New Young Pony Club (now NYPC) was a four-piece electro band from London consisting of Tahita Bulmer (vocals), Andy Spence (guitar), Lou Hayter (keyboards) & Sarah Jones (drums). Partly inspired by LCD Soundsystem and a chance meeting of like-minded band members intent on establishing something potent, Tahita & Andy formed the band in 2005. In 2013 Tahita & Andy continued on without Lou & Sarah as NYPC.
Detroit meets Chicago. Burned or Buried. The eternal question. Calm and submissive, or brazen with no thought of self. Detroit has several ex-pats that have come to meet their match in Chicago. The melding of styles is a good Midwestern one. Former members of Quatre Tête, Chapstik, Dead Electric and Rom have formed a new sound. GarageRock meets angular Chicago rock. Fists clash at the beginnings of this meeting of the rock minds. Burned Or Buried. Decide for yourself. We’re ready to hit you.
The Guana Batz were part of a British wave of psychobilly that sprang up in the early ’80s, around the same time that bands like the Cramps were gaining underground prominence in America, and more straightforward rockabilly revivalists like the Stray Cats and the Polecats were hitting the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. The group was formed in the English town of Feltham, in Middlesex, in 1983, with a lineup featuring vocalist Pip Hancox, guitarist Stuart Osbourne, bassist Mick White (also of the similar Meteors), and drummer Dave Turner; White, an electric bassist, was soon replaced by stand-up acoustic player Sam Sardi. Playing hopped-up rockabilly with the speed and aggression of punk rock, The Guana Batz fit nicely into the British psychobilly scene epitomized by the Meteors, the Stingrays, the Caravans, and other bands who played at the good-naturedly rough Klub Foot in London. As such, the Batz landed a deal relatively quickly, releasing their debut EP, You’re So Fine, on Big Beat Records by the end of 1983. An appearance on the Stompin’ at the Klub Foot compilation netted them a better deal with ABC/ID, which released their full-length debut, Held Down…At Last! (aka Held Down to Vinyl…At Last!), in 1985. A follow-up, Loan Sharks, appeared a year later, and proved an even bigger underground hit (at least in the U.K.) than its predecessor. Live in London (recorded at the Klub Foot) followed in 1987, and Rough Edges continued the group’s annual release schedule in 1988. Following that album, drummer Turner was replaced by Johnny Bowler, who debuted on 1990’s Electra Glide in Blue (recorded for new label World Service). While the band continued to tour the U.K. and Europe (with new bassist Mark Pennington), their initial recording career ended there, and they disbanded during the ’90s. Hancox and Bowler both moved to California, where they settled and started families. The Guana Batz reunited in late 1998, however, and recorded the all-covers album Undercover the following year. The compilation Can’t Take the Pressure was released in 2000, with a competing best-of, The Very Best of the Guana Batz, appearing in 2001.
“We call it American Gypsy, because it wanders but isn’t lost. Its a tramp, you can’t get lost when you’re in love with where you are.”
Formed in 2011, songwriter/director Antony Ablan began his search for a band–a group of musicians that could handle, with grace, the wildly eclectic and dynamic changes in mood of his writing. “It was several months of working with all sorts of great players before I found the right fit. When it clicked it was so obvious to me, I knew these were the right musicians, it finally worked.”
The virtuosic group developed quickly. “Once it clicked, things moved fast,” says Antony. The band soon found themselves headlining Chicago’s most notable venues, from Schubas to Lincoln Hall, to The Empty Bottle. They embarked on their first national tour in the fall of 2011, earning notoriety for their explosive live shows all the down to Texas and back. Swinging from gentle sunshine ditties to wild soaring epics, to dirty garage floor american gypsy, The Tramps had come into their own.
Upon returning to Chicago, full of fire, they began recording their ambitious debut album. Over 6 winter months, the band created a completely independent, full length album. Its not a studio album, and its not a live record. Making use of portable recording gear they were able to record anywhere, at any time, with unbound freedom to experiment with sound for their anticipated debut.
“We had two guiding concepts for this album,” Antony says. “We wanted the texture to be ‘wooden-electric’, and we wanted the narrative and imagery to be a ‘movie for your ears’. The band brought on engineer Matt Livensparger to realize their vision. Matt recalls: “When he called me at 4 in the morning to tell me the album needed to sound wooden-electric, I knew exactly what he meant. Antony came to me with concepts, textures, feeling, scenes for this album, but he isn’t a technical person, so I stepped in to make those ideas into sound–the mic placements, the room choices, and so on. He’d direct the music and musicians with imagery and emotion, never musical or technical terms. I was there to capture these amazing musicians performing.”
The band recorded the album like making a movie, choosing locations to suit the scene. Enormous recital halls, warehouse hallways, cavernous train underpasses, intimate bedrooms, tiny closets. “We weren’t stuck in the studio trying to fake it, we could choose the room like choosing an instrument, and it affected the musician, it evoked something in us that inspired the music, inspired the scene we were recording,” Antony says.
