OZ

Formed in the town of Nakkila, Finland in the late 70′s. Their debut album was released on a Swedish record label – Tyfon Grammofon in 1982. By then the line-up consisted of Ape De Martini (vocals),Kari Elo (Guitar), Tauno Vajavaara (Bass guitar) & Mark Ruffneck (Drums). The Second-hand lady/Rather Knight-single was released the same year. The band gigged around Finland and even appeared on Finnish TV playing Hey You and Second-Hand Lady backed up with pyrotechnics and all.

Soon afterwards Jay C Blade was asked to join the band as a bass guitarist. Jay C. Bladehad been kicked out of Sarcofagus in which he had been handling the lead vocals on theEnvoy of death album released in 1980, after which he had re-joined his first band Masque.Jay joined OZ, bringing with him Esa Niva from Masque. Esa Niva got out of the band pretty quickly though, and somewhere along the way Spooky Wolff (ex Noitawaimo) and Speedy Foxx were recruited, both on guitars. The classic lineup was now complete. They played their debut gig at the Göta Lejon theatre in Stockholm. Jay C Blade became the main contributor of songs and soon the band recorded their next album.

Fire in the brain was released in 1983. It is arguably one of the best releases ever by any Swedish or Finnish metal band. With such classics as Search Lights, Black Candles and Megalomaniac it is an album with no weak moments, a major advancement from their debut and it was well received, selling fairly good in the USA and Japan as well.

By then the music market in Finland was underdeveloped and the band decided to move to Sweden to test their strength there instead. Their record label was located in Sweden anyway, so it was a logical choice. Mark Ruffneck was the first of them to move to Stockholm and the rest of the OZ-men soon followed.

Their next release was the Turn the cross upside down-single in 1984. The title track smelled of black metal and is still one their best remembered songs. The first royalty payment Jayreceived for the single was of the sum of 666 SEK (Swedish kronor). Jay took that as a sign of some sort and decided to cut down on the “satanic” stuff.

Though the next album still contained a bit of that dark religious stuff in the shape of the song Crucified. Their third full length album III Warning was also released in 1984. Solely written by Jay C. Blade, it included such goodies as Crucifiedand the title track itself. The band were supposed to go on tour as a support act for Venom on their USA and Canada dates, but their American manager somehow fucked it all up. They still played a few gigs around Sweden, though. Their stage act included the vocalist cutting guitars to pieces with the large knife which can be seen in the hands of the vocalist on the front cover of the III Warning album.

Their fourth album Decibel storm was released in 1986. This time the other band members apart from Jay C Blade had contributed more to the songwriting than on the previous album and the results were great. This was the first OZ album to have a little bit of keyboards on it, nothing too cheesy though. The songs Firestarter and Disaster Dreamer are classics. The band had planned to do a video for one of the songs on the album, but whether those plans came to realization or not is unknown.

Some while after the release of the album Jay C Blade was asked to fill in on guitar for New York-based Princess Pang on a 4 gig tour. Jay accepted the offer and headed to New York. The gigs went well and when he returned to Sweden it had already been decided that he was to join Princess Pang as a full-time member of the band. At the time, OZ had lost both their guitarists Spooky Wolff and Speedy Foxx, soJay was the third man to leave the band in a short period of time.

4 years went by before OZ would find themselves back in the business of recording again. New bandmembers had been recruited; Michael Lundholm as sole guitarist and Tobbe Moen on bass guitar, as well as a keyboard player by the name of Jörgen Schelander. Tobbe Moen was later replaced by Fredrik Thörnblom on bass guitar after the recording sessions at the Sky Trak Studio in Berlin. The album Roll the dice was released in 1991. The songs on the album were mainly written by Ape De Martini and the new guitar player, resulting in a bit different style and sound than the earlier OZalbums. The title track stands out as the best offering on the album. The band again played a few gigs, but the music scene had changed and the Swedish death metal boom was in full action, resulting in loss of interest and gig-offers for more classic kinds of metal in the underground scene of Stockholm. So, the band slowly faded away from then and there.

2010 – 2011 NEW OZ LINE-UP, VIDEO, ALBUM TITLE & PRODUCER

 

The reunited OZ were recording their new album at Park studio in Stockholm, Sweden. The most of AXworks on the new album was performed by Legendary Markku Petander (a former member of Finnish bands Popeda and Yö). LegendaryCostello Hautamäki known from Hanoi Rocks‘ 2002-period (Twelve Shots on the Rocks-album) and from voluminous albums and tours with the Finnish band Popeda and young AXman Michel Santunione (Guitar player in the Queen musical ‘We Will Rock You’ in Sweden/Norway) were firering on some of the tracks their best shots. Present in the studio was also Nicke Andersson (ex Entombed & Hellacopters) operating as producer. The new album was having working title ‘Greatezt Blitz‘ and is now having the official title ‘Burning Leather’ and contains both new songs and re-recordings of old OZ classics. Some of the songs included are ‘Dominator‘, ‘Seasons in the Darkness‘ and ‘Burning Leather‘. The new album “Burning Leather” was released 18th November 2011 World Wide by AFM Records, Germany and Spiritual Beast, Japan.

The new touring line-up consists of 2 new guitarists: Michel Santunione and John Berg, along with the classic trio of Ape DeMartini, Jay C. Blade and Mark Ruffneck . Michel Santunione is previously known as Guitar Player in the Queen Musical ‘We Will Rock You’in Sweden/Norway. John Berg is a former member of Dynasty and today playing guitar on stage with Chris Laney.

THE HELLBOUND HEPCATS

The Hellbound Hepcats are bringing back the sound of the 1950’s with an aggressive, big-beat twist-seamlessly fusing elements of Johnny Burnette, Chuck Berry and Brian Setzer with the pure energy of rockabilly. These hardworking rock’n’rollers combine the rawness and passion of the Sun Studio sessions with a harder, faster, more hip-shaking rhythm that is all their own. The Hellbound Hepcats’ music reflects the rebellious spirit of early rock n’ roll without imitating it. Their originality adds a much-needed new spin to the current rockabilly scene.

The band started out in 2006 as a straight-up rockabilly/country duo, consisting of front man Alexander Brown and standup-bass player Jordan Peddie. Heavily influenced by Montreal’s ever-growing rockabilly scene, they soon became masters of their craft-playing in clubs and bars in and around Montreal. In 2007 the addition of drummer Sylvain Lemire rounded out the equation bringing in the pulsing rhythm section that has made the Hepcats the band they are today.

