FUNERAL NATION
Funeral Nation… Metal band from Chicago formed in 1989… From ex members of Funeral Bitch and Abomination
VALASKA
Valaska’s new LP, ‘Natural Habitat,’ just released this April, is a true test to Dave Valdez, the man behind the band. It is a brand new place for him, as this album ramps up to be released. For the first time, Dave has a record that truly has the ability to make an impact in the indie music world. Commitment is a value Valaska has held close, and it has paid off. Just as Valaska returns home from a month long tour in February, there are no breaks. Now is the time for premieres, interviews, shows, photos, videos, and other potential goals to further the awareness and success of Valaska. Slowing down is moving backwards. There is no slowing down when you’re committed to moving forward, through thick and thin.
Beginning his musical career with his Grandma’s acoustic guitar, Dave Valdez became involved in local music in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL. After years of performing and touring in pop/rock bands, Dave decided to take his own approach and started writing. Valaska’s first self titled e.p., released in March of 2010, showed great potential and gained Valaska many opportunities for shows and press, although Dave was unfulfilled.
After some time taken off to write and hone his craft, Dave began changing his style to a much more raw and real sound.
“I didn’t feel like my first record was truly me. After spending time away from the songs and working on what came to me, I realized I had just hit the tip of my writing nature.”
After time well spent writing solid, new, and personal material; Valaska headed back into the studio with Aaron Marsh, Producer/Engineer and lead singer of a popular indie band, Copeland, at The Vanguard Room in Lakeland, FL. With the help of Aaron, Valaska was able to create exactly what Dave had in mind. Not only did he spend many weeks with Aaron, he also spent many weeks at home recording the record through tape. Dave didn’t want to lose the feel and strength behind live home recordings. So it was incorporated into the album, making the new record both indie and polished. Scheduled to release in March of 2012, ‘Natural Habitat’ will be Valaska’s first real album push into the indie music world. With a solid group now settling behind Dave, Valaska is now getting the chance to tour and promote effectively to create awareness of this record.
“People can take this record any way they want, and see in it what they will. I have a lot of faith in this record, but it was a record I created by myself in my room. I was alone with my thoughts and reactions, related to my relationships and life in general. I’ve always wanted to write a record that shows true meaning behind the words and expression it creates. ‘Natural Habitat’ is my first test toward that goal.”
MARK ROSE
Music comes and goes. It arrives in waves, and evaporates in the heat of new trends and is forgotten over time. For Mark Rose, time has allowed him to not only be remembered ‘right now,’ but to also bring forth some of the most charismatic and tasteful songwriting of our generation – and many more to come. You may recall Mark as the charming tongue-in-cheek frontman of indie/emo tastemakers Spitalfield, who spent nearly ten years touring internationally with acts like Fall Out Boy, The Early November, and Minus the Bear. Since Spitalfield’s ’07 departure, a gaping hole began to emerge in the scene. Where has the sincerity gone? Where has the house-show, family oriented, all-inclusive mentality disappeared to? After completing his 2013 solo EP The Sound of a Turnaround with Sean O’Keefe (Plain White T’s, Motion City Soundtrack, Fall Out Boy) at the mixing boards, Mark Rose has surfaced as the answer to those questions.
The 29-year old Chicago native has quite the resume under his belt. Out of pure jealousy of his older sister starting piano lessons, Mark begged his parents to give him a shot at the keys at the ripe age of 5. Fast-forward to pre-teen-Rose at age 11, when he received his very first guitar – and hasn’t slowed down since. Not only has Mark performed over 1,000 shows in 9 countries spanning over 3 continents, but also took the time to truly fine-tune his craft by attending Columbia College in Chicago for music composition. Following his stint at Columbia, Mark signed his first record contract and publishing deal before the age of 19, at which point his career shifted into the Spitalfield era for almost ten fruitful years.
It took Rose some time to re-discover himself after Spitalfield – as it would anyone transitioning from a 9-month travel year to writing songs in their apartment full time. The process began slowly, starting with two solo EPs and a stretch of about 150 shows between 2008 and 2011. The time came to finally put together a debut LP, at which point the momentum immediately shifted into gear after Rose picked up the phone to call his original partner in crime for Spitalfield’s debut Remember Right Now – none other than Sean O’Keefe. “The process of getting back into a rhythm of making records felt so natural with Sean on board,” says Rose. “The initial phone call was meant to test the waters, and we ended up accomplishing more than we ever thought was possible.” Sean O’Keefe went on to produce Mark’s 2011 debut solo LP Wonderful Trouble, referred to by Alternative Press as having the “style and emotion of a John Hughes movie soundtrack.” After some extensive touring and countless re-introductions, Mark went to work on his follow-up 4-song EP The Sound of a Turnaround, released in January of 2013. Turnaround possesses a realness that is not easily compared to Rose’s contemporaries – a realness that looks to reignite not only a scene, but also a way of thinking. Fans of John Mayer, Dashboard Confessional, and Spitalfield (the obvious lightbulb) will find themselves unable to detach from Mark’s soothing melodies and truly heartwarming lyrics. Chicago Examiner wrote, “The impact of this new sound should be a wider audience base for the multi-talented singer/songwriter.” Rose is in it for the long haul, and the songs truly portray that sentiment.
After wrapping up a successful but exhausting 26-day Southern/Midwest tour with JT Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights – where the duo played 33 shows over that span – Mark Rose has quite a year ahead of him. Although the element of his past writings is ever-present, Property of Zack said it best, “…Rose is so much more than Remember Right Now.” Perhaps Mark’s fans have been called upon to do just that.
NICK SANTINO & THE NORTHERN WIND
JERRY REYES
DJ RESISTOL 5000
GUNS AND AMMUNITION
Guns and Ammunition is a Chicago five man Clash cover band bringing the fire and fury of “The Only Band That Matters” to the 21st century.
Punk, ska, rockabilly, and high energy rock ‘n roll, the timeless music of Joe Strummer and Mick Jones gains new life!
