MIKEY DOLLAZ
ILL WILL
WEASEL SIMS
CHRIS CRACK
Slick, catchy rap verses punctuated by glittery pop hooks are the trademark of New Deal Crew. What started as a side project, has now become a solid trio of artists and producers, eager to make New Deal Crew a household name. Paul Gulyas or “Cutta”, who is responsible for most of the bands beats, offers smooth lyrical support to frontman Chris Crack’s cut throat raps, with harmonious hooks and strong guitar. While Carvel Snow, adds extra emphasis on what “space life livin'” is really all about. With a playfully raunchy sense of humor (lyrics like “she don’t love me, she only love me for my sex game”) and sampling some untouched classics like “Time Of The Season” by the Zombies, this crew is taking over playlists throughout the CHI and beyond.
THE MONKEYFIST BAND
We’re a jam-oriented band formed in the Chicago area back in 2010.
EARTH PROGRAM
atomic space punk
DOLEFUL LIONS
The Doleful Lions came together in Chicago in 1996, Jonathan Scott at that time was playing in the post hardcore band Cinco De Gatos and acquired a 4 track for Christmas 1995. Jonathan was starting to lose interest in the music he was playing in Cinco De Gatos and was becoming more influenced by bands like Big Star, Teenage Fanclub, The Byrds, R.E.M. and Guided By Voices whose album Bee Thousand was a huge influence on Jonathan and his recording on 4 track. He eventually left Cinco De Gatos in 1996 to do Doleful Lions full time and recorded a 6 song demo with his brother Robert at Soto Sound Studios in Chicago, Jonathan sent the demo to any label he could get an address for and Parasol Records signed the band in 1997 and released a 45 of two songs off the Doleful Lions demo. A move to Chapel Hill NC in late 97 and the formation of a functioning, playing live Doleful Lions recorded their debut with R.E.M. producer and Let’s Active’s Mitch Easter with additional recording and production by the dB’s Chris Stamey. Motel Swim was released with great acclaim with a few journalists even saying it was the best debut album of 1998. Various band lineups were commonplace throughout the history of Doleful Lions with already close to 25 members coming in and out since the first album with Jonathan Scott the only constant. Doleful Lions have released 8 albums, 7 of which were on Parasol and the most recent Let’s Break Bobby Beausoleil Out Of Prison! on Wild Kindness Records. Doleful Lions also maintain a Bandcamp page with many other semi-official releases. The band is currently Jonathan and his younger brother Robert who has been a constant in the band since 2006 and whose production work especially on the band’s album “7” remains a major influence on the direction the band has currently taken.
DONOMA
Donoma is a band with propensity for blending alternative rock with tribal and classical sounds, delivered with a dramatic flair which lyrically examines the human condition.
CREAM “DISRAELI GEARS”
Disraeli Gears is the second album by the English rock band Cream. It was released in November 1967 and went on to reach number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. It was also their American breakthrough, becoming a massive seller there in 1968, reaching number 4 on the American charts. The album was #1 for two weeks on the Australian album chart and was listed as the #1 album of 1968 by Cash Box in the year-end album chart in the U.S. The album features the two singles “Strange Brew” and “Sunshine of Your Love”.
PERFORMED BY: Badge
Badge is a Cream rock music tribute cover-band that hails from Hanover Park, Illinois (suburb of Chicago) and is made up of veteran rock musicians Rich Dahl on lead vocals & lead guitar, D.D. Dierking on bass guitar and Dean Johnsrud on drums.
JIMI HENDRIX “BAND OF GYPSYS”
Band of Gypsys is the eponymous live album by the blues rock band that was formed by Jimi Hendrix after the dissolution of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hendrix is backed by Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. Songs were recorded at the Fillmore East on two separate nights (December 31, 1969, and January 1, 1970), totaling four concerts, with songs from the final two appearing on the album. Produced by Hendrix and released just six months before his death in 1970, this was the last album he authorized, and the only Hendrix-authorized album to be released on Capitol Records.
PERFORMED BY: Charles Shaw & The Electric Gypsy Band
THE ELECTRIC GYPSY BAND IS A JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE BAND Featuring (CHARLES E. SHAW) Lead Guitar & Vocals,” (CARLOS MASON) Drums & Percussion,” & (DAVID TYLER) ”Bass Guitar,” ”THE ELECTRIC GYPSY BAND Is the Mid-West’s ”BEST” JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE BAND From the Chicago Area!” ”ELECTRIC GYPSY BAND is Known for it’s high energy & ”electrifiying ” ”Performances!”
SHOWOFF
Showoff was a pop punk band from Chicago, Illinois led by vocalist (and auxiliary guitarist) Chris Envy.
Showoff was formed in 1997 in Villa Park, Illinois. The band consisted of Chris Envy(vocals/guitar), Daniel Castady (drums), Graham Jordan (guitar), and Dave Envy (bass). In 1998, Showoff signed with Maverick Records while it was owned by Madonna. Their self-titled debut album was released the following year in 1999, and was produced by Goldfinger’s John Feldmann. The single “Falling Star” reached No. 36 on the Billboard Modern Rock charts that same year. A few line up changes occurred over the years. Magoo took over guitar duties from Chris, who then focused solely on vocals. Dave and Graham left the band to be replaced by Nick Piljay and Kyle Lewis.
Showoff disbanded c. 2002, following a change in ownership of the label from Madonna to Fredrick DeMann. This restructuring, along with increasing friction within the group, led to the dissolution of the band without any indication of reforming. They left an unreleased album with producer Mark Trombino.
In late 2005, Chris Envy re-formed Showoff with all new members. They included Nate Envy, (lead guitar), Carl Kusch (bass), and ex-August Premier Mickey Molinari (drums). Rhythm guitarist Lance Tamras was added shortly thereafter. They recorded and released Waiting for you, an EP that was produced by Marc McClusky. Showoff broke up again in late 2006.
In late 2013 Chris, Dave, and Dan officially announced they were going to start playing shows again in 2014. The three are the only original members in the lineup. Rumor has it that Graham and Magoo both considered returning but ultimately turned it down. With the core of Chris, Dave, and Dan, they are currently booking shows all over the country. When asked if they would continue as a band beyond reunion shows Dave said (via a live Facebook Q&A) “I am hopeful we can continue as a band as long as the people will have us”. He also touched on subjects such as new Showoff recordings, full tours, new merch, etc., stating that “everything is on the table” and that he “wouldn’t rule anything out at this point”.
MXPX
If there’s one thing that can be said about Bremerton stalwarts MxPx, it’s that the perils of being career musicians will never outweigh the joy they’ve found in truly doing what they love, because no matter how many pitfalls are thrown in their path, “There is a song in there somewhere,” says lead vocalist/bassist Mike Herrera. Plans Within Plans, the trio’s ninth studio record, was released in 2012.
MxPx had not released a full-length album in five years (2007’s Secret Weapon), and through those times, the band had endured their fair share of tribulations. Whether it was identity theft, credit card fraud, outrunning muggers in foreign countries, constant van breakdowns, accumulating debt in an attempt to fund tours — the list could go on.
