue for me and you, in the Green Blimp.”….All Aboard!

OMAR COLEMAN with Dave Katzman

Since deciding to fully pursue a career in music in 2010, Omar Coleman has impressively recorded 3 full albums, performed 30 overseas dates in 12 countries, and performed as feature vocalist for more than 10 professionally touring bands. Omar has the personality, sound, and passion of the late greats Junior Wells and James Brown and hopes to reach similar acclaim with his own career. Perhaps visit one of the four real deal blues joints in Chicago and ask about Omar Coleman. No tricks, no games…. just blues.

Omar Coleman, 35, has established himself as one of the nation’s premier harmonica players and blues vocalist alive today, billed on festivals with legends like Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Ruth Brown, and Robert Randolph. With a voice soulful beyond his years, Omar has been impressing audiences across the nation with his genuine, seasoned harmonica skills and vocals. Omar is known to interact directly with his audience, befriending an entire audience.

LAZER/WULF

Formed in 2008 in Athens, GA, among indie- and math-rock contemporaries, Lazer/Wulf is an experimental metal trio that’s easy to get behind, but hard to peg. It’s instrumental but with flashes of distant vocals, a jazz collective with thrash roots, funk players with sludge issues, or a prog band reeled in by a satisfying hook. Every cathartic fit backs against a tense silence. Whatever it is, it’s useless to describe. Just imagine L/W as a trampoline rigged to explode: it’s fun for just about anybody, but likely to kill them at any moment.

ORANGE GOBLIN

Heavy Metal is not just about music: it’s a way of life, a motivating mind-set, a positive force and an inspirational belief system. It’s the most exciting, life-affirming noise that exists on this planet of ours, and London’s indestructible masters of the furious form are Orange Goblin. Not just the UK’s reigning champions of balls-out, party-starting, booze-fuelled metal, but one of the very best live rock bands of all time, the mighty Goblin have been a permanent and universally admired fixture on the British metal circuit for the past 16 years. And now they’re back, with ‘A Eulogy for the Damned’, their seventh and best studio album. A thunderous tour-de-force of gargantuan riffs, subterranean rumble and electrifying energy, it is the album the band have been threatening to make since they first crawled, with crumpled beer cans in hand, from the grubby Soho shadows back in the mid-90s.

Inspired by the gods of hard rock, heavy metal, punk rock and underground extremity, from Sabbath, Motörhead and Thin Lizzy through to Celtic Frost, Danzig and Black Flag, Orange Goblin were initially seen as major contenders amid the mid-90s stoner rock explosion, but it soon became apparent that this band had much more up their collective wizard’s sleeve than red-eyed boogie and flapping flares. In fact, over the course of their roller coaster career, the band have proved themselves to be one of the most consistent and persistent forces in modern heavy music, amassing a catalogue of albums that rivals anything released during the same period. From the rambunctious, heads-down exuberance of their Frequencies From Planet Ten debut in 1997 through to the multi-genre bonfire of insanities that was 2007’s Healing Through Fire, Orange Goblin have always kicked arse, always written songs that hit home like a stage diver’s boot connecting with your forehead, always delivered the rampaging heavy metal goods while meaning every last riff, beat, solo and bellow.

But it is as a live band that Orange Goblin have founded their formidable reputation. Long renowned as skilled crowd-pleasers and party masters, the band have toured all over the world and shared stages with countless big names, including Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Sex Pistols, Down, Queens Of The Stone Age, Dio, Monster Magnet and many more. They have headlined sell-out shows at New York’s revered CBGB’s, Los Angeles’ notorious Troubadour and the legendary Underworld in Camden, London. They have also blown fields full of minds at such prestigious festivals as Sonisphere, Download, Hellfest, Bloodstock Open Air, Roadburn, Dynamo, Maryland Death Fest and High Voltage. An Orange Goblin show is a guaranteed good time…all you need to do is get the beers in, prepare your neck muscles for maximum punishment and surrender to the sound of a grand heavy metal institution letting rip at full throttle.

A lean, mean hard rocking’ machine…the eight-legged tag team of frontman Ben Ward, bassist Martyn Millard, guitarist Joe Hoare and drummer Chris Turner have reached a new peak of creativity and one-two-fuck-you intensity on ‘A Eulogy For The Damned’. This is the album that deftly encapsulates everything that is exhilarating and admirable about this most dedicated and humble of British metal wrecking crews and that deserves to propel Orange Goblin to the front of the British metal queue. They’re back and the party is starting all over again. Whose round is it??

LOS SUNNY DAZE

Los Sunny Daze like to spin Tropical Beats (Cumbia, Salsa, Sonidero, Bossa Nova, Tropical) Soul, Hip-Hop, Funk, Chicago House Classics and World Funk -they have funky records from Brazil, Mexico, India, Iran, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan and all over the Spanish speaking world.

Tony “The Luck of Lucien” Medina has spent more time on his knees searching for records than searching for love. A social worker by day, with some exceptions, he refuses to believe any music was recorded after 1996. Tony tips his hat to his father who brought him up on health doses of Exotica, Bossa Nova, Oldies 104.3 and other sweet loungey sounds of yesteryear.

For 20 years, David “Tropicalazo” Zacarias has been an avid record collector of all sonidos tropical . He loves scouring the streets of Mexico City for Spanish-sung covers of American pop and rocks hits, and sharing these finds. Aside from these cultural treasures, “El Tropicalazo” boast one of the most impressive Cumbia collections this side of Colombia.

OCKAM’S RAZOR

Ockam’s Razor is a high energy hard rock band blowing up the Chicago club scene. Ockam’s Razor has an original yet familiar sound. Their influences are as diverse as 70’s heavy rock and 80’s metal & hardcore punk to 90’s grunge and 2000’s indie rock. Ockam’s Razor fits well on all hard rock, metal, punk, and indie shows. Ockam’s Razor’s show is lively and dynamic. They “bring it ” every show, every time.