Erk Tha Jerk is not your every day, ordinary rap artist. In an era where the majority of artists are all sounding the same, looking the same, and doing the same things, Erk stands out as a real one of a kind artist. At first glance, you would not assume that Erk was a rapper/producer/songwriter, but with his trademark glasses, wit, and laid back persona, he brings something that your average music listener can embrace and relate to. He explains, “Being myself is a must. That’s the kind of music I make. Real sh*t. I don’t feel the same everyday. Some days I’m on my get money sh*t, then the next I’m on my chill at home sh*t. I just make sure everybody can relate.”
Erk found that finding credible production to accompany his lyrics would not be an easy task, which led him to start teaching himself the art of making beats. After some time, Erk’s production talents had become quite formidable, and he produced all of his own work, and other artists began seeking him out to produce their work as well.
Even though his status as a producer was growing, his heart has always been in his raps. In late 2007, he dropped “The Hood Nerd” mixtape, which created some buzz around him as an artist, and got the streets talking. The song “Don’t Need Em” became a favorite of DJ’s and listeners, and has been getting significant plays on 106.1 KMEL. In order to capitalize off the building buzz, Erk released “The Hood Nerd EP” exclusively on iTunes featuring the hit song “Don’t Need Em”, which is a precursor to an upcoming album, which is in the making. In June 2008, Erk released “Im So Dumb” which is a witty, comedic song satirizing the “Hyphy Movement”, and effectively pronouncing it dead. The song has been receiving praise from all over the region for its blunt honesty, and has been considered a long overdue message by many of the most powerful figures and artists in the local scene.
In 2009, Erk collaborated with Bay Area Legend Too $hort on the single “Plane In The Air”. Also in 2009, Erk struck gold by dropping his HIT Single “Right Here” which quickly shot to the number 1 spot on 106KMEL’s playlist. “Right Here” became one of the biggest records for the Bay Area from a Bay Area Artist the region has seen in years, further establishing his ability to make hit songs. Recently charting on Billboards top 100 and recognized by MTV as having a “Regional Hit.”
His lyrical talents and vibrant personality are evident in the song, and has every one talking about Erk Tha Jerk. You can expect Erk to do what he does best, “Make hit music for real people.”
“John Zorn is an American avant-garde composer, arranger, producer, saxaphonist and multi-instrumentalist with hundreds of album credits as performer, composer and producer across a variety of genres including jazz, rock, hardcore, classical, surf, metal, klezmer, soundtrack, ambient and improvised music. Zorn has stated “All the various styles are organically connected to one another. I’m an additive person – the entire storehouse of my knowledge informs everything I do.” For Zorn “Composing is more than just imagining music—it’s knowing how to communicate it to musicians. And you don’t give an improviser music that’s completely written out, or ask a classical musician to improvise. I’m interested in speaking to musicians in their own languages, on their own terms, and in bringing out the best in what they do. To challenge them and excite them.”
“Bill Laswell ranks among the most prolific of modern musicians, being involved in hundreds of recordings with many collaborators from all over the world. Laswell’s music draws upon many different genres, most notably funk, various world music, jazz, dub and ambient styles. He has also played or produced music from the noisier, more aggressive end of the rock spectrum, such as hardcore punk and metal. Some of the acts Laswell has worked with include Method of Defiance, The Golden Palominos, Praxis, Massacre, Material, Buckethead, Painkiller, Ashes, Tabla Beat Science, Iggy Pop and Herbie Hancock.”
“Dave Lombardo is a Cuban American drummer and a co-founding member of the American thrash metal band Slayer. He performed with Slayer on seven albums, including their groundbreaking 1986 release Reign In Blood and their 2006 release Christ Illusion, for which he received critical praise. Lombardo’s music career has spanned more than 25 years, during which he has been involved in the production of 29 commercial recordings extending over a number of genres with bands such as Grip Inc., Fantômas, Philm, and Testament in addition to Slayer. Lombardo is most widely known as a very aggressive and exceptionally skilled heavy metal drummer. His use of the drums have been called “astonishingly innovative” and earned him the title “the godfather of double bass” from Drummer World. Over his career, he has had a significant influence on the metal scene and has inspired many modern metal drummers, particularly within both thrash metal and death metal.”
A Chicago based band influenced by indie rock and aspiring to create something new for the world’s ears.
As the cosmos intertwined, and The Pillars of Creation formed lightyears away, three beings only a few decades apart were assimilating. Brad, with his gut-screaming bass. Grant, with his mechanical electrical guitar, and Gar, with his stream-line finesse drumming. This tri-factor split the Earth’s atmosphere, landing in the West Loop of Chicago. Thus creating the instrumental group… Unlike Animal. Where they prevent the Earth from natural disasters like glacial melting, hurricanes, and Justin Beiber.
All four members are veterans of rock bands from Chicago or other parts of the country. The sound melds early punk, 90’s indie, and classic garage rock into a unique power-pop experience befitting slam-dancing and sing-a-longs
Miss Sixty Six is a new 4 piece Rock band that is Heavy w/a Southern sway. Eclectic influences & personas resonant throughout.
Chicago based rock group incorporating metal, classical, and electronic styles.
Indie rock duo Bernie & The Wolf is taking you back to school with smooth grooves and good old-fashioned songwriting.