The result of these struggles is Plans Within Plans, a two-decade career coming to grips not only with aging as a band, but also the harsh reality that they are still on a steep upward climb toward their collective goals. Always sharing an endearing commonality with their diehard fans, the album has its throwback moments while still managing to employ a few surprises.
PILGRIM
Doom from Rhode Island, USA.
SPIRIT CARAVAN
Spirit Caravan was a Maryland doom/stoner metal band featuring the legendary guitarist and vocalist Scott Weinrich (aka: Wino) formerly of The Obsessed and Saint Vitus. The band had a lyrical emphasis on spirituality (though not necessarily religion) and global politics.
Other band members were Dave Sherman (bass and vocals) and Gary Isom (drums). Weinrich credits them for encouraging him to join the band and become active musically again, after he had abandoned his music career.
PETER & CRAIG
P&C are a Philadelphia/Chicago duo that creates upbeat punk rock indie jams. Peter & Craig have been playing their drum/guitar rock tunes since 2005. This performance will be a special one, fresh off the first installment of Chicago’s TWO PIECE FEST!
HOT BAGELS
Hot Bagels are a fuzzed-out, lo-fi, garage punk rock band. The band released Toasted this month digitally and on cassette via Be Happy Records (vinyl coming in February). The 15 mind melting tracks on Toasted range from 43 seconds to just over 3 mins in length and were recorded in “cars, basements, apartments, and practice spaces” around the city over the last three months. Hot Bagels is the essence of DIY and a band to watch and experience in 2014.
MONOKINO
Monokino has toured extensively across China, the Netherlands, Canada and the USA. Monokino weaves ear-piercing synthesizers, cleverly arranged guitars and pounding drums with a highly-exceptional voice to produce futuristic sounding, awe-inspiring pop. In the course of a minute, you may hear Soft Cell, New Order, Kraftwerk, Associates, Cabaret Voltaire and Freur. There’s a good line in angry guitar too, nodding a bit to Hook & Albrecht.
Producer Tony Visconti mixed the acoustic version of Monokino’s song “New Kid”, sang by American singer/songwriter Kristeen Young (known for her work with David Bowie en Morrissey). Their brand new album “Fake Virtue” (Konkurrent, Modern Sky Asia) is produced by Dutch neo-psych/baroque pop artist Jacco Gardner, Press about the album:
“Fake Virtue is an album mixed in electric love and pop wonder. I was unsure about whether or not I was going to enjoy this album but I was proved wrong very, very early. The Amsterdam based band are quite the delight, a treat for your very ears and a lightening bolt to your senses. Fake Virtue got me excited about whats potentially out there in the world. You mean, not everything is shoegaze? (Dingus)
“These guys remind me of a band that escaped with their creativitynontraditional melodies and voice flirting with electronics and a noir-new wave feel” (Muziek.nl)
This trio puts down a very unique and idiosyncratic sound, primarily due to the voice of George van Wetering. We hear various influences, OMD, Placebo and even snatches of Joy Division. (LiveXS)
Ever since Monokino was signed by Modern Sky China in 2008, they have frequently toured China. Highlights of Monokino’s shows abroad were performances at the World Expo in Shanghai (China, 2010), Strawberry Festival in Beijing (China, 2010). SXSW (United States, 2009), NXNE (Canada, 2011),Sled Island (Canada, 2012) and Guangzhou China Pop Festival 2008. Monokino just finished a successful tour through China with highlights including two shows at the Strawberry Festival in Beijing and Shanghai (with Travis and Deerhoof). The songs of Monokino’s new album “Fake Virtue” were greatly received by many festival participants. They instantly became popular search terms on various Chinese download websites.
HEYMOONSHAKER
Heymoonshaker are the unlikely pairing of two art forms that are decades apart; Grit-your-teeth, raw, blues guitar and expansive, heart-pounding beatboxing. Urbanizing blues music now for nearly 2 years, Andy Balcon and Dave Crowe are extremely talented at their craft but what impresses most and has made their commitment to Beatbox Blues so successful is the indescribable chemistry these two have on stage. The musical sparring of Crowe’s powerful beats versus Andy’s possessed vocals forge together like two pieces of iron, creating an inspired piece of creativity and originality.
Meeting as street performers in New Zealand in 2009, Andy and Crowe began fusing their interests in the blues and electronic bass music in front of the passing crowds of the south island. After separating to take different travelling routes, the boys re-met back in the Northern hemisphere in Sweden where they began taking their jams to the stage. As their show developed and their touring routes became more extensive, so too did their sound mixing features from heavy rock & roll, roots music and dubstep. But their love and appreciation for the blues is something that stays true throughout their writing and the driving force behind their music. Taking huge inspiration from the likes of Led Zeppelin and Muddy Waters, Heymoonshaker’s big riffs, loud rhythms and howling vocals have impressed in small intimate basement venues to festival main stages.
Last year Heymoonshaker were invited to support Ghostpoet, De La Soul and Baxter Dury at Marseille’s Marsatac Festival, with Rolling Stone Magazine describing their performance as “Dazzling”. This sparked major interest in the band in France and over the past 12 months Heymoonshaker have appeared at some major French venues such as Bataclan in Paris where they supported Walk Off The Earth, and Le Divan Du Monde where they sold out their headline show in May this year.
Not surprisingly, Heymoonshaker’s unique and energetic take on the blues has also been snapped up by festivals around the world. This summer has seen them perform at Printemps de Bourges & Cognac Blues Festival (France), Festival d’Été (Canada), Fusion Festival (Germany), Paléo Festival (Switzerland), WOMAD & Glastonbury (UK), Sziget Festival (Hungary), plus countless others.
Still finding pleasure in hitting the streets with their custom made suitcase, fitted with car speakers and battery, and camera in hand, Heymoonshaker have amassed a huge YouTube following with their official YouTube channel at a staggering 20 million views and rising.
In March 2013 Heymoonshaker released their first EP ‘Shakerism’. This extended 8 track EP contains songs from previous recordings and recent unreleased material, compiled to illustrate the journey of the band’s ever growing sound. This autumn the band re-release the EP as ‘Shakerism (Definitive Edition)’ which includes the track Colly Drop from their recent gritty film-noire music video and a solo beatbox piece recorded late last year in a studio in France. The duo also head out on tour in Europe covering France, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic and UK.
CASKEY
Brandon Caskey is an American rapper, better known by his stage name Caskey. After releasing mixtapes independently including No Complaints (2012), Caskey signed to Birdman’s Cash Money Records and Republic Records in August 2012. He is currently prepping his untitled debut studio album.
LEATHER CORDUROYS
SaveMoney representatives Joey Purp and Kami De Chukwu have joined forces for a side project of epic proportions? The name of the group? Leather Corduroys. Trust that you’ve never seen or heard anything like this.
