BUZZARD WAGON
Like being run down by a High Ball with no brakes, Buzzard Wagon’s music will take you on a cyclone ride of loud guitars, thundering bass and bombastic drumming. From the redwood forests, to the Gulf Stream waters, Buzzard Wagon is true American HIGH ENERGY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.
PARKINGTON SISTERS
When Ariel, Sarah, and Rose Parkington of the Parkington Sisters pick up their instruments to strike up a song, the air begins to buzz.The chemistry between the three sisters is so present you feel like you can touch it – and as soon as they strike the first tone, it overwhelms the listener like a tidal wave crashing down.
Hailing from Wellfleet, Massachusetts, the Parkington Sisters cut their teeth on music from the very beginning. Daughters of a prog rock musician and a classically trained guitarist and songwriter, they were raised playing music on picturesque Cape Cod. They rebelled against summer jobs cleaning rental houses and performing in high-brow symphonies and instead became a band performing on the streets of Provincetown, on the tip of the Cape. Over the past 5 years, they have shared the stage with artists ranging from Mavis Staples and Bruce Springsteen to Dispatch and the Dropkick Murphys, performing in including New York’s Radio City Music Hall and in March 2014 NPR’s Mountain Stage. The Parkingtons also joined the Dropkick Murphy’s to perform the national anthem before Game 6 of the 2013 World Series at Fenway Park, leading to the first World Series home win for the Red Sox since 1918!
The band’s new album Me You Us was produced and engineered by Joel Hamilton (Black Keys, Tom Waits, Pretty Lights), along with the sisters – and was recorded in haunted churches, basements, hotels and living rooms across New England – as well as at the new 5000 sq foot Studio G in Brooklyn. It combines the influence of growing up on Cape Cod and the sisters’ individual talents – each of the sisters is a songwriter and a multi- instrumentalist. With soaring melodies, tumbling from optimistic heights to eerie lows, vibrant harmonies and intricate arrangements, their songwriting incorporates the eclectic songwriting of Joni Mitchell and Aimee Mann, the energy of June Carter and the hit potential of Mumford and Sons. Their music has been premiered by Paste Magazine, American Songwriter, Bitch Magazine, and Magnet Magazine and played on radio stations like Acoustic Cafe, WXPN, KUTX, KCSN, WUMB, and WERS. To kickoff their new album release, the sisters will be supporting Blitzen Trapper for eighteen dates in June.
SHY GIRLS
Straightforward, seductive and sincere, Shy Girls producer and vocalist Dan Vidmar creates with an unabashed pop proclivity. The irresistible sensualism in his songwriting calls out with certain clarity, a soulfulness distinct unto itself. The immediacy of Vidmar’s croon turns listeners towards a captivating empathy. Bedroom eyes shine dewily upon these tracks, carrying melting melodies through perfectly minimal compositions, as undertones of New Jack Swing carry a punch that sways with each hook right on target.
Working days at an emergency room, Vidmar returns to his loft in Portland’s inner Eastside industrial district to craft his sultry pop-R&B into the mystical pre-dawn hours. As much as Vidmar is part of a growing R&B resurgence, he stands apart from the herd of “avant-R&B” artists thanks to his crystal clear production. The tenderness of his art is never submerged in the muck and mire of dissonance, making for a refreshing and universally alluring listen. Vidmar’s swoon-worthy voice is already in demand for vocal features: He partnered with producer extraordinaire Cyril Hahn on the blissed-out dance jam “Perfect Form”, and has lent his vocal prowess to a track on the forthcoming album of Chicago’s cosmonaut house duo Supreme Cuts. As well, he has already seen online love and praise for his six-minute seduction “Under Attack” (which features a gourd-blowing celestial sax solo from tUnE-yArDs’ Noah Bernstein) and its far out remix by The-Drum. Expect the first proper Shy Girls release on Oct. 29th, an EP of devastating slow jams and woozy club cuts entitledTIMESHARE. TIMESHARE will be released in the US on Hit City USA, and in the UK/Eur on ASLRecords.
JHENE AIKO
Singer / Songwriter Jhene Aiko signed a record deal with No I.d record label in late December 2011. The signing came shortly after the release of her mixtape Sailing Soul(s) which features artists such as Miguel, Drake and Kendrick Lamar and can be downloaded her website.
EL STOPPERS
El Stoppers is a teen Rock band based out of Chicago, IL. In September of 2012 El Stoppers was formed out of diverse group of musicians in a collective effort to perform great original music.
MONUMENTS
Chris Barretto – Vocals
Browne – Guitars
Olly Steele – Guitars
Adam Swan – Bass
Mike Malyan – Drums
Transcontinental metallers MONUMENTS have come a long way since starting as a side project of John Browne (guitars; Fellsilent) and Josh Travis (guitars; The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza). From a surprise appearance on BBC Radio 1 to debut full-length, “Gnosis“”, the group immediately found a fanatic audience. Praised for their brainy yet song-oriented approach to heavy music, MONUMENTS bridged the progressive metal gap like few before. On one side they challenged. “Gnosis“” was full of mind-bending, betcha-can’t-play-this-type passages. On the other side, fans deeply connected to hook- laden songs like “97% Static” and “Empty Vessels”.