Porno Mags is a garage rock band from Chicago. These guys dig The Stooges, Television, The Kinks, The Real Kids, Black Lips, pizza, beer, tacos and some other stuff too. The band has recently self-released their debut single “Get on Top b/w Early Bird” and will follow with their self-titled full length album in February 2014. Porno Mags features members of WitchFeet and Seafarer.
Jacob “Brother Jacob” Schulz is a 21-year old Blues Singer from Chicago, Illinois. He was introduced to the Blues, at an early age, by an elderly babysitter. When he was little, his babysitter used to play Pervis Spann “The Blues Man” on WVON-AM. By the time Jacob was 9, he was calling Spann at the station, requesting his favorite Muddy Waters and Koko Taylor tunes.
In 2004, Jacob made his official debut as a Blues Singer at the Chicago Blues Festival. He appeared in affiliation with the Blues in the School Programs. Their instructor was the internationally-known Blues Legend, Deitra Farr. As time progressed, he became more active in the Blues world. Sitting in at open jams and becoming acquainted with the legends he admired the most. These legends supported and encouraged him to continue singing the Blues.
He believes “It is imperative that we keep the Blues alive. I want to sing the Blues because it’s just always been a part of me.”
In October of 2013, Brother Jacob released his debut CD “Blues From Below” with special guests: Deitra Farr, Katherine Davis, Toronzo Cannon and Matthew Skoller.
You may have seen Glenn Russell riding around Chicago on a Kick start Vespa P200 in an iridescent green suit and a white flat top in the early 80s.
He played records all over Chicago crankin New wave gems at clubs like Neo and the Octagon.
Later he could be spotted on a Black 1200 cruiser cycle playing Punk and early Batcave anthems at places like Exit on wells, The orbit room and The Alter.
An unintentional vinyl freak that bought records daily as new sounds emerged. “I always tinkered with lo fi electronics and experimental music himself. I especially enjoy the early days of machine music and German electronics before the sound became formula. I plan to share some killer tracks I have collected over the years at Reggies where all kinds of Music are welcomed and appreciated.
Premier houseband of Victorian England serving exile in Chicago
Good ‘ol gritty rock ‘n roll! A raw combo of smokey soulful vocals, bluesy punk rock riffs and heartfelt lyrics that aim to awaken, empower and assist.
Catch the Textiles LIVE !
Rock trio, hailing from Joliet, IL. Jam hard, and loud. What we’re about.
The Awful, Fornication Station
It’s one thing to make a name; it’s a totally different thing to make a lane. Hip hop artists have always been regional, the same way that NASCAR drivers generally hail from the southern locations; sure you can blossom from anywhere, but it just doesn’t resonate as well. So how do you get your message out to the world when their ears are pointed elsewhere? If you are Ro Spit you become a champion at home, then you conquer the world. Being crowned at home however, isn’t automatic; it requires the synergy of the community and fine tuning the homegrown nuances of hip-hop music that Ro Spit has bopped to for years.
The multi-talented Roland “Ro Spit” Coit started at the roots deejaying parties across the Metro Detroit area including the iconic St. Andrews/The Shelter, eventually grasping the sound hip hop crowds love to hear. Amidst his deejay sets, Coit wrote rhymes as well, a testament to his insatiable work ethic. His launch-pad arrived in the form of his cousin, One Be Lo, whom he connected with through Binary Star. A duo project with long time friend Terron “Illite” Calmese entitled The Forgotten Chosen would ensue.
In an effort to present his material Coit became a ubiquitous performer, rocking mics at venues across Metro Detroit area, Chicago, and Ohio. He vastly expanded his fandom eventually opening national acts including The Clipse, Wale, and Talib Kweli as well as performing with seasoned veterans such as DJ Premier and Slum Village.
From a kid growing up in Pontiac, Michigan imitating his favorite emcees as a kid with his cousin, to a national performer Ro Spit has helped shoulder the re-branding of Michigan hip hop. From rapping with dry cleaning hangers to holding authentic microphones, Ro Spit saw his future before he knew it. At home in Michigan he’s referred to as a “Champion” a tagline his highly acclaimed sneaker boutique “Burn Rubber” coined, looks like the title fits.
Ro Spit has ascended methodically with his most current release The OH S#!T Project, sponsored by Acapulco Gold x Burn Rubber available for download. Notable features include Bun B, Big Sean, Monica Blaire, Curtains, Marvwon, and Stretch Money. Continuing his hard-working routine, Ro Spit has multiple projects to follow. Look for a collaboration EP with 14KT as well as The Closest Thing to Him produced by Koen (Blocnotes) the first quarter of 2010. The album is produced by Koen (Blocnotes, Netherlands) and features Black Milk, Fat Ray, Fatt Father, Marvwon, Guilty Simpson, Illite, One Be Lo, Monica Blaire, Elzhi and more.