PEARLS & BONES
After the three of them moved to Chicago to start school at Columbia College Chicago, Stefan, Julian and Jordan’s fates all intertwined. Jordan and Julian were roommates and they both eventually met Stefan through their good friend, Austin. Stefan plays guitar and Julian plays drums, so they began to jam and look for a bassist. Jordan played bass, so it was a natural decision for him to join the band. The music writing process began under the name The Elevators until the name was changed due to unoriginality. We are now Pearls & Bones and we’re here for your entertainment.
THE MOUND BUILDERS
The Mound Builders are a sludge rock quartet based out of Lafayette, Indiana. Rooted in heavy metal, hardcore, stoner rock, and punk, they have spent the better part of nine years traveling the Midwest and distinguishing themselves to audiences everywhere with their heavy, ear-splitting, high-energy live performances!
SECOND CHANCE FOR PROMETHEUS
“Second Chance For Prometheus is a progressive metal band from the Chicagoland area. The band was inspired by the story of Prometheus, who is considered a symbol of human progress. They try to write songs and stories that will make you think and look at the world differently. The members of the band all come from different musical backgrounds and have worked hard to blend them together under one musical vision, making it very difficult to label the band under one genre. They promote self-reflection, community, and the elimination of our fears and vices.”
CALL ME BRONCO
Cow Punk/Pop Punk band from Louisville KY. moonshine, whiskey, drink tickets, bourbon, getting weird, oogles, compliments, condiments, g-stings that don’t snap, motivation, old milwaukee, old english, high life, low life etc
SMOKESTACK RELICS
Smokestack Relics can only be defined as a dirty swamp rock band.The two brothers sing about livin’, lovin’, dyin’ and the hell down below. The band is stripped down to her bare essentials creating a raw roots feel. When they’re not playing in Denver you may find them playing throughout the grand ol’ South and Midwest, scrapin up enough cash to make it to the next show with coffee and cigarettes in hand.
THE DRUNKEN CUDDLE
Acoustic guitars, electric amps, broken strings, broken drum heads, stomping, jumping, kicking, beating, screaming, aggressive, loud, heart felt and soft. Rock? Country? Punk? You tell us. We are The Drunken Cuddle… can we stay with you tonight?
THE WHATEVERLY BROTHERS
Jeff Janulis and Mike Cohen are WhatEverly Bros…along with Carl Lubicz (bass), James Hurley (drums) and Rich Maisel (guitar)
The Bros cover the Everly Brothers’ halcyon days of rock’n’roll and dabble in music from whatever floats their boat at the time…to a load of rockabilly and other things ‘twang’.
OF ELD
We are a Folk Rock band that has many different influences. Music is very important to each of us for different reasons and we love sharing our love of it with others by playing together to an audience. Our music background is very eclectic and it shows. We have roots in rock n’ roll, grunge, post-rock, oldies, punk, psychedelic, and Irish folk. We have brought these different elements to our music.
RUSTY GATES
A fusion of Funk, Blues, Rock & Jazz fueled by moments of pure improvisation and unique arrangements.
DEJA BLU
“ Rockin’ blues group covering Clapton, Rolling Stones, Allman Bros. and blues standards.”
SICKO MOBB
In a small amount of time, Sicko Mobb, composed of Lil Trav and Lil Ceno, have found themselves at the forefront of Chicago’s bop movement. Birthed from the fledging drill scene, bop cuts straight to the pop core in drill and leaves nothing behind. Most bop songs are composed of only a few essential elements – some footwork like snare/bass work, a one finger melody, rapping that hews closer to singing than traditional rap – and almost nothing else.
TY DOLLA $IGN
Ty Dolla Sign is an American singer, rapper and producer from Los Angeles,California. He is currently signed to Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Records and Atlantic Records.
CODY JINKS
Relentless and uncompromising, a punk rock mentality with no apologies, this is Cody Jinks. Growing up on traditional country, classic rock, and heavy metal, Cody has been around and seen it all. Cody’s latest studio album “30” stayed on the Texas Country charts with its first single “We Get By” for six months in 2012 and has no signs of slowing down in 2013 with the second single “Glad to Say”. There is no formula for good music, it just is or isn’t’ and there should never be any punches pulled. Cody pulls no punches and has survived in this business because of that very reason, life has no sugar coating and neither does Cody. If nothing else it’s real and that’s all it should be.
5TH WALL CONCEPT
5th Wall Concept (5WC) is a band based out of Deadtree Studios in Livonia, Michigan. Having performed their debut show and releasing their first album, “We Broke It”, in May of 2012, 5WC has quickly become one of Detroit’s most sought after acts. Taking to the stage with a commanding 125 shows in their first year, 5WC is truly bringing the “LIVE” back to the “live music scene”. Priding themselves on bringing a professional, high-energy party to the stage and putting butts in the seats, 5WC has set a new standard for the local music scene and is quickly becoming known as the standard in live Rock N’ Roll today.
5th Wall Concept expresses the idea that no artist should be forced within the confines of a box or label. Music should be a free-flowing organism that can morph into anything. People listen to every style of music out there. The “Concept” is that one band is willing to take the plunge into the unknown and bring an eclectic sound, spanning every musical avenue that one could enjoy, 5WC is a wall of sound; breaking the four walls that leave us all trapped in the paradigms set forth by mainstream music..
MARTIN LUTHER
Martin Luther is a dynamic soul singer with a heavy rock sound. Martin has continued to release music on his own label Rebel Soul Records and is now ready to release his third studio LP entitled ‘Love Is The Hero’. He has toured with The Roots as a member of their ensemble and has shared stages with the likes of Jill Scott and Dave Matthews and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and many others. He made his cinematic debut as a lead in Julie Taymor’s Beatles tribute film ‘Across the Universe’ and has made cameos and appearances on both the large and small screen.
BLUE COUPE
The three iconic rock stars in Blue Coupe are the angry orphans of Blue Öyster Cult and the Alice Cooper group, and they’re out to prove something to the world with show-stopping performances and a wall shaking sound that keeps their legion of fans calling for more.
Blue Coupe’s multi-talented entertainers include Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Dennis Dunaway bassist of the legendary Alice Cooper group, along side multi-instrumentalist, Joe Bouchard who founded Blue Öyster Cult with his brother Albert Bouchard master of the drums. These revolutionary originals were the heartbeat of several of the best known songs in the history of rock. And note for note, their full-throttle expertise hits you over the head and grabs you by the heart in Blue Coupe.
With the original Alice Cooper group, Dennis co-wrote smash hits including “I’m 18,” “School’s Out,” and “Under My Wheels” while Albert and Joe were co-writers and arrangers of many of Blue Öyster Cult’s biggest hits including “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll,” “Hot Rails to Hell,” and “Astronomy” (covered by Metallica). Joe, Albert and Dennis have sold over 15 million albums and have been awarded over 30 gold and platinum records worldwide.
In 1973 Blue Öyster Cult opened shows for the Alice Cooper group on a record-breaking tour of outdoor festivals and sold-out arenas that made the cover of Forbes magazine for the highest grossing tour of the year. As Alice Cooper became world famous with hits like “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “Elected”, Blue Öyster Cult continued with their own sold-out tours with hits like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and “Burnin’ For You.” BÖC also pioneered their own groundbreaking stage show with rock’s most elaborate lazer light show with pryotechnical explosions and a ginormous Godzilla.