With radio play on stations regionally like 94.7 The Razor, 95.1 Wiil Rock, 105.5 The Kat, 103.9 The Bear, 94.1 WJJO & 97.3 The Rock, Ockam’s Razor’s regional following is building fast. Ockam’s Razor has also shared the stage with bands like Black Stone Cherry, Saving Abel, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Lovehammers and Anthrax, and has played or is currently booked at premier venues like House Of Blues(Chicago, 1300 capacity),The Hard rock Cafe'(Chicago capacity 690), Reggies Live(Chicago 500 capacity), The Rave/Eagles Ballroom(Milwaukee Wi. 3500 seat venue),The Brat Stop(Kenosha Wi. 1200 capacity) MoJoe’s(Joliet,1200 seat venue), The Back Bar(Janesville Wi.capacity 400) and more. Ockam’s Razor has also played a number of outdoor music festivals like The Bash On Wabash(Chicago 6000 attend) & The Galena Music Festival(Galena Ill/Dubuque Ia)

With their self titled debut EP selling more than 3000 copies in total Ockam’s Razor has recently finished recording their first full length album with producer Jon Lawhon(Black Stone Cherry) and will be mixed by multi-platinum producer/engineer Sean O’Keefe(Hawthorne Heights, Fall Out Boy, Plain White Tees). The album will be released this spring. In addition, Bassist Connor James is a Warwick Bass endorser/artist and drummer Dominick Cappetto is The Sunset Island Music Radio 2014 Drummer Of The Year 2014.

LYDIA LOVELESS

Blessed with a commanding, blast-it-to-the-back-of-the-room voice, the 21 year-old Lydia Loveless was raised on a family farm in Coshocton, Ohio—a small weird town with nothing to do but make music. With a dad who owned a country music bar, Loveless often woke up with a house full of touring musicians scattered on couches and floors. When she got older, in the time-honored traditions of teenage rebellion, she turned her back on these roots, moved to the city (Columbus OH) and immersed herself in the punk scene, soaking up the musical and attitudinal influences of everyone from Charles Bukowski to Richard Hell to Hank III.

Indestructible Machine, Loveless’ Bloodshot debut, combines heady doses of punk rock energy and candor with the country classicism she was raised on and just can’t shake; it’s an gutsy and unvarnished mash up. The rattletrap electricity in foggy mountain throwdowns like Bad Way To Go and Do Right may channel ground zero-era Old 97s, but the underlying bruised vulnerability comes across like Neko Case’s tuff little sister. Can’t Change Me, with its choppy, tense guitar tonality recalling Television’s Richard Lloyd, stridently and stubbornly tells the world to stuff it, while More Like Them’s muscular power pop hits on the classic rock and roll motif of the outsider; both could be anthems for blank generations along the rural routes everywhere. But she’s also got the vocal nuances to pull off country soul well beyond her years on How Many Women, which could have been pulled right out of the strong-woman-wronged canon of Loretta Lynn, and Crazy, full of boozy heartache and the lilt of Appalachia.

Loveless’s true-to-life testimonials hit and hit hard. Be it whiskey, men, god or alienation, Lydia takes them all on; they may kick, but she kicks back and, even though she stands 5′ tall, when the barstools start flying, we want her on our side.

SATURNALIA TEMPLE

Black magic metal

Esoteric

ESOTERIC

Begun in the post-industrial decay of Birmingham in 1992, the band initially took influence from personal excursions into inner space, contemporary death metal, and their own warped take on 70’s progressive and psychedelic music. The early years saw them perform live infrequently, often to perplexed (and sometimes hostile) audiences. The prevailing ethos in the underground, and indeed heavy music in general in the early 90’s was one of speed. Along with a few of their contemporaries scattered across the globe, ESOTERIC eschewed this in favour of slow building intensity, extended and multi-layered compositions, and free form noise breaks. A foreboding and pervasive sense of unease permeated the early recordings – this was truly dark music. Throughout the 90’s the band remained very much in the underground, perfecting their craft, unmoved by trends or the expectations of the fickle masses.

Albums such as ‘The Pernicious Enigma’ and ‘Metamorphogenesis’ saw them develop and refine their sound, evolving naturally, never appearing contrived. Problems finding dedicated members meant decreased activity in the late 90’s – finding a suitable drummer proved particularly difficult.

2003 saw the band rejuvenated. With the line-up complete for the first time in years, and signing to Season of Mist for the release of their fourth album ‘Subconscious Dissolution into to Continuum’, they performed their first live shows since 1997. The growing interest in the style of music ESOTERIC had been peddling without compromise since 1992 meant more opportunities to perform on stage, something the band has relished. ESOTERIC has developed into a formidable and respected live act, playing tours and festivals throughout Europe and beyond, sharing stages with bands and artists including AHAB, ALCEST, EMPEROR, MAYHEM, MOURNFUL CONGREGATION, SKEPTICISM, SATURNUS, SWALLOW THE SUN, and festivals such as Brutal Assault, SWR Barroselas, Hell’s Pleasure, Damnation Festival, Madrid is The Dark, and many more.

Released in 2008, ‘The Maniacal Vale’ proved to be the bands most ambitious and successful album to date, simultaneously honouring the chaos of the earlier releases whilst expanding into territory that at first glance may seem at odds with the bands ethos, yet has always lurked within their compositions – namely, a sense a melody and grandeur. Having been hinted at on previous albums, this side of the band was fully realized. This was followed in 2011 by ‘Paragon of Dissonance’, an album equal to its predecessor in compositional scope and ambition.

2019 saw the release of the seventh opus, ‘A Pyrrhic Existence’, 98 minutes of new material that once again expands on the bands sound, yet retains elements of all their preceding works. It is a culmination of 27 years of uncompromising dedication to their craft – detailed and layered compositions, a high level of musicianship, foreboding production, and equal measures of utter darkness and melodic diversity. Following the world wide pandemic in 2020 Esoteric returned to the stage, performing at festivals and touring in Europe, and for the first time in Australia. The current line up consists of Greg Chandler (Guitar/Vocals), Mark Bodossian (Bass/Synths), Joe Fletcher (Drums),  Simon Mark Roberts (Guitar), and Mathew Barnes (Guitar).

MODIVICCAN

an amalgamation of rock music from many backgrounds.

BITTER THOUGHTS

FROZEN SOULS AND BITTER MINDS…. HARDCORE FROM THE CHI-TOWN BURBS

SOMETHING WITH STRINGS

Something With Strings has been picking its original blend of bluegrass, country and rock to foot-stomping crowds of all ages and sizes around the northeast for over 5 years. Hailing from Burlington, VT, Something With Strings focuses on good song-writing, meaningful lyrics, tight melodies and harmonies and creative improvisation to bring bluegrass to new audiences with high-energy live shows. They’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with such acts as Trampled By Turtles, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Waylon Speed.