Atlanta rapper and T.I. protégé Young Dro decided to pursue a career in rap music in order to break the cycle of tribulations from hustling and inner-city life. Young Dro was born D’Juan Hart in Bankhead, a particularly rough neighborhood on Atlanta’s west side. His inspiration for wanting to rap came from the success of one of his best friends, Chris “Daddy Mack” Smith, one half of early-’90s rap sensation Kris Kross. Musically speaking, however, Goodie Mob — also west Atlanta natives — had the biggest impact on him. Hart embarked on his professional career around 2000 when he signed to bass music rapper Raheem the Dream’s local Atlanta label, Tight IV Life Records, under just the moniker Dro. He released the regional hit “Yes Sir” and album I Got That Dro around the same time T.I. dropped his debut, I’m Serious. Although he had known T.I. since the early ’90s, they grew apart for some time. By early 2006, Young Dro was signed to T.I.’s imprint, Grand Hustle Entertainment. Backed by the self-proclaimed “King of the South” T.I. and major label Atlantic Records, Young Dro hit the ground running with the popular single “Shoulder Lean” in summer 2006. It had heavy rotation on BET and MTV2, and its cellular phone ringtone sold over 500,000 units. The hit single is featured on his major-label debut, Best Thang Smokin’, released in late August of the same year. A series of mixtapes followed, but the rapper didn’t return with an official album until 2013 when High Times landed along with the single “FDB.”
With their acoustic instrumentation and the anthemic thrust of their songwriting, the Farewell Drifters find themselves in the midst of what’s bound to go down in the annals of popular music history as an era-defining, youthful folk-rock boom. But the Drifters aren’t content simply to stomp, strum and sing with gusto. They bring a unique Brian Wilson-like sensibility to the movement, with intricately arranged harmonies and atmospheric, string-swathed studio shading that is newly showcased on Tomorrow Forever, the quartet’s first album for their new label Compass Records. Collaborating with roots pop producer Neilson Hubbard (Matthew Perryman Jones, the Apache Relay) helped solidify the band’s voice, elevating their crystalline harmonies and acoustic foundation with gutsy electric guitar and orchestral-style drums to create a sound that’s earthy, richly layered, and powerful.
In Utero is the third and final studio album by the American grunge band Nirvana, released on September 13, 1993, on DGC Records. Nirvana intended the record to diverge significantly from the polished production of its previous album, Nevermind (1991). To capture a more abrasive and natural sound, the group hired producer Steve Albini to record In Utero during a two-week period in February 1993 at Pachyderm Studio in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. The music was recorded quickly with few studio embellishments, and the song lyrics and album packaging incorporated medical imagery that conveyed frontman Kurt Cobain’s outlook on his publicized personal life and his band’s newfound fame.
Deftones is an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988.
Trout Fishing in America is the long-standing musical partnership of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet. The name, taken from a Richard Brautigan novel, seems almost as incongruous as a picture of this musical duo: Ezra Idlet (guitar) stands six feet nine inches and Keith Grimwood (bass), five feet five and one half inches. After three decades of writing, recording and performing together, Trout Fishing in America can look back at a body of work that is impressive and know they are just hitting their stride.
Griswald started as a solo project for guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Jeremy Hart (Wausau, WI) in early 2011. Percussionist/vocalist Taylor Keding joined Jeremy shortly after and the two relocated to Madison, WI in late 2011. With a handful of new songs, the group newly-coined ‘Griswald’ began recording demos and performing at open mics around Madison. The two went on to audition for a slot in the Battle of the Bands sponsored by Emmie Magazine and WUD Music (University of Wisconsin-Madison) in 2012, going on to win the contest and the title ‘Madison Band of the Year’. Long-time friend Mike Seehafer joined shortly after on bass guitar, and together, the trio released the EP ‘Hearsay & Lore’ in December 2012. While continuing to play shows around Wisconsin and recording new music, another long-time friend Corey Millikin joined the group mid-2013, filling out the Griswald sound to what it is today.
Fight with Monsters is a strange and enticing cocktail of sound created by the talents and ambitions of Ryan Caldwell (Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar) and Ryan Worthy (Vocals, Guitar). This proverbial odd couple has taken what started out as an acoustic indie rock guitar duo and made it into a 4 piece Latin indie funk band, a 2011 IL teen battle of the bands finalist, and a full studio album. However the real power of Fight with Monsters is the charm of their live shows and the blend of personalities and talents on stage.
Ryan Caldwell spent much of his childhood living at an old English faire where his parents sold their art. He lived in the heart of suburbia as a percussionist in school. During this time he also practiced pipe organ and played copious amounts of video games. In high school he slowly realized that he was far better at music than video games and proceeded to devote his life to the development of his art by going to college to study music business.
Ryan Worthy on the other end of the spectrum grew up in the troubled heart of West Chicago. Although he started learning guitar the summer before high school, for a while Worthy was a varsity wrestler. Only when he was offered a job teaching guitar lessons at a local instrument store did he realize that the instrument was his true love and proceeded to put that same drive of the gym into his guitar studies.
The two met in that instrument store and the rest is history. The near future of FWM is looking like a new album almost finished and the band’s first out of state tour. The history of rock and roll is full of dynamic duos; Simon and Garfunkel, Lennon & McCartney, Steely Dan, Tears for Fears. Ryan Caldwell and Ryan Worthy of Fight with Monsters are next.