Guitarists Tim Burns and Johnny ‘Larock’ Simpson, drummer Dan Quinn, and bassist Dave Martin have been playing together in various Chicago-based bands for years, and new singer Shaun Ingram brings high energy to the gang.
From the primal chords of 1978’s Clash City Rockers, to all the anthems — from classic London Calling (Rolling Stone magazine’s #1 album of the 1980s) to the haunting dub of Straight to Hell, from Combat Rock in 1982 to the sounds of the late great Joe Strummer and his Mescaleros and Mick Jones’ Big Audio Dynamite — prepare for a long, faithful journey through the catalog of one of the greatest rock bands ever!
TOKYO SHAWN
BETWEEN MYTH & LEGEND
THE UNKNOWN PLEASURES
The Unknown Pleasures are Chicago’s premier Joy Division cover band. Formed in the Fall of 2011.
THAT 1 GUY
With an extensive and amazing track record of unique and imaginative performances featuring his curious instrument and copious amounts of originality, Mike Silverman aka That1Guy has supplanted himself as a true one-of-a-kind talent that rivals any other artist currently in the entertainment industry. Averaging 150-200 shows a year all over North America and Canada, he has been a consistent favorite at such festivals as: Wakarusa, Electric Forest, Big Day out, All Good, Bella, High Sierra, Summer Meltdown, Montreal Jazz Festival, and many more. He was also the ‘Tap Water Award’ winner at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for best musical act. His legendary collaboration and multiple tours with Buckethead as The Frankenstein Brothers has further cemented his virtuoso story as a creative visionary as well.
His innovation continues to soar with the announcement of a new tour, That1Guy & The Magic Pipe Present: An Evening of Musical Magical Wonder… The Likes of Which Ye Haven’t Yet Seen, kicking off in the early spring of 2013. Along with his pioneering main instrument, The Magic Pipe, a monstrosity of metal, strings, and electronics, facilitates the dynamic live creation of music and magic in ways only That1Guy can conjure, expect to see magic as well now integrated into the already clever performance. With this addition of incorporating magic seamlessly into his live shows, he has legitimately achieved an all inclusive audio/ visual performance unlike anything experienced before. “So much of my music has miraculous qualities to it because it’s hard to tell what’s going on. There are lots of slights of hand and sonic misdirection. It feels like I was meant to do magic”.
Silverman’s back story is very similar to many musicians that have come before him. He grew up a self proclaimed music geek, soaked in the influence of his jazz musician father, and enrolled in San Francisco Conservatory of Music before joining the local jazz scene himself as a sought-after percussive bassist. This is where the similarities end, though, and where That1Guy truly began. “In my case, being a bass player, I just felt very restricted by the instrument itself,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to sound different and have my own sound. I was headed that way on the bass, but for me to fully realize what I was hearing in my head sonically I was going to have to do it my way”. His influential and innovative double bass style eventually evolved into what we see today as That1Guy and ‘The Magic Pipe’.
As his story continues to develop, Billboard has famously noted, “In the case of Mike Silverman’s slamming, futuristic funk act… the normal rules of biology just don’t apply.” In addition, Silverman also has promised new music and videos for the early part of 2013 that will only further validate his status as an industry trailblazer. “I like being my own person”, he says. “I didn’t set out to be a weirdo but I’m starting to embrace it”.
Ultimately, his motivation can be encapsulated as this: “Human beings do our best work when we’re challenged and pushed up against the wall”. He further explains, “By nature, we’re hunters and gathers, spending each day looking for their next meal. It’s easy to be lazy when you don’t have to come up with something creative right away.”
THE TONY BONDI PROJECT
It’s a country, rock, bluegrass kind of thing. Let’s call it Americana for short.
SHAWN JAMES
Hey there, this is Shawn James.
I’ve had way too many writers think they could sum me up & relay what I’m about from an hour long conversation so they could write my “bio” but I’ve had it. Screw that. I’ll tell it in my own words.
I was born & raised In Chicago, Illinois. I grew up on the south side of the city where I attended a gospel church. I was always around a lot of heartfelt soulful music & hardworking, real, down to earth people. Although I no longer abide by any religion, I value the times I had and how they shaped me to be what I am now.
I’ve moved around quite a bit living in all different parts of the US. While absorbing all sorts of different cultures from here & around the world, I’ve developed my own sound.
I started releasing my own music in 2012 and haven’t stopped since. I play a wide range of music from folk to blues, r&b, Gospel to rock, metal & alotta things in between. The main constant amongst all the genres would be that it’s all done with emotion, feeling, heart & a lotta soul. I mean what I say & deeply feel what I play.
I play covers of songs I dig sometimes and although some people may only know me because of those, I’m hardly just a cover artist.
If you come see me play live and expect just one style or aspect of what I do, you may be disappointed to learn that our shows are a roller coaster of emotions, musical styles, intensity & energy. I get bored easily & love to mix things up. Be ready & bring your ear plugs just in case..
I’ve always been the underdog so to speak since I’ve never had the backing of a large record label, big marketing firm or massive PR company & I truly like it that way. I feel as though I’ve earned what I have through hard work, determination, a good bit of luck & the great relationships with people I’ve made along the way. I’ve learned a lot of lessons the hard way being in this “music business industry” and that’s alright by me. I’ve seen that with your support (the listeners out there) I can make my wildest dreams come true.
If you want to listen to an artist that’s authentic, genuine & original then you’ve come to the right place.
I hope you enjoy the music & will join me on this journey that I’m so extremely grateful to be on. Thank you all so very much.
Love,
Shawn James
DUKES OF HANCOCK
A heavy metal influenced country/blues band from a lil river town on the Mississippi! Warsaw,IL
SIRS
Led by screenwriter and activist Rob Warmowski, SIRS is a Chicago noise-rock trio releasing their third record “High Minors”. From high school beginnings in early punk rock, SIRS extends the Chicago tradition of hard, smart and loud reflections of an absurd city. Disturbed crooning, pummeling rhythm, and a fistful of guitar.
WHITE DENIM
White Denim is a four-piece rock band from Austin, Texas.