PYYRAMIDS

PYYRAMIDS is the dark and mysterious union of two beautifully creative minds joined together from great distance. Improbably comprised of Tim Nordwind and Drea Smith – he from the indie rock band OK Go, she from the electro-pop outfit He Say/She Say – the duo initially bonded over an affinity for first-wave British post-punk and 80’s Manchester bands. “We were an unlikely combination, and that seemed like reason enough to try it,” Nordwind explains. After a mutual friend introduced the pair via email, a dialogue started and a fast friendship was forged…the musical ideas began to flow back and forth via email. “We didn’t have any specific goal, we just started writing and these songs emerged,” elaborates Smith.

Feeding off each other’s energy, productive beat maker Nordwind and thoughtful lyricist Smith wrote a handful of songs before they ever met in-person. Over time, PYYRAMIDS’ sound began to emerge, favoring stripped back instruments mixed with electronic elements and layered with Smith’s laid-back soulful vocal delivery to produce a mystical, intimate sound. Critics have said of Smith’s crooning it’s as if “Billie Holiday grew up listening to The Smiths.” “I’ve never really heard indie music with a voice like that,” Nordwind explains. “It adds three-dimensionality to the moods, beats and chords.”

AFROZEP

Chicago’s top Rock, Jazz and African musicians get together to perform a set of Led Zeppelin songs. Some tunes are straight mash-ups of Fela Kuti and Zeppelin, others are Zep tunes but set to original grooves based off the music of artists such as Tinariwen, Thomas Mapfumo and Franco and others are stripped down Zeppelin arrangements injected with the pulse of traditional African drumming.

 

THE UNGNOMES

The first time the Ungnomes appeared on my radar was when someone linked me to a video of them covering a song by a band I used to play in (the late and not-so-grea tLoose Dudes). I was both baffled and flattered that a group of kids in high school would go out of their way to cover a band that not only had been broken up for almost two years, but really wasn’t very cool to begin with. It turns out the Ungnomes are fronted by Jimmy Langford, the 15-year-old son of local legend Jon, and they’re actually pretty awesome. They absolutely put my high school bands to shame.

The Ungnomes play straightforward punk rock that owes a lot to west-coast bands of the 80s, like Black Flag or the Adolescents. The songs are speedy and snotty, and lyrical subject matter ranges from childish nihilism (“Religion is stupid!”) to childish commentary on local politics (one song is called “Fuck Kill Rahm”). They’re by no means breaking down any boundaries or forging new musical frontiers, but that’s what makes it so great. This is spirited punk rock made by excited kids, and listening to it makes me excited. The music is played with a lot of skill too; what I hear are four young musicians with bright futures ahead of them. You can listen to their new album, Grape Drink, in its entirety on their Bandcamp page.

WOODY & THE CHUCKS

From the deep sticks of Wyoming, Dov “Woody” Stanley decided to take his dreams to Chicago. Through a mutual work environment came along Brian “Brick” Traudt & Kevin J Houston, together the three were indestructible. Gathered in a basement Woody and the Chucks was established, bringing you THE dirty blues/rock trio.

THE MAHLORS

The Mahlors are a four piece reggae rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have headlined some of the biggest venues in Philadelphia, recorded 3 albums (new album “Stay True” out now), have done countless touring all over the east coast and developed a huge indie following.

THE NECROHOLICS

Made up of former members of Casket Stench and Art of the Flesh, The members of The Necroholics are here to take horror punk back to its gruesome, bloody roots while giving it their own unique style described by listeners as Gore Punk.

High energy songs, heavy riffing, ripping guitars, gutteral in your face vocals and a non stop intensity bring the listener in and wanting more.

A blend of classic Misfits with a heavy thrash metal influence brings a uniqueness to the often redundant genre of Horror Punk.

Squared Off

SQUARED OFF

Squared Off is a 4-piece street punk band hailing from Chicago IL. Since 1996, Squared Off has been playing in small basements, local dive bars and large touring venues. These guys bring out some of punk’s forgotten ideals of brotherhood, pride, and the words of the working class. Squared Off’s music gives you the sense of kinship with the understanding of the struggles of society today.

DYLAN DURHAM

Each of Dylan’s songs derives from a story, outlined with simple chords and a stinging, introspective honesty. The singer- songwriter’s folk roots are augmented by Sergio Coronado’s electric guitar. Austere melodies give way to baleful, swelling climaxes as the sincere, lyric-driven tunes culminate in a sound richer and more satisfying than your average self-indulgent sad-bastard music.

KOOPA & LOS MYSTERIOS

Koopa & Los Mysterios were voted “Super Happy Awesome Fun Hillbilly Band Number #1” by Mexican Pro Wrestling Illustrated in the summer of 2013. Heavily influenced by Rockabilly, the band also incorporates Surf, Doo Wop, and Jazz to complete their swanky retro sound.

 

LEBO DE GREAT

On the Day of December 31 early 80’s, Lebo was born in Cook County Hospital. He was then brought to 4947 s Fedeal Robert Taylor Projects As a teenager life went on, and little did he know how things would go downhill. At the age of 13, the young teenager went to his first jail the audee home. here is where he started facing the harsh realities of life.Here now lies a rapper name Lebo Da Great with an extreme lyrical gift.

Robert Rolfe Feddersen

ROBERT ROLFE FEDDERSEN

Robert Rolfe Feddersen is a singer/songwriter from Chicago who currently resides in Crown Point, Indiana.  Robert’s songwriting style is very open, honest, reflective, humorous and topical.  He has a well-crafted seven album catalog of songs, the last two of which were recorded in Chicago by Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, Cheap Trick).  Formerly the frontman of well-known mid-90s Chicago band LOUDMOUTH, Robert is a gold selling artist penning the hit song “Fly” from the film Varsity Blues.  His songs have also appeared in numerous movies, movie trailers and TV shows. Robert’s songwriting has been compared to early Springsteen/Steve Earle/Woody Guthrie and his live shows are entertaining, engaging and audience-inclusive.

DAN EFFLAND TRIO

Influenced by Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, Charlie Christian, Kenny Burrell, Ornette Coleman, and many others, Effland’s style displays a thorough knowledge of the tradition without sacrificing individuality. As an improviser, one of his greatest strengths is his ability to play inspired, organic melodies in any context.