Malafacha is a Ska band with Reggae and Latin rhythms that was formed in 2003 in Pilsen’s Hispanic Bohemian neighborhood in Chicago, IL. Malafacha is conformed of 8 members, Moises Bello -lead voice, Alejandro Cruz -drums, Ivan Bello -alto sax and choirs, Ezequiel Cruz -bass, Juan Abad-trombone, Armando Pescador – percussions, Roberto Carlos Tovar (Charlie) -guitar and Martin Orosco -Keyboard. All different personalities and musical tendencies between the band members has brought the band to obtain an original sound with a base of Ska, Reggae and Latin rhythms mixed with Punk, Metal, Cumbia, Rock, Disco and an endless fusion of genres that makes of Malafacha an unique band.
Malafacha takes it’s name from the lyrics of “Chilanga Banda” a song written and performed by Jaime Lopez and Jose Manuel Aguilera both are a very well known as classic Spanish rock exponents in México. Cafe Tacuba later recorded this song. Malafacha is a word that doesn’t really exist in the Spanish Dictionary and though some people will give it the meaning of dress badly, for us Malafacha is a style of living. For some conservative people will be thought as “bad dressed”, but for us is looking our best, being original and keeping our freedom of expression, we promote that people should fight for their ideals, living free and in peace. Malafacha doesn’t believe in distinction of race, doesn’t respect frontiers neither repression. Malafacha is a sublime cry of liberty, describes themselves and believes everybody is a citizen of the world,
Malafacha had shared the stage with a big number of bands including some of international recognition such as Maldita Vecindad, Panteon Rococo, El Gran Silencio, Victimas del Dr. Cerebro, The Wailers, Gondwana, La Castañeda,The Toaster, Rata Blanca, Salon Victoria, Sekta Core, Genitallica, Nana Pancha, El Haragan, Banda Bostik, Kenny y los Electricos, and La Tremenda Corte. Also Malafacha toured some if the USA cities on 2009 as invited musicians for La Royal Club. Malafacha has performed in big and small cities through the USA, it does not matter where do fans live Malafacha will visit their city when they least expect it.
The Blasters are an American rock and roll music group formed in 1979 in Downey, California, by brothers Phil Alvin (vocals and guitar) and Dave Alvin (guitar), with bass guitarist John Bazz and drummer Bill Bateman.
Dave Alvin, the group’s primary songwriter, left the band in 1986 for a critically-acclaimed solo career. He was initially replaced on guitar by Hollywood Fats (birth name: Michael L. Mann) who appeared with them at Farm Aid. Phil Alvin has led various incarnations of The Blasters intermittently since then, including a few reunion tours and live albums of the original lineup. Personnel as of 2008 was Phil Alvin together with John Bazz, Keith Wyatt, and Bill Bateman.
The Blasters stink of rockabilly. A unique part of the Los Angeles punk scene of the 1980s, they project the essence of small streets of post-war neighborhoods, car culture and the sun-bleached concrete of Downey, California. They are lead by Phil Alvin’s soulful bellowing about causing chaos, chasing women and the loss of the citrus groves. Influenced by the likes of The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and many others who came and went during the 1950’s, The Blasters play the songs of the working man’s curse and rock and roll romance. Founding members Phil Alvin and John Bazz, with the addition of Keith Wyatt on lead guitar and Jerry Angel on drums, are carrying on their hard-won legacy of one of the most credible and recognizable bands in Americana music.
I’ll keep it brief. Jim started the band, Cody joined the band, then Kasey joined the band. We have a pretty fun time playing music together. Good music…motorcycle rock-n-roll and hot rod rockabilly. We’ve played in ten different countries and put a lot of miles on a Ford van. We’re professionally endorsed by Gretsch Guitars. I write songs about cars, motorcycles, and pretty girls. We then drive great distances in a van to sing these songs to you IN PERSON in your local dive bar…
The Coup is a political hip hop group based in Oakland, California. It formed as a three-member group in 1990 with emcees Raymond “Boots” Riley and E-Roc along with DJ Pam the Funkstress. E-Roc left on amicable terms after the group’s second album but appears on the track “Breathing Apparatus” on The Coup’s third album, Steal This Album. With the release of that album in 1998, The Coup began incorporating the live instrumentation from their recordings into their live show. The Coup has, since that time, been a full band.
E.Nos was born in 1990 on the Southside of Chicago. His father is an immigrant from Kingston, Jamaica and his mother is a native of the windy city. At a young age E.Nos got to experience life from a different view while living in rural Jamaica at the age of 9 due to tragic death within the family. Shortly after, he returned to U.S. with a drastically different look at life. E.Nos use his diverse upbringing that would shape his personality and character for the entirety of his life.
