GRETCHEN ERICKSON
Hi! My name is GRETCHEN ERICKSON. I am a singer/songwriter/guitarist in Chicago. I play folky, bluesy, rock originals and throw in a few covers from time to time.
Thank you for checking out my site and looking forward to seeing you at some shows!
THE BENEDICT DOLLYROCKERS GARAGE BAND
The Benedict Dollyrockers Garage Band is an electric folk band from Kalamazoo, Michigan featuring Flip Miller, Jimmy Mac, Jared Miller & AA Miller.
ERYN WOODS
With her unique style and youthful voice, singer Eryn Woods is ready to dominate the world with her eclectic brand of pop punk. Her music has already been featured on Vh1 and MTV, she has worked closely with designers NYMPHA London, Betsey Johnson, Iron Fist Clothing, and Married to the Mob, amongst others and is officially sponsored by Monster Products, Manic Panic, and Aids Healthcare Foundation. As the queen of the “Kupcake” Nation—a term she coined to define her “sweet, fun and diverse” fan base—Woods’ musical and fashion influence on young Kupcakes is spreading around the globe.
MILLIONAIRES
Can you “Party Like a Millionaire?” Chances are you couldn’t keep up with the Orange County duo —Melissa Marie Green and Allison Green — aka the MILLIONAIRES!
MILLIONAIRES bring catchy, fun, electro-pop songs mixed with rap (made by cute, foul-mouthed sisters whom are both barely legal and are always down to get F*cked Up!
The girls started out as a garage band internet sensation and have transformed into a successful national touring act while never being signed to a label, they know they’re hated by many but they DGAF! They just want to have a good time, doing what they love, putting on a FUN, ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE FOR THEIR TWDC! (Til’ We Die Crew). Millionaires know it’s been a combination of a strong DIY work ethic, a unique sense of style and a willingness to put their dirty, in-your-face songs into the scrutiny of the publics eye that has transformed them from a one-time joke to a respected serious group.
They started their careers headlining two sold out tours and then taking on the Warped Tour ’09 stage, and then to return for two more headlined tours all before their first album. To go along with there unorthodox careers as artists, they just released their debut rap mix-tape which features huge nation wide artist such as Trina, Kreayshawn, Shanel of young money, Diamond, and more, the mix-tape has been viewed over 100,000 times on a website that is host to the lights of Drake, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa fans, from which they made the top mix-tapes of the month, and hottest mix-tapes of the week, and have earned bronze with over 25,000 downloads. On March 13, 2013 Millionaires released their debut album ‘TONIGHT’ which rose into the top 100 albums and top 25 pop albums. Billboard.com ranked ‘TONIGHT’ #43 on the heatseekers album chart.
Millionaires are aware that a lot people have a lot of nasty things to say about them and their music. And you know what? They don’t give a F*ck, keep talking.
MODERN CHEMISTRY
Modern Chemistry. New Brunswick, NJ. Badasses All Day, Every Day. Get to love us.
frnkiero andthe cellabration
FRNKIERO AND THE CELLABRATION, the new project from Frank Iero, released STOMACHACHES on August 26, 2014 on Staple Records.
“In late 2012 I started to experience an increase in my already painful digestive issues and my creative side started to wither under the weight of not ever feeling well,” commented Iero. “I turned my basement office into a makeshift studio and every time I felt the pain coming on I’d go downstairs and hammer out an idea. After a few months I started to take a look at what I was making, I had for the first time in my life written a large grip of songs completely alone and without any expectations or plans of what they would be for. I’ve always been in bands writing songs with friends in order to play shows or record a future record. But this was different. These songs, they were all mine. They started inside me as these wretched stomachaches and I had to dig them out of me in order to survive. They were my disease and ultimately became my cure.”
“When I finally took a step back and looked at the body of work I had created I began to notice some common threads. The stories told on this record all seem to touch upon a yearning for love and acceptance, and a longing for a place in which you feel you may finally belong. Sometimes finding solace in the realization that you might not in fact belong anywhere, and drawing a certain power from that.”
Iero, former guitarist for My Chemical Romance, plays every instrument on the 12-track album except for drums, which were handled by Jarrod Alexander. Stomachaches was created in Iero’s own B.Calm home studio then later recorded at North End Recording in Passaic, New Jersey with some additional vocals completed at Backstage Studios. Mixing duties were handled by Ed Rose at St. Albans West.
Stomachaches was selected by Alternative Press magazine as one of their “Most Anticipated of 2014” and fans first heard solo material from Iero when he contributed a bonus track – “This Song Is A Curse” – to the Frankenweenie Unleashed soundtrack. Most recently Iero can be heard covering “Extraordinary Girl” for Kerrang’s tribute to Green Day, American Idiot.
WOODY PINES
Ragtime, Boogie, Viper Jazz, Lighting Speed Folk. Full of stomp and swing, and jump and jive. It’s old-time feel-good music done by a young master who clearly understands that this kind of music was always about having a great time.
BRENT & CO.