Comfortable in a wide variety of settings, he can be heard providing sensitive accompaniment to a straight-ahead jazz singer, as a sideman in an avant-garde trio, or as a leader of a group performing his own compositions.

After completing formal musical studies at West Virginia University and Middlesex University in London, Effland relocated to the fertile jazz scene of Chicago to continue learning America’s greatest music in one of its greatest homes. In a city steeped in musical tradition, he has surrounded himself with like-minded players focused on thoroughly absorbing the great traditions of Jazz while finding a personal and honest approach to the music.

In the past few years, Effland has performed extensively throughout the Midwest as well as touring on the East Coast and in Brazil. In that time, he has performed at many famous venues including the Green Mill, Andy’s Jazz Club, Pops for Champagne, the Velvet Lounge, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (Detroit), Chris’ Jazz Cafe (Philadelphia), and the Chicago Jazz Festival. He has the opportunity to play with many great Chicago-based musicians including Scott Burns, Jeff Parker, Dennis Carroll, Neal Alger, John Bany, Greg Ward, Eric Schneider, Andy Brown, Geoff Bradfield, Dave Miller, Matt Ulery, Michael Raynor, Rob Amster, Joe Policastro, Mikel Avery, and many others. He is also a top call player in Chicago for accompanying jazz vocalists and has played with Jesse Palter, Elaine Dame, Erin McDougald, Juli Wood, Paul Marinaro, Amanda Crumley, Lisa Roti, Lesley Byers, Petra Van Nuis, Claudia Stefanski, Jeff Hedberg, Leslie Beukelman, Matt Lewis, Rose Colella, and others.

ET NIHIL

ET NIHIL is…b9 InViD: Vocals, Lyrics, 12-String Guitar, Synthesizers, Percussion, Trumpet, Objects b9 InViD performed as one-half of Luftwaffe from 1997-2013.

MYSTIC BOWIE

Since the 1980s, Mystic Bowie has been keeping the art of music alive – entertaining audiences from New York to Japan with his vibrant music and high-energy performances. From humble beginnings in Jamaica, Mystic has become one of Reggae’s hardest working independent artists, compared to musical legends Jimmy Cliff, Lucky Dube and Toots and the Maytals.

Mystic’s career to date can only be described as an impressive musical journey. In 2009 alone, he averaged 217 performances, which included headliner appearances at the Tribal Funk Fest (BC, Canada), the New Haven Arts and Ideas Festival (CT, USA), SoNo Arts Festival and the MIMA Music Festival (Brazil).

Bowie has independently released four studio albums on his label, Funky Ska Music – his first, “Funky Reggae” (1992), which was followed by “Rebirth” (2002), and “Nevah Kiss & Tell” (2009), and most recently “Sweet Jamaica” (March 2012) distributed by VP Records. The song “16 Dimples” from “Rebirth” was well received while the title track from the album, “Nevah Kiss & Tell” was nominated for an award by the Okanagan International Film Fest in Canada. In 2011 he was awarded an Outstanding Achievement in Music by Linkage Radio Music Awards. Mystic’s signature style has also been featured on several compilation albums including, “Sharin’ in the Groove: Celebrating the Music of Phish” (2000), “Creole Bred: Tribute to Creole & Zydeco” (2004), and “Occupy This Album: supporting the Occupy Wall Street Movement” (2012).

A testament to his drive to bridge the gap between genres, Mystic has enjoyed the fruits of countless collaborations far beyond his Reggae roots. Since 1992, he has toured as the front man vocalist with the legendary Tom Tom Club; his highly engaging performances have been captured on their “Live At The Clubhouse” CD (2002), “Time to Bounce,” and “In a Bootleg Style” DVDs.

He has performed with a variety of funk and rock units including the B-52s, Trey Anastasio (Phish) and Widespread Panic. His work has also crossed over into film, having been featured on the Tom Tom Club’s remake of the Jimmy Cliff classic, “Many Rivers to Cross” for the movie The Long Kiss Good Night and “Who’s Feelin It” (from “The Good The Bad and the Funky”) featured on the soundtrack for the urban thriller American Psycho.

Mystic Bowie has been committed to sharing the art of music beyond the stage, establishing the Mystic Bowie Cultural Center in 1991. He was awarded two Certificates of Special Recognition from The Overseas Maroon Council and the Accompong Primary and Junior High School in Jamaica for his efforts.

In 2010, Mystic secured a non-exclusive endorsement deal with the internationally recognized brand – Red Stripe Beer. The brand acknowledged Mystic’s efforts to keep the art of music alive through positive music and community outreach. In 2012 he acquired a merchandise deal with VP Records/Riddim Driven Clothing that will be ready for his summer tour.

 

FERSHER

Coming out of Chicago with our own special blend of reggae, ska, bluegrass, punk and psychedelic dub. Fersher offers a little flavor for everyone.

Formed in December 2011, the band’s members have played together in various bands and projects throughout the years and found a common sound in the heady jams that make Fersher.

With an ever expanding library of originals and a deep catalog of classic cover songs that fit right at home on any stage, Fersher makes people dance…period.

EMILIO ROJAS

During a time when New York is struggling to break new artists, an unlikely face, from an unlikely place, has emerged. Rochester, New York, native Emilio Rojas is just that: The fresh face New York needs to reclaim a place in the forefront of the Hip Hop genre. In 2005, Emilio received a phone call from a friend asking if he would like to move to New York. After selling everything he owned, he was living in Brooklyn the next day. Since then Emilio has distinguished himself by releasing several critically acclaimed mixtapes, and taken his place amongst the most anticipated of up and coming artists.

Having a cosign from fellow Rochester-native, and Hiphop legend DJ Green Lantern, (who has worked extensively with Hip Hop greats Eminem, Jay Z, Nas, etc) has solidified Emilio’ s place among today’ s most buzzing artists. Together the duo have released two critically acclaimed mixtapes, The Natural and recent Life Without Shame , which feature production and guest appearances from Multi-Platinum and Grammy winning producers and artists, such as Boi-1da, The J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Nottz, Needlz, B.o.B., Styles P, Killer Mike, Yelawolf, and more. Emilio is clearly in the company of greatness – but like any other rising star he is carving out a space uniquely his own.