Fast forward two productive years later and MONUMENTS – now with Chris Barretto (ex-Periphery, Ever Forthright) on vocals – have grown tremendously. While they’re still way into instrumental gymnastics and impressing fans with their musical prowess, they’ve really honed in on writing huge, impossibly memorable songs for new album, “The Amanuensis”. Like bigger, badder, and even more epic-than- before type stuff. If “97% Static” and “Empty Vessels” stuck to the brain, new songs like “I, Creator”, “The Alchemist”, and “Origin of Escape” hit the head, body, and mind hard. “I really like the chorus of ‘The Alchemist’,” guitarist John Browne smiles. “It’s really simplistic, but I think that part will sound big and open when we play it live. I also dig the ending of ‘I, The Destroyer’. I can’t really focus on one part or song. All of the songs I’m happy with how they all turned out.”
“The Amanuensis” is a complete experience, actually. Even Browne’s mom is impressed: “I know my mum will blast this out of her car like she did with ‘Gnosis’. She loves groove.”
If one thing’s certain about MONUMENTS and Browne in 2014 they’re keen to move away from needless classification with “The Amanuensis”. They’re specifically referring to their tenuous association with the djent movement. “Music is music,” Browne says. “It has the same 12 notes as any other music. The only difference is the way it’s expressed, so we use pretty silly words to try and explain the sound. The word ‘djent’ makes no sense whatsoever to describe a genre. The tone that it references isn’t really utilized by many bands that are classed as it. I feel progressive metal is a much better reference to our music, with a huge dose of groove.”
ERRA
ERRA is a five piece progressive metalcore band hailing from Birmingham, Alabama that formed in 2009. Their namesake comes from Akkadian mythology and represents mayhem (something that comes to mind when giving them a listen). The band, consisting of Garrison Lee, Jesse Cash, Alan Rigdon, Sean Price and Alex Ballew, solidified their technical sound after relentlessly practicing and writing. They take their influences from well respected groups like Misery Signals, Born of Osiris, As I Lay Dying and Saosin, and thrive on being creative and showcasing their talent through their intense live performances. Erra takes great pleasure in offering their refreshing sound in a sometimes stale and over-saturated market. It’s not about fashion or status; it’s about using raw talent and energy to create genuine songs that will give hope to the listener.
URBAN PIONEERS
Liz Sloan was born in Abilene, TX and grew up in a small west Texas town called Breckenridge. When she was three years old her mother entered her into violin training. Her first violin was a Cracker Jack Box with a ruler taped to it. She was home schooled for most of her childhood so she could focus on playing violin. She eventually got fed up with the classical world and looked for a change in the world of country and bluegrass. She joined began touring with Bob Wayne and the Outlaw Carnies in 2009 where she met Jared.
Jared was born in Pensacola and grew up in Chattanooga, TN. He grew up playing in local punk bands that never made it out of the basement. He joined the Navy in 2001 and after his time in the Navy he wanted to play music again so he bought an upright bass and taught himself how to play. He played in a lot of New England rockabilly and psychobilly bands as well as partially fronting his own band, Soul Reapin’ 3. In 2009 he decided to ‘make a go at the music thing’ and left everything behind to tour with the Hillbilly Hellcats in Europe for a month. The day he came back he got a phone call from Bob Wayne saying that he needed a bass player. That evening Jared hit the road from Connecticut and met the Carnies in Austin, TX.
Liz and Jared hit it off immediately and since then have toured and recorded with countless bands in the roots community. The Urban Pioneers are Liz and Jared’s new project where they set out to conquer the blacktop sea playing their brand of old time music that is guaranteed to get you stomping your feet!
STARDUST BIG BAND
One of the most popular big bands in Chicago during the 1980’s and 90’s was the Déjà Vu Big Band. Now, several veterans of that group have come together once again to form the Stardust Big Band.
Led by award-winning composer-arranger Jon McGahan, the Stardust Big Band is dedicated to promoting and continuing the jazz traditions as practiced by Maynard Ferguson, Neal Hefti, Bill Holman, and Quincy Jones among others. This 10-to-13-piece ensemble combines inventive writing with vibrant solos by some of Chicago’s finest big band practitioners.
The Stardust Big Band takes its musical influence from the classic jazz of the 1950’s and 1960’s, a time when martinis were in, class was where it was at, and bands like Count Basie, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich were taking the world by storm.
The Stardust Big Band has been the house band at both Cafe Touché in Edison Park and Romano’s in Park Ridge, as well as having been featured twice at Bannockburn Green’s “Music on the Green” series, and played to enthusiastic audiences at local venues such as Wise Fool’s Pub, Morseland, The Heartland Café, Crimson Lounge, Red Kiva and Gallery Cabaret.