But Blue Coupe have found continuing glory with their highly acclaimed album, Tornado On The Tracks, which has multiple Grammy considerations in 2011 and 2012, including “Angel’s Well” featuring Robby Krieger legendary guitarist for The Doors. And Blue Coupe continue to tour North America and Europe with such illustrious shows as the Halloween Parade in New York City where they were seen by more than a million people.
Blue Coupe have wrapped up their second album, featuring Tish and Snooky from Manic Panic, Ross the Boss from Manowar and the Dictators, Buck Dharma from Blue Öyster Cult and Goldy McJohn from Steppenwolf as special guest stars. The album was recorded at the Carriage House Studios in Stamford CT and was mixed in LA by Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, BOC, etc.) and Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray, James Blunt, etc.)
RACHEL HANSON
Rachel Hanson is an alternative-country singer, songwriter and guitarist from Northwest Wisconsin. Her music is blatantly honest, oak-strong and country honey-sweet, taking hints of inspiration from every piece of her relatively short story. Barely 22, Hanson’s unforgettable croon and relatable yet dominant songwriting style are rapidly gaining her footing in the midwest music scene.
In 2010, Hanson moved to Stevens Point, Wis. to attend college and within six months Back Alley Blossoms was formed. She was lead singer and guitarist for the Blossoms, an all female folk/bluegrass band, from their beginning in 2011 until their final show at Winona’s Boats & Bluegrass in September 2013.
Hanson has shared the stage with or opened for William Elliot Whitmore, The Giving Tree Band, Joseph Huber, Cory Chisel, and Now, Now among many others. She plans to release her first album in the Summer of 2014.
DRIVIN’ N’ CRYIN’
I Played Guitar on a Chain Gang or, things you might want to know about my fuckin’ rock band by kevn kinney
“We are a band that’s like your record collection.”
–That’s a quote from me in one of the first articles ever written about drivin’ n’ cryin’ back in the Eighties.
THE ’80s
We released our first album Scarred But Smarter in 1986 on 688 Records. 688 was the center of the underground Atlanta rock scene in the 1980’s. Bands as diverse as Hüsker Dü, Rank and File, Lords of the New Church, The Residents and a week-long stint by Iggy Pop graced the hallowed walls of that now-defunct nightclub. If you drive down Spring Street today, there’s just a doc-in-a-box where the punk rock used to be.
I met Tim Nielsen just after I moved to Atlanta from Milwaukee. One night I was playing in a pickup band with Die Kreuzen, my good friends from back home. (Check out their Touch and Go records produced by Butch Vig.) They were staying on my floor, just passing through on tour. We played a lot of shows together a couple of years back when I was in a punk band called The Prosecutors, so we figured what the fuck? Let’s see what happens.
Tim was there that night. He played in the big 688 band The Nightporters and was a rock star in Atlanta. He pulled me aside after the show and asked me if I lived down here. I told him that I had just moved to town and was working at the sewage plant, retired from the music world for good at age 24.
Tim stopped by my apartment one afternoon a couple of weeks later and TOLD me he was gonna find me a band to be in. My music was on the folk side of Dylan at the time but I decided I was up to playing just for the fun of it. He got me practicing with a few guys but it wasn’t really happening, so eventually he decided we’d just start our own damn band.
Tim quit The Nightporters and stole their drummer and we played our first drivin’ n’ cryin’ show at 688 in October 1985. A little over a year later, I’m sitting in my living room with an album, a real, freakin’ 12-inch vinyl LP record called Scarred But Smarter.
I wanted to be in a band that would be unafraid of changing genres, mostly because I’m easily distracted and change subjects mid-sentence. “Needs help with self control,” read every report card after fifth grade….smartass…underground comic-readin’ journalistic wannabe…too lazy to write a complete story….I settled on the song format…it’s perfect…a short poem…with its own soundtrack. At 24, I wrote:
“Nobody said it would be fair
They warned you before you went out there
There’s always a chance to get restarted
To a new world, new life
Scarred but smarter”
At that time, I had restarted myself. I come from an industrial land of things that used to be: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, class of 79…a town, back then, that encouraged you to leave high school, get a job in a factory, get injured and then get workers compensation while picking up a side job at a liquor store or record shop where you got paid under the table.
The band released its first album for Island, Whisper Tames The Lion, produced by Anton Fier, in early 1988. The album peaked at No. 130 on the Billboard 200. College radio success (and some commercial) accumulated with airplay of the songs “Can’t Promise You The World” (for which the band filmed its first video) and “Powerhouse”.
1989 marked the release of some of the band’s most memorable songs on the Mystery Road album, such as “Honeysuckle Blue” and “Straight To Hell.”
THE ’90s
In 1991 the more hard-rocking Fly Me Courageous ended up being the band’s most commercially successful album, with the album being certified gold. The next few years the band toured with artists such as Neil Young and Soul Asylum. In 1993, DNC released another album produced by Geoff Workman, entitled Smoke, which peaked at No. 95 on the Billboard’s Top 200 album chart. This album was another all-out rocker, marked with guitar assaults, but it failed to catch on with the public as had its predecessor.
Lotsa touring, lotsa recording, lotsa people, lotsa stress, lotsa change, lotsa lotsa.
In 1994, the band decided to move away from the heavy guitar sounds of the previous two records and brought in keyboardist Joey Huffman to replace Buren Fowler. That same year the band left Island Records and found a new home at Geffen Records. The band’s first and only Geffen album, 1995’s Wrapped In Sky, featured newly added keyboard sounds and a return to the band’s original sound. 1997 brought along a self-titled album, followed two years later by a live album, The Essential Live Drivin’ ‘N’ Cryin’.
THE ’00s
2009’s (Whatever Happened To The) Great American Bubble Factory (the first recording of new material in 12 years!) was the perfect crescendo to a long twenty-plus year career of drivin’ n’ cryin’. I think we found the true essence of what we started to build back in 1985. It’s the truth as we see it set to a soundtrack fueled by music we love, everyone from The Ramones, The Clash, The Seeds, Iggy, Dylan, Patti Smith Group, R.E.M., Thin Lizzy, The Rolling Stones. You get the point.
The song title for (Whatever Happened to the) Great American Bubble Factory hit me one afternoon when I was at the dollar store getting some bubbles for the neighborhood kids. As I was standing in line, I looked down at the “made in” label and noticed that those bubbles were made in China…..China!! That’s a long way for a bottle of freakin’ soap to travel. Come on, maybe we can’t make TVs or refrigerators or cars here anymore, but bubbles?