Brent & Co. is the musical project of Washington, D.C.-based singer/songwriter Brent Peterson. With musical leanings ranging from reggae and rock to country and funk, the band successfully straddles multiple genres without losing sight of its acoustic rock beginnings.
The past two years have been busy for Brent & Co., with 250+ full band and acoustic performances a year in promotion of their latest EP, “Not How We Dream.”
Recorded in lead singer and rhythm guitarist Brent Peterson’s adopted hometown of Washington, the EP taps into the deep talent pool in the nation’s capital. Produced by Jarrett Nicolay (Virginia Coalition), “Not How We Dream” spans several genres while still holding onto the band’s signature groove-based acoustic rock sensibilities. The rhythm section, comprised of Dominic Fragman on drums and Joey Mitchell (Swamp Candy) on bass, provides much of the album’s strong foundation, and Frank Mitchell & Dave Finnell (Thievery Corporation) bring the complementary horn work. The soulful fiddle playing by Pat McAvinue (candidate for the IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year) ensures that even the group’s expansion into a country sound remains authentic. With this EP, Brent & Co. has found its voice.
Having cut their teeth performing in regional bars, restaurants, and wineries, and even the occassional wedding and European tour, Brent & Co. looks forward to further expanding their geographic reach, and to bringing their energetic show to new audiences.
VICTOR TORRES
The Victor Torres Band is a collection of Chicago land based touring and session musicians who come together to create a memorable eclectic musical journey. The experience consists of funk/soul-rock instrumentals, layered with classics that will surely get you on your feet! Founder/bass guitarist Victor is working on an EP titled “Phases” and is excited to bring his music collection to you!
HEARTSFIELD
Formed in 1970 by J.C. Hartsfield and Perry Jordan, Heartsfield toured throughout the ’70’s, spreading their infectious brand of foot-stompin’, good-time vocal rock to fans throughout the United States performing 300 dates per year. They played every club, festival, concert hall and college campus and were overwhelming favorites on FM radio stations around the country. They recorded four albums for major record labels (several of which hit the Billboard charts), acquired fans who admitted to seeing them play dozens of times, and attained the respect of the entire music industry, playing with the likes of The Doobie Brothers, Charlie Daniels, Eric Clapton, Loggins & Messina, Fleetwood Mac, .38 Special, The Guess Who, Waylon Jennings, Kiss, BTO, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dickie Betts, Little Feat, Willie Nelson, Stephen Stills, FireFall, Marshall Tucker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Genesis, and Ted Nugent. FM hits included “House of Living,” “Racing the Sun,” “As I Look Into the Fire,” “Another Man Down,” “I’m Comin’ Home,” “Music Eyes,” and “The Only Time I’m Sober is When You’re Gone.”
These days they’re still going strong, performing and recording to a whole new generation of appreciative fans, as well as hundreds of diehard fans from the old days. They can be seen at summer fairs and festivals, where they’ve shared the stage with Charlie Daniels, Loretta Lynn, .38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Feat, Los Lobos, Dickie Betts, Eddie Money, Sawyer Brown, Blue Oyster Cult, Soul Asylum, Specer Davis, and Asleep at the Wheel. They’re still working their same old magic, garnering the respect deserving a dedicated group of seasoned pros with a serious intention of making great music, delivering high-energy foot-stompin’ shows, and putting those expensive guitars to work in serious jams and thrilling arrangements that leave young musicians speechless. Perry has continued writing powerful songs heavily ladened with great harmonies, blazing guitars, and thoughtful lyrics. Recent releases include albums RESCUE THE DOG, ALL OVER THE PLACE, ROCKIN’ THE COUNTRY, GEORGIA FLYER and DISRUPTING THE COUNTRY.
With a new album to be released in 2010, the next round of Heartsfield magic is on the way. The first single from that album, “Here I Am” can be heard on the band’s Web site, www.heartsfield.com
THE HOMELESS GOSPEL CHOIR
The Homeless gospel Choir (Derek Zanetti) (me) is a one man band from Pittsburgh, PA, who is looking to make honest music that relates to everyone. I try to tour out and be on the road as much as my freedom will let me. All the songs that I play come from an old wooden closet in the basement of my mind, and my hope is to create a way to help others see the beauty in the simple things in life. ALL THESE SONGS ARE PROTEST SONGS. in one way or another, even if I am protesting against my own self. I hope you can grow to love these tunes as much as I do, I think One of them may even be you new favorite song of all time one day.
MAIDEN CHICAGO
From concept to reality, Maiden Chicago had themselves a substantially powerful core group of musicians in an amazingly short period of time. The instrumental pieces were assembled and solidified little more than a month after the initial idea was presented. Transpiring as if the effort was guided by divine direction, every step of the formation process was natural, yielding the most ideal outcome at every turn.
Motivated to contribute his efforts to a legitimate Iron Maiden tribute, singer/guitarist Eric Babcock posted an inquiry on the official Iron Maiden Fan Club forum attempting to gauge potential interest. Eric joined forces with bass player Gary Ingram as a result of that inquiry in early September of 2010. Initially, Gary was not sold on the idea of doing another Maiden tribute, but eventually jumped in with both feet and became especially instrumental in the early formation of Maiden Chicago. When Eric and Gary committed to the effort; they gave it a name, established an infectious web presence and generated a boatload of interest within a few days time.