AUSTIN ASININE
Austin Asinine is one man’s punk rock assault on four tiny strings. The songs short, the strums erratic, and passion unquestionable. Armed with just an ukulele, serving proof it’s not the size of your weapon that matters
BLACK DRAGON RIVER
Rock and roll trio from Chicago IL
DA$HTONE
Da$H was born in the heart of Chicago. He grew up playing sports, but would soon begin to channel his thoughts and energy into poetry. After years of practice and writing, Da$H knew that he wanted to create poetry for the rest of his life. He began experimenting with music and fell in love. Hard. Since that moment, he Da$H has done everything in his power to continue to advance and develop his skills, and the proof is in the pudding.
In 2011 he assembled his first band that would consist of drums, guitar, piano, bass, trumpet, saxophone, violin, and a female vocalist to accompany him: Da$Htone was born and their music was unheard of. Drawing influence from artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Immortal Technique, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, Jack Johnson, Citizen Cope, Amy Winehouse, and Blu; their melodies were honest and pure promoting love, peace and understanding. “If violence is the answer, than the question, it was wrong anyway. Let’s build something great. There’s never been a limit on what love will create” –Felix by Da$Htone.
WEREWOLVES AT HOUR 30
Fast Paced, Groove Based and ready to rock your world, Werewolves at Hour 30 are an original rock band based out of Chicago IL. These Chicago natives blend together a menagerie of musical flavors into a tight groove rock package. WAH30’s influences reach wildly across the musical spectrum. They span anywhere from Foo Fighters to Fu Manchu, from Kings of Leon, to Queens of the Stone Age and so on. Werewolves at Hour 30 are carving a path through the thick Chicago night with a dull knife, a hip flask and dark sunglasses.
James: rhythm guitar and vocals
Tony: lead guitar
Jon: bass and vocals
Art: drums
IMPOSSIBLE!
deep-dish operatic rockabilly gypsy punk [or something]. feat. eric + steve (guitars), kurt (upright bass), jajah (violin), kat (synth), stan (drums)
DAMIEN MCFLY
Music has always been my priority. I really wanted to learn to play the saxophone but 12 years was given to me a keyboard, and from there it all started. At home I have always breathed notes and different genres of music, the radio in the kitchen with a ball Baptists while my mother was a cleaner in my brother’s room and the ACDC Dream Theater. Still not quite a teenager I started playing the guitar, going through the summer lying on the couch strumming.
cellar became a small rehearsal room that slowly began to fill tools, constantly inviting friends to beat some stroke of cash while I destreggiavo with the solos of “The Darkness.”
After a few group lasted less than a few months I went into a tribute band Rage Against the Machine as drummer, breaking more or less one or two sticks at every stroke of the roller. In the meantime, I wrote poignant love songs in my bedroom and started to record them conscious of being a bit ‘”loser.”
Stubborn and believes I took courage and contacted some musicians to play my pieces exhibiting me loads of love in different contexts.
In 2010 to solve an emergency arise musical Brothers McFly duo with whom I experience all kinds, rearranged covers of international artists, but mostly play live. In 3 years I collect more than 100 concerts.
Passing the days in my basement that had now become a study also began to realize my video, and to improve my skills as a producer, releasing three albums of covers with The Brothers McFly.
melt In 2013 the duo determined to create something truly mine, keeping the music in the first place in every aspect of my life.
DEE JAY NUNE AND THEOLONIOUS KRYPTONITE
K-PROG
K-PROG
DOWN NORTH
Down North masterfully mixes underground rock and party-fueling soul,
regularly lifting up audiences that have been craving new soul sounds
from the city that gave the world Wheedle’s Groove and Jimi Hendrix.
Down North’s upcoming new line-up debut will still feature the bold
and sensual talents of lead vocalist/dancer Anthony “RenaGade”
Briscoe, whose North Carolina-bred approach to making fans swoon has
no equal in the Pacific NW. Raised on Michael Jackson and Sam
Cooke, Anthony is as stylish and emotional as Prince in his vocal
expressions. Co-leader Brandon Storms is an extremely versatile
bassist-guitarist who writes much of the music and taps into his love
for everything from Hendrix to James Jamerson in making tunes both
infectious and substantial.
The recent additions of Drum Off! award-winning and crowd-amping
player Conrad Real (drummer for Ayron Jones and The Way and Society’s
Child as well) and the psychedelic-jazz trills of guitarist Nick Quiller make the
band an unusual and extremely welcome addition to the regional music
scene. Depending on whim (and the size of the stage!), Down North
expands to a seven piece, integrating horns and other players to help
deliver their dazzling grooves.
They’ll probably also transcend to higher level of acclaim very soon;
early single “Danger” was played on MTV’s The Real World even before
this killer line-up was settled on. Newer meatier cuts like “So What,”
“Your World,” “Running,” and “Heartbreaker/Revolution” (which features
the Black Rock psyche-outs of guest legendary axeman Jabrille) reveal
the band moving in even edgier, sweatier musical realms.