KEROSENE STARS
Kerosene Stars is an American rock band formed in Chicago, IL. The band is composed of Scott Schaafsma (bass, vocals), Andy Seagram (guitars, backing vocals), Jim Adair (drums), and Tom Sorich (percussion).
The band has released an ep in 2011, an album (digital only) in 2014, and three ep’s titled “Burn the Evidence” and “a million little trees”, and “The Lost ep” throughout 2016 & 2017.
Since Summer 2021 KS has released a series of singles every few months with the first in the series titled “Where have you been?/Don’t Pass Me By” on Big Stir Records. You can find more singles including upcoming releases at https://kerosenestars.bandcamp.com
BOSCO (Hip Hop)
An unknown MC. Will I ever make it ? Maybe. Does it matter ? No. Will i ever stop ? HELL NO ! Its in my blood.
GAR CLEMENS
Garret’s songs sneak up on you. Have you ever read a news story about some poor guy walking along a set of railroad tracks; using those tracks to map where he is, where he’s going, where he’s been? Then the next thing anyone knows, he’s been run down and he’s gone; lost up in the guts of the gears and the valves. And you think to yourself, how did he not hear it coming? How did such a mighty & powerful presence manage to get the best of him? Well, That’s how it happens. Mr. Clemens’ songs will sneak up on you in just such a way. You will end up in the underbelly of the engine before you even hear the whistle. -Woodrow Hart
RAZORHOUSE
Mark Panick isn’t a man of narrow vision. Witness Razorhouse’s single and accompanying video, “Neu Sensation,” a carnal, conceptual combo dropped at the end of 2014. The single will appear on the second Razorhouse EP, Codex Du, slated for release on April 7, 2015.
Panick has fronted the reformed outfit of veteran musicians since 2011. He writes with his industrial rock roots planted firmly, but don’t be fooled: he may be a composer entranced by the darkness of the human condition, but he isn’t one to be pigeonholed. He’s a lover of campy art flicks as much as he is the visceral source of your next trip. His recordings are rife with unabashed sexuality, gutter-punk abandon and tasty grooves. Every Panick song is a standalone odyssey—proof that he isn’t defined by structure but by the inner workings of his madcap mind. He marches to the beat of his own drum, wails on it with a sledgehammer and isn’t afraid to bring you along into the swirling chaos.
He takes inspiration from a diverse spectrum of musical forbearers–the Ink Spots, Tom Waits, Merle Haggard, the Kinks, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Alex Harvey to name just a few. He also taps other mediums in search of “tools for thinking,” including the works of filmmaker Alejandro Jordorowsky, painter Mark Ryden and philosopher Daniel C. Dennett.
Panick is best known for his work in the short-lived, seminal post-punk outfit Bonemen of Barumba, which released a handful of recordings in the early 1980s. His next project, Chac Mool, was spawned from a fruitful writing session with house music wunderkind Dean Anderson. It included members of other Chicago music mainstays such as Revolting Cocks, KMFDM and Sister Machine Gun, all of which would become fodder for the earliest incarnations of Razorhouse.
Codex Du follows 2013’s Codex Jun and marks the era of a musically mature Panick, who describes the current formula as “38% less chaos and 17% less drama.” The EP features contributions by musicians David Suycott (Robert Pollard, Stabbing Westward) Jim Demonte (Insiders), Tommi Zender and many more, while the production team of Howie Beno (Ministry, Black Asteroid) and Danny McGuinness (Ex Senators, Coven of Thieves) ropes in the feral tendencies of Panick’s madcap mind and myriad influences.
The musical horizon is wide open for Panick after Codex Du, and he’s not one for routine. He has kept the Razorhouse lineup fluid as he recruits musicians for an upcoming tour. Everything else is equally wide open, as he promises: “new music, new film and video projects; a gallery show or two and lots of exploration. I’m just doing what I’ve always done, building forts and looking for others who wanna play.”
BIGX AND THE CAUCASIANS
In the beginning, there was a X, and a Dick. Established in 2011, Dick Johnson brought the backbone beat on drums complimenting BigX’s poetry and soulfull rhymes. Portraying personal and life struggles of an upcoming emcee, raised by wolves and keeping a family together in the midst of an urban jungle. The duo rocked stages and clubs throughout Chicago, Indiana, and outskirts. Wowing audiences with their grittiness, BigX’s commanding presence and lyrics and Johnson’s metal influenced, hard hitting drumming. Later that year, Alex “Bull” Emetti joined the group through Johnson’s co-worker. He quickly brought the needed guitar and vocals, establishing a melodic presence. Hence allowing them to transform into, “BigX and the Band.” In Early 2012, Dick Johnson stumbled across a high school friend from the commercially crushed back woods of Peoria, IL. Roy “Rolls Royce” Freeman who became the final component to establishing “BigX and the Caucasians.” Orchestrally trained/teacher Roy completed the bands’ sound with his dynamic skill, range and composition. BigX and the Caucasians remains Genre-less, although they have coined the term “Ghetto Metal.” Their songs, performances and music videos shatter the pre-defined conventions of sound, Always leaving the audience salivating for more…
MIME GAME
We are a four-piece rock band who focuses as much on wanting you have fun and live well as we do on our craft. let’s have a good time and keep it clean. Rock’n’Roll.
BEHOLD THE BRAVE
Sprung out of the mountains in Cleveland, Tennessee, Behold The Brave sets out to share their good spirits with anyone willing to listen.
Pulling from their southern roots of Rock’n Roll and contagious grooves, this quartet will make you move with their diverse and high energy performances that they have come to be known for.
MATT SELLARS
Singer-songwriter Matt Sellars lives and breathes southern music and culture. They are the driving forces that keep him moving forward day after day. For fans of folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and the like, Matt Sellars is worth a listen.
After years of honing his craft in front of audiences in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and throughout the south, Matt stepped in to the studio to make his first recorded effort, 2013’s This Side of the Mississipp. The recordings on this album reflect the array of regional influences Matt has absorbed over the years. His style rings true to the music he loves and devotes himself to; the sounds of classic artists like Doc Watson and John Prine marry seamlessly with contemporary favorites like Tim O’brien and Justin Townes Earle.