Almost immediately, the subsequent “buzz” and a musical affiliation from the past landed the band’s third member; guitar player Ralph Circelli. The infant band was now three-strong, and wading through an onslaught of interest from “Nicko McBrain” hopefuls. Among them was former “Bravo” drummer Dan Driskill, who provided the first and only drum audition Maiden Chicago would ever need. The quartet jammed together for the first time at Dan’s Bourbonnais home in early October, the result of which was nothing short of legendary. Everyone in the room was fully aware that they had something very special in their grasp before the first song concluded. With the instrumental core established, Maiden Chicago embarked on a massive promotional campaign and spent the next five months actively searching for the ultimate “Air Raid Siren”. The search would bear little fruit during that time as the band came up empty week after disappointing week. Maiden Chicago’s patience and determination eventually paid off with the acquisition of former “Revelations” vocalist, Bill Swanson in late February of 2011.
Besides the musical proficiency of its members or even the passion they have for Iron Maiden, this collection of musicians is blessed with that coveted “intangible” element that most musicians hear about, but rarely experience. Now fully equipped with the ideal lineup, they press forward with the highest expectations; ready to provide fans throughout Chicagoland with “The Ultimate Iron Maiden Experience”.
PRHYME (DJ Premier & Royce da 5’9)
What happens when the illest lyricist in the game meets the man Rolling Stones identified as “arguably hip-hop’s greatest producer”… you get PRhyme… an expression of true hip hop, direct from the source. New album and tour info coming soon… join our mailing list to stay in touch!
DEGENERATION
Minneapolis based Oi! band. Rocking since 1994!
KINCY
Marcus Kincy was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, and from the tender age of 5 had a growing love for music and was continually exposed to it in church. Church was where he first learned how to play the drums, and eventually picked up piano at age 13. His musical influences include, Stevie Wonder, Babyface, James Fauntleroy, The Dream, Rico Love, The Bizness, Justice League, and Jodeci. Kincy prides himself on being diverse, and multitalented as a singer/songwriter/producer/composer. Prior to starting his solo career, Marcus has worked and performed with Keri Hilson, The Dream, Mary J Blidge, Diddy Dirty Money, Jill Scott, Nick Jonas and The Administration, and The Jonas Brothers. Kincy’s sound can be described as true heartfelt RnB urban music, and he strives to make good music for good people, as well as share the experiences of were he came from, and how he was able to overcome it and succeed. Be on the lookout for new music from Kincy soon as he has been working with Chicago artists BJ the Chicago Kid, and Label mate EstaBoN.
RECONSTRUCTIONERA
The Reconstruction Era is a Hip-Hop duo that consists of two NBRS, Dev iLL and Maven. They have very different vocal distinctions and it works well. Dev’ is more Scarface and Tupac, Maven is more Biggie and Common, but they both had roots in poetry. Initially they weren’t a group, they just wanted to rap, and that’s what they did. Dev’ and Maven were frequent collaborators, they both liked the same beats, both had soul, and both were intelligent. A dynamic duo just made sense. Their passion lies in the music. Their storytelling is vivid and cohesive, lyrics are sharp, and their beats are soulful. Reconstruction Era talks about the issues around them, but they’re not conscious. They are aggressive, but they’re not gangster rappers; they battle each other. Often they rap about whatever comes to mind (even Mystic Baby Crayons), but they’re not commercial; they just like to have fun. If you want it, they got it. They’re plotting, They’re building, They are Reconstruction Era.
ARMSLENGTH
Five homies on a mission to create righteous rock n’ roll tunes.
IN EXILE
In Exile is a Chicago-based band featuring members of Flatfoot 56, Southend, and a handful of other Chicago bands. The band formed in early 2013 and are bringing a diverse Post hardcore/Punk sound. If you are a fan of Thrice, Hot Water Music, Dead To Me, Transit or any punk/hardcore/post-hardcore artists, you’re going to want to check out In Exile!
GARDENS
Gardens is a band made up of four friends from the suburbs of Chicago. During the summer of 2013, after playing in numerous bands, the members decided to pursue a project that they were more passionate about. They strive to meet listeners at eye level and engage in dialogue through crooning, ambient guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and poignant, honest lyricism. Gardens aims for an audience that values the influence and importance of music as much as they do.
After a few months of writing, they self-released their debut EP Everything Looks Different In The Daylight in January 2014. Immediately after the release, the band began writing for their first LP. In June 2014, they drove out to The Panda Studios in Fremont, California to record Death In The Family, released November 2014.
AMATEUR
we’re on the fucking internet!