“We want to be an opening beacon for this scene that’s happening now
and not getting enough notice,” Anthony says. He loves to hang out all
over Seattle, but the other night was blown away when he met two gals
on Cap Hill “who had lived all their lives here and never heard of
Marmalade.” He wants to open up the party to rock fans “who want to
dance again!” and to those who have been craving fresh, warm, loving
soul in the midst of a chilly indie scene. “The people that play in
this band are excellent at what they do and we’re all here to play
music for people who want to move and connect.”
Down North is part of the zeitgeist not only of bands mining a deeper,
better played history, but also one that taps into the 90s music scene
when anything was possible. “I grew up pretty sheltered,” Brandon
admits, growing up in a small Washington town near the Canadian
border, “and had my life turned around by feasting on albums like
‘Check Your Head’ — the fusion of all those beautiful sounds going on
at that time.” Serious about his playing (like Anthony, they were
raised in the church and really learned how to practice and perform
music), he moved to Seattle, and enrolled in the Shoreline recording
program. He joined some musicians which became the formative version
Down North, and their first gig was opening for Alien Crime Syndicate
before a crowd of 500 people. “I was playing in a soul band before I
even listened to soul!” he says (and has truly grown into the role).
Like many bands these days, the two met on Craigslist — Anthony
finally finding collaborators who wanted to make the good time, high
quality sounds he loves to listen to and make, and Brandon eager to
add him to Down North’s line-up. “I want to have a body of work,”
Brandon says about their recent playing in the studio, “We’re going to
focus on short releases (EPs) of great songs; I want to release as
much as I can but it has to be high quality material.”
–Chris Estey
SONA BLISS
SONA BLISS is a new rock band based out of Chicago, USA.
Original music that doesn’t suck.
Their sound has been described as Rock or Hard Rock with a touch of old school Power Pop. A combination of various musical influences, both new and old, that will literally rock your face off when you see them perform live. The band is composed of John Checuga (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Jim Bashaw (Drums and Backing Vocals), and Phil Armato (Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals). Three long time friends who each went their separate ways but were unexpectedly reunited to form SONA BLISS in 2013.
Applying their combined years of experience spent in other bands (some as major label recording artists, etc…) along with their common creative goal of crafting “music that sticks in your head”, memorable songs that not only rock… but also have hooks… has led them to finally look beyond the confines of their rehearsal space and eager to introduce SONA BLISS to the world-or at least to anyone who will give them a listen (we know you’re out there!!!). In addition to getting out and building a fan base in 2014, SONA BLISS also plans on releasing an upcoming EP soon that is in it’s final stages of mixing and mastering at Gravity Studios, Chicago.
THE MISERY JACKALS
The Misery Jackals deliver the hillbilly hoedown to modern day punks and old timers alike. Being lovers of punk rock, bluegrass, blues, country, roots, and various forms of ethnic musical styles, they put together a sound that embodies what they’d like to hear. The result is what they call “Pillbilly Browngrass,” “Bluethrash,” or “Dirty Bluegrass.” One guy said it was the kind of music he wished played in his head all day.
The Misery Jackals’ write songs to live by… or rather a roadmap to avoid the common pitfalls of life. Most songs are based on real people and circumstances. They are known to perform their own take on their favorite punk or disco songs. Their live performance is paired nicely with alcoholic beverages and folks who like to dance. A good time is the goal, every time.
The ensemble’s lineup currently consists of the following members:
Tim Burrows (Dawghouse Timmy) – contrabass, vocals
Bill Corgan (Sweet Willy C.) – banjo, percussion, vocals
Jeff Selzer (Beaner Nix) – guitar, kazoo, vocals
Ben Shuber (Shubes) – accordion, washboard
DEVAH QUARTET
To call Toronto’s déVah quartet a ‘string quartet’ would be a boldface lie. YAMAHA Artists since 2011 and D’Addario Artists since 2013, déVah is comprised of Emily on electric violin, Sharon and Moira on electric 5-string violin/viola hybrids, and Liza on electric cello.
Often accompanying them are a small roster of excellent session drummers who add modern breakbeat and metal beats. déVah invents a rich texture of sound utilizing various non-acoustic modifying tools creating different tones and dimensions to music. Void of a stereotypical mold, déVah is continuously evolving and recreating itself, with hopes of innovating the quartet world through electric string creativity.
In June 2013, déVah released their much anticipated eponymous debut album. Produced by prog rock heavyweight Robert Berry, their genre has also been labeled everything from indie rock to alt pop. Whatever the style, the music is high-energy artistry performed with virtuosic ability.
The band has been featured in the UK Magazine ‘PROG’, and performed for Toronto’s 2015 Pan Am Games Countdown Launch, Vancouver’s Alternative Fashion Week, ISES, and aired on radio across North America.