The trio hit the road running, touring relentlessly at venues large and small….everywhere from the Toronto Convention Center to The Cadillac Lounge to just about every watering-hole, tavern and show-bar across Canada. They’ve shared stages with The Brains, The Creepshow, Gunsmoke, Bloodshot Bill and many others. All in all, The Hellbound Hepcats have played more than 500 gigs in the last 2 years. You name it, The Hellbound Hepcats have played it.

In 2009, The Hellbound Hepcats recorded and produced their first full-length in Montreal. The collection was recorded “off the floor” to capture the original feeling, intensity and rhythm that characterizes authentic rockabilly, as well as to record the spontanaety and musicianship of their live performance. Their self-titled debut album caught the ear of Stomp Records, who immediately signed the band point blank. The Hellbound Hepcats will be hitting the road this summer in support of their self-titled debut including appearances on the Montreal Jazz Fest, Vans Warped Tour, Hotrod Hootenany as well as festival and club shows across the nation.

The 13 track self-titled rockabilly album is a homage to the spirit of rebellion that gave birth to the rock n’ roll of the 1950’s. The album was recorded at Moonbabe Studio with engineer/producer Tean Schultz. All the songs were written over a a four year span by lead-singer and guitarist Alexander Brown and stand-up bassist Jordan Peddie. From heart-throbbing ballads like “She’s The Reason Why” to beat-bopping dance tunes like “Gimme More” and “Brand New Forty-Five”, the sound and themes of the songs are diverse. From the arrogance of “How Many Girls” to the tenderness of “She’s The Reason Why”, the album draws inspiration from the never-ending battle between love and lust.

PILGRIMS

Pilgrims are a four piece band that hail from the Kankakee, IL area. The band blends the arena rock of The Killers, the pop-punk sensibility of blink-182 and the emotionalism of Jimmy Eat World. They are set to record a new EP in mid-October and a small midwestern tour in early November.

THE BLUE SKY MIND

In autumn of 2011, four men came together with a purpose. To rock? Yes, but not just to rock. Also, to change the world. Lofty? Hardly. Rock music is sustainable with three chords and the world is quite impressionable.

WILD YAKS

“These fellows are the real deal, holding steady even with all the jim jims in this town and all the politicians makin’ crazy sounds, and everybody puttin’ everybody else down”_ ifc.com

DJ Alo

DJ ALO

Chicago based producer/artist circa 1994-present. Founder and Producer of his label Garden Music.

Currently still working Garden Music, but more so helping artists get where they wanna go sound wise, where Garden is more of a vessel than a grassroots label ethic

OLD IRVING

Hailing from the northwest side of Chicago comes a new crew combining the veteran skills of local MC Robust, and the live duel MPC production of beat-smiths Max and Pore. Coming off the success of the recent projects “Grown” and “Something to Sit on” on Chicago label Galapagos 4, the Old Irving crew brings a fresh approach to the run of the mil hip hop set. Replacing the classical method of a DJ, with the 2 producers playing drums and sample chops live off of their respective drum machines.

RADICAL SOMETHING

Hailing from Northern and Southern California, Radical Something’s inspirational movement has been spreading rapidly throughout the US and abroad ever since the independent trio released their first song “Be Easy” in Summer 2011. In less than two years, the band stormed the iTunes charts, toured the nation twice, and spurred a die-hard following as their unique brand of hip hop, reggae and soul continues to connect deeply with listeners.

 
In February 2012 the trio’s debut EP No Sweat reached #6 on the iTunes overall Albums Chart and #33 on Billboard’s Independent Albums Chart selling over 11,000 EP’s and over 20,000 singles. In Summer 2012, the band released 13 free singles as part of their Summer Of Rad weekly release series, generating over 500,000 downloads and millions of online streams. 
 
Radical Something is preparing to release a full-length album in late Summer 2013. In the weeks leading up to the album release, the Cali-natives will bring their SUMMER OF LOVE tour to Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The major-city tour will be the first opportunity for fans to hear many of the new songs from the upcoming album.
 
Since March 2012, Radical Something has headlined over 60 shows throughout the U.S. in addition to supporting shows with Slightly Stoopid, SOJA, Gramatik, Sammy Adams, Asher Roth and more.

WHISKEY BOB TAYLOR

Roots blues guitarist Whiskey Bob Taylor has had many labels such as singer/songwriter and blues historian thrust upon him over the years. His mesmerizing performances are a simmering gumbo of faithful renderings of early blues chestnuts by the likes of Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson and his own insightful compositions, peppered with his recollections and stories of bluesmen of past and present, and stirred to a rolling boil by his energetic and passionate playing style. Whiskey Bob’s efforts to present traditional acoustic blues as a living, breathing art form have earned him the respect and friendship of many of the influential bluesmen he numbers among his heroes. The list of artists Whiskey Bob has appeared with over the years reads like a who’s who of the blues from early pioneers like the late greats Honeyboy Edwards, Louisiana Red, and Four Aces bassist Dave Myers to modern blues greats like former Muddy Waters’ guitarist John Primer and Chicago harp greats Billy Branch, Harmonica Hinds, and Sugar Blue (harmonica on the Rolling Stones’ “Miss You”) Whiskey Bob Taylor can be seen regularly around town at various clubs in and around the Chicagoland area.

DAVEY SUICIDE

The name SUICIDE is a constant reminder that unless we kill ourselves, there is no ceiling for what we are capable of.

DREAMING KEEPS US ALIVE.

THE CHICAGO ZAPPA COLLECTIVE

HAVING ANTLERS

Punkish wannabes that play genre neutral music.

SET THE TREND

SetTheTrend is a Pop Punk band from Illinois. The band consists of Mike, Dakota, Jimmy, Brandon, and Peter. We like to play fast, loud, honest Pop Punk with a bit of an edge.

KINGSFOIL

Central PA musical artist Kingsfoil focuses on finding ways to capture the emotional nuances of life through catchy lyrics and interesting music. Since hitting the music scene in 2007 with their debut EP “Bear in the Attic”, the indie pop rock band has shared dates with many national artists including The Goo Goo Dolls, Stone Temple Pilots, OAR, The Neon Trees, Far East Movement, Parachute, We The Kings, Creed, Anberlin, The Ting Tings, Chiddy Bang, and Lovedrug. Now riding on a Summer 2010 release of their critically acclaimed self-released LP “On Our Own Together,” the band continues to show they have a unique but enjoyable sound. Support from world renowned Philadelphia radio station 88.5 WXPN has helped the band dive headlong into conquering the mid-Atlantic region and beyond with energetic live performances and their signature songwriting. Kingsfoil frontman Jordan Davis’ strong vocals soar above carefully crafted arrangements by bandmates Tristan Martin (guitar, keys), Tim Warren (bass), and Frankie Muniz (drums). As their recent feature in Beatweek Magazine pointed out, “each new endeavor the Kingsfoil boys take on seems to make them increasingly popular and marketable.” At the very least they’re trying to make great music and have fun.