E.Nos attended Homewood Flossmoor (H-F) high school in the south suburbs of Chicago. HF is a well know high School throughout the Chicago land area, producing many successful alumni. E.Nos was a two sport varsity athlete a H-F. Throughout high school E.Nos became known for his relentless hunger and work ethic. E. Nos became an entrepreneur at the young age of 14. E. Nos found his niche in something that could feed him forever, which was cutting hair in mass volumes while all of his peers weren’t even old enough to have a job. He learned at a young age how succeed and provide for himself. E.Nos also excelled at literary arts his whole life but he was never interested in English. In his freshman year in high school he came across something that would change his life forever; a book, “A Rose That Grew From Concrete” by Tupac Shakur. He was forced to read it by his teacher as a punishment. At the time he didn’t know that this book would change his life forever, thinking to himself, “ rappers really do be having some type of intellect compared to what we see on tv”. This sparked something in him, and he began to write poetic like rhymes by the volume of four pieces in one class period at 14. As he got older, he grew unattached from the poetry aspect because it just didn’t fit him but he never lost his skill. Instead he built his craft for year’s free styling with his cousin/best friend who was also a developing artist by the name of Stephen Speight aka EstaBon. Senior year E. Nos’ high school basketball team was ranked #7 in the nation, but E. Nos mentally never really enjoyed it because he was 6th man, for a soon to be “Mr. Basketball of Illinois” one of his best friends Kevin Dillard. Needless to mention, E. Nos didn’t get a lot of chance to shine that season so in return he grew unattached from the sport.
While E. Nos seemed to be one of those people to be good at everything he touched, he didn’t choose to go to college for sports like every young boy dreamed, even though he had offers on the table, and he also didn’t seek professionalism in being just a barber, because he would rather have that as a side hustle. He went to school for Entrepreneurship because he just knew he never wanted to work for someone else and followed his instincts.
So in the fall of 2008, E. Nos attended SIUe with his homies, cousin EstaBon and soon to be business partner Reese aka “King Reese”. He spent his early time their being in the spotlight at all times even though he never tried to be, it always seemed to follow him.
In the Spring of 2011, E. Nos became a proud member of the Tau Gamma Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, which means a lot to him that he loves genuinely and takes a great pleasure in representing.He and best friend Reese began an entertainment investment company in the 2011 as well by the name of HWPO.net.
He has been building a resume for himself quickly over these past few months. E. Nos has done been stealing the spotlight at his most recent shows headlining multiple shows at University throughout the Midwest and opening for names such as Taylor Gang and MMG. E. Nos is now a senior business student at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. His style of hip-hop is undeniable when mixed with his ability to captivate a crowd. The sky is the limit for E. Nos.
The Marla Vickers Project is a five-piece rockin country band in Chicago, playing in a variety of venues, festivals, private parties, and other settings all over the Chicago metro area. Their upbeat song list of modern country songs, alongside their original tunes keep listeners entertained and hungry for more! Fueled by the strong vocals, power keys, and energy of front person Marla Vickers, this band never disappoints. One of the most sought-after and recognizable electric and acoustic violinists in the U.S., Bridgid Bibbens, delivers dazzling virtuosity with a unique country vibe. Nick Kapka, the man behind the beat, gives the band its edge by integrating rock drumming patterns into traditional country lines. Lead guitarist Ryan Mahoney brings the signature licks and unmistakable country twang to each song. Jon Ilijic holds down the bottom end with fat, articulate bass lines.
Rap Super group Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden and Royce Da 5’9.
Young Nero is a local Chicago artist. Born in the city of Chicago as a child and moved out to the suburbs at a young age, Young Nero has always stayed true to his roots and has continued to put out music for everyone. Starting his road to success at the age of 15 he has persisted since then chasing his dream he has since a child. Teaching himself the art of engineering, crafting a song, video editing & learning how the industry goes Young Nero is currently one of the biggest up and coming artists repping for the burbs and Chicago. In 2012 Young Nero started the movement “Immortal Muzik”. Originally this was a vision for a group of artists and producers to be brought together for one common goal and that is to make there dreams a reality. Adding to the roster Young Nero has brought in some of the greatest talent into the Immortal Muzik Family. Currently on the roster are The Nineties Two consisting of Yazzy D & Tommy G, DJ Fluffy (Immortal Muzik’s Head Producer), Kid Costa & Mz. Redd. Together this a family and a movement & to this day Young Nero and his team remain on the come up chasing that dream that was only a vision so long ago.
Since it’s inception in Austin, TX in 2002, Fierce Atmospheres has hit the 21 year mark as a band. Having been in the Chicago metal circuit for 12 years, the band has released 5 EPs and 2 full length CDs including ‘Pariahs, Misfits and Sinners’ (2018) and most recently, ‘The Speed of Dreams’. FA has contributed to 7 ProgPower USA compilation discs and has been playing steadily in 2023.
My name is Jimmy. You can call me Culture.
There is a song in my soul.
Crash landed on this blue planet in your year 1965. Met J.R.”Bob” Dobbs, He told them to come back in semi-human form in 1998 and destroy the PINKS and NORMALS with AMINO-RAWK. That’s what they did for 14 years. Now they have left the Earth but DO return when “Bob” calls! Or someone who has enough loot to share! Over and out
ron Will formed in 2000 as the idea of Tony Canillas and Eli Firicano. After bringing in Al Firicano and John Koziol to complete the line up, the band began writing material. After bringing in Rich Berte upon Koziol’s departure, the band recorded their first demo in 2001. Staying together over the last 13 years and playing around the New England area, Iron Will has now just completed their first full length album, “Life is Your Labyrinth”, featuring 9 songs of the classic heavy metal sound that have been written since the beginning.