SMOKE NO.7
Smoke No.7 is the stuff that feels good. Smoke No.7 that feeling that makes you want to move, destroy, create, LIVE. Get your ass off the couch and move to some real music made to rock your bones and make your ears bleed. Please Enjoy Irresponsibly.
DEAD FEATHERS
Based out of Chicago, IL, Dead Feathers has proven themselves to be a band with exceeding potential and lasting appeal since day one.
Building off of the success of their 2019 debut album “All is Lost” on Ripple Music, Dead Feathers has been gaining a growing fan base across North America and overseas through ambitious touring and supporting acts like Kikagaku Moyo, All them Witches, SLIFT, and many more in their home city. During that time, they have established their name and carved a debut full-length album with the anticipation of their sophomore album “Full Circle ” soon to be released september 22nd, 2023 on Ripple Music.
Their live shows, filled with sensual and thunderous energy on stage, have put concert goers under their spell. Brought on by the soulful and emotional vocals from Marissa Allen combined with The fuzz and reverb backed guitars, ever flowing bass lines, and booming drums, Dead Feathers sets a mood which has been crafted with the skill and artistry they’ve come to be known for which has attracted mentions and praise from music blogs such as Rolling Stone France, Classic Rock Magazine, and more.
While Dead Feathers has been compared to various classic 60’s & 70’s bands such as Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother & the Holding Company, and Frumpy – along with modern acts like Blues Pills, Black Mountain, and Graveyard, they bring a style and songwriting that is exclusively their own.
KIT
Born in Cincinnati, Oh resides in Chicago, IL 24 yr old rapper/singer KIT created his own world when it comes to music. Debut project NewWavey was a new sound, he plans to make new genres of music and take it another level. He has another project dropping June 2014 called ‘Lownt God Rising’. Kit likes to be hands on with all his music and visuals. He directs a lot of his music videos as well. To describe KIT in one word it would be ‘creative’
SUPREME CUTS
JUVENILE
New Orleans-based gangsta rapper Juvenile was born Terius Gray. After beginning his performing career while in his teens, he released a 1995 album on Warlock titled Being Myself. He eventually crossed paths with Cash Money label owners Ronald “Suga Slim” and Brian “Baby” Williams, who issued 1996′s Solja Rags; the album became a major underground hit, and set the stage for the release of 1998′s 400 Degreez. In 1999, with Juvenile’s popularity growing, Solja Rags was reissued nationally, and Warlock jumped on the bandwagon with a remixed version of Being Myself. The year ended with the release of a new studio effort, Tha G-Code, followed by Project English two years later in 2001. In 2002 he left Cash Money and formed his own collective, the UTP Playas (Uptown Project Playas), with whom he recorded a posse album, The Compilation. The album went nowhere and a year later he was back on Cash Money and releasing Juve the Great, which featured the chart-topping hit “Slow Motion.” The 2005 “Noila Clap” single from the UTP Playas was another big track, and Juvenile was ready once again to shop for a new label. As he was signing a new contract with Asylum, his Slidell, Louisiana home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane and its grim aftermath were hot topics on his chart-topping 2006 album Reality Check. His next two albums — Cocky & Confident (2009) and Beast Mode (2010) — featured much lighter material. In 2011 he released Rejuvenation, an album primarily produced by Mannie Fresh.
SOLAR ENSEMBLE
Two former ‘bag carrying record salesmen’ for Virgin Records – Bill Giardini and Kent Anderson have reunited, this time instead of being backstage they are on the stage. To round out the trio they have recruited a most capable drummer and nice guy – Eric Pancer to lay down the groove to some old jazz & blues tunes.
DAN MEINHARDT QUARTET
The Dan Meinhardt Quartet has introduced itself as an important facet of the Chicago jazz scene. Playing original compositions and arrangements, the quartet explores melody and improvisation with a minimalist, yet powerful approach. Joining Dan are trumpeter Justin Copeland, bassist Tim Ipsen, and drummer Andrew Green. Combining flavors of jazz, hip-hop, folk, chamber, and improvised music, Dan’s compositions bring an organic, accessible quality to the quartet.
FALL OF THE ALBATROSS
Experimenting with the eclectic sounds of jazz and heavy metal, Fall Of The Albatross creates music that is beautiful and chaotic. Released in May 2011, their debut EP “Entanglement” is still sending shock waves around the world. Their live performances take hundreds of people through a thrilling, genre defying experience.
STRIKER
Striker is a JUNO Award winning Edmonton-based recording and performing heavy metal band that has grown immensely through their years in the industry.
A modern mix of classic heavy metal, hard rock, and 80’s hair metal, their music features powerful, clean vocals, catchy choruses, vocal harmonies, and impressive guitar leads.
If you came looking for shred, you found it!
THE BELLE WEATHER
The Belle Weather is a hurricane.
We are acoustic guitars, stories, and melody. We are the resonant, pounding beat of a kick drum, the deep pulse of bass guitar, and the siren’s wail of an over-driven tube amp. We are open fields and skyscrapers – equal parts modern folk and alternative rock – a fusion of inspired anthems and the art simple storytelling.