HEDLOK

NO BULLSHIT. NO GIMMICKS. UNPURE, UNHOLY THRASH METAL.

FORCED ASPHYXIATION

Fueled by pure hatred that is personified as the city of Boston, Forced Asphyxiation is a combination of four guys who’ve been in and out of local bands, sick of lack of dedication from others, who banded together to form a wall of brutality.

The band started in 2007 with Brian Frechette on guitar and Alex Fewell on drums. After some time playing shows with their full time vocalist, Pantera Brian parted ways, leaving his putrescent debauchery with them. After some time searching, Brian decided to take over the vocal duties alongside playing guitar, knowing no other vocalist could fill the void.

After years of time spent as a two piece band, in 2011 they completed the line up with Ryan Murphy on Bass (Soul Remnants, Valasyrka) and Tom Preziosi on Guitar (Soul Remnants, Armory).

MR. MUTHAFUCKIN’ EXQUIRE

I was born. I did some shit… mostly in Brooklyn. Drank some 40’s fucked some ho’s, oh and I rap. You might have heard of me, maybe you haven’t… fuck you either way.

SMOKE DZA

Hip Hop is just a hobby for some but for Smoke DZA, it is a way of life Born and raised in Harlem, NY, DZA (real name Sean Pompey) was raised surrounded by music, though it wasn’t necessarily hip hop, “My first exposure to music was through my Dad.” He reflects, “He played his oldies every weekend and still does up to this day.” DZA was introduced to and fell in love with hip hop at a young age and began a journey that would lead him from dropping out of high school to being one of the hottest, most sought after unsigned rappers in the game today. “I was way too popular in high school,” DZA states, “ I used to battle everyone whether it be in the lunchroom or in front of the school. I was way more interested in that, than attending classes.” His early creative processes started where many rappers do, with the lyrical genius of Notorious B.I.G., “I remember learning all of Biggie’s verses, writing them down and making my own renditions of the songs. After I got out [of] that phase I started crafting my own songs like “History” where I spoke about destroying any rapper lyrically and I wrote a song called “Music On My Side” which was an ode to any artist that influenced me to do music. Jay-Z, Biggie, Big L etc.” As DZA’s focus and talent grew, he began to release mixtapes, like the early Respeconize and even formed a group with a childhood friend call “Smoke & Numbers” before striking out for solo success and Cinematic Music Group in 2005. Though his musical journey is not far removed from his early days in Harlem, DZA has recorded with the likes of Asher Roth, Big K.R.I.T., Devin The Dude and Curren$y to name a few. In the past two years he has released a steady stream of mixtapes to critical acclaim, Substance Abuse (2009), Substance Abuse 1.5: The Headstash (2010), and his most recent project, George Kush Da Button which is quickly making it’s way around the internet. DZA credits his longevity to creating laidback, honest music that people can vibe to and always staying true to the art of hip hop. With all of the disposable music threatening the culture of an art form he is trying to help preserve, Smoke DZA is a welcomed breath of fresh air that will make you grateful for the contact high.

HEAVY METAL FOR GIRLS

We’re from Toronto. We’ve been doing this for a long time, different lines ups, different names. We designed the songs for the venues we’ll be playing in. Our songs have different styles but they’re all supposed to be FUN! enjoy.

ACTUAL WOLF

The Legend of the Actual Wolf

There are outlaws, and there are outlaws. Some practice the pose and cultivate the image, though seldom dirty their soft, bourgeois hands with anything actually outside the law. When they do, it is often despicable, irresponsible or just plain mundane. The Actual Wolf, however, is a real outlaw and has pled guilty to it. Between the bust and before the trial AW recorded a pair of EPs, each showing ‘another side of the Wolf’. The first is USA, an everyman’s acoustic album that channels both Woody and Zimmerman on a smuggler’s road trip on the cop-laden corridor of the I-80. The second—Lightning & the Wolf— conjures a 30-something’s symphony to Gawd, a rock EP at times so ethereal that it floats like smoke up into the aether, at others so earthy & grounded you can almost feel the parole. This is not music that pleads for forgiveness—the man has given his freedom as a sacrament at the altar of his beliefs. Rather, these are songs of redemption. Actual Wolf has paid a price, but like many deals with devils, seems to have come out the greater for it.

THE REAL GONE

A revival of the West Coast sounds from the ’50s and ’60s is happening right now in the Midwest! The Real Gone travels through space and time to rock the classic music of The Ventures, Dick Dale, The Shadows and many more. You’ll need a surfboard to ride the good vibrations of a live performance.

The musicians of The Real Gone are seasoned players with experience in a myriad of genres. Phil and Bret have been band mates for years. They have opened up for such artists as Clint Black, Drive-By-Truckers, Melvin Sparks, Fareed Haque, Caitlin Carey (Whiskeytown) & Thad Cocrell, Devil in a Woodpile, Anna Fermin’s Trigger Gospel, Reckless Kelly and more. Jeff ‘doc’ Bella has been a bass-for-hire for more than 20 years with all manner of musical acts, from jazz, rock, country and more. he has toured all over the United States & abroad to entertain audiences and has warmed the stage for Cracker and 10,000 Maniacs. The Real Gone’s approach to classic instrumentals leaves listeners goners for life … transported in time. We look forward to making your event a Real Goner.

The Real Gone is one of the few true surf rock bands in the area. The tones, beat, technique and attitude are of utmost importance when presenting this music. The Real Gone replicates the classic sounds of the era while bringing a youthful vigor so as not to be a parody or novelty act. Influences include: The Ventures, Link Wray, Dick Dale, The Shadows, The Sadies, Duane Eddy, The Ghastly Ones, Man Or Astro-Man … etc.

THE MARS LIGHT

The Mars Light is a 6-piece gumbo of classic rock B-sides, old school funk and soul, and good time boogie sprinkled generously with improvisational jams and segues. Hundreds of songs in the repertoire and never played the same way twice, The Mars Light keeps it moving and interesting. Rich harmonies mix with dynamic interplay between the instruments and rollicking leads to create a sound that goes way outside the box.