Individuality is the driving force behind Emilio’s music. The only son of an American mother and Venezuelan immigrant father, his perspective reflects the growing biracial climate in the United States today. Couple that with the fact that his father left his family at a young age and you can identify the source of Emilio’s hunger. These themes are prevalent in his music, they are what make him so relatable. Emilio speaks for those who up until now have had no voice, and he does not shy away from the taboo or controversial.

It is that approach that sets him apart. His willingness to candidly discuss topics that most people tuck away, but present them in a way that you can play on the radio or even at a party. These are the qualities of a great artist. Emilio can go in any direction, and at his current rate, he is on course to make a permanent mark on the industry, and more importantly continue to grow with his fans.

DIZZY WRIGHT

Not many 21-year old rappers can say that they’ve been rapping for over a decade. The Las Vegas-based rapper began rapping at just 8 years old with the group “DaFuture” with his brother and very close friend – his mother wrote his raps at the time. “My Mom was like Joe Jackson,” says Wright, “She was a concert promoter so I was exposed to the music industry early – we even did youth reporting at major awards shows like the BET Awards.”

At 17-years old with several years of experience Dizzy decided to take his rap career seriously. Formerly known as Dizzy D Flashy, Dizzy was a winner on BET’s “Wild Out Wednesdays,” winner of the Sheikh Music “Rip the Mic” Competition and released 5 mixtapes, which lead him to rack up over 1-million views on YouTube. Wright wants for people to learn something when they listen to his music by discussing situations that his fans can relate to. “The internet allowed me to see what my music did to people – I like being able to see the response. When you rap, you have a voice and this is how I balance my thoughts,” says Wright.

In November 2011, Wright signed to Funk Volume after being discovered at the Sheikh Music “Rip the Mic” Competition in 2010. Impressed by his smooth flow, confident stage presence and energy that won over the crowd, Funk Volume knew he was a special talent and would be valuable addition to the team. On the heels of his latest mixtape “Soul Searchin’ Next Level,” Wright will release “Smoke Out Conversations” on February 20th, and says the tape was inspired by Don Miguel Ruiz’s widespread book, “The Four Agreements.” “I live the four agreements …. The first agreement is be impeccable with your word. People will learn something from this mixtape.”

Download Dizzy Wright’s latest mixtape “Soul Searchin’ Next Level” on the Funk Volume website or Datpiff.

OLD YOU

“Welding a clever mix of jazz, blues and acid rock to the boisterous soul-bearing of vocalist Young-Mi Feldsott, Old You constructs a sturdy yet sleek vehicle of sultry and emotive blues/rock. When put in motion, it sounds like a time warp from the ’60s to the distant future and back within one song.”

MIDWEST

Music born out of cornfields, cold winters and rust belt love letters. Folk and roll songs about dead ends and new beginnings. Warm blankets and wet blankets. Heartbreakers and handwarmers.

Midwest is a female-fronted folk ‘n’ roll band from Chicago, born out of cornfields, cold winters and rust belt love letters. The sound is heavily inspired by Americana, Singer/Songwriter, and Motown music, with influences that can be traced from Patsy Cline and Heart, to the Head and the Heart and The Lone Bellow.

Formed in late 2012, principle songwriter and lead vocalist, Nicolette Verone, having written a new group of songs following the amicable break up of her former band (Tiger Cry), shared them with now back-up vocalist, Heather Bodie. From late summer to early fall, Verone and Bodie crafted the strong vocal harmonies and cultivated a truly home-grown, midwestern sound. It was around this time when Bodie brought in violinist, Dave Belden, whom added the touch of melancholy to their warm and rich voices. Soon after, they added upright bassist, Joshua Sauvegeau (formerly of Tiger Cry), guitarist, keyboardist and harmonica player, Andy Lutz, and percussionist Nate Ross. The sound is built around the foundation of those sweet, swelling 2 and 3-part vocal harmonies and driven by the strong backbeat of the bass.

BROWNBIRD RUDY RELIC

Reltone Records Recording artist, Brownbird Rudy Relic is the embodiment of the ‘modern-day’ blues music troubadour. Having started his career street busking  throughout the United States, he eventually settled in New York City where he began to hone his unique musical style; acoustic holler blues. Just as much as turn of the century blues music was an amalgam of the influences of the day, Acoustic Holler Blues lays parallel to a similar synthesis; fusing early pre-war country blues styles with a multitude of other relevant (rhythm &) blues influences such as Hokum, Ragtime, Doo wop and Boogie-Woogie.

In true troubadour fashion; he has taken his music all over the world; a man, his guitar and a mission to purvey traditional blues music in a relevant contemporary light – moving the music forward rather than presenting it as ‘retro’ or as ‘revivalism”

He has played shows all throughout North and South America, Canada and Mexico as well as all over Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

UNIVERSAL PRODUCT

A band that completely refuses to follow the rules of music and genre.
Mixing various forms of Metal, Jazz, Funk, Ambient, and Dub.

THE DREAD CREW OF ODDWOOD

The Dread Crew of Oddwood is a pirate themed band that blends Heavy Metal, Celtic Rock, and Folk Punk with a unique acoustic instrumentation to proclaim a new genre: Heavy Mahogany. Embarking from San Diego in 2008, this bloodthirsty horde has accumulated a commendable cult following in the musical underground of Southern California, and is rapidly gaining infamy throughout the far corners of the world.

Oddwood set the stage for world conquest with the release of their albums Reign the Helm in 2009 and Rocktopus in 2010. The tracks “Cities Burning” and “Kraken Skulls” hinted at the sinister influence of heavy metal on the band’s sound, while “Bottoms Up,” “Leviathan,” and “The Frenchman’s Daughter” show off a more melodic side of the band’s writing. Boozing, wenching, conquering, killing, and epic storytelling are commonplace in The Dread Crew’s lyrics, and their sense of humor and theatrical brilliance surface in their blood-drenched, critically acclaimed music video for “Queen’s Decree.”

These albums’ tales of comrades lost, bloody sieges, and drunken debauchery caught on so quickly that the demand for more manly and archaic music came to a head. So, In 2012, The Dread Crew of Oddwood forged their genre defining album Heavy Mahogany. Funded by the band’s rabid fans, this award-nominated masterpiece brandishes the true voice of their genre. From the first note of “Meat, Bread, and Wine” to the last note of “Seafarer’s Medley,” Heavy Mahogany will take you on an unforgettable journey through time, space, and the seven seas. Captain William Kidd’s execution speech comes to life in “When I Sail’d,” and just when you think the fun is over, the crew sings songs of subjects as diverse as airships, zombies, demons, alcohol, and George Washington. Heavy Mahogany is the standard by which all pirate music shall be judged!