DEATH GURU
A long time ago, There was a Guru, A guru who chose Three men to be the Death Gurus, they were born into the musical culture of punk, and so they have torn up the scene with a fist of might and death. They will stop at nothing to keep an audience coming back for more raw powercore tunes, they have become Death Guru
RUNAWAY SUN
Runaway Sun effortlessly weld elements of blues, pop, country and rock into a cohesive, arresting sound. In five years the band has cut three studio releases and established a steady Gulf Coast touring schedule. Their first full-length album, The Bridge, was recorded in a blistering eight hours at Houston’s legendary SugarHill Studios. Its success led to opening slots for Heartless Bastards, UK blues-rock powerhouse Back Door Slam, and an appearance at the “Live at Best Buy” Union Square concert series in Manhattan. The band was nominated for “Best Blues Group” in the 2009 and 2010 Houston Press Music Awards; and in 2011, lead singer and songwriter Andrew Karnavas opened for Trombone Shorty and MyNameIsJohnMichael at the PBS and Friends SXSW showcase. With 2013 appearances in Memphis and Chicago, Runaway Sun continues to shine on new territory.
EXIT GHOST
Exit Ghost is a collaborative vehicle structured around the songwriting of Evan Holmes. The group’s debut Pony Soldier EP (2010) explores a vital reverence for the imagery and culture of the American West, with fiddle and harmonies provided by tireless multi-instrumentalist Rachel Kahn. Hailed by Performer Magazine as “like [Neil Young’s] After The Goldrush on steroids”, brothers Jordan and Julian Stacey provide a powerful rhythm section that resonates soundly through the group’s first full-length album, 2012’s Move Alone; a bold, at times orchestral effort engineered by Mike Hagler of Wilco’s Summerteeth. With a nod from Paste Magazine as one of “10 Illinois Bands You Should Listen To Now”, Exit Ghost entered recording at Chicago’s Engine Studios with the addition of avant-garde guitarist Michael Golas and engineer/instrumentalist Dorian Gehring. Engine EP documents a band reinventing itself in the space of a studio, and would see the group’s first commercial placement in the HBO series Single Long. Exit Ghost’s Daytrotter Live Session previews a distinct and cohesive set of new work, completed as Elston , the band’s second full-length, recorded at Chicago’s High Concept Laboratories in the summer of 2013.
COLBY & FRIENDS
ANTHONY GOMES
Anthony Gomes, #1 Billboard Blues Artist, is a triple threat force as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. Blues Revue Magazine recently declared that, “Gomes’ formidable guitar chops and authentic singing place him in the forefront of modern blues.” This, along with his high-energy shows and dynamic stage presence, make him one of the top draws on the Rock/Blues circuit today. Gomes has headlined concerts in 17 countries and has had the honor of sharing the stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Robert Plant, Joe Bonamassa, Heart, Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Word of Gomes’ electrifying performances has reached Eric Clapton, Morgan Freeman, John Goodman, Toby Keith, Jonny Lang, Ron White and Vince Vaughn who have all attended Gomes’ concerts. After experiencing Gomes live, John Goodman referred to him as “a pure soul brother” and comedian Ron White declared his official endorsement of Anthony Gomes. Perhaps the greatest complement was offered by Morgan Freeman who jokingly professed that Anthony was, “not bad for a white boy.”
In addition to performing, Gomes is an award winning blues history scholar, earning the University of Toronto’s C.P. Stacey Award for the highest overall academic grade point average by a history major. Anthony completed his master’s degree thesis on the racial and cultural evolution of blues music, graduating with high distinction.
Believing that music can inspire the human spirit, Anthony founded the Music Is The Medicine Foundation in 2010. This non-profit organization is dedicated to changing the lives of others through the healing power of music. Through private donations and winning sizable grants from State Farm Insurance and CVS Pharmacy, the foundation has funded songwriting scholarships, offered music education programs, and donated musical instruments to those in need.
Born in Toronto, Canada to a Portuguese father and a French-Canadian mother, Gomes began playing guitar Gomes was elevated to the top of the blues field just one in his early teens and was drawn to the blues sounds of B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. He relocated to Chicago in the late ’90s to learn from the blues masters. During his brief stint as a sideman for Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Gomes put together his own group and won the first annual Buddy Guy’s Legends “Best Unsigned Blues Band” competition in 1998. Later that year, Gomes released his debut CD, Blues in Technicolor, which introduced him as a guitar-slinger loaded with impressive firepower.
On 2002’s Unity, he accomplished the album’s title with a heavy mix of styles leading Bandit Blues Radio to name it one of the “Top 30 Essential Blues CDs” of all time. Gomes was elevated to the top of the blues field just one year later when BluesWax Magazine named him “Artist of the Year,” an award he would claim for several years in a row due to his endless commitment and touring. Music Is the Medicine (2006) peaked at number four on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart, only to be outdone by LIVE (2008) debuting at number one. In 2012, Gomes received critical acclaim for his release of Up 2 Zero. The album was named the “Best Blues CD of 2012” by A1 Blues.com and the Blues Underground Network voted the album “Best Blues Rock CD of 2012.” The accolades continued in 2013 with the release of Gomes’ gusty acoustic album …Before The Beginning. Blues 411 honored the release with the “Jimi Award” for best Blues/Rock CD of 2013 and it continues to make many “Best Albums of the Year” lists.