From the local coffee shop to the largest festival stages, we’ve built a reputation as one of the most diverse, polished, and passionate original bands on the Wisconsin scene. With each new song we continue to explore and evolve – invoking styles that range from raw, powerful grunge rock through intricate acoustic folk and lush soundscapes. We take these songs to the stage with a rare combination of gritty, sweat-drenched energy and honest, heart-felt sonic grace. Every concert is crafted to be an experience like none other.
In the end, we have taken a great many influences and blended them into a sound that is uniquely our own. Soaring melodies emerge from the urgent sounds of guitar, bass, and drums. Impassioned, soulful vocals whisper, roar, haunt, and illuminate – leading the audience through stories of love and loss, hope and doubt, fury, optimism, and pure, unbound wonder.
We invite you to come and listen, and promise to give you everything we’ve got.
THE BYRDS “THE BYRDS GREATEST HITS”
The Byrds’ Greatest Hits is the first greatest hits album by the American rock band The Byrds and was released in August 1967.
THE MIZZERABLES
Formed in 2013 by Joe Mizzi, The Mizzerables are a Chicago-based punk rock trio with gritty, vocal-driven hooks. With Dave Vazzano and Korey Brisendine holding down the rhythm section, the band has been refining their sound over the past few years, culminating in their latest effort “Whatever… This Sucks,” a 30 minute trip through Mizzi’s psyche. Mizzi, a Michigan native and former member of Ten Ninety, Common Rider, and About the Mess, pulls influence from much of the music he cut his teeth listening to layered on top of the seemingly always forward-moving foundation set by Vazzano and Brisendine. Recorded with 88 Fingers Louie guitarist Dan Precision at his Bomb Shelter studio, the album will be released on August 23rd, 2019
D’WAYNE WIGGINS
D’Wayne Wiggins is no stranger to what it really takes to create million dollar projects. He knows all the aspects of making great music. D’Wayne is best known as the founding member of the 90s New Jack Swing/Neo-Soul group, Tony! Toni! Toné!. The group made no less then 14 Billboard charting R&B singles, including five number one hits, three Top Ten Pop singles, one gold album, two platinum albums and one double platinum album. They have sold over six million albums during their career together.
Just before the group disbanded in 1996, Wiggins established Grass Roots Entertainment located in his West Oakland recording studio, “House of Music”. Also in 1995, D’wayne Wiggins developed and signed Destiny’s Child to Grass Roots Entertainment. The group went on to become a powerhouse of female performers and the best-selling girl group of all time. He worked with the group through three albums, which have collectively sold more than 15 million copies. He also worked with artist Keyshia Cole, who resided in the “House of Music” from 1999-2001. Cole was mentored and received guidance from Wiggins during that time and went on to sign with A&M Records. He also worked with Laurnea of Arrested Development on her release Laurnea II and collaborated with Jody Watley. His “House of Music” was patronized by artists such as Alicia Keys, Beyoncé Knowles,India.Arie, Keyshia Cole, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Money and producer Scott Storch.
Wiggins released first solo project with Motown Records, Eyes Never Lie, in 2000 featuring collaborations with Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish, Jamie Foxx and Carlos Santana. This album contributed to the foundation of the Neo Soul genre.
Wiggins also worked with the pioneers of what is known as Oakland’s “Hyphy” movement on such projects as: Too Short’s How Does It Feel and Hoochie; Messy Marv’s Blades; and The Coup’s Pick A Bigger Weapon album released in 2006. You can find Wiggins guitar skills and vocals on Ludacris ’s Splash Waterfalls Remix. He formed the group Kenya Gruv performing Top Of The World the original movie soundtrack Menace II Society.
In 2003, Wiggins went into the studio to work with platinum artist Alicia Keys. The title track single, Diary, made Top Ten on the Billboard charts as well as the album going platinum and winning four Grammy Awards in 2005. D’wayne Wiggins co-produced another track on the album and performed the sitar, If I Was Your Woman, winning him a Grammy for production.
Wiggins continues to tour performing Tony! Toni! Toné! songs with current lead singer Amar Khalil (since 1998), trumpeter Bill Ortiz, saxaphonist Vince Lars, drummer/keyboardist Timothy Christian Riley, guitarist John “Jubu” Smith and bassist Elijah Baker.
Wiggins’ current projects include Poplyfe, which had a run on America’s Got talent where they placed 4th in the final round (2012). Currently he is working with Oakland’s next generation of talented youth through his non-profit Youth Aid. Wiggins is also putting together the Tony! Toni! Toné! 25th Anniversary Album and other special related projects.
PIGS A$$ PORK
Hellwater plays irreverent, raunchy and original traditional American music from honky tonk to high-lonesome country to oldtimey bluegrass and tub-thumping jug band and country blues tunes.