Among the The Dread Crew of Oddwood’s myriad exploits are performances at The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire, The Bristol Renaissance Faire, and the Los Angeles County Fair, all which have an attendance of over 200,000 patrons. Recently, the band has been featured at The City National Grove of Anaheim, Whisky A Go Go, The Key Club, and The Great American Music Hall, supporting acts like Rhapsody of Fire, Turisas, Buckethead, and Stolen Babies. Whether it’s festivals or street corner pubs, large theaters or Renaissance Faires, no venue is too large (or small!) for this ensemble of heroic musicians.

If you’re looking for an excellent mixture of grandiose performance and humor with a fiendishly piratical twist, The Dread Crew of Oddwood is at your service!

THE SEEN

“The Seen’s melodic but driving sound situates itself between post-hardcore indie rockers like Thursday, Omaha’s own Cursive, and bigger pop punk leaning acts like Say Anything. This is big sounding guitar rock delivered with impassioned vocals.” (The Reader | Omaha, NE)

DJ Y NOT

PEARL JAM “VS.”

Vs. is the second studio album by the American rock band Pearl Jam

REMINGTON

Part Producer, Writer and Singer; Part fashion designer, REMINGTON’s music can be identified as a mix between Experimental Electronica, R&B, and Trap.

Currently, REMINGTON is working on his own LP to be released in the Fall of 2013

ROMANCE

Hailing from the midwest, Romance is Chicago’s voice of the underground. With a variety of hard-hitting and soulful tracks from across the world in his arsenal, not to mention his own home-brewed bangers; DJ and producer Ethan Jared promises to set any dance floor he touches on fire. Not one to mince words, Romance is a no-nonsense nod to the golden 90’s era of dance music, spinning primarily UK Garage, Chicago Juke, as well as Oldschool Jungle and D&B. With a perfect blend of classic and contemporary tracks, Romance is a surefire way to bring peace, love and unity back to the scene.

STEALING VOLUME

In late 2012, Stealing Volume set to preserve a lawless swagger while shaking the sweat glistening hips of American rock and roll. Since the release of their first album, “Animal Fly”, the band has been making their way through the Midwest’s best and grimiest watering holes; making a name for themselves in local press and underground zines. This unruly quartet was named a top 3 “Punk Band” in Nuvo’s “Best Of Indy” 2013 edition, as well being titled “Best Local Band” at a recent Punk Rock Night Music Awards in Indianapolis, IN.

SIDEKICK FANTASY

Sidekick Fantasy was started by Roy and Steve in September of 2009. They were in a band called Whisper Out Loud. Due to differences in the band Whisper Out Loud was forced to end. So in the Summer of 2009 Steve and Roy had taken a break from music Then in August of 2009 Steve had gotten a call from a friend named Danny saying that he is playing a block party but all of his bands had bailed. He asked if Roy and Steve could play. They agreed and played a set full of blink 182 songs. After the show Steve and Roy ask Danny if he wanted to start a real band. A month later Sidekick Fantasy was born. After a few shows Steve discovered he needed another guitarist to help with the live sound. So he called in long time friend Mike do play back up guitar. So Sidekick Fantasy became Steve, Roy, Mike, and Danny.

LOST IN SOCIETY

Combining raspy punk-rock vocals, fresh, fun lyricism, and a stage presence that will give any veteran concert-goer the chills, Lost In Society are undoubtedly the real deal. Based in the ever-expanding music hub of Asbury Park, NJ, this alt/punk trio likes it loud and simple. Combining elements of polished punk and alternative pop rock, they resonate a sound that is catchy, fun and fast.

In February 2011 they hit the studio with Pete Steinkopf of the legendary Bouncing Souls to record a 5 song EP that was released as a split album with American Pinup. 2012 has held extensive touring for these modern punks, as they performed a week’s worth of industry showcases at SXSW, two weeks on the Vans Warped Tour, and an official showcase spot at CMJ Music Marathon in New York City. Their most recent album “Let It Sail” was released in June 2012 and has received rave reviews from outlets all over the nation, including Alternative Press, Absolute Punk and AMP Magazine.

With a serious D.I.Y. dedication to promoting and touring, LIS are known for bringing fans out the same way old punks did: by word of mouth.

AMERICAN PIN UP

American Pinup emerged from the suburban sprawl and unsung underground music scene of Westchester County, New York and brought along an original brand of fierce, exuberant performance that is just as wild as it is charming. The indie/punk four-piece was pegged by AMP magazine as the “voice of the new decade” and combines elements of rockabilly, surf rock, punk, pop, folk, and ska to create a unique and fresh alternative sound. Blending the DIY ethos of the punk scene with a reverence for the melody and simplicity intrinsic to pop music, American Pinup has carved out their own niche in the world of independent music.

Frontwoman Lauren West combines soulful, melodic crooning with raspy, punk rock vocals, adding dimension to their hooky compositions and high-energy live performances. In 2010, the band took to their drummer’s basement recording studio where they self-produced their debut album, Strange Creatures. It quickly caught the attention of Altercation Records, who signed the band and released the record in February 2011.

American Pinup has appeared at festivals such as SXSW, Red Gorilla, Valley of the Vapors, and Upstart Fest since coming on to the scene. In February 2012 they put out a split with New Jersey’s Lost In Society on Altercation Records and spent the following March on a co-headlining national tour in support of the release. In August 2012, the band followed up with the independent release “The End of the World EP.” They are currently working on completing their sophomore full-length album and are slated to play at The Fest 11 in October 2012.

Raven_Magalie Aspeele pic (11) (1)

RAVEN

RAVEN are that rare thing in music,  true originals – cut these guys with a razor and they will BLEED true heavy metal – a more intense live band does not exist on this planet!

Hailing from Newcastle Upon Tyne in North East England back in 1974 (yes – 46 YEARS ago!!!) the brothers Gallagher cut their teeth playing the pubs & clubs until solidifying their line up in 1980 with drummer Rob Hunter.

The trio went on to release three of the most influential metal albums of the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) inspiring every band of that era and beyond.  Basically,  without Raven you just would not have thrash/speed metal…. after all, the band did give Metallica & Anthrax their first tours!