In my world, the first step to a renewed America and our deliverance from an unspeakable disrespect of the American workforce would be the opening of THE GREAT AMERICAN BUBBLE FACTORY. They would come from miles around to see the Willie Wonka of the New Deal….There’s hope again!!! If you can make it here, why don’t you make it here…
We started demos for this record back in 2001 on September 10th. The next day the world was upside down and traitors were everywhere, underneath every coffee cup. Joe McCarthy was back and I just didn’t feel like I was ready to tell the story of the blue-collared optimist…
“She said, ‘Son, you’re dreamin’
Well, ma, if I’m dreamin’
Just don’t you wake me”
That record weaves in and out of the “Midwestern Blues” to the Flannery O’Connor South of “This Town” to the industrial grind of “Detroit City” to the optimistic anthem (and Dictators cover!!) “I Stand Tall” to the genuine pining for home in “I See Georgia.”
I wanted you settled in, riled up, loaded for bear and somewhere out there on the road in search of the great American dream…..
The ’10s
Cut to 2011/12: the Georgia General Assembly commended Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ in a house resolution for the band’s achievements.
Sadler Vaden joins the band (replacing Mac Carter on lead guitar), we cut a deal with Redeye Distributors to keep our records out there in the public eye, we sign on with the William Morris Endeavor to book our shows, and a new record release concept comes to mind…!
A couple months ago I was writing in the morning and my wife was listening to a record. She said I should record that song and I said ‘well, I did.’ It was the last song on the last record ! It dawned on me then that most people that listen to records don’t usually listen past five or six songs, so I’m going to make a record with only five or six songs on it. In fact, I’m going to do four… Or five… Or maybe the rest of them this way!!!! This solves a lot of problems for drivin n cryin. I love the fact that we have never shied away from the fact we are influenced by so many different sounds. But sometimes combining them on one record can be somewhat disconcerting to a particular group of fans. I love that. I love the psychedelic element of challenging the listener. I mean it’s all based on a library of music from our past… THE KINKS and THE WHO meet the RAMONES and THE COUNT FIVE at a little bar owned by BOB DYLAN and JOHNNY CASH… But the opportunity to focus on a specific genre or subject is exciting to me…. Also an opportunity to record with all the people we have been looking forward to working with is almost limitless… We would love to work all over the country with our friends and the five song format means we only need a few days of their time… I think people will be excited when they own a few and can contrast the different sounds and producers… We released number one, Songs From The Laundromat, on June 12, 2012. Paul Ebersold produced number two: Songs About Cars, Space And The Ramones (released Oct 1, 2012) – a tip of the hat to The Ramones, Stooges, MC5. So we toured all over for those 2 EPs and then headed in the studio again to work on number 3… Songs From The Psychedelic Time Clock.
Now jump to 2013: Songs From The Psychedelic Time Clock is released April 16, 2013. The band hits the road (again!) in support of all 3 EP releases, starting the tour in Atlanta with 2 sold-out nights at the legendary Star Community Bar (2 NIGHTS! NO HITS!) and capping it with a very cool show at Atlanta’s Music Midtown Festival, sharing the stage with Journey and Phoenix. Work begins on a super secret TV project for Fox’s FX Network to air January – April 2014. (more on this at a later date!) On days off between tour dates, the band convenes in Nashville TN and Memphis TN with producer Paul Ebersold to work on EP4 Songs For The Turntable.
2014 ushers in great new things including new lead guitarist Aaron Lee Tasjan. Tasjan was honored by ASCAP at the Kennedy Center in 2013 as one of America’s great songwriters of the next generation. A much sought after guitarist, he has played lead guitar with The NY Dolls, Alberta Cross, Everest, Todd Snider, collaborated with Sean Lennon in the band Operation Juliet and had his songs recorded by Jack White and Pat Green.
Season 5 of F/X Network’s hit TV show ‘Archer’ features 12 songs produced by Kevn Kinney (8 of which are Kinney-penned songs, including a complete re-working of DNC hit ‘Straight To Hell’).
‘Songs For The Turntable’ is released to great reviews and acclaim. Once again uber-producer Paul Ebersold assumed the helm, working with the band both in Nashville and Memphis, TN. Work begins on compiling the tracks and bonus material for a vinyl box set release.
I don’t have the patience anymore for a two year recording project, a big build up as if you’re JD SALINGER, a tour and then reality again… I don’t like hype… I just want to offer up my art for the fans or soon-to-be-fans. A five or six song recording every three months like a magazine subscription… I want it now!!! And I want it NEW!
Did you know…
Drivin’ N’ Cryin’s Whisper Tames the Lion was the lowest debut in the Billboard Top 200 albums chart the same week that Dark Side of the Moon fell off that chart for the first time since its release.
Did you know…
Minneapolis 60s garage band band The Trashmen (“Surfin’ Bird”) had Tim’s Uncle Gary as a member. They used to practice in his grandmother’s basement.
Did you know…
Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ is the only band to share a stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sonic Youth AND Neil Young in the same twelve-month period.
Did you know…
The Violent Femmes’ Brian Ritchie was Kevn’s high school locker partner. They would go to his house after school and Kevn would watch Brian play guitar before they both watched 8mm porn films.
Did you know…
Peter Buck produced Kevn’s first solo folk record MacDougal Blues, which is coming up on its twenty-fourth anniversary. Peter also road-managed and played on the MacDougal tour (which featured our great, late friend Nikki Sudden) on his break from R.E.M.’s Green tour!!…
Did you know…
DNC’s lead guitar player Sadler Vaden was voted Charleston’s Best Guitarist 2011. Other Sadler highlights include playing the White House with The Blue Dogs in 2006 and appearing in the Ben Stiller/Robert Downey Jr. movie ‘Tropic Thunder.’
THE CONCRETE ROOTS
The Concrete Roots is a collaborative of Chicago artists. Coming from various bands & scenes, they’ve created a unique 6 piece bringing more power to the Chicago Reggae scene than ever before. Combining rootsy vibes with HipHop bass lines, soulful harmonies, and hard hitting drums that separates The Concrete Roots from every other mainstream reggae band. their high energy live show and particular cross genre sound can appease every music lover
STOLEN AIRPLANE
One of the songs starts with Jim playing a somewhat busy, muted riff. After the second time through, Marv hits a chord and bends the note. On the third time through the riff, Jeremy does a snare roll and Jay rides a lower Bass note and then…well, you’ll just have to hear it to get the big picture.
TED STEVENS AND THE THIRD RAIL
Ted Stevens and The Third Rail are a band defined by their songs, at once both fresh and familiar, classic rock sounds underpinned by a modern Indie sensibility. As the name implies, The Third Rail are an electrified band full of loud heavy guitars and boisterous top-of-your-lungs vocals. Inspired and energized by the hard rock on the late 1960’s and the song oriented FM rock of the early 1970’s, their music is rife with hard edged guitars, heavy drums, and power pop hooks.
After spending four years in Glasgow, Scotland as a performance artist, Stevens returned to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky in the summer of 2011 and released an album of material for sonaBlast! Records entitled “Waiting.” Shortly thereafter the band that would become The Third Rail was formed, featuring the artful and melodic bass of Kirk Kiefer, and the aggressive, dramatic drumming of Tony Gantt.