PATRICK SWEANY
“Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover, or in this case, a musician by his promo shot. For example, take a good look at Patrick Sweany. Do you think he plays NME hyped new rave? Nope. He’s an honest, hard workin’, roots rockin’ blues man from the rust belt.” – I Rock Cleveland
DAVE KATZMAN
Dave Katzman has been working in the Chicago Blues scene for over 4 decades. He has traveled the world as an Engineer, Guitarist, Producer and Road Manager. Working with artists like Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Otis Rush and many others.
NATTY NATION
Hard Roots Rock Reggae & Dub–this is the unique blend of music that is Madison, WI’s Natty Nation. The independent all original touring & recording outfit is one of the leading forces in USA based reggae.
Their messages of spreading positive vibrations, peace, love, building community, & universal spirituality have been ringing out since Natty’s inception in 1995.
Natty has backed up reggae legends Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Chaka Demus & Pliers, and shared the stage with Ziggy, Damian, & Stephen Marley, Sister Carol, Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, Toots & the Maytals, Wailing Souls, Culture with Joseph Hill, Beenie Man, & countless others.
JAH Boogie and his backing band’s tight but fluid, rootsy but funky, beautiful but gritty, righteous but real vibration is clear to anyone listening to their music either on their stereo or live in concert. It’s almost impossible not to dance at a Natty Nation show. Every concert is a different experience.
Their energy is infectious & their dubtastic jams are complex, yet their overall message is simple: spread the positive vibration.
Join the Natty Family on this beautiful road of life! Blessings to you and yours!
SEYGO
SEYGO is touring performance-art based in Nashville, TN.
It is visual. It is sound.
“SEYGO is love against static and honey on the tongue. We’re painting an idea.”
He says as she continues,
“We’re going on a live trip and we’ll use SEYGO rhythms, voice and video.”
HOUR OF PENANCE
Death metal is more than just music. It transcends such a limited mortal state of mind. Death metal is the aural expression of humanity’s darkest side, of devastation, sorrow and the harbingers of mankind’s own inhumanity and ultimate destruction. Death metal is not a trend, a fashion parade or a means to an end. It is much more than that. It is a way of life. A life in death. This is the doctrine Italy’s HOUR OF PENANCE, spewn forth with unrelenting musical ferocity through their sickening, mind-obliterating auditory assault on the senses. Forged in the dark shadows of “The Holy Capital,” this most unholy of quartets have steadily been making a name for themselves as one of the most intense, talented and impressive modern death metal bands both in-studio and onstage.
LES DUDEK
“Recording artist Les Dudek is known in the music world as a Guitar Legend whose contributions have influenced the history of Rock n’ Roll. He is best remembered for his radio hits, “Old Judge Jones and “City Magic”. After releasing four successful solo albums and one collaboration (DFK) with Columbia Records, the legendary Southern Rocker has gone on to release three more albums with Eflat Productions; “Deeper Shades of Blues”, “Freestyle” and “Delta Breeze”.
In addition to a successful solo career, his uniquely recognizable guitar style can be heard playing with some of Rock and Pop’s biggest names, such as the Steve Miller Band, Boz Scaggs, The Allman Brothers Band, Dave Mason, Stevie Nicks and many more.”
CARBELLION
Carbellion was formed in late 2004 based on the idea that a band with soulful eclectic vocals, guitars that are equally comfortable being aggressive and subdued, drums shifting from tranquil to thundering, and a bass that conjoins them into complete balance can accomplish more musically with the sum of these parts than by the strength of any one. Lyrics that convey a concept or tell a story coupled with music that sets scenery and mood quickly captured the attention of people across the US and abroad.
Carbellion is a band that can capture any ear via the recorded material, hold the attention of the crowd hostage with their impressive live performance charisma, and floor anyone in the industry with their “uncharacteristic for a hard rock act” work ethic and professionalism.
DITCHWATER
Hard Rock/Metal band from Chicago, IL
NASIM WILLIAMS
D KIDD & ACE
Out here tryna make it as a musician. And i say musician because i dont just write songs and rap to a beat. I also play many instruments and know music inside and out. I love music and this is my way of expressing myself. SHINE FOREVER
MICKEY ESTEZ
Coming from the westside of Chicago,IL musician “Mickey Gran Estez” is the most intriguing artist coming from the second city. He began writing his own stories at the age of 9 some pages would consist of 11 pages or more with illustration by him. He also likes to brag that Dr.Seuss was his mentor in rhyming, but it really was his uncle also a underground Mc who goes by “Westside” gave him the foundation to build his music career. It is his long time dream to be known for putting his section of the city known to music industry. He wrote poems and songs and made homemade microphone and guitars at age 11 he’s come from place of violence ,but manages to over look it and expresses how he’s feel about it in his music. His Sound to him is consider out of this world strange, but yet unique it’s safe to say he has develop his own genre of music by composing his own beats. His influences seems to be mostly Midwestern hip hop artists ranging from Eminem,Common,DoOrDie, Twista,Kanye West, 80’s-90’s Hip Hop Artists. He feels it’s not just hip hop that inspires him, but all music does listeners can hear it in his music it could sound like classical,rock,alternative, soul,punk, and organic he’s wants to credit so many artists f or their involvement on helping him think outside the box he even acknowledges Albert Einstein for his of saying “never give up on what You really want to do the person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts” Mickey will be releasing his first Ep in Spring 2013 called “League Of Shadows”
REDEFINERS
The Chicago music landscape is changing. It is not only Chicago and the Midwest that have taken notice. This evolution takes place on a national stage, where the world awaits what is next to come. The sounds of the Windy City now belong to a new generation, a REDEFINED generation. Leading this movement is two of Chicago’s very own MCs, ATM and Mentality. Together the duo formed THE REDEFINERS with a goal to bring a brand new approach to authentic, an innovative guide to genuine, and a pioneering perception of today’s hip-hop.