Listeners looking for a new artist to enjoy are sure to get their fix from Matt Sellars. There is plenty of heart and soul in Matt’s music, interlaced with his characteristic lightheartedness. Good songwriting always comes from a place of passion and inspiration, and these qualities are inherent in this latest collection of original songs.
MATT MASON
everybody’s got their own mountains to climb…
JOHN MAHER
COURAGE MY LOVE
What is courage? When you’re a young rock ‘n’ roll band—courage is throwing yourself into your music fully and completely. It’s stepping onto a stage and just given’r. It’s touring new places far from home, and opening up, scars and all, to your fans. Courage is saying what you really think. It’s being unafraid of change, of becoming who you really are.
Courage My Love is all of these things.
The Kitchener, Canada band consists of twin sisters Mercedes Arn-Horn (vocals, guitar) and Phoenix Arn-Horn (drums. vocals) with their friend Brandon Lockwood (bass).
Call them a power trio, pop-punk, alternative metal. As you wish. They grew up on it all. But while you are jumping around and banging your head with abandon, don’t miss the message: They have no appetite for destruction. They do not seek to destroy. No, Courage My Love is here to uplift, inspire.
Becoming, the band’s new EP, produced by Chris Perry in Toronto, is eight tracks bled out of Courage My Love during a period of exciting changes. “Our first EP For Now came out when we were 17,” explains Mercedes. “When you’re our age, a lot can happen in two years.” Yes, many good things. Like heavy rotation on MuchMusic/MusiquePlus, more than 3.8 million YouTube views, and being on Alternative Press Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Bands to Know in 2012. “Before we went on tour we’d never been away from home,” says the guitarist. “You meet all these new people, and you learn about yourselves. We’ve all grown a lot. That was the inspiration for Becoming.”
Opening track “Skin and Bones” captures the fear and longing of leaving something behind. “We’re too old to die young,” they sing over thunderous beats, the heart of the matter. Hard- knocking first single “You Don’t Know How” cranks it up, intense and defiant: “Find out I’m strong enough on my own now.” By the time the EP closes with the haunting ballad “Dark Wood, Dark Water,” about finding the one thing that pulls you out of the darkness, Courage My Love’s mission is clear: rock out, be happy, stay true.
For this next generation of musicians, that means truly embracing social media. With their popular DIY podcasts and viral videos, Courage My Love not only connect with fans, they reveal more of their true selves. It’s all part of what they do best. “This whole band is about being yourself,” says Phoenix. “You don’t need to play by the book to be successful. Being a girl isn’t that big of a deal in music anymore. You don’t need to have a certain look. Break the rules, stand apart.”
FARRADAY
Chicago has been the proverbial fertile crescent of pop rock and pop punk bands since the turn of this century. From Alkaline Trio, to Rise Against; Allister to Fallout Boy; The Academy Is.. to the Hush Sound and The Plain White Tees, this bustling city stands as a towering beacon of catchy hooks, driving rhythms and a party in the crowd, every time.
So it is in this mold that the next in a long pedigree of musical heavy hitters comes from the very streets that shaped a generation of music. Farraday formed in the fall of 2010 as an amalgamation of the best parts of some of the most endearing local Chicago bands in the past five years. Aubyn Scolnick and Phil Serratore (formerly of Beauty and The Breakdown), Glenn Eck and Danny Casady (of Addison Park fame) and Nic Kaiser and William Scott (former members of Robot Love Story and How Bright The Sky) decided on one unusually warm November day to combine their talents and vast knowledge of movie quotes, and bring it to the people of Chicago and the world beyond.
Much like the circumstances that brought this eclectically diverse band together, the sound they produce is representative of the city they call home. A surprising fusion of pop, punk, hip hop, swing, indie, and garage rock all combine into a exhilarating live show that will fill you with an overpowering desire to pump your fist or nod your head in ecstatic approval.
Their first release: Farraday’s “The Fear Of Missing Out” takes everything they can muster live and throws it in your face with an explosion of sounds and textures to tantalize your ear buds, and shoot to the top of your Itunes most played list. Recorded in the winter of 2010/11 with Manny Sanchez (producer of Patrick Stumps new solo record), Farraday poured their heart, souls and lives into creating something special they wanted to share with friends, family and complete strangers. It is a testament to their love and dedication for their craft.
The best way to describe Farraday is a gang of best friends and excellent musicians laying it all on the line with every note and lyric on the stage and in your radio. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.
TUGG
The west coast of Wisconsin is not typically thought of as a hotbed of alternative reggae music. However, TUGG, hailing from La Crosse, WI has done an amazing job channeling tropical grooves and breezy melodies and has quickly become a top draw in the Midwest and beyond. Coming from a state known more for the Green Bay Packers, cold weather, and cheese, they boast an impressive resume of rubbing shoulders with reggae heavyweights. From shows with Barrington Levy and Slightly Stoopid to recording tracks with the likes of Pato Banton, Josh Heinrichs, and Outlaw Nation, TUGG continues to prove why they are a fast rising star in the alternative reggae scene. All of the bands last 3 albums have debuted in the Top 50 of the iTunes Reggae Chart. Their most recent album, Home Brew EP went to #2 and spent 3 weeks in the Hot 100 iTunes Reggae Album Chart. Last Spring TUGG was asked by The Dirty Heads (EMG) to provide support for a string of shows in the Midwest on their first ever headlining tour, which included a sold out show at the House of Blues-Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day. It is often said that to achieve greatness you must first surround yourself with greatness. If that is any indication about TUGG than their future is looking good. In the last few years alone they have been fortunate enough to share the stage with: Slightly Stoopid, The Dirty Heads, Cage the Elephant, SOJA, Barrington Levy, Pepper, The Aggrolites, Tribal Seeds, Ballyhoo!, Iration, The Movement, Mad Professor, Karl Denson, Rusted Root, Pato Banton, The Ziggens, Josh Heinrichs, New Politics, Pacific Dub, Tech Nine and many more.