Following a tumultuous move to the USA, deals with Atlantic Records, indentured servitude and commercialism,  Rob left the band in 1987 to be replaced by drummer extraordinaire Joe Hasselvander, who had made his name in cult doom band Pentagram, Savoy Brown and his own solo projects, adding a new dimension to the band.

In 2001,  guitarist Mark Gallagher was involved in a near fatal accident – but fought his way back from the brink and the band proved they were stronger than ever!  This renewed spirit and attitude was reflected in the title of their 2010 album “WALK THROUGH FIRE” and in the career overview DVD “ROCK UNTIL YOU DROP”.

2014 found the band opening for Metallica (the band that Raven took on their first tour back in 1983) in Sao Paulo in front of 70,000 fans, and completing their finest album to date – ExtermiNation” which was released to universal acclaim from fans & critics alike in 2015!

After a serious heart attack in May 2017 Joe Hasselvander has had to unfortunately relinquish the drum stool….taking over drum duties is the phenomenal  Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Malignancy) who has immediately injected high energy into the band!

Following an insane blur of world touring over the last 3 years including a 40th anniversary All for One tour; the lads are set to release the next RAVEN opus, “All Hell’s Break Loose” on June 30th, 2023…a scorcher of immense proportions!

In a cynical musical landscape these days, where bands are not “gangs “but faceless corporations, RAVEN are a band that are REAL not FAKE – and proud of it!

JOHN GALLAGHER: Lead Vocals, Bass, 12 String Bass

MIKE HELLER: Drums

MARK GALLAGHER: Guitar, Vocals

ALOHA RADIO

Aloha Radio could be called a SoCal surf band. But, that barely describes what they actually do. Although their style is reminiscent of ’60′s surf rock and surf pop, their sound goes beyond that. Somehow, this Orange County crew dusts off an old genre and makes it modern.”  Aloha Radio is not without their fair share of accomplishments. From being named one of Music Connection Magazine’s Top 100 Live Unsigned Bands, to performing at multiple festivals with legendary artists, to receiving a nomination for Best Surf at  the 2013 OC Music Awards, this is just the beginning of Aloha Radio’s unstoppable momentum.

Known for their live performances, in one year the band played over 130 gigs including a West Coast US/Canada Tour.  The energy that emanates from these four friends is like a wave colliding with the shore.

harbinger

HARBINGER

“Michigan Metal never sounded truer. These boys have been at it since ‘05, through thick and thin and other such clichés. But really; the completion of this album proved to be nearly impossible, with numerous failed attempts: a broken hard drive, a torn band, fevered egos venting their frustration and a little helping of Powertime ingredient number 1, 2 and X. Ah yes, Powertime. The vanguard of the alienated, Powertime developed from its conceptual roots into a fraternization culminating upon the viewing of kitschy schlop films and jamming molten old Metal. Many a night were filled with adventure and sometimes static sedation under heavy drug use (or sonic mayhem under similar circumstances). The point of such hedonistic reveling of course reflects the nature of an exclusive society, just as any other. However, this was our society, and still is. Unimportant as it may seem to onlookers, such fraternization was both Harbinger’s doing and undoing. A passion for the primitive sound of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal thundered throughout numerous Powertime gatherings, echoing unabashedly through each track that you, the listener, are about to enjoy. United by hatred of clinical power metal and the current state of Metal in general, this new Michigan standard prides itself in powerful speed and melody, punctuated by punk rock unprofessionalism. Even though internal fights, brotherly bickering and failed recording sessions threatened to leave the band unrealized, the passion for the music itself brought these five gentlemen back together, out to make Metal truly powerful again. Harbinger at this point represents four years of broken dreams, crumbling Michigan infrastructure and youthful escapism in the most volatile sense: They’re back because you need them. The riffs hurt, the vocals soar, and the battery never lets up. If you know the true sound of Metal, you will understand this release. If not, DOOM ON YOU!”

– JP Power and Associates

MANILLA ROAD

Manilla Road is an American heavy metal band from Wichita, Kansas, USA, forming around its master of lead guitar Mark ‘The Shark’ Shelton (vocals and guitar). They are considered the creators and masters of the the so-called “epic metal” subgenre.

VO ERA

Recording Artist Vo Era is a very soulful passionate vocalist, musician, and composer……
He was born and raised on Chicago’s South side. He hit the music scene with a song in his heart and a guitar in his hand. With the love and support of his eclectic audience, Vo has performed at venues such as Reggie’s Music Joint, The Wild Hare, Winestyles (SOLO), The Underground Wonder Bar, and many clubs in the Chicago land area. Vo Era’s unique sound fuses poignantly simple lyrics with funky soulful guitar rhythms. He knows how to musically take a common phrase and paint the most colorful and extraordinary picture of life’s most common occurrences. You can identify his acute skill and life experience within his music. He’s currently a New York native and rapidly expanding in the BIG APPLE. So far he’s graced the stage at Sugar Bar, Billie’s Black, and Village Underground. He has a new hot single entitled “Honey” that’s now available in all digital stores. His debut album entitled “Honey” as well will drop August 13,2013. This is only the beginning of Vo’s Era!!

THE R-MONTY’S

LAIDBACK

KEITHEN BANKS & IBELIEVE

From street performing to being featured in Time Out Chicago, Sun-Times, Chicago Red Eye and more! Blues, Rock and SOUL!

PAPER ANGELS

We are Paper Angels! An exciting new band from Chicago! Keep an eye out for us!

LEMON SKY

We are a Cincinnati rock band. We sweat a lot on stage and play loud music. Some people describe us as Acid Stoner Rock, some say Heavy Psychedelic, but as long as their talking, that’s the important part.

DOCTOR PYRAMID

Doctor Pyramid is a five piece rock band from Chicago. Born from old friends and chance encounters.Their songs of death, love and magic soar with wailing guitars, pounding rythyms and howling vocals.They exist at the meeting point between the logical and the mystical, the real and un-real. Playing and singing their hearts out at the crossroads of the old and the new.