K-SEXTION

The K-Sextion is: two friends doing what they love to do best, play music, and touch souls. .. Matthew Kerr and Patrick Knibbs met at St. Rita High School on freshmen orientation way back in the hott summer of ’96. After a heated debate about topics like: what it would take to convert the school’s chimney into a gigantic hooka, to further service all students; who their favorite bands were; and several other unsavory themes, they discovered that they shared a special connection. This conncection was loosely coined the K-Sextion, and it became a telepathic skill the two have perfected over the years. After a decade jamming together (both co-found the amazing funk band DEUCE) “The K-Sextion” -term- has evolved into the stage name for their powerhouse acoustic duo. With well over 50 shows in the summer and fall of ’07, these two hard working musicians have made a name for themselves in the Chicago land area and are by no means slowing down. Thier repertoire is extremly vast. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk, Disco, 80’s new wave, Folk, and Bassa Nova are all common at a K-Sextion show. Not to mention popular covers from Van Morrison, Prince, Madonna, Greatful Dead, Bob Dylan, and Outcast to name a few. There is no music out of reach for these two lads. ..

WORLD OF SHIT

Music from a death metal project World of Shit. And perhaps stuff I write thats much gayer

Wounds

WOUNDS

Formerly “Wounds of Ruin” formed in 2006. A four piece death metal band from Chicago. Songwriting is based on having groove, tech and hooks that’ll please all types of metal listeners. EP out now and working on playing more shows.

MEGASKYFISH

MEGAskyfish creates Mathy/Melodic/Michigan music. The project was created in 2006 by Randall Erno. Erno used a loop station to compose and perform as a one-man band extensively before founding the MEGAskyfish full line up. After touring Europe in 2010, he decided to bring in fresh blood to the group. First came Will Moblo – Drums, Danny Vail – Bass and Kayla Cross on vocals.

“A short, dark-eyed bundle of energy with a deep, soulful voice” – Petoskey News Review

Collectively, they created “Believe In Beauty” a DVDEP that addresses internet addiction, microwave explosions, pillow fights, synestesia and more.You can find this content @ http://megaskyfish.com/videos/ . The band spent the next several months touring around Midwestern America. Eventually, Erno got hired as a guitar techniction with Eye Empire, Sevendust,and Mushroomhead. He used this time to pass out several thousands free copies of the album.

“Randall’s the 3rd best guitar tech in the business (next to ours of course)” – LJ of Sevendust
”
Upon returning home Erno decided to adjust the lineup one final time. Morphing into a seven piece indie rock orchestra. Bringing in longtime friends Hanna Ford – Vocals, Bret O’Neill- Drums, Gene Gross – Bass, & Kevin Paul – Guitar/Vocals. Moblo would now play keyboard and percussion. Vail left the peaceful left the project to pursue “Costellar.” Collectively they began writing a brand new electric full length, an acoustic ep, releasing a (REMIX) album of Believe In Beauty, and learning over ten hours of modern covers.

They are back to touring full time.

CABANA CAFE

Hiperactivity has always been inside Cabana Cafe. The first EP, Jangada Eletrica (2010), came along with the arrival in Sao Paulo, when all members moved in to Cabana, the house, where everything happens. After that, there were two singles, three videoclips and an endless number of videos made with care and small doses of insanity, that lead the group to run as “newcomer” on Brazilian MTV’s 2011 award.
Now, in 2012, Cabana Café moves towards a new mark. The band prepares its first album, and until it’s released, the concerts and videos are going to be tidbits to prepare Cafe lovers taste. Raise your mugs, the water is already boiling!
Cabana Café is:
Rita Oliva (vocal, piano, synth), Ze Lanfranchi (electric guitar), Gustavo Athayde (vocal, bass), Taian Cavalca (piano, synth), Mário Gascó (drums).

OUR NAME IN THE PAST

The band have become most well known through being part of various projects in London aimed at the re-use of derelict and empty spaces from benefit nights, to art exhibitions to squat parties.

JOSH SCHOLL

Josh is Hollywood Records’ newest recording artist and winner of ABC’s 2011 summer smash Karaoke Battle USA. Hailing from Chicago, IL, his power pop/rock vocals have been entertaining crowds in almost every major club and festival in Chicago for the past 5 years fronting the explosive 80’s tribute act, “The Breakfast Club”. Having opened for such artists as the Gin Blossoms, Rusted Root, Coolio,

Human League, and The Romantics, Josh was eager to perform on a global level in the 2011 Karaoke World Championships in Killarney, Ireland, where he placed among the top ten male vocalists in the world.Josh earned praise from the judges on Karaoke Battle USA, most notably platinum-selling artist Carnie Wilson, who with each performance said Josh, “continued to dazzle, excite, and generate electricity in the room wherever he stood or sang.” No stranger to the stage, Josh has honed his stage presence over 20 years of professional theatre experience in various venues, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Josh studied musical theater at the University of Colorado-Boulder, and it was there his love for rock music grew into a passion, practicing the vocal stylings of Steve Perry and Freddie Mercury in between his opera and acting lessons.

Now, Josh is ready to bring that theatricality to the forefront of mainstream rock with his own sound, one that blends the strong melodic sensibilities of U2 and Journey and meshes it with the current epic soundscape of Coldplay and One Republic, all with a straight-up Midwest rock vibe. His first single, “City Lights”, has been released by Hollywood Records on iTunes, and Josh is eager to bring his own passion, fire, and energy to a stage near you!

KING BY FRIDAY

KING BY FRIDAY is an original band based out of Libertyville IL. Their music is up-beat and driving, featuring elements of each member’s unique background and style.  Their performance resume includes Headlining Chicago’s House of Blues and Double Door, as well as an appearance on ABC7 news! Though they are primarily an original band, they do also have several sets of covers in their arsenal. There is something for everyone at every King By Friday show! In addition to great music, their presence on stage invites the audience to keep tapping their feet all night long! Between the music and the onstage charisma, King By Friday brings a show that is energetic, entertaining, and an all-around good time!

Impulsive Hearts

IMPULSIVE HEARTS

Impulsive Hearts is Danielle Sines. She sings, shouts, plays guitar and synth, and records noises on tape recorders. She likes melodies that remind her of summertime.