PISS DRUNK AND THE WHISKEY PISTOLS
Signed by Frankenfoot records Piss Drunk & The Whiskey Pistols is a psychobilly band based out of Evansville, IN. The band consist of Tate Hall, lead singer and upright bass player, Kimmy Hall, Drummer and vocals, and Cliff Coultas, guitar and vocals. They are a touring band who has graced the stage along with acts such as; Twistin Tarantulas, Be My Doppelganger, Bush League, Vice Tricks, Jane Rose & The Deadend Boys, and many more. A band who is always looking to do more shows, look forward for them coming to your town.
MATT WOODS
Matt Woods is a product of Appalachia. You can hear his East Tennessee roots tangled in the lines of his songs and it is through this filter he distills the world, both external and internal, into his unique brand of songwriting. You can call it Americana, folk rock, even country music but no matter what it’s called it is, at it core, honest and heartfelt. Spending most of his time on the road, either engaging listeners as a solo artist or enrapturing them with his band, Matt Woods and the Natural Disasters, he would say, if asked, that he is “just trying to share some truth and get along.” 2019 brought the release of Woods’ 4th full length studio album, Natural Disasters, and an impressive touring schedule in support of it across the US and Europe, the latter of which having become a yearly endeavor since the release of 2016’s How To Survive. As the global Covid-19 pandemic brought touring to a halt, Matt moved forward in other ways including keeping connected via online events, writing for future releases, and even releasing an EP titled Mornings After as a companion piece to the 2019 album.
Both Natural Disasters and Mornings After, produced by Joey Kneiser (Glossary and Austin Lucas), share insights to the realities of our place in time as perceived through Woods’ eyes and enriched by the talents of Adam Meisterhans on electric guitars, Jeremy Mackinder on bass guitar, PJ Schreiner on drums, and Mike Webb (Chris Stapleton, Poco) on keys with Lance Howell (Big Shoals) and Kashena Sampson providing harmonies throughout. Along the way, Matt has shared the stage with the likes of Chris Knight, Black Oak Arkansas, Bobby Bare, Frank Turner, Roger Alan Wade, Zac Brown, Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, Will Hoge, Roger Clyne (of The Refreshments), CAKE, Robbie Fulks, The White Buffalo, The Black Lillies and others.
PALMFLOWER
Ray Tokyo Rosamond has been delighting audiences with her guitar-playing and Latin charm since her first guest appearance on the Mexican soap opera, Fruta De Pasíon. She became a world-wide sensation when her debut solo album went platinum virtually overnight. Besides her commitments in the music world, Ray Tokyo is the spokesperson for the Village Green Lemur Preservation Society and is currently developing a line of complicated sleep-wear. Stacey A-go-go-goldschmidt received a toy drum set from her parents, who were looking for a way to keep her from wrecking the pots and pans and their last nerve. When the neighbors complained about the noise, Stace-A-go-go took her drums to the beach and played on the boardwalk. From there the two young chaps became wildly posessed and inspired. Light bulbs flashed bright and the girls’ instinctual nature materialized the motivation to create magically clutsy sounds.
RAT HAMMER
Rat Hammer is a rock and roll band from Humboldt Park, Chicago.
WOODEN PLANES
MICHAEL JACKSON “THRILLER”
Thriller is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was released on November 30, 1982, by Epic Records as the follow-up to Jackson’s critically and commercially successful 1979 album Off the Wall. Thriller explores similar genres to those of Off the Wall, including pop, R&B, rock, post-disco, funk, and adult contemporary music.
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER “SOUNDTRACK”
Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track is the soundtrack album from the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever starring John Travolta.
CANASTA
When Canasta throws around the term “long-awaited” to describe their upcoming album, “The Fakeout, the Tease and the Breather,” they aren’t just whistling Dixie. Considering the band has been a staple—perhaps even the unspoken centerpiece—of Chicago’s orchestral pop contingent this millennium, it’s hard to believe that this is just their second full‐length. But Canasta doesn’t profess to be any sort of lightning rod for the muses. As un‐sexy as it sounds, the members are probably better described as pop craftsmen/women. Their composition process may take time, but it elicits serious pride in the end result.
Boasting a six‐person line‐up, Canasta has always augmented the standard rock set-up with piano, keyboard, violin and trombone. But despite an ever‐changing roster that has included fifteen members (!), founders Matt Priest and Elizabeth Lindau continue to keep the orchestrations meticulous, the lyrics thoughtful, the melodies unforgettable and the sound uniquely “Chicagoan.” But don’t get the impression they spend all their time cooped up in the studio and rehearsal space. Since forming, they’ve managed to live out one rock n’ roll dream after another. They’ve toured the country—hitting CMJ and SXSW—and back at home, headlined the legendary Metro and held the prestigious Schubas residency. They’ve gigged with killer bands like Wilco, Grizzly Bear, Devotchka, Alabama Shakes, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Menomena, Sloan, Kaiser Chiefs, White Rabbits and The Delgados and even played a set for President Obama. Their songs have made their way into TV commercials, a movie trailer and NPR’s programming and they’ve sold out pressings of both their debut EP, “Find the Time,” and full-length, “We Were Set Up”…
…which brings us to the new album. It’s a record that earns its lengthy gestation period and demonstrates a big step forward in songwriting. This album’s louder moments are darker, denser and more dramatic than those found on past recordings, with harder‐hitting drums, boomier bass and a swarm of buzzing synths. But conversely, its prettier moments are sparser and more heartbreaking, with vocals bordering on a whisper and the audible creaking and squeaking of piano pedals, guitar frets and violin strings. And along the way, the record flirts with elements new to the band, borrowing from the likes of disco, shoegaze, spaghetti western, gospel and blue‐eyed soul. But in their hands, it never spirals out of control; it’s unquestionably still a pop record at heart. The album, the band’s first for upstart label RWIM Chicago, will be released this Spring. And despite the wait, Canasta’s confident that once folks hear exactly what they’ve been up to, all will be forgiven and 2010 will emerge as THE YEAR OF THE FAKEOUT! (Typing that last part was every bit as fun as I’d hoped it would be.)