The band began to craft the songs for their upcoming album, “Music for Cars,” last fall. Written by Stevens, they bear little to no resemblance to those on “Waiting”; gone are that album’s layered synthesizers and stacked background singers, replaced with simple three piece rock and roll arrangements. The band set out to lay down as much as possible live in the studio, working without the restrictions of headphones or click tracks and recording to a vintage analog tape machine. All overdubs were performed by the three band members themselves in order to keep the sonic identity of the record cohesive. The material teems with themes of youth, vitality, excitement, and conversely, the anger and frustration of that youth, along with the desire to take control of life. The characters in the songs struggle with the places they grew up in and how to live a life with consequences. Beneath the drama of the lyrics lay hard rocking, barn burning, tracks rife with musical hooks.
A perfect introduction to The Third Rail and their dedication to the traditions of good rock and roll is the new single “Live Forever” mixed by veteran Austin, TX producer Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Fastball, Patti Griffin, Heartless Bastards, And You Will Know Us By the Trail of The Dead). Having spent the last year honing their live act at festivals and opening for bands such as What’s Made Milwaukee Famous, Nerves Junior, Stephaniesid, Mobley, and Josh Krajcik, as well as receiving extensive college radio airplay for the songs on “Waiting”, the band is now spending the majority of its time on the road playing around the midwest bringing their dramatic high energy show to new audiences and preparing to unleash their new music.
THE GRASSTRONAUTS
The Grasstronauts have never fit neatly into one specific genre. While bluegrass may be the basis, it’s clear their sound is anything but traditional. Blending elements of bluegrass, rock, jazz and a number of other influences they bring a high energy sound of their own.
Armed with guitar, banjo, mandolin and bull fiddle, The Grasstronauts create a powerful sound that is constantly evolving. “We’re always trying to work new things into our sets,” says guitarist Lee Syrjanen. “There are songs that have evolved quite a bit since the first time we played them.”
Based out of Chicago, The Grasstronauts have been fortunate enough to play various music festivals, clubs and bars. Their unique sound draws people in quickly and engages them until the very last note. With each member having different backgrounds, The Grasstronauts are able to bend genres and provide an experience unlike any other.
FOREIGN POLICY
Founded in a basement of our drummer’s house is where Jose, Julian, and Victor would meet to form music that wouldn’t be commercial radio bullshit or something you could easily write on an acoustic guitar but to be something that would inspire those to hear their songs to be inspired and forever changed by every single aspect that would go into the song. They wanted a band that made music not for the money but for the beauty it gave them and the beauty it gives back to the world. The band originally started with Victor playing bass/vocals, Jose playing drums and Julian on guitar. Victor couldn’t play the bass that well while singing so the band looked for a bassist and found Nick Fontana. Nick brought a whole new spirit to the team with his eagerness to take part in music that’s not that hard to play but played with true spirit.
They’ve played a countless number of shows together (We weren’t counting.) From Berwyn to Indiana they’ve been playing shows like crazy. Foreign Policy is known for it’s crazy live performances. They go out and mosh with the audience. Victor sung his head off, Nick playing crazy bass, Julian shredding, and Jose pounding the shit out his drums. They were angry and they were showing it to everyone who came out to a show and they’re not gonna stop.
Nick left the band in June 2013 due to differences within the band.
Andrew Torres was added to the line up June 2013 and brought a whole new flavor of funky, crazy, punk rock feeling to the music and will continue to do so.
MARYLEIGH ROOHAN
Though she’s only 22, singer-songwriter MaryLeigh Roohan has already been likened to “a wizened old soul.” She first began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 15, and honed her guitar and vocal skills during a yearlong, weekly residency at a pub in St. Andrews, Scotland. Back to the states, MaryLeigh has played everywhere from intimate cafes to festivals, sharing the stage with Sean Rowe, Jill Sobule, Chic Gamine, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, Willie Alexander (the Velvet Underground) and many others.
Named the Capital Region’s ”Best Female Singer-Songwriter” by Metroland in 2012, Roohan’s style shifts seamlessly from sunny indie pop to sultry jazz crooning to heartfelt Americana reminiscent of Neko Case, with influences ranging from Joni Mitchell to Etta James.
MaryLeigh’s sophomore release, Skin and Bone, will be available at all live shows beginning November 8, and nationally through all digital download and streaming sites beginningJanuary 28 on Fake Chapter Records.
PASTOR FUNKPLEEZ
This IS an introduction 2 a brand new breed of funk-a-teers. Brought 2u by the makers of funky thangz 2 play with. Big Ced aka Pastor Funkpleez of funk rock giants ROOM 11 from chi-town makes his solo debut \m/\m/! Head bobbin’ grimy funk,kool layered vocals and of course plenty of BASS!
VERSKOTZI
Hailing from Minneapolis, MN, Verskotzi is Joey Verskotzi, Izaac Burkhart, Grady Kenevan & Ian Allison. Verskotzi is releasing their new album, “Lemon Heart”, the group’s first full length record on November 2nd at Icehouse. The album was produced by Izaac Burkhart at The Color Lounge in Minneapolis. Drawing from his 60’s, 70’s & indie rock influences, Joey has crafted an album that reveals his ‘roots’ musical tastes, and depicts his issues of addiction, trust, and relying on yourself to get through and out of the valleys.
LIVING IN PRETEND
We’re Living In Pretend, or as we’re also known, the collective consciousness of Andrew Lothian and Eli Noll. Hey. We wrote some songs for you, and then we made them into a kick-ass record. Along the way we had some of the most ridiculous musicians we’ve ever come into contact with (Paul Hall, Herf Yamaya, Packy Lundholm, Derek Bahr, Tim Yamaya, Hannes Butzer, Marty Sirvatka, Neil Carson, Bill Prokopow, and Noam Wallenberg) lay down their collective consciousness on our songs. The result was something we could have never imagined at the beginning of our journey and we couldn’t have come close without their help.
We’re going to need your help for this next part. We want to get this record out there, EVERYWHERE. It’s FREE. If you like it, give it to somebody else. Burn it. Blog it. Post it. Whatever you can do to spread the love. It’s one click to download and it’s free, sounds like a pretty risk free situation to us. But the reward will be much, much sweeter. We hope you enjoy these songs as much we enjoyed making them — they’re yours now. So take a listen, come out to a show, hang out, dance, and be happy because life is great when you’re Living In Pretend.
THE LION’S DAUGHTER
THE LION’S DAUGHTER was born out of a hatred for the insincere and uninspired cookie-cutter fodder the mainstream metal scene has become. They takes notes from black metal and doom, but live by no musical limitations and are driven to please no audience but themslves. The band’s most recent work is a prime example of their play-to-please-no-one credo. Previous releases include two self-released EPs, a 12” split with Fister (Hands up Records, 2011), and the full length Shame On Us All (Pissfork, 2012), which Cvlt Nation described as a, “hard-hitting blast of bruising riffs that will surely leave you drained from start to finish.” The trio was created in 2007 by guitarist/vocalist Rick Giordano and drummer Erik Ramsier after leaving a band that neither liked much, and named their new project after a campy romance novel they saw at the airport because fuck it. Scott Fogelbach of Love Lost But Not Forgotten soon joined and opening spots for Torche, Nachtmystium, High on Fire, Dark Funeral, Eyehategod, and more ensued as well as a national tour with Fister, with the band delivering a live show that the Riverfront Times called, “absolutely punishing.” Additionally, THE LION’S DAUGHTER won the RFT Reader’s Poll “Best Metal Band” (in St. Louis) award in 2011 and again in 2013. Forever Cursed calls THE LION’S DAUGHTER, “one of the most underrated bands out there,” No Clean Singing champions their, “heavy, harsh, and harrowing,” sound while The Bone Reader welcomes their,“caustic, blistering noise of the post-apocalypse.” But the band doesn’t play as if it simply wants to see the world end; it sounds like they want to be the ones to destroy it.