+ Max Cohen, Rachael Farinella, Fallon McDermott, Adele Nicholas

For fans of: The Pretenders, Liz Phair, Camera Obscura, Alvvays, Sharon Van Etten, Bleached, Wet Leg, Dum Dum Girls, Fleetwood Mac, and you

THE SKATALITES

The Skatalites began performing in Jamaica in May 1964. The group was so hot that their first rehearsal became a show. So many people had lined up outside the venue, they decided to just charge admission and let everybody in! They were the top musicians on the island at the time, having come together after playing in different bands and on various recording sessions. These records were made to be played at the many competing sound systems around the island. The band became legendary, backing all the developing artists of the day, such as Toots and The Maytals, Prince Buster and “The Wailing Wailers” featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. These groups were all recording on the new beat called ska, which had an infectious rhythm that was catching on like wildfire. Eventually, the beat slowed down into rocksteady, and then reggae. This wildfire spread unstoppably around the world, developing into a huge musical tree with many stylistic branches, including lovers rock, dub, dancehall/ ragga, ska-punk,, and others. Hugely popular groups, like The Police, The Clash, The Specials, The English Beat, Sublime and No Doubt, all have their roots firmly planted in the music of The Skatalites.

Since reforming after an almost 20 year hiatus in 1983, and beginning regular touring as a unit in 1989, they have not stopped thrilling audiences in every corner of the globe. Even after more than 50 years, and various lineup changes as members leave one stage for another, the band continues to perform and record new music in the inimitable Jamaican style, like only they can. The road has been long and hard, and sadly, seen most of the original members pass on. Often asked “when will you stop?” and “how do you keep doing it after all these years?”, the answer is simple: never – It’s the love of the music and the way our fans respond that keep us going Forward!

Featuring original alto sax man Lester “Ska” Sterling and vocalist Doreen Shaffer, along with the current lineup of outstanding musicians they have chosen to accompany them, the band proudly presents live the music of Jamaican Ska.

Forever indebted to the inspiration and talent of: Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Don Drummond, Jerome “Jah Jerry” Haynes, Lloyd Knibb, Tommy McCook, Donat “Jackie” Mittoo, John “Dizzy Johnny”Moore, and Lester Sterling, collectively known as The Skatalites.

 

EVEREST

Formed by Russell Pollard (who formerly played with Sebadoh, The Folk Implosion, and Earlimart) in 2007, Everest caught national attention with the release of 2010 sophomore album, On Approach. While the record helped propel them onto bigger stages and put them in front of bigger audiences, most of the band felt the record only scratched the surface of what they could do. Thus the story of Ownerless begins in early 2011 when the four members of Everest found themselves at creative loose ends. Having been recently freed from a deal with Warner Bros and still slightly road-weary from touring relentlessly behind On Approach, the band set up shop with longtime friend and musical compatriot Richard Swift at his National Freedom studios in Cottage Grove, Oregon. After several weeks of recording, the band eventually returned to LA and enlisted another old friend, Rob Schnapf (known for working on Beck’s Mellow Gold & Odelay, Elliott Smith’s XO & Figure 8, as well as Foo Fighters’ eponymous debut) to produce additional recording sessions for the record. It was the kind of creative kick in the pants that the band needed. “He’s a no-bullshit kind of guy,” says front man Russell Pollard, “If something isn’t working or something isn’t right, he’ll totally bench you. No bullshit, no drama. We didn’t have to rush this time either. Doing things at our own pace, we were able to put our egos aside and just concentrate on making the best record possible.”

VAN GORDON MARTIN

Van Gordon Martin is a dynamic virtuoso of the guitar. From slapping it like a bass to playing mind bending solo’s, he derives textures as diverse as his Chicago roots. From the island sounds of Reggae to gritty Soul, Blues, and R&B. VGM covers all the bases. As a youth he was a National Merritt scholar in jazz guitar. Studied for a short time at Berklee Collage of music in Boston. At age 19 he pl

ayed his first show with legendary Parliament Funkadelic keybordist and musical director Bernie Worrell.As former Lead Guitarist and song writer for Boston based band Spiritual Rez , Van has shared stages with the likes of George Clinton and PFunk, Toots and the Maytals, Steel Pulse, Barrington Levy, and Gregory Issacs.
Now embarking on a solo career VGM has made a break out effort in “No Limit to Love”. VGM is touring in support of the album with a full band and solo acoustic.

DJ ZAC HENDRIX

Zac Hendrix is a dj, producer, and all around funky cat, as it turns out. He was born in the city of Seattle and grew up in nearby South King County. After early years as a bedroom dj, and subsequent years performing locally, Zac officially entered the independent hip-hop game on a full-time basis in 1999. He has traveled extensively as the DJ for Del the Funky Homosapien (since ’02), Bukue One (since ’99), and Insult2Injury (since ’96). He is also a member of The Handsome Skeletons, Hendrix Jones, All Flags Burn, and several other noteworthy groups that you not have heard of yet. Whether he’s rocking a large festival or a small club filled with the most discerning funk aficionados, he’s guaranteed to turn some heads. This is definitely not “dj so and so”.
The message is positive, the beats hit hard, and the vibe is earthy and honest…and did we mention funky?

Zac is a real person in the now, carrying on an amazing tradition of making something good out of lots of nuthin’. That spirit shined in the Bronx of the late 1970’s and it continues to make much needed guest appearances thanks to people like this.

THE DREXELS

The Drexels / Maximum Post Punk Rock-n-Roll. 77 classic punk rock, old school straight ahead hard rock-n-roll with high energy indie edge.

BEWARE, MY LOVELY

Beware, My Lovely’s sound is deeply rooted in their influences of rock, blues, soul, punk, and everything in between. While mainstream influences do not go unnoticed, the band recognizes the influences of their influences. Our band is fronted by the immeasurable powerful and gritty vocals of Lisa Marchese who is arguably the best female vocalist in the city of Chicago. Her deeply moving and soulful singing will elicit anyone’s attention within an earshot and stop people dead in their tracks. Beware, My Lovely’s songs are melodic and crisp while maintaining the rough edges of their influences. The raw and classic rhythms of Bob L’s guitars are rousing to the senses and provide the backbone to the music. The addition of Mark DeLao’s bass and John Nachay’s drums underscore the music with their primal pulse. The band’s simple philosophy of “If it’s not good, don’t play it” certainly shows in the music and, in turn, will rock even the most novice of music lovers to their core.