ADVANCE BASE
Advance Base is new music by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone mastermind Owen Ashworth. Under his new moniker, Ashworth conjures dreamy waltzes, heavy-hearted ballads & electropop-styled torch songs from antiquated instruments such as Rhodes electric pianos, Omnichords, Wurlitzer rhythm boxes, & samplers. Advance Base songs deal with deceased racehorses, estranged siblings, hard feelings, & all things long lost. A Shut-In’s Prayer, the debut album from Advance Base, was number 19 on MOJO Magazine’s Best Albums of 2012 list. The World Is In A Bad Fix Everywhere, an EP of early 20th century gospel music composed by Washington Phillips, will be released June 25, 2013 on Orindal Records.
MOUNTAINS FOR CLOUDS
“Bands with expansive names evoking strong imagery rarely live up to their monikers. Fortunately in the case of Mountains for Clouds, we have a band that lives up to their title. Composing huge, soaring pieces that build and layer into a delicate beauty so fragile it threatens to break at a the drop of a pin. While most bands would take this step too far, Mountains for Clouds are masters of their craft, reigning in or pulling the intensity of their music like it was clay in their hands.” – Keith of Count Your Lucky Stars
PLASTIC CRIMEWAVE SYNDICATE
Cosmik space punk from Chi-town
Jose “The Beast” Bernal–drumhitter
Rob Rodak–bass rumbler
PCW-guitar/keyz meltdown/yelps
CHAD SULLINS AND THE LAST CALL COALITION
INCOMMINICADO: Refers to a situation or behavior to which communication with outsiders is not possible for voluntary or involuntary reasons due to confinement or reclusiveness.
BRICK + MORTAR
Brandon Asraf and bandmate John Tacon (drums, electronic samples, vocals) formed Brick + Mortar in 2010 to immediate critical buzz that’s now rapidly approaching fever pitch, no doubt buoyed along by the excellent video for their song “Bangs” which premiered on Noisey last summer. The song’s bass hits like a massive punch to the face and the narrative of the ultra-violent accompanying video, based on the life of Asraf’s father, is likely one of the more brutal stories you’ve ever bore witness to. “This video opened the door for us to be more than a band. People seem to wait for that song to sing their hearts out at shows,” explains Asraf of the impact the single has had on the band. “Bangs” was released on Mad Dragon Records as part of Motion City Soundtrack’s Making Moves series, where the band featured their personal favorite rising artists in special 7″ releases.
Aside from touring Brick + Mortar will also be busy with several other projects this fall, including putting out a fully animated music video created by artist Richie Brown and focusing on writing for their debut full length. “The goal is to make our album an audiovisual experience. I feel like the songs we are working on are our best yet. We are ready to make a full length record.”
STEREO GENIUS
Stereo Genius is a collective of musicians based out of Chicago led by drummer / composer /producer Justin Boyd. While on a plane ride over the Atlantic Ocean he got the idea to start his own group. The name of the band can be broken down into two segments that compliment each other. The first being that before laptops, iPods or any other mobile device music had to be listened to thru a stereo. So in a sense having a stereo whether in your home or car was essential to consuming music. The second segment is Genius, which describes the bands commitment to music education. We hope to inspire future generations of musicians, artist and creative thinkers. The band has recently released their first EP entitled “Miracle Year” that can be downloaded at all of the standard mediums. Our mission is to combine jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk and world music seamlessly. So by the end of our show we hope that you’ve had an amazing experience.
THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK
The ultimate Chicago-underground AC/DC fan circus. (NOT a tribute. Not just a cover band. THE Ultimate Fan Band)
SILVER ABUSE
Silver Abuse started before you were born. They were showered with beer and spit at their first show. Now the world has caught up with their odd and angular musings and are starting to pay respect. Fans say they sound like nobody else. In a good way.
SAM WAHL
Sacramento, California was the home of my post highschool rock band Ian Faith. Through multiple member changes and a number of disasterous entanglements with the record industry we ended up and eventually disolved in Boston MA. Nashville became the birthplace of a new band founded by ex-Ian Faith member Jeff Lemons and Lex Price, called Tremolo. Tremolo made a few friends in the local music scene and eventually became Septemberland. Septemberland made a few more friends in the Nashville community, and earned a small amount of recognition amongst those who live with the delusion that they “count”. I now reside here in Chicago, having weeded out all the charlatans and weenies, I am surrounded by an amazing family of accomplished and dynamic music makers and otherwise, beautiful people. I love music!! I most of all love the humanity of music! When I’m not making music I’m a Tour Manager/Stage manager for a short list of artists and organizations whose music and creations I enjoy supporting. I book and promote a Nashville-style singer/songwriter showcase once a month, called Get Off The Couch, from which this “Get Off The Couch Presents…” show was spawned. So, find me in the dark bars, the hot crowded theaters, or the bustling out door festivals, oiling the tired muscles of the giant organism that is live music and let’s have a cold beverage and listen together. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC EVERYWHERE!!
DUMPSTER HUNTER
Dumpster Hunter — led by the gangly, spasmodic Jeff Taylor — shatters the psychic wall between audience and performer, exposing a weird, compelling and emotionally naked universe.
The New Jersey born, Brooklyn based songwriter and his band gang up on unsuspecting audiences, using his large mouth and their acrobatic musical arrangements both as tools and semi-lethal weapons. Exciting, sometimes unplanned sit-ins with artists like Matisyahu and Trixie Whitley have punctuated the last few years of Taylor’s journey. The singer will perform the role of ‘Larry The Dwarf,’ with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in the upcoming World Premiere of Frank Zappa’s ‘200 Motels.’
Dumpster Hunter’s incendiary live set is largely comprised of the rollercoaster material from their debut album, ‘Frustration In Time Travel.’ A new EP is scheduled for release in early 2014.
BLOW WIND BLOW
Hello, hello! – from Blow Wind Blow.