Gomes shows no signs of slowing down. Early 2015 will see the release of Electric Field Holler, a guitar driven blues infused rock ‘n’ roll album that showcases Gomes‘ blistering six string work and whiskey soaked voice. Later in the year, he plans to re-enter the studio to begin recording another album entitled, Peace Love & Loud Guitars. “I feel like this will be our pinnacle year in terms of creativity and artistic achievement,” says Gomes. “It’s time to turn it up.”
GLYDERS
ETHOS
BLACK RAPHY’L
HUGH LEE
Hugh Lee is the 22 year old product of Chicago, IL.
MOSES
Lover of beautiful women who drive ugly cars.
DEMI G
WORMREICH
Created in 2009.
Wormreich emerged from deep within the fetid and rotten bowels of America’s bible belt, as the unified projection of three sovereign beings with supreme devotion to Satan and the Black Arts in a place where Jesus’ commands and hollow praises reign supreme. We are merely a conduit for His will, interpreted in ritual frequencies by these three possessed creatures. We offer unto you, the human race, our sacrament of blood and fire, as we stand with those who came before us to cleanse this world of the most holy abomination. We await our masters’ promise of purifying obliteration!
KHAOTIKA
Khaotika’s sound is a combination of the members’ influences that combine a mix of Lariyah’s clean vocals, high pitch scratch vocals, plus supporting lows and growls, with occult rock, black and death metal riffs with heavy drums topping the classical melodic metal harmonization, which makes their original, unique sound.
The band was formed in January 2014 and released their first EP in May 2014 along with their first official music video to “Muerte” – by El Jinete Films.
AGAINST THE PLAGUES
AGAINST THE PLAGUES is a extreme metal act based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 2005 when two musicians from the black metal group Forest of Impaled – Varyen od drums and Adrian Adamus on guitar, decided to to create their own project.
They started working under the name “AGAINST” but after few months extended it to AGAINST THE PLAGUES. Originally starting as a “project”, they hired Swedish musician and producer Wojtek Lisicki (Lost Horizon,Luciferion) to help with arrangements and production of the first album. However, after a few months of cooperation the “project” turned in to a full time, active band with Lisicki becoming a full fledged member and shortly before entering the studio, Orlando Logan Perez (ex VEX) joined the band as their singer and bassist to round out the lineup.
In 2007 , the band signed distribution deals with Century Media Records in U.S. and Plastic Head in Europe and released their debiut album “Architecture of Oppression” .
AGAINST THE PLAGUES received outstanding reviews in popular metal magazines like : BW&BK , Metal Rules, Metal Hammer, Lords of Metal, Metal Maniacs, Masterful magazine.
In 2010, AGAINST THE PLAGUES signed a deal with Dutch label – Vic Records, at which point, “Architecture of Oppression” was re-mixed and re-mastered by legendary producer Dan Swano (Katatonia/Marduk/Dark Funeral/Edge of Sanity) and re-released in Europe under the new title “Decoding the Mainframe”.
Shortly after “Decoding the Mainframe” came out, guitarist Adrian Adamus left the band and was replaced by Marco Martell (ex Malevolent Creation).
Just short time later , in March 2010 , AGAINST THE PLAGUES released their first official video for the track “Great are the Eyed” which was shot in Miami, FL.
In late fall 2010 the band returned to the studio and recorded 4 new songs for mini album called “The Quaternion”. Finally “The Quaternion” was self released on December 21st 2012.
AGAINST THE PLAGUES immidiately hit the road in U.S. to promote “The Quaternion” in 2013. In March 2013 Milo Kovacevic (ex Kommandant/Ezurate) joined the band as a new bass guitarist.
In June 2013 after first leg of promotional shows in United States the band parted ways with singer Logan Perez. Perez was replaced by vocalist Shaun Albro (ApotheCarrion/Ebonmortis).
In January 2014, band parted ways with Marco Martell and announced Aaron Covarrubias as a new guitarist.
Currently AGAINST THE PLAGUES gearing up to release some new material in the Spring 2014. The band is also confirmed to headline Florida Death Metal Fest in Fort Lauderdale on March 22nd 2014.
KULT OV AZAZEL
Inspired by blasphemous and blackened metal, KULT OV AZAZEL spit forth their hate towards humanity and religion. The unholy birth cries were first heard in 1998, under the infernal name of Azazel. Hailing from South Florida, Xaphan and Xul decided to join forces, marching relentlessly towards a shared destiny with a grim vision.
June of 2000 marked a turning point for the entity formerly known simply as Azazel. The horde decided to distance themselves from other bands using the same name and re-anointed themselves as Kult ov Azazel. After the 1999 release of the mCD “Order of the Fly” and various split CD’s, which established Kult ov Azazel as an unstoppable force upon the US Black Metal, they signed with Arctic Music Group ensuring proper distribution and a good budget to create their debut full length. In April of 2001, the much anticipated full length was released in the form of “Triumph of Fire”, an 11 hymn manifesto of evil and misanthropy that lived up to their motto “No Beauty, No Atmosphere, No Tranquility”.