KIDD CHI
KiDD Chi is a rapper, songwriter & producer from Chicago, Illinois. He started writing at the age of 8, but didn’t become serious in a career in music until the age of 13. Since then KiDD has been co-signed by Coast2Coast, signed by On The Grind Management, released a buzzing single “CUL8R”, performed with artist such as Mac Miller, Chance The Rapper, Kid Ink, Chuck Inglish, etc & started building his label 2ill Entertainment. KiDD dropped his first full length release, #KiDDChiMania, on March 29th, 2013. Get your copy today at www.kiddchimania.com!
JAYTEKZ
I was born in the Northwest side of Chicago. I was raised by my grandparents due to unfortunate circumstances. I always found my life surrounded by a mixture of bad luck and negative situations. At a young age, I didn’t know how to deal with the negativity & often found myself in trouble & on a bad track. Eventually I found poetry as a way to escape everything and found that as a way to let out all my emotions. At 17, I wanted to take my talent to the next level and decided to try rapping. I became. My biggest song to date has been a Fall For Your Type Remix I made in the backseat of a car on my way to 6 Flags. Just a regular day where I was feeling emotional, and people felt my pain. People loved the song, & discovered my other songs. Now, little by little I’m getting more known. My musical inspiration is Dizzy Wright. Other artists I’m inspired by are: Eminem, DMX, & Nas. Each of my songs are about my life & personal experiences: rough childhood, my father incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit (before I was even born), as well as many more struggles that have bumped me along my road. I have received overwhelmingly positive reviews with my songs because of the powerful message behind them that can relate to everyone. I refuse to rap about the bullshit that’s making “rappers” famous now. Who supports me to be brave enough to write about my life? My Pops. Although I have never seen him outside of prison walls, my Dad remains my hero & biggest influence. Our bond remains as strong as ever despite this country’s corrupt “justice” system separating us. Whenever I’m going through rough times, I always remember what my Dad once told me, “When you get hit, put your chin up and fight back until you come out on top”. I get hit every day, but I won’t stop fighting until my voice is heard around the world.
HURT EVERYBODY
Supa Bwe (Hurt Everybody)
Carl (Hurt Everybody)
Mulatto Beats (Hurt Everybody)
FLAT TIRES
Hickory North Carolina products the FLAT TIRES have been burning a trail around the country bringing their brand of “mean-ass jukejoint rock-n-roll” to countless bars, honky-tonks and punk clubs from east coast to west coast. During this time they’ve been barred from venues, broken up marriages, witnessed numerous stabbings, shootings and a murder. They’ve played through and/or been the cause of countless barroom brawls, received numerous injuries including but not limited to broken teeth and facial lacerations from flying beer projectiles.
Somewhere during the chaos they were picked up by three independent record labels, released three albums, three 7” splits (one w/ ANTiSEEN and another w/ Joe Buck Yourself) and upcoming splits with with John Stabb of History Repeated (formerly of Government Issue) and The Queers as well as had their music featured on the Discovery Channel “Cafe Racer” series. They’ve had their music on five different record label compilations, the latest of which is a double vinyl L.P. compilation featuring Supersucker’s Eddie Spaghetti, the Dwarves’ Blag Dahlia, ANTiSEEN and the CandySnatchers.
The FLAT TIRES have toured with THE QUEERS, AGENT ORANGE and THE DWARVES. They’ve also shared the stage with the likes of GWAR, MURPHYS LAW, D.I., SLEEPER AGENT,CJ RAMONE, MEAT PUPPETS, D.O.A., YOUTH BRIGADE, WAYNE THE TRAIN HANCOCK, UNKNOWN HINSON, ANTiSEEN, 9 POUND HAMMER, JOE BUCK YOURSELF, THE LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS, MURDER JUNKIES, the DEXTER ROMWEBER DUO, JB BEVERLY & THE WAYWARD DRIFTERS, CRANK COUNTY DAREDEVILS and DAVID CHILDERS & THE MODERN DON JUANS. They’ve made countless legions of national and international fans and have put down more Pabst Blue Ribbon than most of the folks they’ve played for combined.
MIDWEST HYPE
Midwest Hype’s “The Time” is out right now.