CRYSIS
John Maher writes and sings songs of love, human nature and socially disturbing events. ” I’m honored to be on stage with the following fab four.”
Ray McKenzie, ( Bass, lead guitar, songwriting and vocals ) has toured and recorded with The Jen Justice Band, among countless other successful bands. Ray founded Zero Hour Records over a decade ago.
Michael Mejia ( vocals, keys, guitar ) has been stunning the local clubs with his soulful songs and a voice that grabs the audience and locks them in.
Dean Cassara (drums, percussion) was also a member of Jen Justice Band, but believes he has been a member of 50 bands. We all hope he will not leave us for number 51. His beat and artistic contributions are spot on.
Kelli Ann. ( vocals and some 15 instruments including classical violin.) Performing at Carnegie Hall as a teen, Kelli Anne recently played hundreds of gigs with her band “Who Knew.” Kelli Ann is a famed international vocal coach (four Winds Vocal Artistry Studio) and a former Miss America Contestant. You do not want to miss Kelli Ann sing. Think Blondie/Joan Jett.
ROSIE FLORES
Alternative country meets the rockabilly revival meets California guitar virtuosity in the music of Rosie Flores. Since the late ’70s, guitarist, singer, and songwriter Rosie Flores has been an important figure on the alternative country scene in both Austin, TX, and Los Angeles. She’s a hard-working, independently minded artist who’s well-respected for her gritty, energetic vocals and fiery guitar solos.
A native of San Antonio, Flores moved to San Diego with her family when she was 12. Her family encouraged her singing and guitar playing, and as a girl she soaked up the sounds of southern California — surf guitar, country and country-rock, blues, and rockabilly-flavored garage rock. By the time she was in her teens, Flores was playing in a band called Penelope’s Children. During the first explosion of punk rock in the late ’70s Flores formed Rosie & the Screamers, an otherwise all-male band that played hard country and rockabilly material, much of it written by Flores herself. She worked as a solo acoustic artist for a time but then formed an all-female punk band, the Screaming Sirens, who recorded the album Fiesta in 1984.
Rosie Flores In 1987 Flores recorded her first solo album, Rosie Flores, produced by Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam’s producer and guitarist) and released by Warner Bros.. The album gained critical acclaim, and among music-industry folk a Flores concert remains a strong draw to this day. But it was only modestly successful commercially, and Flores was dropped by Warner Bros.. She signed with the California independent label Hightone and in 1992 she released her second solo album, After the Farm, followed by Once More with Feeling a year later. These albums featured original songs by Flores, her own sharp guitar leads, and crackerjack session work from a variety of Los Angeles veterans. Flores then spent the better part of 1994 playing lead guitar in Butch Hancock’s band.
Rockabilly Filly In 1995 Flores recorded Rockabilly Filly, a spirited tribute to the music she grew up with. The album featured duets with her longtime idols Wanda Jackson and Janis Martin, both of whom Flores brought out of retirement for the project. The album led to a cross-country tour with Jackson, who hadn’t played in nightclubs in over 20 years. In 1997, Rounder re-released her Warner Bros. debut along with six new bonus tracks under the title Honky Tonk Reprise, helping to sustain the momentum of her career. That same year, the Austin label Watermelon released her duet project with Ray Campi, entitled A Little Bit of Heartache. In the late ’90s, Flores moved to the folk-oriented Massachusetts label Rounder, pushing the stylistic mix of her music slightly in the direction of rockabilly but not really changing course. The 1999 live album Dance Hall Dreams was recorded at a San Antonio country club and featured several of the top session players Flores has always been able to attract, among them Texas steel guitar stalwart Cyndi Cashdollar. Flores released Speed of Sound on the Eminent label two years later, offering yet more original songs as well as a scorching cover of Buck Owens’ rockabilly classic “Hot Dog.” Flores offered her fans an intimate perspective on her music with the solo acoustic live set Single Rose in 2004, and an album of country- and rockabilly-styled holiday favorites, Christmasville, followed in 2005. After a short hiatus, in 2009, Flores celebrated over two decades of recording with Girl of the Century, an album recorded with the Mekons’ John Langford and the Pine Valley Cosmonauts for Bloodshot Records. Her raucous 11th album, Working Girl’s Guitar, which appeared in 2012, was the first in which she handled all the production and guitar leads herself. Prolifically creative, Flores deserves to be numbered among the creators of the alternative country movement. Her career, never really flagging, has outlasted those of a host of other acts in that fast-moving genre.
DILLON COOPER
At just 21 years old, rapper Dillon Cooper is already taking the world by storm with his startling combination of fresh beats, lyrical prowess, dynamic, energetic flow and his own brand of cool style. Without a doubt, this New York native is set to become a permanent fixture on America’s musical landscape.
Born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to immigrant parents from the Caribbean, Cooper’s passion for music began at an early age. “I love music. I’ve always loved music. I’ve listened to music my whole life,” he says with a knowing smile which tells you that making music is exactly what Dillon Cooper was born to do.
Cooper didn’t start off as a rapper though. In fact, he is a serious musician who played the piano as a child before picking up the guitar at the tender age of seven, continuing through childhood and then more seriously in his teens. “I just thought the guitar was a cool instrument that I wanted to play at that age,” he explains.
He was so good at the guitar that his talent led to a place at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston – home to such musical luminaries as super producer Quincy Jones.
However, it was just a few semesters after enrolling that Cooper knew he had to quit. “School really just wasn’t for me,” he admits. A chance conversation with musical star John Mayer, who’d gone to talk to the college’s freshmen students, solidified his decision. Cooper asked Mayer what he would do if he disliked college. Mayer’s words of wisdom were: “I would just leave”. Cooper took Mayer’s word for it and he hasn’t looked back since.
Although Dillon Cooper’s earliest forays into rap had been “just for fun” he knew he had to take his gift to the next level especially if he wanted to stand out from the other guitarists around him. He started recording demos with a host of local and international producers and eventually shot a video, set in Brooklyn, to Shadows, the track that established him as a force to be reckoned with and got the music industry to sit up and notice this fresh-faced wonder.
After posting the video to his Facebook and YouTube pages, Shadows went viral online. It was then brought to the attention of legendary rapper Jadakiss who loved the song and posted it on his blog SoRaspy.com as well as throwing in a retweet! Things took off from there. Cooper started racking up thousands of views online and has been developing a strong and loyal fan base from all over the world ever since.