AYANAMI

Ayanami is a rock band from Chicago, IL, promoting the release of their new LP, Heliotrope – A ten-song LP, drenched in fuzzy guitars, eminently singable choruses, and thundering drums. According to the band, the record is as much a love letter to 70s guitar hero theatrics and the alternative rock of the 80s and 90s as it is a reaction to a perceived narrowing in the world of guitar-based music, where polar opposites dominate and divide music fans. “We don’t want to be the precious indie rock band, or the angry-all-the-time metal band. We think there’s underused space in-between the two,” says frontman Jason Gallagher.  Ayanami is a band determined to make a bold statement – there’s still a place for music that sounds unapologetically huge.

THE SKIES REVOLT

Touring, playing music

BAILOUT

Established in 2009 bailout is pop-punk band at the core, yet also blends the stylings of reggae, hardcore, and ska into their music. Bailout has been compared to artists such as Alkaline Trio, Lagwagon, Descendents, Bayside, and The Suicide Machines to name a few… Their fun, lighthearted, and sometimes offensive live show has been a staple over the years yet the recent digital release of “Rad Dude’s, Bad Tudes!” brings a deeper, unique and energetic group of songs. The writing process fueled by coffee, cigarettes and beer adopted by Trestain[25] and Semegen[24] Bailout focused on the intertwining of sub genres of punk rock while still sticking to their 90’s pop-punk roots. Accompanied by lyrics of self-destruction, heartbreak, and defiance of the corporate structure, many agree bailout has matured compared to previous releases. Featuring youthful vocals, fast tempos and a fun live show, bailout has established they don’t have plans of slowing down for the future.

SPEARS & GEARS

“What if Britney was…”

MARY SQUEEZEBOX

“Old time accordionist”

BAKELITE 78

Bakelite 78 was founded by old time music enthusiast Robert Rial.

Rial arrived in Chicago in 2000, eager to engage in the musical styles he loved most: dance orchestra music/swing, country-blues, dixieland, tin pan alley, rock and American folk. He played his guitar and tenor banjo and took solace in his 78 R.P.M. records (some discs were made from an early form of plastic similar to Bakelite). ‘Bakelite 78’s preserved the music of this era and the band was born to keep classic crooner vocals and smokey-speak-easy jazz/lounge/cabaret alive.

The repertoire is an eclectic mix of swing, Dixieland, blues, proto-country, and cabaret, as well as a plethora of originals in hybrids of these styles. The original lineup of Bakelite 78 performed throughout Chicago from 2003 to 2008. The group released their acclaimed debut “It’s A Sin” in 2006, and followed up in 2008 with “Delta Disc”, produced by Jimbo Mathus of the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

In 2009, Robert departed for Seattle and Bakelite 78 went through a personnel change. Robert sought multi-instrumentalists that preserved and expanded the essence of the group’s original sound. The new lineup of musicians includes Robert Rial on tenor banjo, six string, tenor guitar and voice, Erin Jordan on piano, accordion, and voice, Austin Quist on upright bass and sousaphone, Erik Reed on trumpet, Kevin Buster on clarinet and saxophone, and Steve Baz on drums. Within a couple months, the new line-up began performing original compositions (by Rial, Jordan, and Quist), classic standards and rare gems.

The group has performed all around Seattle, including at The Moore Theatre(during the finale of The 1st Annual Seattle International Cabaret Festival), The Can Can, The Triple Door, The Fun House, The Pink Door, The High Dive, The Josephine, The Seattle Tattoo Expo, as well as a number of weddings and parties. Bakelite 78 has recently completed their new album, What The Moon Has Done, to be released soon.

CHIN CHILLA MEEK

SD

SD, is the 20 year old baby face member and self-proclaimed ‘savage’ of the infamous GBE rap crew/label from the windy and dismal streets of Chicago. Creating a catchy new musical style spawned a slew of imitators in their wake but SD, Chief Keef, Fredo Santana, Lil Reese, still managed to be the leaders of the pack and inspiration to rappers already garnering platinum plaques and Grammy nods. Surrounded by a squad of peers who are all successful breakout rappers in their own respective rights, he finds there is no comparison between himself and his Chiraq counterparts. SD has already found great success in carving out his own identity my creating a niche style of hipster, cool kid rap, gangster rap with features and videos with the likes of Danny Brown, Riff Raff and Lil’ Debbie. As an independent artist he has already released a 3 volume mix tape titled “Life of a Savage I”, “Life of a Savage II”, and “Life of a Savage III” of which, all were repeatedly downloaded and highly acclaimed by hard-hitting rap enthusiasts and critics alike. Every time SD drops a new song, video or mix tape, within days his streams, downloads and video views soar to the millions and above, most notably with his recently released singles: ‘Overdose’, ‘Guap’ and ‘White B!tch*s’. He attributes his success to a mature outlook on life, due to growing up in the reality that any day could be your last on the war comparable streets of Chicago. Looking forward from where he came from, SD says that his driving force in his life is his daughter who shows him a higher purpose for his life than hanging out on the block and possibly getting locked up or dying. This coming quarter he is set to release his next compilation of music which will both break down musical barriers for rappers from Chicago as well as personal milestones he set for himself.

2000 80’s

SHADO KIDD

DJ WICKED PRINCE

MOTLEY CRUE “TOO FAST FOR LOVE”

Too Fast For Love is the debut record of American heavy metal band Mötley Crüe

VAN HALEN “VAN HALEN II”

Van Halen II is the second album by American hard rock band Van Halen, released in 1979.

Check out the Video to see “Eddie”

THE PRO LETARIANS

“The saying, “I’d rather be lucky than good,” chooses one of two desirable options, but what if you could have both?

The duo known as the Pro Letarians were fortunate enough to be just doors apart at Indiana university, a school of over 40,000 students. That’s pretty lucky. With JO on production and Jupiter Jim emceeing, The Pro Letarians have created plenty of well-rounded tracks that often uniquely sample familiar songs such as The Beatles’ “Let It Be” and the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”. Their tracks possess an infectious enthusiasm that makes it hard not to nod along. That’s pretty good.