Forming in a non metal friendly area, and in a non metal friendly time, Iron Will have flown the true metal flag high and proud! And like the saying goes, whether you like it or not, “Iron Will Rise” once again in 2013 to bring real Heavy Metal to all those who have been caught in it’s steel grasp!
Epic Heavy Metal from Austin, TX. “The Last King Of Pictdom” 7″ EP coming soon…
Established in 2010 Dogbane released their debut album “Residual Alcatraz” during December of 2011 on Heaven and Hell Records. Recorded at Studio5 in Greensboro, N.C. and mastered by Gary Long (King Diamond, Solitude Aeturnus). The band is a combination of Traditional/NWOBHM inspired Heavy Metal with a touch of Doom.
Skull Hammer was formed by Steve “Ace” Hammer in the middle of the century’s 1st decade. The “Fear the Truth” EP was released in 2008, within that year the band released a video for the title track and signed with indy label Deka Records. The video for “Fear the Truth” reached no. 1 and stayed in the Top 40 Hard Rock Videos on MTVs’ Ourstage.com . “Pay It In Blood” was released in 2010 and was also extremely well-received by fans and press. After the release of “Pay It” the band embarked on their 1st tour of the Northern U.S. and Canada. The band is currently preparing to record their 2nd full-length release, and are booked for Warriors of Metal Festival July 2013 with Flotsam & Jetsam, Meliah Rage and countless other great bands.
Dark Design made its way onto the Raleigh NC local music scene in early 2010. Comprised of veteran rockers Ray Lewis, Matt and Robbie Mercer, Mike Joyner and Andrew Bertrand, With their long awaited debut album in the works, they are positioning themselves to take their music to the next level. Dark Design showcases their technical syle of metal with power and finesse. If you haven’t seen them yet you are in for one intense show….
Mean, Old-School, Melt your face off, skull crushing, Poser Destroying THRASH FUCKING METAL!
Breakneck Pace is a band from southwestern corner of Ohio. Just a bunch city-boy-rockers looking to one day form a band. Then through some ads on craigslist they all found each other and metal sparks flew!!! Breakneck Pace takes classic metal and gives it back to the modern age!!! Bringing back the soul and angst of true metal to the masses!!!
Power Theory was created in 2007 by Bob “BB” Ballinger with the intention to form a True Metal band with a mix of the NWOBHM, 80’s German Power Metal, and some elements of early thrash
Dave Santini joined forces in October 2008 as lead vocalist, and through some line-up changes and growing pains, momentum picked up in early 2009 , and we completed writing, arranging, and recording the Demo/EP “Metal Forever” with Jason Grosse at 1021 Studios in Tullytown, PA.
The band continued playing live shows with Steve Sabo as drummer and bassist/ member Jason Tete and started to record an 11 song full length debut album at 1021 Studios as well, in between gigs which was completed in June 2010.
Ballinger decided in July 2010 to pursue hiring Legendary Producer and Audio Engineer Achim Koehler (Sacred Steel, Primal Fear, Sinner, Brainstorm) to Master the debut album and acquire the right professional sound. Achim agreed and did a phenomenal job.
In mid-September 2010, armed with promotional copies of “Out of the Ashes, Into the Fire” Power Theory sought a record deal. The band was soon signed to a 2 year deal on Pure Steel Records- Germany, as of February 1st, 2011.
Pure Steel Records handsomely re-packaged the CD and released the album worldwide on April 29th, 2011 at annual The “Keep it True” festival in Germany.
Up next we started writing, and arranging and began recording sessions for a full length-follow up CD titled “An Axe to Grind” with a new improved veteran Metal back-line consisting of Jay Pekala on bass and newly added permanent member/drummer Lorin Savadove, a veteran of the Philly Metal Scene, who was recommended by his friend King Fowley (Deceased, October 31)
Power Theory next commissioned the world famous artist Eliran Kantor (Testament, Gwar, Atheist) to create the cover artwork for their second release “An Axe to Grind”
Pure Steel Records released “An Axe to Grind” on June 29th, 2012 at Warriors of Metal Festival V – Open Air in Pataskala, Ohio at which the band performed a live set along with Manilla Road, Twisted Tower Dire, Helstar, Vindicator, Lazarus AD, Exxplorer, and Sinister Realm to name a few.
A recent highlight for the band is a triumphant return to Philadelphia to open for legendary German Metal Bands Accept and Kreator on September 6th, 2012 to a packed house.
In 2013 the band has begun recording our 3rd full length release in February with Singe Bullet Theory’s Matt DiFabio as engineer and producer, Peter Baltes of Accept as Executive producer, and Carlos Alveraz of ShadowDance as drum mix engineer. Cover artwork has been completed by the amazingly talented artist Timo Weurz (www.timoweurz.com).