Of course, this attention is no surprise to Cooper who prides himself on the time and effort he puts into his rhymes. “When I’m rapping I’ll think about the message I’m trying to put across and I’ll think about how to make it catchier or how to add that rhythm and swing,” he explains. “I just want to push the envelope… listeners shouldn’t have to just settle for mediocre content.”
Cooper thinks a lot about his audience and how his music will impact them. Despite his young age, Cooper’s music is timeless, inspired by the personal and the political: “Generally, I just try to talk about stuff that I’ve been through and that I’m going through which older people can relate to because they’ve been through it and people who are my age can relate to because they are going through the exact same thing or feel that same way because we’re in the same group. I try to put it in a way that anybody can latch onto and say ok, I get this”.
Sonically, mix a little Kendrick Lamar and Drake; add a sprinkle of Lupe Fiasco’s conscious lyrical clarity and the urban edginess of A.S.A.P. Rocky then you’ll begin to get some idea of what Dillon Cooper sounds like. He brings an old school hip-hop vibe, with a new school hip-hop attitude, which is radio-friendly enough for everyone to enjoy.
But while he counts a number of rappers as his influences and inspirations – “I love Jay-Z. I love Big L. J Cole is dope. Wale is dope. Eminem by far is one of my favorite rappers of all time….” – he is very much an individual. “I just want to bring me to the table.” And you can hear him, unmistakably, in everything he does.
The rapper has already predicted his own future: “When I pay them loans back, and when I’m in them magazines, that’s when Berklee gonna send me that honorary degree” he rhymes. Many already believe him.
Dillon Cooper may be only 21 years old, but his music stands with some of the best of what’s out there already. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Dillon Cooper is on his way to the top.
DENZEL CURRY
Denzel Curry is a 23 year old rapper from Carol City, Florida who has recently emerged as one of the underground’s most vibrant young talents–and one of its best candidates for breakthrough success in the mainstream. Unlike other artists who are fixated on the morbid, Curry’s music isn’t sprawling or indulgent, trite or aphoristic. Instead, his acute sense for the less savory parts of his life has manifested in hip-hop that’s laser-focused, that sounds steeped in the headier approaches of the genre’s greatest technicians yet remains distinctly Southern.
Denzel continues to impress and is only gaining more recognition after the critical and commercial success of 2018’s TA13OO. With the release of TA13OO, Denzel appeared on Billboard’s Emerging Artists Top 10 at #7, debuted on the Rap Chart at #6, and debuted at #28 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. The album includes critically-acclaimed singles “Clout Cobain,” “Black Balloons,” and “Sumo” and has received the highest praise from publications including Billboard, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Stereogum.
Across TA13OO’s three acts, Denzel explores topics including the presidential election, fame, hatred, paranoia, revenge, love, the current state of music, and personal tales of his own near-death experiences. Sonically, the album ranges just as widely as its subject matter – sounds of paranoia, fear of loss, brooding melancholy and mood swings straight from hell all find their way onto TA13OO, making this Denzel’s most groundbreaking musical performance to date.
ELTON JOHN “MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER”
Madman Across the Water is the fourth studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1971 through DJM/Uni Records.
Simply Elton will perform “Intimate Solo Performances” in an ongoing series of monthly Sunday evening shows, each featuring a classic Elton John album. Presented in an intimate solo setting, Brian Harris channels Elton John with wild costuming, virtuoso piano technique, and meticulously Elton-styled vocals. Over the coming months, surprises will be in store with guest musicians joining Simply Elton in presenting these classic albums and music.
Currently scheduled shows:
April 27 – The 1970 Album “Elton John”
May 25 – The 1970 Album “Tumbleweed Connection”
June 22 – The 1971 Album “Madman Across The Water”
July 13 – The 1972 Album “Honky Chateau”
Aug 24 – The 1973 Album “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player”
ELTON JOHN “TUMBLEWEED CONNECTION”
Tumbleweed Connection is the third album by English singer/songwriter Elton John.
Simply Elton will perform “Intimate Solo Performances” in an ongoing series of monthly Sunday evening shows, each featuring a classic Elton John album. Presented in an intimate solo setting, Brian Harris channels Elton John with wild costuming, virtuoso piano technique, and meticulously Elton-styled vocals. Over the coming months, surprises will be in store with guest musicians joining Simply Elton in presenting these classic albums and music.
Currently scheduled shows:
April 27 – The 1970 Album “Elton John”
May 25 – The 1970 Album “Tumbleweed Connection”
June 22 – The 1971 Album “Madman Across The Water”
July 13 – The 1972 Album “Honky Chateau”
Aug 24 – The 1973 Album “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player”
ELTON JOHN “ELTON JOHN”
Elton John is the second album by English singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1970.
Simply Elton will perform “Intimate Solo Performances” in an ongoing series of monthly Sunday evening shows, each featuring a classic Elton John album. Presented in an intimate solo setting, Brian Harris channels Elton John with wild costuming, virtuoso piano technique, and meticulously Elton-styled vocals. Over the coming months, surprises will be in store with guest musicians joining Simply Elton in presenting these classic albums and music.
Currently scheduled shows:
April 27 – The 1970 Album “Elton John”
May 25 – The 1970 Album “Tumbleweed Connection”
June 22 – The 1971 Album “Madman Across The Water”
July 13 – The 1972 Album “Honky Chateau”
Aug 24 – The 1973 Album “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player”
OUTRUN THE SUNLIGHT
We are a progressive metal band from Chicago, IL, and have been making albums since 2011. Founded by Austin Peters (guitar), the current line-up consists of Phil Kalas (bass), Ken Stebliy (guitar), Luke Angle (drums) and Kyle Kunkler (synths). Our newest record, The Return of Inertia 2.0, is a follow up to our 2021 release (A Vast Field of Silence) and takes the listener on an exciting rediscovery of the music that put our band on the map. Beyond releasing records, we also stream on Twitch, run a Discord dedicated to music discovery and production, and create tone and producer packs for guitarists and producers on Gumroad. See and hear everything we make at www.outrunthesunlight.com
BREWSKI
Robert O’Brien aka “Brewski” born on November 3, 1992 on the south side of Chicago. Growing up Robert O’Brien was the front man in several local rock/metal bands (Victory At All Costs, The Narragansett Tragedy, & I Killed Everyone) before switching over to rap. Was given the nickname “Brewski” by friends because he was known as the party starter in his teenage years. Brewski began rapping his senior year of high school while attending De La Salle Insitute in Chicago. Shortly after his first release Brewski grew a strong buzz in the Chicagoland area. Brewski used outlets such as Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook to release his material. In a short period of time Brewski has already opened up for big name acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Nappy Roots, LEP Bogus Boys, Syleena Johnson and etc. Brewski performance is described as ”hype” because of the high intensity/energy he brings.
BURKE
Fun facts about Burke:
1. He Hates Beards
2. He Hates being 6’3″
3. He Hates Smoking Meats
4. He Likes People