Shortly after the release of the debut album a permanent drummer was announced. With Hammer now behind the kit writing for the follow up began. In early 2002 it was decided that a second guitarist be incorporated into the band. With the line up of Xaphan (guitar/vocals), Xul (bass/vocals), Nocturath (guitar) and Hammer (drums), the band entered the studio to record. In March 2003 Kult ov Azazel released their second full-length “Oculus Infernum”.
2004 saw Nocturath take leave from the band being replaced by VJS whom first appeared with the group when they co-headlined the Northern Lights Festival in Toronto, Canada. November of the same year, Kult ov Azazel embarked on The Swarm of Eternal Blackness Tour, a successful West Coast assault. Upon return they immediately entered Nuclear Soundlabs and recorded tracks for two splits “Feast of Sacrilegious Impurity” and “Through War or Suicide”.
In February of 2005 the band entered Mana Studios in Tampa Florida and recorded “The World, The Flesh & The Devil”. Upon release the album gained top reviews with many claiming it as the bands best material. It was also named as one of the top black metal releases in 2005 by many critics. To support this release the band took their blasphemies out on the road on the Hellstorm of Unholy Legions Tour.
After the completion of the tour VJS left the band. In December 2005 that void was replaced with Necrol. As this lineup Kult ov Azazel appeared in 2006 at the Sacrifice of the Nazarene Child 6 Festival, Night of the Black Pentecost and one Ft. Lauderdale, FL show securing the local slot for the Celtic Frost “Monotheist” tour.
On September 15, 2007 Kult ov Azazel returned to headline a show in Toronto, Canada and a week later was scheduled to play the Autumn Equinox Festival. Situations arose preventing Xul and Hammer from playing the festival. Instead of cancelling, Xaphan performed with session musicians. This one time lineup included members of Krieg, Engorge, Tenebrous & Malevolent Creation. It was this festival Valac entered the band replacing Necrol as session guitarist.
During the beginning of 2008, a decision was made to take Kult ov Azazel back to its original form keeping the core of the band a 3 piece and utilizing session members for live occasions. Writing for the new album was finalized and in late October 2008 the band entered Mana Studios again to record “Destroying The Sacred”. Released June 2, 2009 through Arctic Music the album, as with past releases, has received excellent reviews from both the US magazines/zines as well as international ones.
Support for the album kicked off on July 5th, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA when Kult ov Azazel co-headlined the Hostile City Death Festival with Valac as session guitarist. The when rehearsing for upcoming shows in October 2009 Kult ov Azazel brought Armanen in to cover guitars for live performances. That same month the band headlined the Milwaukee Blackened Festival and one one off show in Los Angeles, CA on Halloween night. While in Los Angeles Xaphan and Hammer entered Black Static Studios and within a few hours banged out a cover of “In League With Satan” for a Venom tribute to be released as a split endeavor with Teratism. December 12, 2009 Kult ov Azazel took their blasphemy to the island of Puerto Rico. With this performance the band also made history by being the first national/international black metal to play Puerto Rico. This was filmed to be compiled with other live footage for a future DVD release in 2010.
At the beginning of 2010 Kult ov Azazel teamed up with Frank Watkins At the beginning of 2010 the band was hit with Xul’s decision to take an indefinite hiatus. With scheduled dates for 2010 already confirmed Xaphan and Hammer were forced to make the decision to make adjustments to the lineup. Armanen was given a permanent position on guitars and former/session member VJS was brought back to play bass. With this lineup Kult ov Azazel embarked on a mini tour billed as the Nihilistic Terror Across Texas headlining the West Texas Death Festival and then joining up for two shows with Teratism and Witchaven. Due to certain circumstances Hammer was unable to do the Texas tour so Tony Laureano filled in on drums. Then in May they completed the Nihilistic Terror Across Florida mini tour, having filmed their hometown show for a future DVD release. However, after the Florida shows complications arouse that put the band on complete hold from the month of June until October when the band began rehearsing as a 3 piece with Armanen on bass for their appearance at the Samhain Black Metal Festival MMX in South Carolina. After this festival appearance the band began writing for a new album but again that was put on hold due the contract with Arctic being up and no label interest.
Fast forward, February 2011 at which time Negativity Records approached the band with interest to release future recordings. With this new offer the flame had been lit again. Since the beginning of March Xaphan has resumed writing with contributions from Armanen, who as of May 2011 has moved to bass guitar and Necrol was back in the band to fill the guitar position. The end months of 2011 were spent writing for Violators of the Covenant. Also in December of 2011 Forbidden Records re-issued the bands first recording “Order Of The Fly: The Ultimate Edition” with new cover art and previously unreleased tracks.