In May of 2013 the band made some line-up changes after amicably departing with Vocalist Dave Santini over musical differences and have added Jeff Rose (Livesay, Present Darkness) from NYC on Lead Vocals, and Nygil Hoch on lead/rhythm guitar, and Alan D’Angelo (Livesay, Sleepy Hollow) on bass.The band is finishing the new album and ready to return to Warriors of Metal VI on June 29th 2013 to showcase the new line-up live. In the fall they will be direct support on the Masters of Metal Tour: Vicious Rumors, Leather Wolf, and Seven Witches starting 10/3/13 in out home base city Philadelphia, PA 10/03/13.
Out of the barren wastelands of Trenton, NJ, comes MIDNITE HELLION! Formed in April 2011, the Heavy Metal quintet is hellbent on bringing proper Metal to the masses by fusing Traditional Heavy Metal with Thrash Metal to create a sound that is relentless and memorable. The band has been making an impact worldwide with the release of their demo, “The Fever,” in November 2011 and locally with their memorable high-energy shows. Having shared the stage with many great bands in the NYC/NJ/PA regions, including ARTILLERY, OBITUARY, BLOOD FEAST, WHIPLASH, DECEASED, MORBID SAINT, ANVIL BITCH, SWASHBUCKLE, REVOCATION, CANNABIS CORPSE, WARBRINGER, LAZARUS A.D., RAMMING SPEED, LANDMINE MARATHON, and DIAMOND PLATE, to name a few, the band is hell-bent on bringing the show to the world.
Ron Haynes Game Changers brings forth a mixture of jazz, funk, rock, and rhythm and blues.
At the height of the British invasion, Denny Laine was one of the most recognizable voices on the entire British music scene. As the lead singer on the Moody Blues’recording of “Go Now” — a worldwide multi-million seller — he stood out in a large pack, and did so splendidly. His soulful, agonized lead vocal performance, coupled with Mike Pinder’s chiming piano, proved irresistible on the radio.
After leaving the Moody Blues Laine’s next major gig was as a member of Ginger Baker’s Air Force, a big-band rock outfit that was a partial offshoot of Blind Faith. Following this musical excursion Laine joined forces with Paul McCartney and Wings. The group was led by McCartney (joined by his wife Linda McCartney) on bass, guitar, piano, and vocals, with Laine at the core on guitar, bass, and vocals combined with his incredible talent for songwriting, solidified their place in rock history as one of the biggest selling acts of the 1970’s.
When Wings disbanded, Laine took a step back from the spotlight to work on several solo albums.
Jenna is an extraordinarily talented performer with a voice that is unique yet incredibly familiar at the same time. Her vocal versatility is what sets her apart from the rest. Her sound is a wonderful mix of several different genres and influences all wrapped into one acoustic performance.
She performs regularly in the Midwest and is developing quite a name for herself in the Indianapolis music arena. She is currently working on a new record set to be released early 2014 by her record label: Indy Blue Records.
Jen Chapin’s music is urban folk soul — story songs that search for community and shared meaning, powered by the funk and improvisation of the city. Critics have hailed her work as “brilliant.. soulfully poetic” (NPR), “thoughtful … worth-savoring” (People), “addictive” (Boston Globe), “smart, observant, lyrically deft, politically aware and emotionally intuitive” (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel). JazzTimes has called her “a first-rate storyteller” while Relix regards her as “one of the freshest voices singing today.” Jen (daughter of late musician Harry Chapin) has been featured on “Late Nite with Conan O’Brien”, NPR’s Mountain Stage and WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, Sirius Satellite’s The Loft with Mike Marrone and Mary Sue Twohy’s The Village, been honored by the USA Songwriting Competition, has performed on stage with Bruce Springsteen, and has opened up for Bruce Hornsby, Smokey Robinson, and the Neville Brothers. Jen’s cover of Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic” was prominently featured in a recent episode of the new SyFy series “Defiance”.
Hailing from rural Wisconsin, Farmageddon Records artist Owen Mays adds his own touch to American music, while working hard to preserve it’s traditions. Playing classic, honest, simple songs about heartache, hard luck, and hard living, inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, and Molly O’Day, Owen delivers with a sincerity that can’t be faked. Whether appearing solo, or with his backing band, The 80 Proof Boys, Owen can almost always be found on a stage somewhere, doing what he does
Alt/Country/Americana band from Chicago, IL
WITCHES MARK the self-professed “Bringers Of Heavy Metal Death” were formed in the fall of 2005 in Austin, Texas. The band initially introduced themselves to the metal underground with a demo recording of their song “A Grim Apparition” shortly followed by an appearance on the Unbroken Metal Records compilation “Tribute To Angel Witch” with their rendition of “Something Wrong”.
Shortly after signing with Heaven and Hell Records WITCHES MARK released their debut EP “A Grim Apparition” garnering favorable reviews from both metal fans and critics alike.
The bands debut full-length LP “Witching Metal Ritual” is set to be released July 15th, 2013 through Heaven and Hell Records. Blending elements of thrash, speed, doom, black and death while anchoring their overall sound firmly within the framework of traditional heavy metal; WITCHES MARK wear their deep appreciation, understanding and pride of the metal genre proudly on their collective sleeves.
A new bay area TRASHMETAL band with brutal texas feel!!!!