The Pro Letarians have already come out with two mixtapes despite having just met each other around 7 months ago and being in school for almost the entire time. Their first tape, The Pregame, may have been a little rough around the edges in some spots, but the tape showcased the duo’s potential and received positive praise in the blogosphere. They followed this up with the March release of Hello, Forever, which made the duo’s sonic evolution apparent. Hello, Forever was a longer, more diverse tape, which like their debut mixtape, had no features. That fact kept the spotlight, and the pressure, on them throughout. It seems like the young duo is heading in the right direction and it will be interesting to see where The Pro Letarians end up. The maturation seen in such a short time is encouraging and further proof that these kids out of Indiana are good enough to make their own luck.” ` excerpt from interview with Peter Kole of rubyhornet.com

DISKO ETERNO

A tribute to one of the most influencial bands in the history of Spanish Rock.  DiskoEterno conveys the electro and the unique sounds of SodaStereo in a way that sounds so similar to SodaStereo, but with the touch of Disko Eterno, making this tribute a true pleasure to enjoy

MG BAILEY

Music today seems to thrive on an artist’s ability to adapt to a certain set of rules, as well as possessing a key sound. If the radio is to be used as a sample of what the public wants, it would also dictate that it should be a familiar sound. However, as with all things, sometimes there comes around an artist with his own views that just need to be heard to be believed, and M.G. Bailey definitely falls into that category.

Brought up in the south south side of Chicago, in Glenwood, to be exact, music was never as cut and dried for Bailey. Playing music since fourth grade, he got his start playing saxophone, but wisely switched to guitar, which he played in a number of local punk bands, In and Out being the most infamous of those. In about 2005, he formed Slow Moving Machines with a couple of friends, and enjoyed some success playing across the Midwest, throughout the Chicagoland area, as well as Indiana, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Philadelphia. They even won the Prairie State Battle of the Bands two years in a row. They also released a full length album, All Space Must Be Filled. Employing such various influences as progressive rock, punk and country, it was a truly unique album among the faceless other punk and alternative groups littering the area.

After the demise of Slow Moving Machines in 2008, he searched for a group that would never dissipate, so he started a one man band.
“I can do whatever I want, but they don’t necessarily make gear for what I do.” So he made his own.

I want to play rock and roll and prove that you can do whatever you want; it doesn’t have to be three guys or two guys or one guy that has a group that comes out and does tours.
And so started the one man band. Using guitars modified with drum triggers, keyboards, as well as live drums that he plays while he strums his six string and sings, it’s an unorthodox method but a sight to see.

I saw a guy do it in Memphis, on the streets, and I thought that one day I was gonna try to do that. He was playing blues/country stuff, but I can play punk, I can play metal…
With a sound that takes a kitchen sink approach to composition without sounding jarring, he used all of his experience as a songwriter in his other bands, and started making mini epics at his home studio.

I wanted to meet music in the middle, somewhere between the laptop musician and AC/DC. I want to create soundscapes, using delays, vocals, drums, guitars…I want to fill space with sound. And kick ass!
While the words on this page could never explain his sound or approach the way seeing it in the live setting could, it’s most definitely his punk rock roots that have informed his music the most. It’s the DIY ethic that has made him who he is, but he doesn’t align himself with that punk background.

It’s too easy for a punk rock band to get together and have a punk sound. It’s not punk rock anymore. You can listen to the Ramones, and say that it sounds like shit but there’s something there that you don’t hear in punk bands nowadays.
And despite this approach, the music makes sense, and that’s what matters most. It clearly comes from the heart, and whether you’re listening to one of his songs at home on the stereo or listening to it live, it’s his heart that fills the most space in the sound.

THE SHELL CORPORATION

Mission Statement from the Shell Corporation, for immediate media dissemination:

“We shall continue to deliver best value to our stakeholders by providing superior music to our customers, maintaining our high financial performance and improving our standing as a good corporate citizen of the world by aligning our direction in long-term sustainable fashion”

Contrary to popular belief, The Shell Corporation are a band. Jan, Curtiss, Sean and Jake have been in other bands, but we didn’t come here to dwell on past indiscretions, we gathered here today to talk about their new band. A band that has been described as Hot Water Music, old Against Me, Jawbreaker and The Flatliners, but much more handsome and talented, by their respective mothers.

Money, Fame…The Shell Corporation craves not these things. Ok, money would be nice but for now they will settle for getting on every stage and down in every basement they can find and screaming at you till they blow their voices out. And while waiting for the checks to arrive they will just keep working soulless day jobs so they can continue to make songs about what’s wrong with the world (PLENTY!) mixed with some good ol’ fashioned melody.

They released their debut album “Force Majeure” in September 2011 and a 7″ EP entitled “Bread & Circuses” and immediately began touring Europe and the U.S. shoving their message down the pie holes of anyone that will hear it. This summer will see the re-release of their debut on 12″ vinyl (Solidarity Recordings), as well as the release of their follow up EP “Time and Pressure”. These releases will be followed up with extensive touring the US and a European tour in November, 2012.

And if you don’t know, now you know…

REVEREND DEADEYE

The Reverend Deadeye is the Reverend’s son of a Reverend’s son. He spent his youth handlin’ snakes and performin’ at tent revivals alongside his Pentecostal family on the Navajo reservation in Arizona. This sacred musical heritage finds its way prominently into his performances. But don’t expect a Sunday mornin’ church service; instead, expect a Saturday night baptism with fire holy rollin’ revival. With his modified wok-lid resonator guitar, homemade beer can microphone, kick drum, and washtub snare, he delivers a punk-rock version of gritty pre-war delta blues which he blends with fiery gospel interpretations capable of turnin’ the whole room into a spirit filled bar room revival.

THE DOORS “THE DOORS”

The Doors is the debut album by the American rock band The Doors, recorded in August 1966 and released in January 1967. It was originally released in significantly different stereo and mono mixes. It features the breakthrough single “Light My Fire”, extended with a substantial instrumental section mostly omitted on the single release, and the lengthy song “The End” with its Oedipal spoken-word section.

THE ROLLING STONES “LET IT BLEED”

Performed Live By: Southside Musician Coalition

Let It Bleed is the eighth British and tenth American album by English rock band The Rolling Stones, released in December 1969 by Decca Records in the United Kingdom and London Records in the United States. Released shortly after the band’s 1969 American Tour, it is the follow-up to 1968’s Beggars Banquet and the last album by the band to feature Brian Jones as well as the first to feature Mick Taylor.

OL’ RED SHED

Come on out and see us at a show! We always enjoy new company!

Rising up from the bottomlands of the Illinois River, Ol’ Red Shed is the mud-soaked moonshine swillin’ band that make music perfect for fishin’ trips, bar brawls, long hauls, and lonesome nights.

Ol’ Red Shed’s current roster for Live shows consists of: Coondog Krisser Glenn-Guitar/Lead Vocals, Dabo Lawson-Fiddle Bass/Vocals, Quincy Watson-Mandolin, John Crowe-Banjo

Ol’ Red Shed is always lookin for pickers for studio and seeking a fiddle player for live performance and recording purposes.