2012 began with Kult ov Azazel coheadlining a show in their hometown of Fort Lauderdale, FL with Cannibal Corpse. Also in January of 2012 Negativity Records released the split 7″ between Kult ov Azazel and Teratism titled “In League With Satan”. In February Xaphan was interviewed for the black metal documentary “Out of The Black” and the band announced the addition of Amduscias to handle future guitar duties. Currently the band is working on pre-production for the new album. It was announced in June 2012 that Xul had returned to the band.
In 2013, Necrols returns to the band to replace Amduscias and Xul takes leave again to be replaced on bass by Vastator. With this lineup Kult ov Azazel headline the only show for the year in Miami, FL during the month of October at the Black Kvlt Fest.
The year 2014 is spent on further writing of the new album and more pre-production on it. The band headlines both Wrath of the Goat III & IV with Archangel Sin Scythe filling in on drums for the WotG III Festival in Wilkes-Barre, PA and with Paul Collier filling in drums for the WotG IV held in Chicago, IL. In October of 2014 Kult ov Azazel announce that Hag (ex-Pact) had joined the band as vocalist.
SIR WJ
Meet Sir William James known as Sir WJ. Sir recorded an unreleased EP with Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra Jr producer Lee Musiker then went on to writing and co-producing urban sensation Assata Jones “I Can Love You Better, which was covered by Renato Pagnani in Pitchfork. He has performed the finale for Joffery Ballet to later go and score three of Dysfunctional Friends movie themes. If you can careless about him being the youngest on Rodney Jerkins agency board and helping facilitate McDonalds first ever in-store Wi-Fi Music Download campaign maybe you might care how he got here.
Sir WJ, legally William James Stokes, grew up with his neighbors’ residue as his inspiration. Bronzeville is a culturally rich musical community with the historic legacy of jazz and soul. Ella Fitzgerald played there often. So did Lena Horne, Duke Ellington and Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole along with countless others Bronzeville homes has been reserved as historical landmarks. Impressed, but the undeniable moment of greatness hadn’t come yet, I wasn’t yet convinced.
I wasn’t yet convinced because we all know that vintage has become a trend. Our commercialized leads trying to mimic the texture of dusty records and Polaroid shots. Justin Timberlake’s new album: vinyl. Instagram filters: aged. I wanted to see if this was his gimmick or if this was really him? He took me to 44th and Cottage and had me look up. There was his fathers name on the street sign. He began to tell me how his father was born in 1924, and how they would listen to records of old quartet music. He demonstrated how that shaped the cadence of his sound and look. Genuinely genius. I could tell the old soul wasn’t a gimmick. It is his story. The son of a preacher like Marvin Gaye, he spoke of his father and mother being a Pastor and Missionary and how it was shameful for him to sing such intimate lyrics. Most artists would ask that I don’t include that, it discredits their coolness, yet his emotional transparency, was yet another plus and positive sign that reminded me of greats before his time. He’s not taking the beaten path so to speak he’s being honest and going against the grain.
His first musical training was as a young child under the tutelage of a blind vocal teacher, Connie Rogers, who screamed, “Smile and drop your mouth!” every time she heard him sing. Although she couldn’t see him, she was shaping his sound and helping young W.J. to overcome a speech enunciation problem.
After years of practice he mastered a clean, bright and well-developed sound. At seventeen, W.J. took his hard earned material and a beginner’s business-sense and bargained his demo for investment and sponsorship at satellite radio station. After partnering on numerous shows and spending seven consecutive months of charting top 10, he was offered modest local nominations for his works.
At the age of 19 he was offered a chance to work with the best of the best in commercial music at Leo Burnett, Scoring a film with Meagan Good, Tatyana Ali, Stacy Keibler, Persia White, Vanessa Simmons and Stacey Dash to later recording with Tony Bennet’s and Frank Sinatra Jr’s composer Lee Musiker. I would say arguably the most classic voice Chicago has birthed since the big band era but only a fool would argue he’s not. Despite the countervailing trends of only hip-hop having national eyes from Chicago, his perennial appeal has lasted him until this moment. His moment.
DJ STEEZY
JAYLIFTED
WOGZ
producer, vocalist, rapper, violinist
JAYMAL GREEN
CLOUD9
Comprised of veteran funk rockers, indie-reggae horn players, and MC Don D, Chicago Loud 9 creates a unique blend of music that bridges the culture gap. There’s nothing they love more than creating good music that truly puts us all up on cLOUD9.
“When you reach the clouds…..never come down.”
LOW SPARK
Low Spark, they’re called. A relentlessly grooving quartet based out of Chicago. Drawing from a wide range of influences, they deliver a contemporary fusion sound characterized by deep funk grooves, extended high-energy solos, as well as pleasant, melodic hooks. Known best for their electrifying live performance, Low Spark aims to please with a highly original, confident act that sets the tone for their future.
They have performed at premiere Chicago venues such as City Winery, Concord Music Hall, Double Door, Schubas, and Subterranean, as well as holding down weekly residencies at Chicago live music meccas, Underground Wonder Bar and Alive One. They have shared bills with the likes of Bernie Worrell Orchestra, New Sound Underground, Gene Ween, Blackalicious, The Monophonics, Kris Lager Band, Genome and many more. Low Spark was recently featured in Relix Magazine’s December 2013 mixtape and aims to spread the word further!