Dominique “Velvet Princess” D’Amico: tamborine shaking and vocals (blues-loving hippie, ex member of Railroad Empire)

Adam “The Warlock” Wolak: drums (ape wrangler, Midnight Monster, wolf caller, current member of the band ONO )

Todd Fackler: bass, (shrub rocketeer, lotion enthusiast, local gun for hire who has played in at least 100 bands)

Scott Pfledderer guitar (jazz-master, prestidigitator, ex member of Tridge) Benjamin “Sir Baby Ben” Gates: Guitar (ex-member of Intelligent Dennis, curent member of Riders of the Apocolypse)

TIMMY WILLIAMS

Timmy Williams is a comedian and actor best known for his work with sketch comedy group The Whitest Kids U’ Know, who are best known for their self-titled TV Show on IFC, which is best known for showing Harvey Keitel movies and dirty sketch comedy shows. Timmy has performed stand-up all over the country and has also been seen on Adult Swim and Tru TV’s “World’s Dumbest.” Timmy is also the only person you know that lives in South Dakota.

 

ALAYA

ALAYA stand apart from many Progressive Metal artists today, fusing punishing technical rhythm with a genre defying melodic style.

For it’s three founding members the decision was clear when committing to raw and innovative songwriting, ignoring the distraction of traditional debut release ethics.
Two years of composing and self-recording culminated with thirteen songs carving their respective places into the full length track list of the band’s first album, ‘THRONES’.

The only demo made available was re-posted by acclaimed metal websites, receiving overwhelming positive feedback and attention from thousands of people overnight.
This secured some major endorsements and caught the all-seeing eye of progressive metal gurus BASICK RECORDS, who signed ALAYA in 2012.

With new objectives and the development of a key team, ALAYA will offer ‘THRONES’ to the masses the way they intended. No filler and no compromise, just the brutal melodic story of two years of hope and struggle, and a new sound in Metal.

WORLDSERIVCE PROJECT

Award winning* punk-jazz-funk specialists WorldService Project (WSP) have erupted across the UK and Europe through 2011/12 with their innovative Match&Fuse programme, being a 12 Points+ ensemble, features on national radio stations in the UK, Portugal, Germany and Denmark and their intense live sound taking numerous European cities and festivals by storm including the London Jazz Festival, Ljubljana Jazz Festival, 12 Points Festival (Porto), Brecon, Marsden, Swanage, Halesworth and Margate Jazz Festivals, Europe Day (Dublin), WDR Funkhaus (Cologne), and Match&Fuse double-headers taking in Italy, Norway, Germany, France and Ireland.

The London based unit are described by Time Out London as “…dazzling…big things lie ahead for them” and were also dubbed as “brilliant post-prog funk” (Jazzwise) a “tight, deftly structured and grittily grooving music…” (The Guardian) and “serious skronk-jazz” (The Telegraph).

Led by pianist/composer Dave Morecroft, WSP’s music speaks through dark, playful building passages, winding through dissonance, complex rhythmic manipulation and downright silliness. Other times it draws on the language of 20th Century Classical composers layered over boisterous grooves more commonly found in albums by heavy rock artists.

In essence, imagine a (loud!) four-way cage match between Frank Zappa, Loose Tubes, Stravinsky and Meshuggah.The result is high-octane experimental but accessible music with a smile on its face.

*Peter Whittingham Jazz award 2010

NOHAYBANDATRIO

With an exuberant blend of musical influences, Nohaybandatrio’s sound ranges from post-rock to funk and math-rock to progressive-jazz whilst never losing an integral focus on harmony and melody. The simultaneous playing of drums/percussion, bass/guitar, sax/electronics (Berkley University graduated), and the creative way these elements interact with each other make it a not-to-be-missed live experience

DEATH IN JUNE

Death in June are a neofolk group led by UK musician Douglas Pearce. Although originally a post-punk band, they are credited with the initial development of neofolk music.

 

THE MALLETT BROTHERS BAND

Barn burning, country rock n roll: The Mallett Brothers Band is a “6-peice living inferno” (Dispatch Magazine). Their unique style of Americana, rock, country-bluegrass and folk translates into a beautiful mess of wood and metal while their lyrics pull you in to tell you stories of dirty trucks and longing heartbreak to blue skies and open roads. Not your typical Americana band, not your typical anything band, they’re able to meld the sounds of their heroes like Waylon Jennings, Neil Young, and Steve Earle with the energy of a punk show and Floyd-like complexity.

“I love these guys and I don’t even like country,” has been heard on more than one occasion and speaks to their ability to draw from a diverse pool of influences. Every song is written on acoustic guitars but they all offer a side-road. They’re a guideline to weave circumstance with cacophony as each song, each show, develops and evolves. They’re no jam band, there is clear direction in what they propose, but they’re not afraid of the unknown and will dive in when the time is right.

“Should you be among those relatively adrift, I suggest The Mallett Brothers Band as a surrogate. These guys know how to do family and community.

So writes Sam Pfeifle in the Portland Phoenix, the hometown newspaper that’s been good to the band that formed just over three years ago in an exurban warehouse space in the seacoast city of Portland, Maine. After their first self-titled release in 2010, the Mallett Brothers Band were honored with three awards in the 2011 Best Music Poll released by the Phoenix (Best Local Act, Best Live Act, Best Local Album). The following year, after the fall release of 2011’s “Low Down,” the band was honored with not three but five awards in the 2012 BMP (Best Live Act, Best Local Act, Best Local Album, Best Roots Act and Best Song). With numerous other accolades including Best Maine Band in the 2013 New England Music Awards and a 1st prize finish at the 2011 “Rockin Country Showdown” hosted by 99.9 the Wolf, the Mallett Brothers Band quickly cemented their place as one of the regions most promising up-and-coming musical acts.

Acoustic and electric guitars, dobro, mandolin and a solid rhythm section, The Mallett Brothers Band has become one of the best acts to come out of New England. Come to a show and they’ll prove it to you.

BRICK ASSASSIN

Brick Assassin is Hardcore Oi band from Chicago. Determined to overcome the ideas and cliches of Oi music. Powered by a pure aggro sound that is motivated to move the soul and empower your inner rage.

THE HUMBLE ORGANISMS

“The Humble Organisms blend old R&B, jazz, and funk with traditional jazz forms to create a powerful and energetic modern Organ Quartet. The group is mostly influenced by The Meters, The Deep Blue Organ Trio, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder and Sly The Family Stone. Their signature arrangements of Boston, Pearl Jam, Michael Jackson,Stevie Wonder, Adele, Steve Miller Band, Roberta Flack, Bill Withers, and Earth Wind and Fire tunes will have you grooving!”