Blow Wind Blow is the music of Ryan Suzuka (vocals/ukulele/harmonica), amplified into appropriate proportion with the help of bandleader Rami Atassi (lead guitar), Aaron Ervin (guitar/keyboard), Conner Hollingsworth (bass), and Paul Newmann (drums). This band is here to display the beauty, power, and depth of someone who paced through his youth without knowing he had a musical voice. In one moment you experience his accumulated ache and the next, a thunderous declaration of purpose. This band is creating indie pop that owes as much of its creation to the ethereal falsetto of Skip James and command of Son House, as it does to the lush vulnerability of Camera Obscura and rootsy melodic drive of Neko Case. Welcome to the wonderful world of Blow Wind Blow!
ECHODROIDES
EchoDroides is a collaboration between Chicago natives Frank De La Mora & Trancid (Miguel Martin). Their sound is Spaced out Synthpop with flavors of Italo and Nu Disco. Their music’s influences come largely from geniuses like Giorgio Moroder, Vince Clarke, Alexander Robotnik, Depeche Mode and Telex just to name a few.
After releasing 3 EPs and 1 single between March of 2012 and now, they have completed a full length album titled Orbita, which was released in September of 2013. They have also put their remixing skills to work on tracks by Trent Reznor’s project: How To Destroy Angels, Giorgio Moroder’s From Here To Eternity and the Netherland’s RSTRCTD. Mr. Moroder himself gave compliments to their work on the remix and also their original music. Having recently been added to the Red Bull Sound Select artist roster has also given them added exposure.
CONQUEST
This young eclectic group of musicians is bringing a young and unique blend to the music scene. Webster’s Dictionary defines ConQuest as a person whose favor or hand has been won. The goal of this group to is to grasp each crowd’s attention and win people over by their smooth rhythms and distinct harmonies; letting them massage your soul through their musical innovations. The group is led by keyboardists, Clarence Williams Jr. Mr. and Mrs. McKinney controls the 3-4 piece horn section while Mr. Anthony Allamandola makes a statement on the guitar. Michael Ray keeps the groove on the drums while Mr. Isaiah Webb holds down the baseline. These guys mix jazz, funk, classical, gospel and fusion together, which creates an unforgettable sound.
On August 17, 2013 the group held another one of their highly anticipated showcases. The title of this event was “A Lil’ Bit of Everything.” This showcase featured some of ConQuest’s newest original material. There were also performances from Chicago’s very own Jamie Sherman and 2003 Chicago Idol Winner as well as supporting artist for the Grammy Award Winning R. Kelly, Maurice Mahon. This event was great! The way the band will grasp your attention is phenomenal and extremely unique!
VERTIKAL
“Dedicated to bridging the gap between hip-hop and jazz…”
– Jim DeRogatis (Chicago Sun-Times)
In summer ’06, the inception of VertiKal gave birth to music that is original and exciting. Drawing from Chicago’s diverse fan-base, VertiKal uses it’s range of musical influence to connect with funk enthusiasts, hip-hop fanatics, and folks with a jazz sensibility.
VertiKal has held a residency at the Underground Wonder Bar and the Morseland Café. They have performed for capacity crowds at some of the most esteemed venues in Chicago, such as the Double Door, Metro, Schubas, Lincoln Hall, and drew 200+ people to their debut CD-release party at Martyrs’. In 2007, VertiKal was voted “audience favorite” at the Emergenza national, with Lorin Cohen earning a “best bass player” nod. In 2011, their dynamic MC, Illegit was nominated for “Best New Entertainer” by the Chicago Music Awards.
DJ SOOSE DA GOOSE
KINGS DEAD
Nearly a year has passed since the collective formerly known as The Dean’s List were a part of your audio experience. The group endured plenty during that hiatus – receiving harsh criticisms from some on account of their pronounced musical growth, spurring a controversial name change while MC/songwriter Sonny Shotz was attacked overseas and his jaw severely broken. Producer Alex Mendoza and Sonny Shotz felt that a rebirth was needed in order to return to doing what they love…and in that time they’ve found the inspiration they needed for their re-introduction as Kings Dead.
When The Dean’s List first arrived on the scene, the intent wasn’t to lean on the connotation of “college rap.” Their moniker arguably suggested some degree of fraternity, though anyone who pressed play on their debut EP Undeclared or the smash follow-up, The Drive In would know that their music surpassed the mere halls of colleges across the country. In the period of less than two years, the group charted on Billboard, sold out shows nationwide, and toured the world. It was a fulfilling two years, to say the least. However, the group was quickly evolving beyond their brand. “We were in a box almost,” producer Alex Mendoza recalls. “So we changed our name.” In addition, the group parted ways with long time friend and co-producer Mik Beats, leaving Mendoza and Sonny to regroup and rebrand on their own. With the plan being to begin working overseas on their first project as the newly formed “Kings Dead,” their next hurdle arrived quite unexpectedly.
Just as Sonny arrived in Spain to link with Mendoza in the studio and begin working on their next project, he was violently attacked, leaving his jaw broken in two places. Sonny returned to Tampa, FL to have emergency surgery and recover with his family while Mendoza stayed in Spain and worked on musical production. The two would exchange lyrics and music over email without ever actually recording the completed songs. It was difficult, for sure…but the process allowed Kings Dead to develop the two vital components in their music separately, re-defining a musical synergy more than they ever had before. “I think it made me a lot more comfortable with my writing and saying things how I want to say them,” explains Sonny. It enabled me to really focus more on the storytelling aspect of things, just looking at music from a whole different perspective.” Alex continues, “Before, we would always have control over our music, but now we have experience to go with it. It mean’s a lot for what we create.”
Upon the duo reuniting in January 2013 the energy in the studio seemed magical. Sonny initially recorded with his mouth wired shut, but once he was unwired, the real preparation for their return began. “When we finally came together in the studio, it was just like a weight off of our shoulders,” Sonny says, “There was no more emailing back and forth, and we were finally able to just be in the same room, be creative and focus.”
Producer Alex Mendoza explains the meaning behind Kings Dead:
“It’s the death of a movement that’s been rejuvenated into a different movement,” he explains. “We were playing with Kid Cudi in front of 10,000 people, performing alongside acts like Calvin Harris, Wiz Khalifa, Lupe Fiasco & Wale in front of 5-7000 people. We were doing these big shows, and it was great. But that had to die for us to be able to really flourish into a whole new situation and create the music we wanted to create.”