CHICAGO STYLE WEENIES
You can go to New York for pizza or you can go to Philadelphia for cheesesteak, but everyone knows you come to Chicago for a heapin’ weenie. Don’t let the cute name delude you, though; no fillers or by-products make their way into Chicago Style Weenies’ songs. We offer a humorous outlook on our surroundings, but the Weenies don’t tread lightly in voicing our opinions. The government sucks, entropy is king, and daytime TV has run amok. These are serious issues, and the Weenies intend to get to the bottom of them. No, we’re not running for any public office – but we most certainly will desecrate all of them through our brand of punk-rock crooners.
HOT DOG ATTACKER
Four Men + One Weiner = Total Mass Destruction!
SAINT CHRISTOPHER
DJ 50 MILLZ
To date, DJ 50 Millz is arguably one of the most versatile music artist on the scene. Though his first love is Chicago Style House Music, his DJ Resume also includes many successful Jamaican, Hip Hop and Steppers Events; therefore DJ 50 Millz is sure to be able to accommodate your taste requirements.
Please join him as he continues to expand his horizons and embark on new concepts in adult nightlife.
CITY UNDER SIEGE
City Under Siege a Powerpop/rock band from Buffalo NY City Under Siege has worked hard at gaining a loyal fanbase throughout the region. This 2 man duo, John Wittlinger and Ryan Wiesner, put together songs with influences that span the genres far and wide. There upbeat, fast and catchy songs often keep there lyrics stuck in the heads of there listeners. There “party” style writing is reminiscent of bands such as boys like girls their unique blend of pop and rock is sure to have you dancing.
POST SCRIPT
Pop Punk band from Chicago, IL.
JACK BE NIMBLE
Who could’ve known that by simply joining forces to cover Elvis’s first hit single “That’s All Right,” the strapping young men of Jack Be Nimble would go on to become the tightly woven group they are today; next in line to take an entire genre of music by storm. Pop Punk won’t know what hit it. In late 2012, the boys hailing from Chicago’s suburbs released their first single “DREAMERS,” which caused a social media surge, and gave them a truly devoted fan base. The following year, JBN released their debut EP “SomethingToDanceTo.” The EP quickly became a hit and earned Jack Be Nimble the #1 spot on PureVolume for Most Tracks Played and Most Tracks Downloaded in a Month with over 8,000 downloads on the Indie music website. The EP included musical triumphs such as “Take Me Home,” “Pink Sky (If I knew Then What I know Now),” “You & I,” and “The Cutest Thing.” “Pink Sky” and “You & I” were mixed by Doug McBride of Gravity Studios (Fall Out Boy). Their next single, “Slow Down Charlie” arrived with a lyric video that reached 10,000 views on YouTube in less than three weeks. Jack Be Nimble has played shows around the northern Midwest including cities in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. In 2013, the band performed at The Rave in Milwaukee as sidestage support for Mayday Parade. Summer 2014 has been an immense experience for Jack Be Nimble. In July they were given the honor of performing on the Ernie Ball Stage at the Tinley Park, IL date of Warped Tour ’14. Only one month later they released a professionally mastered single accompanied by their very first music video. The single – called Drama King – was produced by Kevin Gates (Never Shout Never) and the music video was directed by John Kopanski (Late Night Reading). The boys are currently writing and planning the release of new material, playing grab-ass, and doing their best to stay out of trouble. Drawing inspiration from bands like Fall Out Boy, Blink-182, A Day To Remember, and All Time Low; young audiences are guaranteed something they can connect to…and dance to! So tune in and turn up the Pop Punk!
THE MILLENIUM
These songs are a collection of memories and instances. Of love. Of loss. Of learning. These songs are an extension of ourselves – much in the same way as our arms and legs. These songs created us more than we created them. We are The Millenium, and we are humbled that you are on our silly little social media site listening. Enjoy.
EMBRACER
Embracer is a 5-piece band, hailing from Charleston, West Virginia. Officially formed in 2011, Embracer has been slowly shaping, and refining their skills as musicians creating a sound of their own, while also strongly enforcing feeling and substance within the material. Leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
PAOLO NUTINI
Paolo Giovanni Nutini is a Scottish singer, songwriter and musician from Paisley. Nutini’s debut album, These Streets, peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart. Its follow-up, Sunny Side Up, debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.
DR. FEELGOOD AND THE 80’S BABIES
Just a single dose of Dr. Feelgood’s show will cure an ailing party, corporate event, bar, club, or festival. Dr. Feelgood digs deep into the vast catalog of the 1980s by injecting new life into the timeless music. Avoiding the over-saturated cookie-cutter renditions from the decade’s “one-hit-wonders”, Dr. Feelgood focuses on the artists that have withstood the test of time. Whether rocking out to Tom Petty, or getting funky to Prince and the Revolution, Dr. Feelgood will provide the perfect atmosphere for a great event!