ARAN BUZZAS

Aran Buzzas is a honky tonk singer/songwriter from Missoula Montana who dabbles in rowdy Irish folk music and has roots in bluesy rock. Aggressive rhythm guitar playing, strong vocals, and lyrics that are both amusing and heart-felt characterize Aran’s country songs.
This Montana native got his musical start playing classic rock in his high school band Groundswell, back in the mid 90s. Since then Aran has been doing the singer/songwriter thing, writing and recording songs on his analog 4-track and brushing up his lead guitar chops. This culminated with the relase of Aran’s homemade debut CD “Just Bein’ Here” in April of 2008.

“Just Bein’ Here” combines elements of strong song-writing, lots of guitars, and innovative back-up vocals from close friend and collaborator Mike Dunn. The songs range from rock to country, blues to Irish traditional, with Aran playing all the instruments.
For the past three years Aran has hunkered down to refine his “sound”. Using the bluesy rock basis of “Just Bein’ Here” as a jumping off point, traditional and outlaw country sounds have been dominating more recently, along with an ever growing element of edgy Irish trad. Released in August 2010, the “Niki’s Closet Demo” features a more stripped down sound. Mostly straight-up honky tonk, with one tragic Irish rocker.
Several of the demo tracks have been featured on such respected podcasts as Outlaw Radio Chicago, IBWIP, Blue Ribbon Radio, Friday Happy Hour, Rebel Rouser Radio, Broken Country Radio, and the White Trash Revival show.
Since it’s release Aran has opened for Hellbound Glory three times, The Clumsy Lovers, The Cheatin’ Hearts and Coffin Hunter, and played the Community Stage at LYME Fest 2011. Winter 2011/12 Aran will be teaming up with Travis Yost to begin work on a new, full-length CD, featuring guest appearances from many of Missoula’s finest roots musicians. Look for many more performances to come, and a new album in late 2012!

T. JUNIOR

Hailing from Central Alabama, T. Junior is a songwriter, solo performer & front-man for the Montgomery-based Honky Tonk Hustlas. His music incorporates eclectic influences like blues, traditional country, bluegrass, punk rock & heavy metal. Armed only with an acoustic guitar & a microphone, T. Junior is able to tap into common emotions and channel them into his music in a way that regular people can relate to with material ranging from rowdy, upbeat hellraisers to deeply introspective songs about life & death.

With hundreds of shows under his belt at venues all over the southern, eastern & midwestern USA, T. Junior has served multiple roles in several bands, all while holding true to his vision & uncompromising his style. After releasing two Honky Tonk Hustlas albums in 2008 & 2011, T. Junior released his first solo EP, Man in Gray, in 2012.

Being an original songwriter, T. Junior performs his own material, but he also pays tribute to the legends. Able to perform shows up to 4 hours long, he’s versatile & willing to travel. He has played all kinds of venues & private events, including festivals, bars, nightclubs, honky-tonks, dives, weddings, parties, race tracks & more.

C.W. AYON

I am a One Man Band that plays old school juke house blues, (electric and acoustic) from Las Cruces, NM. I sing, play guitar and harmonica and operate a kick drum and a snare with my feet. I have played in Blues Festivals in New Mexico, Mississippi and Minneapolis MN. I just recently returned from a tour of Australia. I have been playing club gigs and festivals in and around Las Cruces and El Paso TX since 2008. This year I also played at the Downtown Streetfest in El Paso. In 2010 I won a NM Music Award for my song “Seen My Baby” for Best Blues Song. I have 3 self-released albums, “Gone”, “Is what it is” and “Ain’t No Use In Moving”

SHOOTER JENNINGS

The only child of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, “Shooter” Jennings (who officially shares his father’s first name) lived his first few years in a crib on his parents’ tour bus. By age 5, he was playing drums. Between tours, back in Nashville, he took piano lessons, didn’t like them, stopped, then started teaching himself and enjoying it more. He picked up his guitar at 14 and hasn’t put it down since. He and his father recorded a few things together when they happened to have some microphones set up and the tape recorder plugged in. Then at 16, he discovered rock ‘n’ roll. Driven by a sound he heard coming together in his head — something like Lynyrd Skynyrd mutating into Guns N’ Roses — Jennings left Nashville a couple of years later to seek his fortunes in L.A. There, he assembled a band and named it Stargunn. For six or seven years they tore up the local clubs, built a rabid following and earned praise from the local music press. But the Hollywood party scene eventually began to bother him. He says, “I was posing as a rocker — a country guy trying to be something he wasn’t.” On March 30, 2003, he dissolved Stargunn and moved to New York City to spend time with his girlfriend and sort out what he wanted to do next. An unexpected gig at the House of Blues a few weeks later revived his creativity. He returned to L.A. to form another band, the 357s. After six weeks in the studio, he completed his first solo album, Put the O Back in Country. Universal South released it in early 2005. With guest vocals from George Jones, Jennings’ “4th of July” reached the mid-level of the country airplay charts. Jennings portrayed his father in the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line. In 2006, he issued the studio album,Electric Rodeo, as well as Live From Irving Plaza.

A MAN AND HIS CLONE

A Man and His Clone was formed in 2001 as an experimental electronic/noise project of Aaron Brown (ex Krelm) and Conor Goetz (ex Project .44). After a short run of performances the group went into an unspoken hiatus for over a decade, but has returned in a new more mature incarnation.
As a 2 man band, technology still plays a strong supporting role in recording and arranging, but the sound is more focused on traditional rock/metal instrumentation. Influences of post metal, noise rock, drone, doom, and even world music create challenging pieces that evolve with each performance.
This music is intended to be difficult, because music does not always have to be easy…

NEW CLEAR THREAT

New Clear Threat is a thrash punk band from the northside of Chicago. Originally starting back in ’97 as ‘Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children,’ a garage punk band that did a lot of Green Day covers, original members, Amit Parekh (bass), Charlie Medina (guitar), and James Kolasinski (drums) decided it was time for a change. After Eric Williams took over on lead vocals (after joining USMC as a second vocalist) and they started messing around with new sounds, New Clear Threat obtained it’s name. Shortly after, Warren Mendoza came in as the second guitarist to compliment and co-create NCT’s unique style. After recording some E.P.’s and playing out, in 2010 Amit went his way to go to Med school and Aaron Jaramillo (bassist of Rather Tragic) took his place.