That new focus has culminated into what will be their next project, Revenge Of the Beast.
The forthcoming album from Kings Dead represents a new day for Alex Mendoza and Sonny Shotz. The music is sharper and more focused, while still fluidly crossing over genres and maintaining the purity of what the Boston based duo is all about. “It’s just like all of the musical influences and experiences that we’ve had to this point have culminated into an album…it has no boundaries” explains Sonny, while Alex adds that it’s “Genre bending urban crossover music to the fullest extent.”
While previous projects took them several months, this outpouring of emotions on record only took a few weeks to create. Perhaps months of frustration from not being able to record together for the first time in years allowed the two to deliver in a way they never thought they could as The Dean’s List.
Alex Mendoza and Sonny Shotz had to destroy in order to rebuild, with the result leading them to becoming Kings Dead. With Revenge Of the Beast on the horizon, their fans and contemporaries will understand that Kings Dead have reincarnated and their music is like never before. Get ready.
PARTY AT THE MOONTOWER
Rising Chicago Band, “Party At The Moontower” features a unique mixture of Funk, Rock, R&B, and Hip Hop. The PATM crew consist of two vocalist, Drums, Guitar & Bass.
Since the birth of the band in 2012, “PATM” has taken off in a blaze, touring some of Chicago’s great venues like the; Cubby Bear, Congress Theatre Box Social, Reggies Rock Club, House Cafe (Dekalb, IL), Elbo Room, Underground Wonder Bar, Goose Island Pub, Red Line Tap, The Abbey Pub Music Fest, Abbey Pub (Green Room), The Mutiny Rock Club, The Tin Lizzie, Dark Room, Game Pazzo, and Edison Park Inn.
MARMORA
Sporting a sound more in line with the depths of a murky, corpse-filled swamp than their Chicago brethren, area trio Marmora are turning heads as well as banging them. Their dirty, howling guitars, crushing bass, and commanding drums recall the stoner rock of yesteryear, while layering on chaotic solos and an energy that’s sorely lacking with many instrumental projects, that all who witness cannot deny. Having honed their chops over the last ten years and more, Marmora is a tight-knit family affair, and while the sound may be gnarly, the musicianship and talent is clear throughout.
HONKY SUCKLE
Honky Suckle / honk-`e suck-ul’/ noun; a band from Southwest Missouri ready to melt faces with original roots rock grass influences, also, rowdy live show with harmony and intensity unmatched.
Honky Suckle is a band comprised of four stellar musicians Dave Smith-Upright bass,Vocals; Kyle Young-Harmonica,Vocals; Adam Howell-Drums,Vocals; Eric Howell-Resonator,Banjo,Guitar, Vocals.
Blending rock and punk influences with roots music’s raw power they bring a real intensity seldom heard. Self restraint allows these musicians to pump out consistent on -point arrangements while still able to unleash rhythmic and individual prowess when warranted. A unique blending of four part harmony round out the sound that crowds have come to love. Rowdy live shows and genuine emotion leave people wanting more. Don’t miss a live show, you won’t forget it.
THE REBEL SECT
The Rebel Sect began as an idea in May of 2013. Since then, TRS has blossomed into one of the most unique rock bands of it’s generation. With influences ranging from hip hop, r&b & rap to psychedelic & indie to punk & post-hardcore & even crossing into electronica & classical at times, TRS completely blurs the lines of modern music genres & brings a new take on rock to this intensely digital world. With “The Sea is Silent” LP in the process of being recorded (projected release date : 10/26), a music video for “War Musik” on it’s way & a slue of shows on the horizon, TRS is making a name for themselves that won’t soon be forgotten.
THE MELISMATICS
The Melismatics formed at the turn of the century in the fertile ground of the Minneapolis indie-rock scene. Their debut album “Postmodern Rock” quickly caught the attention of college radio stations around the country and garnered favorable reviews from critics around the world. Shortly thereafter, Minneapolis indie-rock king pin Ed Ackerson (Motion City Sountrack, The Replacements, The Jayhawks) signed the band to Susstones Records and produced their next two albums “New Infection” and “Turn It On”. The Melismatics toured the country numerous times over and continued to win loyal fans with their high-energy and unpredictable live shows. Their music has been featured on MTV’s “The Hills,” “The City”and “Laguna Beach,” NBC’s “Windfall”; Animal Planet’s “Jockeys” and they’ve played such notable events as Lollapalooza, Summerfest, and CMJ. The Melismatics released “The Acid Test” on CC Entertainment/E1 Music (2008). Renowned producer John Fields caught the band performing at 2007 SXSW in Austin, Texas and signed on to produce the album. The music video for “Digging Deep” charted at #2 on MTVU and received widespread airplay.
The Melismatics’ new album “MANIA!” was produced by Jon Auer of The Posies and Big Star, along with Ed Ackerson (Motion City Soundtrack, Golden Smog, The Replacements) and was mixed by John Fields (Jimmy Eat World, Rooney, Har Mar Superstar, etc). The LP was mastered at Sterling Sound in NYC by Chris Athens (Coldplay, Beastie Boys, NERD, etc) and features collaborations with Dan Wilson (Adele, Semisonic) and Jon Auer who also lends vocals to several tracks.
THE OX KING
Progressive Hardcore from Chicago Illinois. Started in 2011, we have an indisputable passion for what we do. We have no reason to stop. A heavy dose of fast and pissed.
BRAZENBULL
It’s three guys from Chicago making noises on musical instruments, usually at the same time. These noises vary in volume and intensity and are interspurced with moments of silence. While this happens a voice can occasionally be heard making additional noises. That’s pretty much it.
BrazenBull is preparing to run through the streets and gore all in it’s path. All noises are mostly deliberate and being slightly scrutinized. Gaps in memory are being overlooked or expanded upon. Overall volume is exceedingly too high and being increased. Dance moves, sometimes you’ve just got to do it. Everything is ready. Now what? Wait for it!
BrazenBull approaches.